Giant TCR C Zero - Need advice

happypie
happypie Posts: 17
edited January 2008 in Workshop
Hi

First post in a while but regular viewer of the forum.

Has anyone got one of the above and if so how do they rate it. Was thinking of a Focus or Planet X but have seen the Giant at a good price.

Also on Giant sizing is a medium likely to be Ok for a 5'10" forty five year old.

I've done the difficult bit by convincing the missus (2 bikes out, 1 in) but would like a bit of assurance from someone who has a C Zero

Any help will be much appreciated.

Happypie

Comments

  • happypie
    happypie Posts: 17
    Has nobody got a C Zero?

    Bikes making way for it would be a Look AL264, full 9 spd Ultegra and open pros plus a 25 yr old Gazelle Cross Trophy cyclo cross bike with Record hubs.

    Any ideas what these might be worth?

    Or should I just stick with what I have?
  • meagain
    meagain Posts: 2,331
    On the assumption that it as good as if not better than a TCR carbon from a few years ago, then ...very nice indeed!

    As to size, I'm just a bit less than 5'10" (and a fair bit more than 45!) and my medium was fine (although liking a relatively upright riding position I used quite a short stem).

    The new ones aren't as pretty though!

    tcrsep.jpg
    d.j.
    "Cancel my subscription to the resurrection."
  • happypie
    happypie Posts: 17
    Thanks Meagain.

    Having measured myself again this morning I came out as just under 5'10" (I must be shrinking!) so given your experience a medium should be fine. Just very wary as part of the reason for the replacement is that the Look never really fitted/felt right

    Sadly I think I agree with your comments on the appearance of the latest models but sounds like bar the aesthetics I should go for it.

    Happypie
  • meagain
    meagain Posts: 2,331
    Woa, don't take my word for spending THAT much steam!!

    I assume that the geometry of all TCRs much the same, so even if can't easily try a C Zero, must be another model you can try out!
    d.j.
    "Cancel my subscription to the resurrection."
  • robbarker
    robbarker Posts: 1,367
    I have a TCR C2 - same frame but with an aluminium steerer rather than the carbon one the C1 and C0 come with. Mine is all-ultegra but with an F700 compact chainset, and homebuilt training wheels or Ksyrium Elites in place of the Aksiums it came with.

    I went for the Giant because of the long pedigree of building well-received carbon frames and the fact it's a monocoque main triangle, rather than mitred and wrapped tubes which most others are.

    I also liked the short wheelbase and tight geometry - it gives the expected excitement and immediacy to the ride, yet the carbon fibre frame takes the worst of the vibration away, and it's a great stable descender.

    My last two road frames were a Cannondale alu CAAD 4 and a Trek 5500 - the Cannondale was too stiff in that you felt every imperfection on the road, but was a very "live" ride, the Trek was very comfy but lost a little immediacy and was bland. The Giant is a nice blend of the two and I like it :-)
  • happypie
    happypie Posts: 17
    Don't worry I'm not quite as impulsive as i sound.

    The logic for looking at the Giant has come out of acquiring a s/hand 06 version of the much derided langster (54cm). Have really enjoyed using this over the winter and am as a result looking for a similar compact set up. Studying the langster and TCR geometry they look broadly similar bar a slightly longer tob tube (7mm). If anyone disagrees please tell me.

    Not yet plucked up the courage to join a club despite several years back in the saddle so no real opportuinity to try out other models. Actually live in Nottingham too (West Bridgford). If you feel I should still be cautious do let me know.

    Thanks

    Happypie
  • rjsmith
    rjsmith Posts: 1,924
    Generally size wise it sounds just right for you.
  • robbarker
    robbarker Posts: 1,367
    As for size: I'm 6'1" and an L is perfect for me - I'd guess you are spot on for an M!
  • happypie
    happypie Posts: 17
    Many thanks to Meagain, Rob and RJSmith for your advice.

    Went in today and secured a much reduced 07 TCR C Zero in medium. Pick the bike up on Saturday so its bound to be good weather at the weekend :D

    Just need to decide on pedals now.

    Thanks again

    A very Happypie
  • SDP
    SDP Posts: 665
    a great choice of bike...
    very popular frame with th eweight weenie brigade.. i think a M is spot on for you ...

    i had a 6 year lay off & 1st "gears" biek i had on return was a TCR ..superb..

    still got it & its my summer bike now ..spec below

    Frame : Giant TCR anodised (L) .all frame bolts Ti or Alu
    Fork Easton SL Aero carbon
    H/set FSA & carbon spacers & extralite top cap & expander
    Bars 3T less XL 46cm
    Stem Oval R700 (R900 upgrade kit carbon & ti bolts )
    Tape specialized phat wrap & deda carbon plugs
    Saddle Specialized Toupe Team
    S/pin Ritchey 350mm WCS & Ti Bolts
    B/cage Elite patao carbon
    Cables : shimano
    wheels Mavic open pro ceramic/TUNE hubs/mavic ti skewers/Cxray spokes 32h(3x)
    Cassette kcnc 12-25 .
    Tyres : GP4000s chilli 23mm
    Tubes conti supersonic 650c tubes
    Chain KMC X10 SL
    Pedals Look Keo HM carbon
    R/mech Dura ace 10 ( ti bolts &SRP alu pivot bolt & fibrelyte carbon cage plate& kcnc ceramic lower pulley )
    F/mech DA10 ( ti bolts & ti frame bolts )
    Brakes DA10 ( ti bolts ) swissstop green pads
    Sti DA9
    B/brckt SABB
    Cranks Dura ace 10sp 175mm
    Rings Stronglight CT2 Ceramic 50t & TA hegoa 39 & SRP alu bolts
    Computer cateye strada wireless


    pretty close to UCI limit & as strong as an ox !
    www.mjsracing.net

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