Why is Giant TCR Advance 2 2009 much cheaper than the 2008?

miurasv
miurasv Posts: 345
edited October 2009 in Road buying advice
I know it has Ultegra gears instead of Ultegra SL and cheaper wheels but I read somewhere the 09 bike is better than the 08, and has a cheaper but better frame. Is this true? Until I read this I was going to buy the 08 model as it has a higher spec but is more money. List on 09 is £1850 and 08 £29995. Seen a 08 discounted to £2000. Can anyone enlighten me please and thanks in advance. I am a newbie and also considering a Scott Addict R3 2008, Scott Addict R4 2008 or a Scott CR1 Pro 2008.

Comments

  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    My God you're not wrong. I found a price of £3,224.37 for the 08 model. Madness.

    The 09 model is apparently a better frame and just got the BOTY in C+, so definitely rated. I wouldn't worry about the 08 model, save yourself some dosh and go for the 09.
  • incog24
    incog24 Posts: 549
    The '08 model is made from T800, and the '09 model is made of T700. T800 is quite a bit more expensive hence the price difference. However, despite being made of a heavier material the '09 frame is lighter due to design improvements, and Giant reckon its more comfortable and stiffer too. So unless you've got a T800 fetish the '09 is probably a better bet, if you can get it in the right size...
    Racing for Fluid Fin Race Team in 2012 - www.fluidfin.co.uk
  • Hudster
    Hudster Posts: 142
    I'm maybe totally wrong,. but doesn't the 08 Advanced had the ISP where as the 09 doesn't? Only the 09 Advanced SL has the ISP, which is a considerable amount more?
  • miurasv
    miurasv Posts: 345
    Hudster wrote:
    I'm maybe totally wrong,. but doesn't the 08 Advanced had the ISP where as the 09 doesn't? Only the 09 Advanced SL has the ISP, which is a considerable amount more?

    Please can you tell me what 'ISP' is. Thanks in advance.
  • gumball3000
    gumball3000 Posts: 14
    ISP : Integrated Seat Post

    The 08 was Giant's top of the range frame last year. The 09 Advanced is the one down from the top. The new Advanced SL is lighter and stiffer.

    I train on an 09 Advanced 3 frame and ride events on an SL. I wouldn't kick either out of bed! The SL is pure Pornography. The Advanced is superb though. I rode the Brian Robinson on the Advanced as my SL had wheel issues and I went plenty fast enough!
  • incog24
    incog24 Posts: 549
    I'm not sure the ISP makes much of a difference to the price (although I might be wrong). If anything, the SL is less labour intensive than the Advanced. There's loads of wrapping around joints on the Advanced, whereas the SL seat tube sort of slots into the frame. I've got an advanced, and I'm sorely tempted by the SL, but there's always that nagging in the back of my mind that actually I should be spending the money on coaching/going to places to cycle!
    Racing for Fluid Fin Race Team in 2012 - www.fluidfin.co.uk
  • giant_man
    giant_man Posts: 6,878
    Well there's the difference of the carbon used plus the ISP, I guess that's where the difference of the money comes in. Frameset wise, a grand is the difference.

    I would have to go on both before making a decision, and getting a test ride is getting hard, everyone seems to be selling out of these Giants now. Must be good. What's your Advanced like incog24? What would I be missing if I went for an Advanced instead of an SL? Sounds like a question you've been asking yourself eh? :lol:
  • Splottboy
    Splottboy Posts: 3,693
    I've got the Giant TCR 2 Team, not the Advanced, but with the older Ultegra.
    Rides great, smooth. Climbs and corners beautifully.
    Can't see how Advanced is better.
  • cougie
    cougie Posts: 22,512
    The ISP would put me off a bike. Some are so tall that it would be a bugger to try and get them into a bike box/bag.

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