Test driving and some rest

My leg was still a little sore today, so I decided to hold off on any riding today. It'll be an intense week, so I'd rather sacrifice a day in hopes of getting some solid training in later in the week. I got a call from the LBS, telling me they'd built up the bikes for me to test.


First up was the TCR2 ( I was actually interested in the TCR 1, but for purposes of trying out the ride, the lower spec'd TCR 2 would work fine.).
The bike felt good. It was responsive and pretty comfortable over rough road. The higher priced TCR1 would make a great bike, with it's nicer Ultegra and Dura-Ace component package.



Next up was the TCR C3. This is Giant's lowest priced carbon TCR model. Shimano 105 is standard with this bike, and that was the reason I was kinda leaning towards the TCR1. I'm a firm believer in a good component spec.

After spending some time on this bike I can see why carbon is the in thing. The overall feel of the bike was similar to its aluminum cousin, as they share the same geometry. That's where the similarities end though. While the aluminum TCR 1 was a light, responsive bike I was not prepared for how...zippy the carbon TCR3 would be. In addition to being considerably more responsive than the TCR1, the carbon really took the edge of the small bumps/cracks/holes in the pavement.
What is the verdict? I am gonna go with the carbon TCR. The Shimano 105 might not last as long and/or work as crisply as the Ultegra/Dura Ace, but the ride of the carbon is awfully hard to pass up. That said, I might change my mind before it comes down to plopping some Benjamins on the bike. Ya never know...for now though, the TCR C3 has the nod.