Giant Bicycle Inc. TCR Aero 2

Price Paid:  $1300.00 at Second Hand

Summary:
I bought this bike last December as part of my quest to get fit. When I first rode it, I thought wow this bike is light, very responsive and a dream to ride. However, that was until today where I discovered the fatal flaw in Giants frame. The Front Derailer attachment. My Dura-ace chain decided it was time for it to de-link itself and then cause my front derailer to twist 45 degree's causing me to come to a grinding halt. While this happened I was probably doing a good 40km/hr, so speed + derailer twisting = Derailer ripping out of the bike frame. What? is the word that should be passing through your head right about now. It seems giant could only attach the derailer via the frame itself and not via a clamp. This resulted in 2 gaping holes in my frame and now reducing my 18spd to just 9. Now I am left with half a bike.

Strengths:
Light Frame, Carbon Seat Post, Carbon Forks, Super Manouverable.

Weaknesses:
Front derailer attachment.

Price Paid:  $1100.00 at bicycles of tulsa

Favorite Ride:
eastern hills of norman, ok and across the plains to the east.

Bike Setup:
full shimano 105 groupo and wheelset. michelin prorace tires, basically all stock.

Summary:
Nice ride! Very rigid and responsive when pedeling and climbing, yet seems to smooth out bumps nicely. i've owned this bike for a week and have put over 100 miles on it, the color stands out nicely from the ordinary road bike. the saddle is great (stock). i shopped several respected dealerships in tulsa and this was by far the best deal out there for a mid-range bike shopper. be sure and get the right seat post for your height. i have nothing negative to say about this bike, i've already had several commments on the superb, smooth welding jobs at the joints. maybe it's b/c i'm tall, but i love the geometry, my back doesn't have to arch over drastically like other road bikes i've been on.

Strengths:
full shimano 105 groupo fits my level of riding very well. a great way to go for those attempting to save a buck or two.

Similar Products Used:
only other road bike i've owned was an abici starship, i wouldn't compare the two bikes just b/c the abici was a top level race frame with a dura-ace setup. however, having been pampered by the abici, i'm still not at all dissapointed with my giant.

Price Paid:  $2000.00 at Contender

Favorite Ride:
Time Trials

Bike Setup:
Dura Ace, Bontrager race Lite wheels, Airstryke 2000, Easton Aero seat post

Summary:
Enjoy this bike alot, I have the TCR 2 frame pearl white with Dura ace upgrades. Living in SLC I went with a road geometry frame so that I could climb comfortably, but also do tri's with some adjustments. Just finished 1/2 ironman race very happy with the bike. Have felt better on full triathlon geometry bike for tri's, but wanted to do more with this bike. Bike looks very cool with aero tubes and seat post. Like the white pearl color over the TCR Aero 1 black color.

Strengths:
Stiff, great power transition, great climbing bike. Mid aero tubing.

Weaknesses:
Rough aluminum ride, would be nice with carbon seat stays. Should have full aero tubes like cervelo.

Similar Products Used:
Cervelo P2, Cannondale old Alum,

Price Paid:  $1500.00 at 21st Century Cycles

Bike Setup:
Pretty much stock, except an Easton carbon seat post, Look Pedals, I also replaced the stock aero bars (Syntace's Streamlines) with Syntace C2's, which I just like better. Vetta 100 wireless computer.

Summary:
I haven't owned a road bike in quite a while, and have been riding mountain bikes. I have Giant mtn. bikes, and so when I went looking for road bikes, I tried them, as well as the usual suspects, Trek, Cannondale, Lemond, etc. Of all the bikes I rode, this one simply felt and fit the best, and given the price and component level, it was hard to beat. I got it in August, and near the end of Sept. did a century+ ride (112.5) miles with it. It performed wonderfully. I am sure there are those that feel that steel is more comfortable for long rides, but honestly I didn't mind this one at all!

Strengths:
Frame is much nicer than the 2002 model of this bike. While the pictures of this bike look white, it is in fact a pearled white finish. The one I got was finished very nicely. 105 components are just fine for what I do with it. Will worry about upgrading when these wear out. Love the compact frame design and the bike handles very quickly. Yes, it looks like a tri-bike, but in fact the frame geometry is the same as the road bikes. Sort of the best of both worlds. For an upper end entry level bike, I am very happy with this one.

Weaknesses:
The only thing that I had any heartache over was getting the wrong seatpost (it was too long) and having to send it back in exchange. In the interium I bought an Easton carbon, and when the right post came in, I found the Easton weighed about a third less than the Giant. I kept the Easton on the bike.

Similar Products Used:
Trek, a long time ago.