Thoughts on Giant TCX 1?

[PlanetWilson]

I currently have a btwin triban 3 but only enough room for one bike. So been looking for a cross bike to fulfill road duties and light off-road/rough tracks so I can go out with the family. I went to a large LBS in Devon today whilst on holiday to try a Cannondale caadx(it was as ora) which was quite good but I also tried a Giant TCX1 which was lovely. The Cannondale was 600 (down from 800) but the Giant 900 (down from 1495 originally apparently)
It is an ex-demo bike so not absolutely pristine but has a 1year full guarantee. Does it sound like a good deal, looking at a bit of research it looks like the 2012 model. I can't put my finger on why I preferred it, just seemed so much nicer and smoother. It won't take mudguards though and I'd need to replace the carbon seat post if I want to use my rear Topeak bag.
I am also slightly put off by the canti brakes as I was originally looking for disc brakes. The cantis on the Cannondale were crap, the giant slightly better (I'm guessing they could possibly be adjusted)

Other bikes I had been considering were the croix de fer and boardman cx team. I haven't ridden them yet but that giant was soooo nice....

 

[vickster]

A 1 year guarantee sounds poor for a bike, Giants normally have a lifetime frame warranty (for the original owner at least)

But if you love the Giant, well that should be enough

Perhaps look around for a Whyte bike - Kings Cross or better Charing Cross..

 

[jamin100]

I changed from a boardman CX team (2012) to a giant defy 3 composite and it's a much better ride

 

[MikeW-71]

If you want mudguards and rack capability, have you looked at the Giant Revolt? I'm well pleased with mine as a commuter/social/light touring bike.

 

[lesley_x]

My Giant TCX 1 is lovely but I'm having a (admittedly very unusual) headset issue. There are other happy TCX owners on this forum. Mine is an absolute joy to ride, a lot of fun, and pretty effortless considering the type of tyres it's running. Can easily and comfortably do hours in the saddle over many terrains. Quite nippy on roads too.

I think £1450 for a TCX 1 is pretty inflated personally. I hope other owners can back this up for me. For ex-demo and 2012 I'd want more off it.

It's a more dynamic feel than my road bike IMO, more responsive almost. Quite often you can't put your finger on why a bike is better, it just is That's what test riding is all about

This is a picture of mine (2013 model)

 

[Cycleops]

Croix de Fir for me. One piece of advice though, buy product not discount.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

I think the 2012 TCX1 was a slightly higher spec' than the 2013 TCX1.

I have a 2012 frame with 2013 kit. Mine was £1099 as above discounted to £1000 with some kit thrown in FOC.

The Avid Shortys are ok if you are using the bike for CX - the 2013 has the more powerful TRP CX9 Mini V's that you can see pictured. Really good strong brakes although mine squealed until I replaced the pads with Ashima 4 Function.

I think if I was you I would be looking at either the Giant Anyroad or Revolt which are new models and to my eyes look sexy plus are well specified at around the £1k price point. Anyroad looks particularly nice to me. Links below.

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/2014.giant.anyroad.1/14991/66577/#specifications

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/2014.giant.revolt.1/14990/66575/

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Oh..great bike btw! Very comfortable and relaxing to ride.

 

[MikeW-71]

A word of warning - the Anyroad is significantly heavier than the Revolt, which is only just heavier than an aluminium Defy.

Revolt handles a lot like the Defy too, which is good.

 

[SpokeyDokey]

A word of warning - the Anyroad is significantly heavier than the Revolt, which is only just heavier than an aluminium Defy.

Revolt handles a lot like the Defy too, which is good.

I thought I read that the Revolt was slightly heavier. Can't imagine either being 'significantly' heavier tbh.

 

[MikeW-71]

I picked both up in the LBS. Revolt felt similar weight to my Defy, Anyroad felt a similar weight to my MTB.

 

[Cuchilo]

I bet its still lighter than a lot of road bikes

 

[PlanetWilson]

Croix de Fir for me. One piece of advice though, buy product not discount.

Not sure I understand? The new 2015 croix de fer does look nice but not sure where I can try one.

Maybe I'll try to get more money off the Giant.

Can you retrofit disc brakes?

 

[vickster]

Not sure I understand? The new 2015 croix de fer does look nice but not sure where I can try one.

Maybe I'll try to get more money off the Giant.

Can you retrofit disc brakes?

Evans? Have they actually changed the spec, i.e. Frame, versus the 2014, or just the colour

 

[vickster]

Not sure I understand? The new 2015 croix de fer does look nice but not sure where I can try one.

Maybe I'll try to get more money off the Giant.

Can you retrofit disc brakes?

He means buy the correct bike and not the one with the biggest discount, even if it looks to be a bargain

You need a frame that will take discs