Giant Bicycle Inc. TCR A1

Price Paid:  $1500.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
Yes

Bike Setup:
2009 TCR Alliance 2 size M/L, Shimano 105, LOOK pedals, Easton EA50 stem.

Summary:
2009 TCR A2. I love this bike. It has an incredably smooth ride and will make you want to keep going faster. I am a heavy rider at 210lbs and it doesn't phase this bike one bit. Strong, lite, and worth every penny.

Strengths:
Weight, handling, black/white color, components, and well... almost everything.

Weaknesses:
Stock Mavic CXP 2 wheels. I know I am heavy, but I have broken two spokes already and have to get them trued every 100 miles. I will soon invest in a better wheelset.

Price Paid:  $1199.00 at LBS

Favorite Ride:
One without wind!

Bike Setup:
Shimano 105 Cranks/Front & Rear D/Chain
Tiagra Brakes
Xero Wheels
Specialized Phenom SL (aftermarket seat)

Summary:
An excellent road bike for the entry level cyclist that wants full 10spd components. I've put about 500 miles on it so far and find it to be fantastic. The bike is stiff for starts and climbs pretty well too. I am 200+ lbs and as long as I keep the tires inflated, life is good.

Stock components are Shimano 105 all around except the brakes are Tiagra.

Strengths:
Shimano 105 components; composite Carbon Fiber/Aluminum frame; fairly light weight.

Weaknesses:
Stock seat; handlebar wrap loosens quickly.

Similar Products Used:
Specialized Allez; Motobecane 400HT

Price Paid:  $1500.00 at Bay Area Cycles

Model Year:
2007

Favorite Ride:
Groups, Flat

Bike Setup:
Compact Road Giant Alliance frame. Shimano 105 compact drive train, Changed to Specialized toupe seat and Vredestein Tires

Summary:
I was looking for a solid fast responsive bike, to start getting back into road riding after a few years of MTB. I am a big guy 6'5" 220 lbs and needed a bike that wouldn't break and wouldn't break the bank. This is it. I replaced the saddle and replaced the stock tire with som ethat would inflate to 120lbs.

Strengths:
Responsive, FAST, comfortable. Price is Perfect for the bike. Components are just right for the bike with all 105 drive train and shifters. The XERO wheel set I have never heard of but they are rock solid. The frame is stiff when you get out of the peddles yet fairly cushy on the rough roads. Giant has this Alliance combination with Al and Carbon figured out. Life time warrenty on the frame is unbeatable!

Weaknesses:
The stock saddle was not comforatble for me. The Stock tires only will inflate to 100 and I needed a higher rating.

Similar Products Used:
Marin MTB. LOOK 555, Test road about 20 bikes before I settled on the Giant