Which bike to pick? Help!

[thess1]

Ok guys in need of some help here.... Went to my LBS today to place the order for my 2013 TCR advanced SL 4, while looking at the inventory we realized there is a closeout on the 2011 TCR advanced SL 2 and would be roughly the same price. Looks to me that the major differences on this 2011 are the ISP, sram red components, and nicer DT Swiss wheelset. (also no internal cable routing on the 2011 which isnt a deal breaker for me) My question; has the frame changed enough since 2011 to justify sticking with the 2013? Which is the better deal here? Links below to both bikes, thanks a ton! 2011 tcr advanced sl 2 http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/tcr.advanced.sl.2/7294/44032/#overview 2013 tcr advanced sl 4 http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-us/bikes/model/tcr.advanced.sl.4/11488/55794/#overview

 

[mpre53]

At the same price? It's a no-brainer. Go with Red and the better wheels.

 

[alienator]

I'll dissent and say go for the SL4. Ultegra is arguably just as good as SRAM Red, especially as this is the latest generation Ultegra, and that Red is 2 years old. Even if the SL2 had the latest Red version, Ultegra would stand up well to it. One point to consider is the seat mast vs. seat post. Traveling with a seat mast can be a bit more complicated. Likewise, fitting with a seat mast offers a bit less margin for error than fitting with a seat post. After all, you don't have to take a saw to a seat post. The Giant P-SL0 wheels are actually supposed to be a good set of wheels. They're laced with DT spokes, and more interestingly their hubs have DT Swiss internals. Also, they are tubeless compatible wheels, so you have the option of running clinchers with inner tubes or of spooning tubeless tires onto the rims.