Work is slow today, so I’m looking at some set-ups. Looks like Bell jumped down a size in Giant’s since last year. Anybody? How big is this guy?
http://www.insidetri.com/race/iro/articles/1808.1.html
http://www.asiorders.com/view_user_photo.asp?EVENTID=3591&ID=8896229&FROM=photos&BIB=38
Also, I read that Mich Jones jumps down to a small (she’s 5’10", right?) for TT position.
Anybody using a Giant TCR composite with bullhorns…any comment on the sizing gaps.
I know a guy who’s a TCR fanatic. He rides a medium road bike and small TT bike set up with Vision Techs. He’s 5’9" and is about on the cusp between either frame size.
Michellie’s Giant TT is a small.
To be honest, Of al the Giant TCR’s I’ve seen set up for tri’s, I’ve only seen one medium. everyone else has a small frame.
On a side not, the TCR aero is a great frame in size small. Bigger sizes just look wierd, though.
WHY ARE you so focussed on the TCR composite for a TT set-up, why not a more flexible bike like a Cervelo? They are less expensive, more flexible in terms of positioning due to the reversible seat tube with a geometry designed to handle well in the TT position. Why not a real TT/Tri bike? Just curious?
Well…it’s a rather loaded question, but here goes (since you asked).
The short version is that I’ve recently sold my 650 bike of 4 years to build “several” 700c bikes. Not really for any other reason other than I was getting tired of buying 4 set of tires/wheels (650 trainers/race + 700 trainers/race) as I do UCI road events.
Since I have all sorts of parts lying around, I’m basically building (2) bikes to be used for triathon (sprint through IM) and UCI tt events.
If I didn’t have a garage full of parts, I might buy into the thought that I have to spend $4500 to get a decent bike. But, I don’t. I’m more of the guy who shows up on a highly practical, well-thought bike which fits like a glove.
The 1st bike is done…pix whenever I find a place to host them.
The second bike I can play around with…
I’ve only heard good thoughts about the TCR carbon ride and feel it might lead to a more comfy Ironman ride. Although personally, I’ve rode one (build up for road) and it felt more like a 911 than a Cadillac. Quite simply, it’s the cheapest mono carbon frame on the market and you can replace the rear hanger without sending it the factory and getting a new paint job for $150 (you T#$% folks might take notice). Also, I do like the compact geo of the Giant b/c the effecitive top tube is soooo short, which fits me well. (5’11", but have shorter torso and forearms)…basically need a 54ish cm top tube.
If I got a Cervelo P3, I’d need a 52cm and don’t want 15cm of steerer showing. I’d get a Felt, but the tubing sucks. I’d buy a Specialized Transition, but they are not around until Oct. I’d get a Kestral Talon, the TT doesn’t work for me. I’d get a Litespeed, but the TT is too long. I’d buy a QR Ti, but too darn expensive. Actually, the Caliente is an option, but it’s too ugly. Most of the other “boutiques” are simply too expensive to be “practical”.
So, when I look at the fact that I will need to “monkey” with the bike to make it fit me, the Giant appears to be the most versatile and cost conscious…
Then again, I may change my mind tonight or based upon a few responses.
So Sandbagger what do you think you 'll get a small or medium? The reason I ask is I’m about your size and I’m also thinking of getting a new bike.I have about six bikes that I’m thinking about getting. The Giant is one of them.
Dave
"Why not a real TT/Tri bike? "
You should have told that to LVL before he won IM Kona in 99 on a TCR. Seems to me ONCE also did quite well on them in the TDF TT’s.
I own a TCR and P2K. The jury is still out as to which is the faster. I’ve found on some courses the TCR is actually faster and that’s my medium road bike with Campy Shamal/CH Aero/SyntaceC2’s. I’m 5’10" and would love to test out a TCR small with Vision Techs and front trispoke. Could be a very nice ride.
I think a more interesting comparison would be a Soloist vs comp TCR.
{{{sigh}}}
There are so many bikes out there that are meant to be ridden in an aero position, it amazes me that there are so many people insist on doing it with bikes that weren’t.
Well, good luck with your TCR - just so you know, if you get a medium you will actually be able to use the bike as a road bike if you wanted to and you can do a “testa” type TT fit on it (like Macca and Lieto). If you get a small, you will never be able to use it as a road bike, so you may as well spend the $$ on something that was designed to be aero from the get go.
Yep…John’s right. If I go the small route, it’s definately going to be a one trick pony.
However, after looking closely at the specs (while converting to CM from the inches on the Giant website…what is up with that?) and doing a VERY awful drawing…the small would yield the best (tightest) aero postion at 74 degrees with my Vision front end.
But John, I will argue with you regarding aero positioning. I truly enjoy Slowman’s article and it’s certainly noted (although I thought it was odd he didn’t mention where his bottom brackets were located) However, go to any local UCI event and you’ll see plenty of guys doing just fine on “road” bikes. Simply shorten up the front end by swapping stems or bring in the aeros. It appears most guy will favor the small Giant b/c the shorter headtube…with nearly the same effective TT as the medium.
I will pull a little bunny out of my hat…b/c I did talk with Pete at the LTF tri for some time while taking mental images of MJ’s bike. (She was on the new TT) Not too much of the conversation is relavent to this thread, but we did talk a lot about her positioning over the years… Great guy…darn funny!
So, don’t bid on any small TCRs Comps on ebay anytime soon b/c I’m looking for one now…
It appears the sun, earth and moon crossed paths on Friday as a quick “cable trip” to a LBS yielded a new, unused TCR composite small frame/fork/headset.
A very small shop I try to avoid (but was close for cable). The owner said he needed the parts for another build and the frame had been sitting there for a month.
So…for an embarrassingly low price, I picked it up along with a Burrow’s aero post.
Here’s where I need some help. For my size (76cm bb to seat top), I bought a size #6 post. Holy high! (#7 is the largest they make). I’m wondering if I’ll be having problems…I’m 170 lbs. Anybody out there with experience with Burrow’s post? Should I have a Thomson sitting by for spare? ;o)
This was pretty much an impulse purchase, but the 25 mile test ride was darn buttery yesterday.
I’m 6’2 and have a large TCR aluminum frame, setup with the short Profile Jammer GT bars. I’ve got long legs and a short torso yet this is a comfy fit, fairly low in the front end - and I can run off of it. THis is my only bike, I commute & race on it in mostly hilly courses, so it works.
Best part was that I got the thing for $800, and with some rather inexpensive upgrades I regularly have top-10 bike splits in races. Sure I’d love to be super-cool and have a pimped-out P3 like all you guys, but until I dump my 1 million shares of Dell, I’ll just have to pass you on my TCR.
How much seat post are you showing? What post are you using?
Composite or Alum?
I use a Thomson aluminum and show quite a bit, but I’m not sure of the measurements. I’ve gotten some advice on height and played with it a bit for comfort/power. My inseam is 33 inches if that helps, pretty long. I’m able to get a significant drop from saddle to bars, but it’s not at all uncomfortable. I also run bullhorns with STI shifters, so the bike may not look super traditional, it gets the job done. Wish I had a picture handy to show you…