your Avanti Giro 2004 looks much nicer than the 2003 model which i have. isn't it the blue Corsa 2003 frame with a new name ('Giro')? Anyhow it's a nice bike, but a little heavy. Actually very heavy according to a friend who's been racing and runs a bike shop for a while. But I've spent my money on this first road bike and have been training on it for triathlon/cycling.
As of today I have changed my mine opinion on having a triple chainring. I'm usually a beach road rider, and met hills today going from Kew Blvd to around Eltham. Gosh, i am unfit/weak!!!!
i was very grateful for the little chainring
many people like the look of the Giro 2003-- it does look fast. Black/silver and sleek. the upside to the 2003 model were the wheels. Shimano WH-R540 i think (16 spokes front and rear). For a Giro (RRP $1999) i think the wheels are a good deal, because a friend bought a nice Giant TCR Composite 2 ($4399?) that comes with the same Shimano wheels.
so im hoping the heavy Giro frame is offset with light (im guessing?) wheels. It's a shame Avanti didn't keep these wheels on the 2004 model. The upgrade from the 2003 are the cranks. your 2004 is full 105. my 2003 Giro cranks are Tiagra, but they're ok. im not a pro and i can't afford fancy stuff anyway.
shifting from 2nd to 3rd chainrings is a little annoying. you need to push the shifter across hard, and hold it until it engages. but i paid $1800 for mine and it still does the job. i hardly ride on the 1st or 3rd chainrings anyway.
You'll thank the little chainring when you hit some hills and for what you paid, you've got a pretty good machine. happy riding!
