2004 Giant TCR

you got this sweet @ss bike and you're gonna ruin it with a 12-27 cassette?!? what are you some kinda wuss??

sorry, wrong thread . . . 😉

i agree, though. getting a giant frame vs. other euro/custom brands gets you excellent value. i built up a K2 Mod 5.0 alu/carbon frame and saved $$ vs. other brands with almost identical materials, construction, and geometry.

It is indeed a nice and light bike. Giant being such a large company that they package some nice proprietary carbon parts into the TCR composite, which makes it a great value.
I test rode the TCR before finally decided on purchasing my Kestrel Talon. The TCR just didn't fit me as well and would not allow me to set it up for TT.
Overall, I still think my Talon is smoother though.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by sevenrider310
For those of you who are considering a carbon frame...you gotta consider the Giant TCR Composite frames...I just got one and put on full Dura 10's, Topolino wheels, FSA K-Wing bar...the bike complete with pedals come in at 15.3lbs. This frame rocks! Stiff, super light, great feel...have done centuries in total comfort. The frame which includes fork and integrated FSA headset cost me $1,600...compared to $3,900 for Colnago C50, or $4300 for DeRosa King, Look carbon frames are heavy, Calfee's take 6-8 weeks and more expensive. The handling on this frame is sick...compact geometry makes the bike light and stiff. My other bike is a Seven Axiom...prob. the best riding bike frame ever made..and the Giant is not far off. If youre considering a carbon frame...consider this one and save yourself the money for the grouppo and wheels!

Got the TCR composite 0 just over a week ago, I'm still amazed at the bike weight.

Still getting used to the bike, but i've done 400kms and had no problems with it yet!

Im getting one with the blue stripe. The frame costs approx $976 here in the Philippines. I currently ride an aluminum tcr team but i crashed and dented the top tube with my knee, bent the carbon fiber fork at the dropouts and scratched my sti shifters .......sigh

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by tcr99
Im getting one with the blue stripe. The frame costs approx $976 here in the Philippines. I currently ride an aluminum tcr team but i crashed and dented the top tube with my knee, bent the carbon fiber fork at the dropouts and scratched my sti shifters .......sigh

are you sure it's the composite? if...heck! send me one for $976

I can get the 03 carbon TCR for USD900

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by skareb
I can get the 03 carbon TCR for USD900

where? you must work for a bike shop or GIANT

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by skareb
I can get the 03 carbon TCR for USD900

Yeah, but the paint on the 04's is much nicer than the 03's. Take a look in a shop up close. No comparison.
Also, the seat binder and post on the 03's are a common problem. Heck, on my '04 with the new binder and an Easton carbon post, it still took 3 attempts to get it to stay put. Had to regrease the bolt on the binder (NOT the post or tube), set the binder exactly in the right spot in the closed (tightened) position, and apply the thin coat of hairspray, which of course I was reluctant to do on carbon. But screw it, it worked.
That said, once dialed it, what a little race horse! My ride today was pure fun. A lot more fun than my OCLV. Not better quality, just more fun. It has the lively feel of aluminum out of the saddle, with none of the jarring feedback. What a blast.
I'd also strongly recommend carbon bars. I'm ditching all my ITM Millenium's, which aren't bad bars at all, for Easton EC90's. Noticeably stiffer and more comfortable.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Rudy
are you sure it's the composite? if...heck! send me one for $976

Yes sir,

Its a composite with the blue stripes such a beauty. 60,000 pesos Philippine money with fx rate at php56.35 to 1usd thats the price. If ever you visit the country theres a place here called Cartimar, all kinds of bike shops low end to high end mountain and road bikes. They dont do mail order though its either cash or credit card. 😎

wait a minute 😄 are we talking about a complete bike or just the frame?

Frame alone ... I'm in malaysia

I've heard a lot of great things about them. I just wish the warranty were a little longer than 5 years. Who knows though, I'll probably try the TCR 2 and Trek 5200 out.

Does anybody know about buying one in China? I may be going next month and staying for about 5 months. I'd rather buy a bike there, rather than schlepp one of mine, unless all I can get is a Flying Pigeon.

tcr99, u think cartimar prices are at par with US prices? any idea about taiwan? m here now abd i intend to attend the annual bike tradeshow in taipei. u think i can get frames at OEM prices?

I was just looking at the TCR1 for $2499. I like it much more then the 5200 as far as looks and setup. Next will be a ride.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by tm204
tcr99, u think cartimar prices are at par with US prices? any idea about taiwan? m here now abd i intend to attend the annual bike tradeshow in taipei. u think i can get frames at OEM prices?

i believe its cheaper in Cartimar for most items.😄

I took my first two rides this weekend on my 2003 TCR composite. I bought the frame/fork/headset and transferred the parts from my 2003 TCR 1 alloy.

What a difference. I figured it would be a vanity upgrade with a slight improvement in comfort. I was wrong. Having spent an entire season on the alloy, about 6-7000 km, I knew the bike pretty well. The new frame is quieter, stiffer and more comfortable. There is zero front deraileur rub when climbing and it feels lively on the flats. Not dead and wooden like the CF TREKs that I've ridden. It was well worth the cost of the upgrade. Two big thumbs up for this frame. I agree that it would be close to impossible to find a comparable ride at anywhere close to the price of the TCR composite.

Quoted post said:

Originally posted by Rudy
It is indeed a nice and light bike. Giant being such a large company that they package some nice proprietary carbon parts into the TCR composite, which makes it a great value.
I test rode the TCR before finally decided on purchasing my Kestrel Talon. The TCR just didn't fit me as well and would not allow me to set it up for TT.
Overall, I still think my Talon is smoother though.

Hi Rudy,

I live just outside of Atlanta and I'm trying to decide between a Kestrel Talon and Giant TCR Composite 2. Beside fit were there any other factors in your decision? Any input is greatly appreciated. Mark

i got my tcr 03 frame for £675 3 weeks ago. build it up with full ultegra , itm millenium carbon stem , bars and use carbon seat post. put mavic kyseriums ssc on it.

total cost £1547.95 . but if i was to buy it from a retailer toaly build up it would of cost £2500.
its amazing what you can get if you shop around