Giant or Cube??

[Swordtail]

Should I buy a 2011 Giant TCR 0 or a 2012 Cube Peloton SL compact? They're both similar price and mainly Ultegra (I think), but I've no idea which frame is best. I'll be commuting on some fairly rough roads on it, but I want a proper race bike rather than a commuter. I currently use a 20+ year old Giant Peloton Lite, and don't have too much experience buying new.

Any opinions gratefully received.

Cheers!

 

[festival]

I am biased towards Giant I admit, but Cube do seem able to produce bikes at great value for money and they look good as well.

In my youth I was lucky enough to race on top of the range bikes of various brands, treks. colnago's,bianchi's etc, but having made a comeback to serious cycling in my 50's i now have a TCR 0 2011 model which is head and shoulders above anything I have ridden in the past even though it sits in the mid price range.

This is partly due to the general improvement in frame design in recent years , but to give you an idea, at one time i was racing on the same trek oclv frame Armstrong won his first TdeF.
The kit included mavic kysrium wheels and campag record groupset and yet my current TCR 0 is the best bike I have ever ridden.

Power transfer, aggressive performance, yet smooth ride quality, its got to be the Giant.

Giant are known for the quality of their frames, they make the frame tubing or complete bikes for many other brands, some that may suprise you.

 

[Keith Oates]

I aso have not owned or ridden a Cube but I do have a Giant TCR, which is now over four years old and I find it very good!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Moodyman]

Giant frame quality and frame design is highly regarded.

 

[xxmimixx]

I just love Cube usually they are better value for money, get very good reviews and look great (not dull like some...)

 

[tiswas-steve]

Cube ... Nuff said

 

[Friz]

To be honest you can't go far wrong with either.

 

[Ajax_Gaz]

I'm considering a Cube Peloton SL as well - don't like the colours on the Race model, but i've decided to wait until they are available to try before commiting to one.

 

[Cubist]

I'm considering a Cube Peloton SL as well - don't like the colours on the Race model, but i've decided to wait until they are available to try before commiting to one.

I'm not. I've ordered a Race on the strength of a test ride on last years's Attempt. C2W, bang on a grand with 105 and ultegra kit.

I'm kinda with you on the colourscheme by the way, but hey, it ain't a fashion parade..........

 

[xxmimixx]

I generally do not prefer red colour schemes but they are still original and not just one slap of paint for the whole frame.

I was hoping for a 10% discount to get my first Cube, I m so close to buying it yet so far. I just know that with my luck when I click on 'place order' the next day I will get some email notification of a new discount

 

[Ajax_Gaz]

I'm not. I've ordered a Race on the strength of a test ride on last years's Attempt. C2W, bang on a grand with 105 and ultegra kit.

I'm kinda with you on the colourscheme by the way, but hey, it ain't a fashion parade..........

It ain't a fashion parade, but i'm not prepared to pay £1 let alone £1k for a bike i don't like the look of never mind what the rest of it is like.

The one LBS i've been dealing with has said in their opinion the SL isn't worth the extra price anyway - especially as its running a 105 chainset like the Race, but as i said originally, i'm prepared for the bikes to be instore before i make a decision.

Sorry OP, i can't help with the original question as imo i don't really like Giant bikes, but i'd be interested to know if you did go for a Cube and which model.

 

[Swordtail]

Decided to plump for the Giant. It's slightly better specced (more Ultegra) and someone at work who knows a lot more than me about bikes reckoned the frame was a lot better. Shan't get it until January as I am using the "cyclescheme" which my work don't start until then. I'd never normally consider spending this amount of money, but the tax savings are too good to ignore.




Thanks for all your opinions!

 

[GlasgowGaryH]

Good choice

 

[Alexvs]

My LBS of choice are a Giant main dealer so only stock them and whenever I stop by on my longer weekend rides I can't help looking at the Defy's and TCR's, they really are great looking bikes. I'll probably get one of the two next spring if I can save up enough by then and by coincidence I was passed by a guy on a Defy 2 today while out which made me even more jealous. I've currently got a Giant Rapid 4 which is good for my commute but could be better for my weekend casuals. Will look forward to seeing some pics when you manage to get it.