2011 TCR Questions

[TMjpn]

Hi folks.. just a question of inquisitiveness - whats the steerer/taper of the TCR advanced 2011 fork? I know its 'overdrive' but that varies from year to year.

I'm looking at a TCR advanced 2 with an alloy steerer - and if i buy it then one day i'd likely turf the fork for something lighter

Thanks!

[ozdavo]

[s]As far as I know, the fork has a std 1 1/2 - 1 1/8 taper, but the headtube is 1 1/2 - 1 1/4 with a larger top bearing. [/s]


Sent from my iThingy using Tapatalk

Edit: oops just re-read my answer and I think I have it backwards. I think the fork is 1 1/2 - 1 1/4 & the headtube is std taper.

Maybe you should wait till someone who knows what they are talking about answers

[Duck!]

Overdrive (used on 2009-2011 frames) has a 1 1/4" - 1 1/8" tapered steerer. Overdrive 2 (2012-present frames) is 1 1/2" - 1 1/4". The headtubes are the same dimension, the OD2 bearings are slimline cartridges in order to fit the bigger steerer through. Therefore you can upgrade a 2011 Overdrive setup to Overdrive 2 simply by replacing the fork, stem and headset (but don't expect to find too many aftermarket forks & stems to suit the 1 1/4" upper steerer).

[TMjpn]

Thanks guys

One last question - is there any real notable diffence between the composite models and the advanced models? (T600 carbon to T700)

Obviously weight will be different, but are the other qualities affected?

[Duck!]

T-700 is a stiffer fibre, which affects the ride quality of the frame. It flexes less under power, which makes for more efficient power transfer, but the trade-off is a slight increase in ride harshness, not that it's by definition "bad", being carbon it still absorbs vibration really well, but you will get a bit more road feedback.

[usernameforme]

T-700 is stiffer, which means they use less of it to achieve the same stiffness. T-600 is really just a heavier frame. The mold of the composite is different from the advanced too, IIRC the composite frame is where giant did some aero experimenting in preparation for the propel, not sure how accurate this is though

[Duck!]

Not too sure about the design link between the Composite & Propel, but there's always the probability of some cross-pollination of ideas. One of the amazing properties of composites is it's not just the fibre that plays a part in the tune of the resulting frame. Tube profiles & even fibre layup play a part too. So even if the three different moulds were used with one grade of carbon, the ride would be different. Likewise if they changed the layup using the same fibre & mould for different individual frames, the different layups would have different flex properties.

Jumping across to the Defy series, it would be possible to assess to some extent the different fibre properties; when the 2012 frame upgrade came in, the then-new Composite models were actually made in the previous generation Advanced moulds, just with the T-600 rather than T-700 fibre. I haven't ridden either of them, but it would be good to be able to do so & gauge how much difference there is in the material.

[dale79]

I have a TCR advanced and a TCR advanced SL.. they are totally different to ride, the SL turns better and is stiffer in general apart from the seat post, the seat post is stiff side to side but flexes a lot front to back where the normal ones don't, I suppose it is sort of a built in shock absorber of sorts..

over all the SL is a much better bike to ride, its lighter, faster and the turning makes it a lot better around tighter tracks

would I buy another TCR advanced? yep for sure to train on which is what I use mine for..