I own a 2000 Giant TCR1. The bike has somewhere between 3,000 and 4,000 miles. I've noticed that the rear tire rubs against the frame, so I too the bike to a Giant dealer. The dealer said "looks like you need a new frame, but that decision is up to the Giant rep". The Giant rep said "no, the frame is not deffective. He needs to use Michelin or Hutchinson tires". The bike has standard 700x23 Continental tires.

The owners manual does not say anything about using a specific brand of tires, and, in fact, they show a Continental tire.

I took pictures, wrote a letter and sent it to Giant. I told them that the owners manual does not state what brand tire to use. I told them that I am not using oversized tires, simply your run of the mill 700x23. The wheel is the one that came with the bike and has been trued every year. I received their reply by mail telling me that I have to use Michelin or Hutchinson tires.

The Giant dealer tells me that the profile of the tire I currently have on the bike is the same as the profile of the tires that come with the new Giant bicycles he sells in his store, thus the profile should not be an issue.

I would like to know what you think. I have 4 pictures I would love to post but I am not able to "copy" and "paste" on this thread, so if anyone knows how I could get pictures on here, I would appreciate it. This way you can make a better opinion. Thanks in advance for your replies. Cheers!