Giant Bicycle Inc. TCR Aero 1

Price Paid:  $1500.00 at Privately

Favorite Ride:
Kao Yai National Park, Thailand

Bike Setup:
Mavic Kysirium Elites, carbon-aero seat post, carbon/aluminium stem, Ultegra group set throughout, Selle Italia Magnesium split saddle, bike also came with Syntace Aero-bars for triathlons.

Summary:
Am currently rekindling my road biking passion to complement my XC mtb racing. The bike is very sleek, stealthy and at around 8kg is very light (for me). I intend on entering road races, 4-day tours and triathlons all with this bike, so I will update on how the bike performs later this year 2004.

Strengths:
Light, fast acceleration, durable, strong and well tested.

Weaknesses:
Cinelli Altera handlebars that came with the bike are far too heavy for any kind of racing / tour events.

Similar Products Used:
None, this is my first road bike in around 18 years of mtbike XC riding and 2 years racing.

Price Paid:  $2100.00 at Quality Bike..The Be

Summary:
A Newbie to the Triathlon circuit with a sprint road racing (10K to 1/2 Marathon) background. Did my very 1st race, a sprint, in Florida August 2003. Used an ill fitted Fuji Aloha to be sure I would like this type of competition. Very little bike training and only minimal swim training. Well, finished 32 out of 650 and had an unbelievable bike.... Did not push and realized with hard training and the right equipment would be able to win some races.

I had tested many bikes and talked with several shops before finding Quality Bike in Savannah, GA. We talked about my history and where I wanted to go and they determined the Giant TCR 1 Aero was the bike for me to try.

It is unbelievable. Although I could have spent more and upgraded to a higher end wheel set and the Dura Ace componet system I am SOOOO happy with the package that came with this bike.

I have the bike fitted for the sprint races that I am doing and have adjusted it for 1/2 Irons. I know there are better bikes out there, but I am convinced this is the best bike for me and the best value for the money. Above entry level (mid level bike) and has many characteristics of a lower high end bike.

My current skill level (my 1st and to date, most recent race) is 58:00 on a 1/2 swim, 10M bike and 5K run. I started 3 minutes back on the swim and took my time and did not push the bike or run.... I also took enough time in transition for coffee and doughnuts so with this bike and some training I should be in the 46:00 to 49:00 range with a little more training....

I would recommend anyone looking for a tri bike to not make a purchaser before checking this one out....

Strengths:
Firm yet smooth ride
Light weight and precise fit
components
wheel set included in package
great looking....at least I will look good setting up in transition.

Weaknesses:
None Yet.. All that I hoped for

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Allez Comp 18
Cervelo P2K
Cannondale R2000