Australian Cycling Forums - Bicycles Network Australia

Hi All,

I'm planning to buy my first roadie in the next week. There a local shop here in Sydney which is offering the following -

Giant TCR1 Composite - $2,000
Giant TCR2 Advanced - $2,200

Both are on special and down from the supposed rrp of $2,600. So from a $$ perspective both are a good buy.

I've read so many good things about the TCR2 Advanced and nothing bad. Yet, there are a few complaints about the Giant TCR1 Composite particularly about the wheels being too heavy.

I will use the bike for weekend rides of maybe up to 100km and for commuting 20-30km each day as I do now with my Kona Dew. I've read the Composite offers a more relaxed geometry and the advanced a more aggressive position.

The parts do not worry me too much but I note the Composite has ultegra / 105 mix whereas the Advanced has only 105.

Any opinions? I am taking both for a ride. I've seen a few posts on other forums and everyone points to the advanced as being better. Considering its only $200 difference now is it worth the extra?

Thanks for all your help!

Andrew

I have at Tcr 1 advanced and was also a little concerned about all the reports of 'aggressive' geometry being uncomfortable, but after living with the bike for over 3 months now I have found it to be fine. I wouldn't base the decision on that.

My pick would be for the advanced 2 due to better quality frame and lighter weight. Nothing wrong with 105s either for that matter.

Thanks Amfos,

Can I be cheeky and ask how much you paid for the bike? Is $2,200 considered a fair price or a bargain?

Andrew

I paid $3k for a mid year special. It has ultra gear and carbon shamano wheels. I think 2.2k sounds ok but not that cheap. Try bikeexchange for the best price.

I'd go for the Advanced frame over the composite frame - nothing wrong with 105 - can be easily up speced if required. Good wheels are more of an issue if you want to be penickity about fittings and upgrades.

I too, took a good few months to get used to the TCR Advanced frame but after a 18+ months I'm really enjoying it's performance and handling.

Pleased to hear you are testing both bikes.

Guys,

Thanks for the advice. I took both for a ride today - a decent one. From what I am coming from both are amazing. The dilema I had was around which one to get.

I could make out hardly no difference with the components (105 vs Ultegra) but the feel of the Advanced was definitely noticable. The "aggressive" riding position I read about was not that evident. It felt great, more like the Composite felt too upright.

I got the Advanced tcr 2 and am happy. I think if I got the Composite tcr 1 in my head would be that I've made a compromise. The advanced is worth the $200 extra. Couldn't get them lower than $2200 and bike exchange showing nothing in my size available with a lower price.

Andrew.

Hiya,

I have been riding my tcr2 advanced for about 6months now and love it Great choice!!