Giant Bicycle Inc. 1999 TCR TEAM

Price Paid:  $140.00 at Mikes Bikes, Miami,

Favorite Ride:
Nunimbah Valley, Gold Coast

Bike Setup:
Giant TCR1, full Campy Record carbon, G3 wheels, Ritchey bars and stem.
Moser Over, full Campy Chorus, Mavic wheels, Ritchey bars and stem.
Giant TCR Team, full Campy Chorus, Mavic wheels,Ritchey bars and stem.

Summary:
Been using Turbos of all types for almost twenty years, mu bum was made for them, tried San Marcos and even Flites but they didn't have that shape that works, and they have consistently been a fantastic saddle.

Strengths:
Comfort, durability, not too long or narrow, like a Flite.
200 km rides a breeze

Weaknesses:
Mine kinda groans and squawks when I really grunt down on it climbing. I have broken a rail on one, the magnesium..some say heavy, what kind of price can you put on comfort and no saddle sores??

Similar Products Used:
San Marcos Rolls, Ritchey WCS, Fizik Pave, Titanium Flite

Price Paid:  $600.00 at Road Bike Review Cla

Favorite Ride:
Loveland Pass

Bike Setup:
105's; Open pro wheels (will upgrade this year!).

Summary:
Got a great deal on this bike, so naturally I was a bit cynical (ALWAYS USE PAYPAL OR ESCROW,COM!!!). But the bike came in good shape, and once I got it dialed in it has been great. With low level components on it, it still weighs about 19 lbs. Climbs great on big long mountain passes I usually ride (over 3000 ft.) Very fast, mauevers well, almost too responsive on big decents. Long rides can get weary, but hey, its a light alum. bike, this is typical.

Strengths:
Light, fast, responsive, nice compact goemetry.

Weaknesses:
As with other reviews: paint chips, fades/scrapes in the divit behind seatpost. Not as plush as steel or ti, but lots of bang for the buck. Get a carbon seatpost.

Similar Products Used:
Litespeed Catalyst; Bianci; Specialized Allez

Bike Setup:
Euro- TCR TEAM frame w/ Dura Ace kit. DA seatpost DA headset, ITM bar and stem. Flite Gel seat. Wheel depend on use. Standard DA spoked wheels for Crits w/ CX & CG, Mavic's w/ Conti comps for RR. Clinchers for training.

Summary:
If you want an expensive bike to show off, get a Lightspeed. If you want to ride hard, get a TCR.

Strengths:
Very light, very very light. Firm yet comfortable ride. Good high speed decender. Good in crits. Good in long RR.

Weaknesses:
If you buy a frameset, replace the headset asap. Don't even think of buying the Giant seatpost or stem. Go with DA or Campy or a Chris King.

Similar Products Used:
Canondale, Bianchi TSX w/ Campy Chorus

Price Paid:  $2500.00 at Port Macquarie,NSW,AUS

Favorite Ride:
Mt Baker,WA

Bike Setup:
Chorus 9sp, CXP 33 rims 32H,3TTT bars and stem, Turbomatic 3 saddle,kalloy seatpost, conti 23 clincher tyres

Summary:
From the first time I saw Jaja on one of these,I saw what Giant was doing and traded in my custom Cyclops steel for my TCR. I have put this thing through the mill, period. It has been on the tough end of a 65kmh crash, twice!...BTW,I did lose the original forks in the first crash...and survived the chimps at the airlines with ease.I climb like I never have, am noticeably quicker in my jumps and sprints, and never get pinch flats,as I can either flick the bike around all over without thinking, or the bike absorbs the hit...as for not being comfortable,I took it omn a 10 day trip up through the Pyrennes with something like 6-9hr a day in the saddle,and it was superb.Buy one of these bikes, you will not regret it

Strengths:
Light! 18lb
very stiff,nimble as hell
great to climb,sprint and roleur

Weaknesses:
cheapo paint,marks and chips fairly easily

Similar Products Used:
16 years of custom frames

Bike Setup:
Mix of Durace & Ultegra components, Cinelli Integrater stem/bars, Mavic Classic Elite rims, Aero seatpost and continental supersonic tyres.

Summary:
The light frame is great and ideal for sprinting and climbing. Great for taking corners and pulling away from pack.

*Riders who are on the heavy side might not be recommended to ride this bike.*

Strengths:
Light compact frame.
Responsive.

Weaknesses:
Harsh when embarking for long rides.

Similar Products Used:
Giant Peleton 8000, Colnago Master Olympic and Giant CFR