Giant TCR 1 (Aluminium frame)

[Beakerboy]

Hi I have an opportunity to buy a brand new Giant TCR 1 with the Alumininum frame fro $1990. But I cannot find any reviews on this bike. Does anyone have any comments on this bike?

Any and all will be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[artemidorus]

The TCR alu frame hasn't changed much in years - I ride a 2003 bike. T-Mobile used this frame up until '00-'01, when they switched to composite. The 05 (or from '04?) model has had redesigned seat stays that allegedly cut down on transmitted vibration/bumps.
It is a very stiff frame with a relatively harsh ride. Allows you to put the power on without much lateral flexion; climbs well. Very short wheel base due to chain stays of the minimum possible length; comfort and handling are affected as you'd expect - doesn't bother me but it does bother some.
Quality control from Giant seems high - I've not heard of an excessive rate of frame failure.
All that said, if it doesn't fit, look at other bikes.

 

[531Aussie]

I'm pretty sure their alu frames haven't changed much in recent years

there are 12 reviews here
http://www.roadbikereview.com/cat/latest-bikes/road-bike/giant-bicycle-inc/PRD_290520_5668crx.aspx

.....and plenty of reviews of older models:

http://www.roadbikereview.com/Searc...&showposts=0&searchterm=giant&section=ByBrand

 

[Beakerboy]

Thanks guys for the advice, Much appreciated.

 

[531Aussie]

The TCR alu frame hasn't changed much in years - I ride a 2003 bike. T-Mobile used this frame up until '00-'01, when they switched to composite..

I think they were using Pinarellos in those years....unless T-Mobile was a different team back then

here's Ullrich in 2001 on a Pinarello
http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2001/jul01/tdf4/AFPullrich_11.jpg

...and Zabel on a Pinarello in 2003
http://2003.tour-de-france.cz/images/foto/20-07-2003/zabel2.jpg

As far as I know they started on Giants in 2004, and have never used alu

 

[dm69]

I think they were using Pinarellos in those years....unless T-Mobile was a different team back then

here's Ullrich in 2001 on a Pinarello
http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2001/jul01/tdf4/AFPullrich_11.jpg

...and Zabel on a Pinarello in 2003
http://2003.tour-de-france.cz/images/foto/20-07-2003/zabel2.jpg

As far as I know they started on Giants in 2004, and have never used alu

$2000 in aussie money? what components do you get? I would be looking at a specialized allez for that price, giants suck.

 

[artemidorus]

I think they were using Pinarellos in those years....unless T-Mobile was a different team back then

here's Ullrich in 2001 on a Pinarello
http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2001/jul01/tdf4/AFPullrich_11.jpg

...and Zabel on a Pinarello in 2003
http://2003.tour-de-france.cz/images/foto/20-07-2003/zabel2.jpg


As far as I know they started on Giants in 2004, and have never used alu

Sorry, it was Team ONCE.

 

[artemidorus]

$2000 in aussie money? what components do you get? I would be looking at a specialized allez for that price, giants suck.

I hope that you find this informed comment useful...

 

[hd reynolds]

The specialized allez alu road frame is prone to cracking at the dropouts.

 

[531Aussie]

Sorry, it was Team ONCE.

d'oh! I should've remembereed that, coz one of the guys on our regular group ride has a 2003 Team Once composite

 

[RickF]

The specialized allez alu road frame is prone to cracking at the dropouts.

What does this have to do with the Giant TCR 1? What is the percentage of Specialized Allez frams that have cracked at the dropouts? How does that rate compare to other frames?

 

[Aramis7]

I have a 05 TCR1 Al and its just fantastic. Absolutely no problems at all and the 10 speed Ultegra works great. The 06 model is exactly the same, with different decals.
2000au$ sounds about right if its an 06 model.
cheers