Giant TCR/TCX

[jhonseto]

I am new to the forum, but know a little about cycling... always room for some more knowledge though, so constructive responses would be more than welcomed!



I have been riding a Giant MTB for years - regularly off road as well as daily commutes (on roads/cobbles and tracks).
I have recently moved from the cobbled hills of Edinburgh to the flat tarmac of London and I would like to get a new bike, more suitable for the London commute but also rugged enough for some adventures! Additionally, with a couple of friends, I am planning an epic summer cycle tour from London to Santander - and wish for whatever bike I buy to be able to withstand the tour and also serve me well for my cycling afterwards.
- Drop bars are preferred
- I am new to compact vs triples (so am open to opinions/pros v cons).
- Pannier rack eyes were a restricting factor until I found the Topeak range of racks...

- Aesthetics and ergonomics are important


I have been looking at both the Giant TCX 1 - cyclocross bike and also the Giant TCR 1 - road bike.
TCX 1
TCR 1
TCR 1 Review
I think that the cyclocross bike would be suited to my needs, and like the set-up of the Giant TCX 1 (alternative suggestions are more than welcome).
Alternatively, the Giant TCR 1 is a beauty (far nicer aesthetics) but I fear I would be too rough for the 'road only' bike.


My concern about the cyclocross bike are the available frame sizes - XS (50cm), S (53cm), M (55cm), ML (56.5cm), L (57.5cm)
I am 6'2", and from recent road bike tests a 60-61cm frame seems the best suited to me. I understand that a smaller frame is preferred for cyclocross bikes, but a 'large' at 57.5 seems pretty small.
Do any of you have opinions on this matter/suggestions and advice?
Obviously, I would like a decent bike, am prepared to invest in one that I would/could use for a good couple of years.

Thanks

 

[festival]

Giant frame size large is 55.5 cm seat tube but due to their compact road design it is the equivalent of 58 to 60 in conventional sizing.

This is suitable for rider height of 6'0" to 6'3", so this size would be spot on for you.

Same goes for the TCX.

 

[Spy]

I have a TCX 1 and I have to say, it is an excellent bike. The frame is a real gem and irrespective of the components (mine are Shimano 105) you know this bike will last a long time and can be upgraded.

I am just over 5' 11" and ride a medium which is the equivalent of the large size Specialized Tricross I also looked at.

I would highly recommend it. The bike is very stable and predictable inspiring confidence when you ride it, irrespective of terrain.

The only downside is the fact that the TCX 1 and above don't have fittings for mudguards and racks which might be an issue if you are touring.

 

[2pies]

I haven't ridden the TCX1 though I did look at the TCX3 when choosing which CX bike to go for. Ended up with the Spec. Tricross. I liked the option of having mudguards/racks and the top mounted brake levers

Regardless, a CX bike is great for commuting in London. I ride almost a mile on a gravelly path that shaves half a mile off my journey and the bike handles it fine. Good for going over the numerous pot-holes, speedbumps and other surprises you see on London roads. Its also fast, I did the London to Brighton ride this weekend and was happily keeping up with (and in some cases overtaking) folks on good out and out road bikes.

 

[Spy]

I haven't ridden the TCX1 though I did look at the TCX3 when choosing which CX bike to go for. Ended up with the Spec. Tricross. I liked the option of having mudguards/racks and the top mounted brake levers

All TCX bikes have the top mounted brake levers and I believe the TCX3 and TCX2 also have mudguard/rack mountings but the TCX 1 and TCX0/Advanced do not

 

[crumpetman]

See if you can go and sit (or test ride) the giant bikes you are interested in to get a better idea of frame sizes.

I am also 6'2'' and ride a giant defy 2 in size M/L with quite a bit of seat post. A size L would be ok too. I have another bike which is either a L or XL (I cannot remember) but it is a 58cm frame. With the 2 bikes side by side the handlebars and saddles are level but the defy frame looks smaller.