Which Giant TCR?

[chubbo]

Hi all

New member here.

I am in the market for a new bike and thinking about going the Giant route. I am currently thinking about one of the following three bikes from 2014 and 2013 (as the LBS has discounts on it):

1. 2014 TCR Advanced TDF edition

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bik ... 883/76081/

2. 2013 TCR Advanced 0

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bik ... 000/57390/

3. 2013 TCR Advanced 1

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bik ... 000/57391/

I am quite new to buying good bikes, so I am a bit confused what is the difference between them. Am I correct in my understanding that the reason why 2013 TCR Advanced 0's RRP when it came out in 2013 was more than 2014 TCR TDF's in 2014 because of the better wheels, handlebar and stem (TCR TDF does, however, have 11 speed Ultegra rather than a 10 speed)? Furthermore, the only difference between 2013 TCR Advanced 0 and 2013 TCR Advanced 1 is that former has better wheels and electronic Ultegra?

Do all three bikes have the same quality frames?

Basically, I can get 2014 TDF for about $3,150; 2013 Advanced 0 for $2,890 and 2013 Advanced 1 for $2,070. I would prefer the 11-speed Ultegra Di2 of the TDF, but also wondering if it is worth overpaying for it as compared to 2013 bikes. My current bike has only 8 speeds... Would I be getting more of a bike if I chose one of the 2013 bikes?

Anyways, all opinions are very welcome!

[rabobank89]

Don't buy the 2013 0 for $2890

TDF Edition can be bought for $2999 without negotiating;

http://www.cyclebuzz.com.au/catalogue/p ... lectronic/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Are you going to be racing? If you aren't have a look at the Defy range, the new 2015 Giant Defy's are running disk brakes.

Normally I would say try them all and choose the most comfortable but they are all the same frame geo so choose the one that looks the nicest.

[chubbo]

Thanks, that's a great deal rabobank! Unfortunately, I am in NZ, so can't access it. Good bike deals are ridiculously difficult to come by here...

I am planning to do some amateur racing in a few month.

So, would you say that overall TDF is about the same level as 2013 A0?

[rabobank89]

Ah fair enough..

Then the TCR is a great choice..

Yeah the TDF is a better buy and if anything has a more improved group set. The new 6800 is not just an extra speed but an overall improvement.

If its between these two specific bikes I would suggest the TDF if you like the colour.

I am sure other members will provide better advice

[Dirty32]

Out of those 3 bikes, the TdF special is the best buy (if you need Di2).
The TCR 1 isnt a bad price though, if your ok with a mech groupset.

Comparing the 2014 TdF bike and the 2013 TCR (at similar prices) isnt really a good comparo though.
Apparently the 11sp 6800 is a much better groupset than the 6770. Between the 2, the crankset ratios are a bit different too. 53/39 for the 2013 and 52/36 on the TdF.
The semi-compact TdF ratio's might be better for NZ topography too, depending on where you ride / live.

There is another 2014 TCR that is worth considering if there is stock available locally though.
http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/a/road-b ... /102398080
Depends on which colour you like better essentially... Pretty much the same bike.

At that kind range, you might be lucky to find a Mechanical groupset TCR SL1 or something (in the 2013)... Wouldnt be too far off.
Would come with Mechanical Dura-Ace 9000 if that is a consideration.

[chubbo]

Thanks for the advice everyone.

I am planning to test ride TDF this weekend. If it fits, and I like it, I will ask the LBS to find out what other TCR models they can get.

Dirty32 - yes, a semi-compact ratio would be good - lots of hills around here. BTW, it appears that the only difference between the 2014 TCR Advanced 0 which you suggested and the TCR TDF are the wheels, yet its original RRP was about $1,000 more. Is the difference due to just the wheels?!

And Rabo, at the moment, I am kind of...not sure about the TDF colour. I actually think that I like it, but it definitely is not very conservative, hehe.

[rabobank89]

Screw conservative, at least people will see you.

[CXCommuter]

Go the TDF if only for the colour- I love it- sick of black and white (with a splash of red) everything on bikes and related products (says the person with PINK socks!!)

[Carrots]

Have the same blue on my TCX... It's a classic standout as opposed to the usual John Smith colour.

[Dirty32]

Just lookin at them now...

TdF - http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bik ... ifications
TCR Adv 0 - http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bik ... ifications

Seems that only the wheels are the difference...

PSL0 wheelset (TCR Adv0) - http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/gea ... /#features
PSL1 wheelset (TdF) - http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/gea ... /#features

Seems that the spokes are different (both DT, higher are Aero-Comp & lower champion).
The PSL0's have a lower spoke count, are tubeless compatible and weigh 200g less (1595 vs 1795g).

Overall, obviously not that much... Depends on how cheap you can get both for. Both have the 52/36 crankset. Although the White bike's wheels may weigh less, the bike actually might weigh more (for the same size). Apparently they have to spray whites on thicker (and the Giant white is Glossy too), so it's likely to be a heavier paint job. Net weight will probably be the same between both bikes.

If its really hilly where you are, you might wanna look into asking the shop to change the rear cassette over to an 11 or 12-28, upon purchase.

[Dirty32]

Oh - I got a 2013 TCR Adv 0 in white (was also a TdF release), but I wished I had been able to hold out for the 11sp 6800.
For me to upgrade my 10sp 6770, to 11sp 6800 would cost quite a bit I am guessing. Your not paying for any of that.

Nice bikes though!

[Duck!]

All of those TCRs have the same frame, only the running gear is different - the '13s being 10-sp. & the '14 being 11. Operationally there's very little between the '13 0 & '14 TdF; on the '14 you just the extra gear in the back and a greater selection of chainring options (which don't require complete crank change unlike the 6700 family).The TdF is also Giant's first Di2 offering with internally-mounted battery, so it's a little bit tidier than the 0.

[dalice]

Get the TDF

[nickobec]

Me I would go 2014 TCR SLR1
as the local Giant dealers are offering then at silly low prices $1600 with Ultegra 6800
and I really enjoy riding/racing a high end alloy frame (Canyon Ultimate AL8 in my case)

But ride as many as you can, choose what feels right for you.

[chubbo]

Thanks a lot everyone. What a great active forum!

Nick, I currently have an alloy frame - I really want to move to buy something carbon as my second bike (even if high end alloy frames are very good).

So, now I know that I should be looking at 2014+ frames with Ultegra 11 speed. I have an appointment with LBS for Saturday to try TCR TDF and a 2015 Propel Advanced 1 (http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-au/bik ... 937/76651/). I like the looks of Propel bikes and wanted to see how it rides. However, I understand that TCR would be a better all-rounder (and better for hills/climbing) and therefore leaning towards TCR all other things being equal (i.e. fit, etc).

Any views on the Propel vs TCR?

[CXCommuter]

Me I would go 2014 TCR SLR1
as the local Giant dealers are offering then at silly low prices $1600 with Ultegra 6800
and I really enjoy riding/racing a high end alloy frame (Canyon Ultimate AL8 in my case)

But ride as many as you can, choose what feels right for you.

Fully agreed- best nag for your buck out there...rides awesomely too!!

[rabobank89]

Me I would go 2014 TCR SLR1
as the local Giant dealers are offering then at silly low prices $1600 with Ultegra 6800
and I really enjoy riding/racing a high end alloy frame (Canyon Ultimate AL8 in my case)

But ride as many as you can, choose what feels right for you.

Fully agreed- best nag for your buck out there...rides awesomely too!!

Even seen the spec above running Sram Red clear out at cyclebuzz for $2000

[nickobec]

Even seen the spec above running Sram Red clear out at cyclebuzz for $2000

\
Glad I did't, otherwise one we be in my shed right now.

Any views on the Propel vs TCR?

Propel is far more aero

Personally, if you are thinking about racing, I would go racing with your current bike (note I started on a 9kg steel bike running 105 5600 groupset) work out what you need in the first few months, then buy it.

If you look at the pro riders who have the choice of a TCR or Propel, most pick the Propel because aero trumps weight, particularly with the UCI weight limit.

[chubbo]

Just came back from testing TCR TDF. Wow, what a difference with my current bike (2013 Trek 1.1, which is still a great beginner bike). I always read people talking about "stiff bike this, stiff bike that" but I have never really understood what it meant until now. Every rotation of the pedal immediately transforms into a forward motion. No wasted rotation, no delays...

The route I took had one reasonably long hill and I barely noticed it on TDF. After I finished testing I deliberately went back to the same hill with my current bike, and I was quite tired by the end of it. Both bikes have the largest cassette gear being "25", but TDF has a bigger small crank (36 vs 34).

Anyways, I put down a deposit on the bike to be held for me till my next pay day. I can still cancel if I want to, but I don't think I will.

[Red Rider]

Nice one chubbo, looks like a great buy.
My dad has the same color scheme on his Defy Advanced, I really dig it. Much more memorable.

[cyclotaur]

Me I would go 2014 TCR SLR1 as the local Giant dealers are offering then at silly low prices $1600 with Ultegra 6800...

If I could ride a pure road bike (I'm too old and stiff ! ) this would be my choice .... or maybe a CAAD10 with 6800.


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