Giant Bicycle Inc. TCR Advanced SL '09

Price Paid:  $1600.00 at Directly from Giant

Favorite Ride:
Lake Seneca loop, NY

Bike Setup:
Dura-Ace 7800 Drivetrain, Fulcrum Torque RS Crankset, Sram Red Brakes,Roval Fusee SL Wheelset, Nokon housing Power Cordz Brake and Gear cables, Cateye V3 Computer.

Summary:
By far this is the best bike I've ever owened it is super light 15.02 complete with cages and computer it is super stiff on the bottom bracket area and headtube yet very compliant and comfortable Super fast and accelerate incredibly well very fun i defnitly recomend this bike to everyone looking for the bike of your dreams

Strengths:
super stiff and very comfortable and compliant and awesome design and geometry and the 86.5 mm BB shell is awesome.

Weaknesses:
none

Similar Products Used:
Specialized S-Works Tarmac E-5,S-works Tarmac SL and S-Works Tarmac SL2

Price Paid:  $2850.00 at Cycle World Fl

Favorite Ride:
Anywhere hilly and dry

Bike Setup:
DA with FSA carbon bar and stem.
'08 Zipp 202 tubulars
Fizik Aliante carbon rail

Summary:
This is a short review for the '09 Advanced SL (medium size).
I bought the Cervelo R3 18 months ago but never really got comfortable with it. I have also owned an '05 TCR Advanced for the last 4 years which has always been good for me, so decided to try the new Giant.
Great looking bike, like my previous Giant (T Mobile; yes, I love that pink and black!), beautifully finished in high gloss carbon black w/ white and silver graphics.
The new press fit BB bearings seem not to be easily available yet (in France); had to mail order.
Only a couple of 2 hr rides so far, but it's already clear that the bike has all the stiffness of the R3, but with comfort similar to my older Giant. With DA, Zipp 202 tubs and FSA kit it's exactly 6.8 kgs (15lbs).

Strengths:
Great looking Bike
Stiff but comfortable

Weaknesses:
Non yet

Similar Products Used:
TCR Advanced '05 model
Cervelo R3