I just purcahsed a 2004 Giant TCR Aero size medium. The specs show a 75 degree seat tube angle yet the same bike for 2003 showed it as 72.5. Does anyone know if giant actually made these changes? The frame looks identical. Also is anyone using bar end shifters on this bike? Right now I have it set with STI on pursuit bars and would like to make the change. I have the saddle and stem set in a way that gives me the 90 degree angles etc.
Jeff
I believe that they did change this year from 73.5 to 75 degrees on the aero model. The other TCR’s remain at 73.5. The new aero should work quite well in this “multi-sport” position.
I know a guy who has a TCR (73.5) with the saddle pushed ahead to 75 who has bar end shifters with Vision Tech one piece bar. He only runs sprints and he’s really fast.
I know they changed to seat tube angle a little, up to 75*, but don’t know if they changed anything else. So I wonder if the bike is now easier to get into a positon where it does not handle as well. I’m willing to bet you could get the seat tube angle to 78* on a 0 off set seat post with the seat shoved all the way up. Most folks concur that the TCR does not handle well set up as such and if Giant did no more than change the angle it may not be that big of deal functionally.
FWIW, I really had a hard time not buying one of the new 2004s due the price I could get one for, but opted to pass as I already have road bikes and am not convinced the TCR aero fills the bill for a specific TT bike.
“Most folks concur that the TCR does not handle well set up as such and if Giant did no more than change the angle it may not be that big of deal functionally.”
That’s true. You would think that they would have also shortenned the top and head tubes slightly to compensate for the new seat tube angle. This would put you lower in the front and more in a TT/tri position. This would mean the new Aero is not desireable as a road bike but is now a genuine TT/tri bike and should be sold as such. If they didn’t, it’s an indication tat they still don’t really understand the concept. You’d think at least somebody there would take the time to read Slowman’s articles!