kayakdiver

So I'm pretty much thinking of going with a new Giant TCR SL 3. It's the standard seat post version of the SL along with the 6700 Ultegra.

This would be replacing my 2004 Giant TCR Comp that has been a solid and reliable friend for many happy miles.

I have found a dealer within an hour or so drive that will order and sell me a 2010 version mentioned above for $4,000 OTD. Seems like a pretty decent price based on the $4,275 retail pricing.

So pretend for a minute that you are me.... Have $4K that you are ready to spend.... what would you purchase? I love Giant bikes and I'm sure I will be happy if I pull the trigger next week... just wondering if I'm missing anything in a name brand ride with similar equipment and frame quality.

Not really interested in stuff from Trek, Cervelo or off brands. More interested in mainstream brands that aren't the two mentioned. Spending more isn't really an option since the Giant should serve me well at a price point I'm comfortable with.

What say you BF?

bavarian3

https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...gra+Cp+10.aspx

And buy your wife a gift with the rest.

IbizaBiker

I have that exact bike and absolutely love it. Only upgrade I made was paying some extra money and going with the SL wheels.

JonnyV

Fuji SST2.0

kayakdiver

Wouldn't the upper level Izalco be a more similar comparison? Seems like this while nice isn't the same level of carbon layup. Also.... I'm not worried about buying my ex wife a gift. Thanks for the idea though.

If I go this route I was planning on selling off the Mavic's and going with the new Dura Ace Low profile Carbon/Alloy clinchers.

Wouldn't I need to look at the 1.0 for a comparable level of carbon? Fuji's website mentions a difference between the 2.0 and 1.0. I know it's picking nits but I plan to use this frame for a long time.

Thanks everyone for the ideas so far. I'm not as worried about saving money as getting a great frame. I'm not really hip to an ISP type frame for the most part.

af2nr

Have you considered Specialized, you can get the SL3 design down to the Expert for 11. That is equipped with 6700 and I think they said was about $3200-3300, or you could bump up to the Pro with Red or DA for about the same MSRP as the Giant. I think the Giant's are good bikes but this could be another option? Good luck!

kayakdiver

Thanks for the idea... I honestly think they are sharp looking rides and I don't really know why I haven't really considered one.

portland376

If it was me.....I'd switch it up and go with something different than a Giant.....but that's just me. A little spice in life is good, so why not give a new ride a try if you've got the cash to spend. Then again, if you're somebody that appreciates a known quantity, stick with the Giant.

As far as mainstream.....Specialized makes a good bike, and can't go wrong with the Fuju mentioned above. The Scott Addict might be just out of your price range if you're looking for a complete bike around $4k, but you could probably build yourself up a nice CR1 in that price bracket.

You're definitely buying at a good time though....some smokin deals to be had out there on 2010 frames....

JeffS

I think you'll be much happier with the new TCR than your current ride. IMO, it is a much better frame that the early model, and most of the other generic stuff other people in the thread are trying to sell you on.

I am personally more inclined to buy my stuff second-hand on the 'bay, but mine is one of the nicest bikes I've ever been on, and it's not even an SL (though I will pick one up when I find the right deal)

kayakdiver

Ya... my now almost 7 year old TCR is getting really old in the tooth... I'm sure a new anything will feel much stiffer in the BB and front end. I'm ok with paying the premium for new since I don't buy often. I tend to wear my stuff out or break it before I get tired of it.

Sourpuss Magee

Giant is the best. Go for it.

kayakdiver

Any other thoughts or ideas gang?

mzeffex 

Giant's sexy.

chasm54

You may remember a recent thread about why Giant bikes weren't more popular? The consensus was that the brand doesn't have the cachet of cervelo or pinarello but the bikes - especially the TCR - are great, and great value. I agree. Stick with the SL you've got your eye on, it's as good as anything you'll find at the price.

aham23

you want a giant then get a giant. i love mine. had it on my list of potential new rigs. however, i wanted to spend a a bit less on the frame and go with a better parts spec. plus, i am building a crit bike. so, i went with the CAAD9. i was pretty close to getting a TCR Advanced Frame though. later.

kayakdiver

At the end of the day...... I will either have this on order or I will not.... Today is the day I either fish or cut bait.

SkinnyLegs

Buy what you want. But at this point I would at least wait till after Eurobike and Interbike before making a decision.

kayakdiver

Decision finally made and being patient saved me about $600. So deposit placed and should have it in my hands in about 10 days time.

Decided on the 2010 Giant TCR SL 3. Pretty damn excited about it.

david edward

Absolutely love mine, and a great deal virtually eliminates any buyers remorse. Hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine. Only thing I don't like is the blue accent color, kinda want to paint it.