Dgconner154 wrote:
If you don't mind me asking, how long have you had the TCR? Do you find it comfortable on longer rides? What else were you looking at besides the BMC?
I've pretty much ruled out the BMC as the carbon 02 model is out of my price range and the 03 at $2,200 for aluminum/105 doesn't seem like a great value. I was seriously considering a Giant Defy but I got looking at the TCR (105 without discs) and it seems like it will be so much more fun to ride than the Defy. Planning to test ride both next week.
I've had it for around 2 months now.
Personally, I find it to be comfortable enough and on the weekends when not racing generally get in 4 hour rides without much issue. With that said, the ride is rougher than my Scott Foil ... However, that could be in large part due to the stock tires, which everybody states ride very rough. When the rear wears out, I'll be switching to Bontrager R3 TLR's (staying with Tubeless tires), which I have heard increase both comfort and cornering traction.
The bike does climb very well, accelerates very well and is a quick handling bike. Overall, it's one of the fastest bikes I've owned as far as road bikes go.
My only real issue with the bike is the 1 1/4" steerer tube, which helps with front end stiffness ... but greatly reduces the number of stems available for the bike. Both Giant and Canyon have gone to 1 1/4" steerer tubes (up from everybody elses 1 1/8") ... Thankfully, Ritchey components has come out with stems that will fit in +/-6 degree and +/-17 degree ... I have a +/-17 degree stem that should be here on Monday (I have a lot of drop with my road bike bars compared to most people).