ssbaudi

Hey Bike Forums!

Been a lurker for the last few weeks and doing lots of research on the in's and out's of road bikes and I found a bike on Craigslist that has caught my interest. It is a 2008 Giant TCR AO that looks to be in phenomenal condition, with quality components. The link is here - https://corvallis.craigslist.org/bik/3203375791.html

As a rider who is experienced with bike riding but relatively new to road cycling, is this too much bike for me? If not, is the price on this one right?

Thanks!

10 Wheels

Nice bike.

No Warranty if the frame is cracked.

Cookiemonsta

I find it hard to recommend secondhand/craigslist for anyone new into road cycling. I don't know how knowledgeable you are, but I imagine most people starting out do not even know what frame size they should be riding. In my opinion, spend the extra money and get some advice at a good bike shop, try some different models, and find out what you like.

The only time I would recommend getting something 2nd hand of a random stranger is if you buy something cheap, just to see whether you even enjoy cycling, or if there are specific things you are after that you can not get from the shops (like vintage models). Anything 1000+, even someone like me who owns multiple bikes and has a pretty good grasp on what he likes..... I would go to a shop. That said, it is up to you. Some people have had great success buying second hand. Just know that there is some degree if risk involves. The biggest risk, is not that the bike is not ok, but that the bike is not the one you needed.

You can get better components for a given amount of money secondhand, but in my experience that is still secondary to bike fit and having control over maintenance of the bike.

ssbaudi

I have spent a few hours at the many different bike shops in Corvallis and have in fact been fitted on a few bikes. The ones I tried were the Trek 1.2, the Giant Defy, and a Fuji Altamira. I seem to have been recommended a size M/L or 56cm, depending on how the brand sizes frames. What I'm mostly trying to gather with this post was to see if a compact framed 'race' oriented bike would suit me as a somewhat new rider or if It would bring too many challenges along with it. My budget is around 1k-1.5k and I feel like buying from a second party would allow me to get a better bike for that amount, considering of course that the owner took care of the bike

Cookiemonsta

Alright got it. It is a hard question to answer. The way a bike feels to a person is so personal and subjective, I dont think anyone is able to tell you whether this specific bike works for you or not. The difference between aggressive and relaxed geometry can be significant, but you still cant tell which would work for a person. Especially not knowing what the intended use is (touring / racing ? ), how flexible you are, etc.

I do not see anything specific that would keep a relatively new rider from enjoying it. When thinking about whether the geometry fits you or not, I go back to my previous comment, you can only find out by trying. Given that you have tried out other bikes with different geometries, I think you are in a position where you can make the evaluation yourself since you have something you can compare it to. Unfortunately (or fortunately) you are in the best position to make this judgement. I would tell the seller you would have to sit on it and see what it feels like before committing to buying it. Given his description of the bike, I would expect him to understand.

tagaproject6

What challenges are you expecting? If the fit is fine, you really shouldn't have any challenges except how to post your MUP races and average times on the 41.

ssbaudi

Thanks for the input, you two! I'll go check it out this weekend and see how it fits.

The last reason I posted this is just to see if anyone has had any experience with the TCR A0 - I've done a lot of google searching but haven't found much in the way of user reviews of this bike in particular.

tuxbailey

Good luck in your search for the bike. I got mine through CL too and it has been a great find.

I would suggest that after getting your bike (in CL), take it back to the shop that gave you the best service and get a proper fit. Since they didn't get a sale from you after doing the fit, bike showing, etc., at least you can go back and give them the business for bike fit, accessories, etc.

milkbaby

IMHO, $1500 can also buy a pretty nice new bike at the local shop. (Cannondale CAAD10, Specialized Allez, Trek Madone 2?) You assume some risk by buying second hand whereas you'll get warranty and other support for a new bike from a shop. Having said that, the last 2 bikes that I bought were second hand/used too...