another which bike should I buy post...

[JMac930]

An LBS that specializes in Giant has the TCR 1 and TCR Composite 3 for the exact same price. I have shopped some other companies and am leaning towards one of these two bikes. The TCR 1 is aluminum w/carbon front fork and the TCR Composite 3 is full carbon. The TCR 1 has a combo of 105 brakes and chain, Dura Ace rear derailleur and Ultegra everything else with Kysrium Equipe wheels and the TCR Composite 3 is pretty well 105 everything with an Ultegra front derailleur and Formula Xero wheels. I'm back to university this Sep so this bike will be ridden for at least the next 4 years with little to no upgrades (school isn't free last I heard) and some possible racing. Can anyone offer their two cents on this one? Is a full carbon frame more important than better components? Weight isn't all that important to me; quality is what I want to spend my money on. After all, I can take a dump in the morning (as some pro rider I think said) and lose a pound before my ride!! Thanks in advance for the advice.

[capwater]

Rule of thumb is always go with the best frame possible. Now the question is ... which is it? Those are two completely different frame materials; apples and oranges analogy. Which one rides best for you? Al and carbon are pretty different.

[StartTday]

There is alot more to ask yourself than just, which frame material is best.

Think about this. Since you mentioned it will be ridden through college and for possible races, which can you afford to replace parts. D/Ace parts arent cheap and the cassette for example, with the ti-cogs wear out much faster than the Ultegra. Like you said, college isnt free.

Yeah D/Ace is nicer, but you gotta think long term as far as maintenance costs and replacements for parts from normal wear and tear.

Have you looked at Giant's Comp Limited Editions? They have TCR Comp Limited with full 10spd Ultegra (carbon frame) listed there for $1900. But I've seen them as low as $1500 at bike shops. Just a thought.