Once I get the money...

[tripstobaltimore]

I will be dropping it on one of these.

rrp $3999. I plan on taking it for a ride as I am not 100% sold, but I am a fan of giants and it seems that for the money it's great value. New ultegra and krisyrium eiltes on a full carbon frame.

Anyone got any other suggestions for a similar bike/spec? I've looked at the oppy's, specialized, avanti's etc in the similar spec area, but IMO nothing else compares. Otherwise just encourage me to save my money rather than wasting it so I can afford it quicker.

[Bandelero]

If you can get a better deal than these two I will eat my seatpost!!!

http://www.this link is broken/p/cycle/7/Felt_ ... 360038950/

http://www.this link is broken/p/cycle/7/Felt_ ... 360038949/

[tripstobaltimore]

no way, once you factor customs in, while still a good deal, I reckon the giant still comes out in front.

[familyguy]

6700 Ultegra...impressive for the cash, but <vested interest> I still reckon the Oppy's just have them on value. </vested interest> Even adding the 6700 levers, you're under $4k once you pawn off the old 6600 set. Although...Ksyrium Elites...sheesh...big call with your money

Press fit BB's concern me a little. Cant quite put my finger on why. Adjustment? Room for installation error? Dunno what it is...maybe its paranoia.

Jim

[Horse1978]

I haven't found a Giant that fits me well so I'd never buy one - I've got a Cannondale Six Carbon 5 - but for $3999 - you'd probably be able to get a Six Carbon 3 or even a six Carbon one - Either of these are at least as good as the Giant in my opinion - I'm not sold on the Oppy for strength of the frame - thankfully they (like Cannondale) have a lifetime of the (original) owner on the frame though. I've have to assume the Giants do also - I just don't know.

[tripstobaltimore]

6700 Ultegra...impressive for the cash, but <vested interest> I still reckon the Oppy's just have them on value. </vested interest> Even adding the 6700 levers, you're under $4k once you pawn off the old 6600 set. Although...Ksyrium Elites...sheesh...big call with your money

Press fit BB's concern me a little. Cant quite put my finger on why. Adjustment? Room for installation error? Dunno what it is...maybe its paranoia.

Jim

But for $500 more you get the newer gruppo and the elites

[james99]

Nice looking bike, im sure the Giant will do a fine job

[Baalzamon]

And I got a Cannondale Carbon Six, full Ultegra with a few bits of dura-ace and Krysium Elite wheels for $3900. Run out special & upgraded

[Christine Tham]

rrp $3999. I plan on taking it for a ride as I am not 100% sold, but I am a fan of giants and it seems that for the money it's great value. New ultegra and krisyrium eiltes on a full carbon frame.

Yum. I would go for it too, if I had the money.

PS - Is it me, or has Giant severely cut down on the women's range for 2010? What's on offer seems pathetic - there's no equivalent to the TCR series, only the Defy series. If I want a pink TCR, looks like I need to buy the 2009 model. The pink Avail looks cute, but is an entry level bike.

[familyguy]

But for $500 more you get the newer gruppo and the elites

Thats why I'm glad its your dilemma, not mine! I agree though, the wheels tip the balance to the Giant.

Aside from lever aesthetics, what is the change in 6700 series parts? Are they really that much better?

Jim

[tripstobaltimore]

I've heard differing accounts - either there is essentially no difference, or that some of last years DA tech has filtered down so it is slightly stiffer and lighter. I think the differences are basically negligible though.

[tripstobaltimore]

Another possibility is the 2009 speccie tarmac for $4200. This has Ultegra SL and equippes. Only a couple left though, may all be gone by the time I have the money. Theres not much of a price difference between the equipes and the elites (from wiggle only 200), so I guess you are paying an extra 200 for the elites and 200 for the 2010 ultegra. Seems ok to me.

[Christine Tham]

Aside from lever aesthetics, what is the change in 6700 series parts? Are they really that much better?

According to one review I read, they are lighter by a few hundred grams (even from SL) and have quite a lot of trickle down from Dura Ace.

I suspect the "new" Ultegra is essentially the "current/old" Dura Ace now that Di2 is out.

Which makes the new Giant probably very good value for money - you are essentially getting a carbon Dura Ace bike for the price of Ultegra.

[HAKS]

Ultegra 6700 at least has both brake and shifter cables concealed under the handlebar tape.........if that floats your boat.

I'm eyeing off the same Giant.....although going to wait a little longer to see what prices other brands Ultegra 6700 machines come in at.

[tripstobaltimore]

The more I think about it, the better this looks:

http://www.this link is broken/p/cycle/7/Focus ... 360037586/

[HAKS]

I wonder if there is a Focus 2010 model with Ultegra 6700 coming. If so could be very tempting....

[tripstobaltimore]

I'm wondering the same thing. I was thinking about getting the pro, selling the DA on ebay and getting force for it, and spending the money saved on a new wheelset. You could end up with a very very nice bike for less than the giant.

[sixx]

Bit of a U-turn on the Specialized?

[tripstobaltimore]

huge U-turn, but it was on the giant . The specialized was a curve ball the bike shop threw at me!

[sixx]

huge U-turn, but it was on the giant . The specialized was a curve ball the bike shop threw at me!

Focus looks nice.