Posts Tagged ‘Giant’

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Tale of Two Giants

Saturday, February 13th, 2010

It is done. I finally have the two Giant TCR Advanced frames built up. This all started back in September and is ending here in February. Now I’ll have another choice to make whenever I decide to go for a ride — do I ride white, or do I ride black?

Back when I joined the POA Cycling Team, I sold my Specialized Tarmac Pro and my first road bike, a Specialized Allez Elite, in order to get the team bike -- a black 2009 TCR Advanced with Force components. It was a great bike and I was glad I made the switch.  However, the problem it created was that I only had one bike.

2009 Giant TCR Advanced

2009 Giant TCR Advanced

Now, for most people that isn’t a problem. What I found for me was that I often ran into situations where I would have the bike in the shop for a tune-up or to have something fixed that I had broken, and I would be bike-less. I came to regret getting rid of both of those bikes.

That was never more the case than in September 2009 when I was taken out in a race. The black Giant was cracked on the top tube. I had no bike at all.

Thankfully, Giant sent me a replacement frame. To make things nicer, it was a 2010 Giant TCR Advanced. I was able to build it up with 2010 SRAM Force components. It was the bike I used to ride the relay from Greenville to Austin in October.

2010 Giant TCR Advanced

2010 Giant TCR Advanced

When Giant sent me the new frame, they did not request me to return the old one. At first I didn’t know what to do with it. Then a friend of mine told me that he had a frame fixed with Calfee Design. I looked into it and found that for a little over $300 I could get the black frame fixed.

So, I sent it off and received it about the time we placed the team order for 2010 SRAM parts for the team. It is way too good of a deal to pass up and I decided to snag some Red components. The plan was to move the Force group to the black TCR Advanced and put the Red group on the white TCR Advanced.

FINALLY, after months it all came together. Then I couldn’t decide which bike to use as my primary bike! That is important because my one Quarq CinQo powermeter is in the crank -- a SRAM S900. The number 1 bike would need to have that crank.

After a bit of deliberation, I decided to go with my original plans. I get differing reactions from people regarding the look of the two bikes. Some like the white. Some like the black. I think I like the both.

Maybe I’ll be able to find a way to get power on the black bike and I’ll be able to switch between the two of them more often. I could ride the one that best fits the mood of the day! More importantly, I’ll have a bike to ride whether one is in the shop or not.

Now… if the snow would just clear from the roads so I could ride one of them…

Ebony and ivory

Ebony and ivory

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SRAM Red, White, and Black

Friday, February 5th, 2010

What do I do now? Before Christmas I ordered some components as part of my POA Cycling Team deal with SRAM. I’m certain John, at Sunshine Cycle Shop, grew weary of me asking when the order would arrive. Well, I’ll pester him no longer. The order arrived yesterday.

Now I’m left with a quandary. Which frame do I put the components on? The white Giant or the black one?

2009 (black) and 2010 (white) TCR Advanced frames

2009 (black) and 2010 (white) TCR Advanced frames

My original intention was to move the ‘09 Force group from the white bike to the black bike and then build up the white one with the ‘10 Red group. With that in mind I ordered a new Force crank so I could keep my SRAM S900 with the Quarq CinQo on the white bike.

That would have full Red on the white bike except for the crank and full Force on the black bike. It all made perfect sense until some friends told me I should consider racing the black frame with the Force group and leave the white frame and the Red for the cookie rides. The idea makes sense.

Let’s face it, there really isn’t that much of a difference in the components. Yes, the Red is lighter with a slightly different construction, but when it comes to someone at my skill level it really doesn’t make that much difference. I hate to say it, but it really comes down to what looks good.

That is the problem. Since I only have one Quarq CinQo and I am training this year, I have to keep the powermeter crank on the bike that I plan to race. Unless I plan to mix the Force crank with the remaining Red group, I have to keep the Red stuff with the S900.

I’m leaning heavily toward my original plan – build the white Giant up with the Red group and the CinQo. The black bike would then be all Force. If looks count for anything, that is definitely the way to go.

2010 Giant TCR Advanced

2010 Giant TCR Advanced

Then again… if I race the white Giant, I will be the only POA rider on a white bike — all the other Giant frames on the team are black. Also, the black frame is the repaired frame and keeping the white frame out of the racing action would keep it safer. Who cares if the black frame gets nicked?

2009 Giant TCR Advanced

2009 Giant TCR Advanced

Then again… you only live once and that white frame is really sweet. With the Red group on it, that white Giant is going to stand out… though I have to admit the black frame just looks more menacing.

Silly, isn’t it?

Help!!!! I can’t make up my mind!

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My first paint chip on my 2010 Giant TCR Advanced

Wednesday, January 6th, 2010

I love my Giant TCR Advanced. It is kind of cool because it is somewhat unique. Since it is a replacement frame to replace one that was damaged last year, it has a different paint scheme than what you will see on your LBS floor. Funny, but I have had people comment that they like the look of the replacement frame better than the floor model.

Then the other night I was switching out my rear skewer so I could put it on the trainer. As I released the lock the rear seat stay flexed out (as normal) and a white flake of paint popped off. “Oh great!” I thought to myself. “My first damage to the frame and I didn’t even do anything.”

My first paint chip on the 2010 TCR

My first paint chip on the 2010 TCR

Interestingly, I was able to get a glimpse of the paint job. At least at that point of the bike, it is pretty thick! The chip that came off felt pretty substantial.  I think it would have taken a bit of force to try to break it in two. I didn’t try, of course!

So, I went about fixing it. At first I thought of getting some model paint and touch up the spot. Then I remembered some glue that my son and I were using to fix some of his toys. It was Elmers brand Gorrilla Glue. It did a good job on the toys and since this chip was more like a “piece” than a flake, I decided to try gluing it.

Applying the Elmers Gorrilla Glue

Applying the Elmers Gorrilla Glue

After letting it set for a bit, I took some white fingernail polish and coated it a few times. Later I checked on it and it was pretty solid. I’ve ridden it several times since then and the blemish is still there, but you would have to be looking for it.

The finished repair

The finished repair

I would be interested in knowing if anyone else has had any issues with the paint job on the Giant. This is the replacement frame that is a matte finish. I did not damage the frame by bumping it into anything or crashing.

It almost appears that the rear dropout must flex and it loosened a weak point in the paint causing it to pop off. I say that because the chip actually “popped” away from the frame as though it was under pressure and then released.

Oh well, no big deal, at least I don’t have to be so obsessive about avoiding my first scratch. There is also a measure of relief that the first one was not due to my stupidity! I’m still loving the bike.

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A Calfee repair is all it is cracked up to be

Thursday, December 31st, 2009

Maybe you remember this video I took back in September 2009. It was a sad thing to watch as it shows my 2009 Giant TCR Advanced frame with a massive crack going nearly around the top tube. I had given up for a loss.

Then a friend of mine told me that he was sending a frame off to Calfee Design for a repair. To make a long story short, I decided to give the service a try. Less than two months after sending the frame out to California, it arrived back at Sunshine Cycle Shop when I was out of town last week.

I got to see it today. Wow! It looks even better in person. Yes, if you look close, you can see where the repair was made.  However, as I told someone at the shop… “You won’t be able to notice it when I’m going pass you!” Now I’ve got $1500 quality frame for just a few hundred. Can’t wait to get my SRAM Force group set on that thing!

So, would I recommend you send your next busted carbon fiber frame to Calfee Design? You betcha. Be sure to remember this URL -- CalfeeDesign.com.

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Posted in Bicycles, Review | 3 Comments »

The siren call of white

Friday, December 4th, 2009

After meeting with Dave Mruz with Eastside Chiropractic, I knew I needed to do something about my saddle. It crossed my mind to see if somehow I could repair it. I realized that was playing with fire seeing all the trouble I was having. The decision was made to get a new one.

On my way to Sunshine Cycle Shop, I thought it through and it only made sense to get the same saddle this time around. First, I love the Toupe saddle. It is the saddle I have used since I started riding the road bike. Second, it would make the adjustment of the bike much easier seeing that the measurements could be moved from the old to the new and there would be less chance for an ill fit.

Then it was time for the most important question of all… What color should I get?

Specialized Toupe Saddle - White

Specialized Toupe Saddle - White

I decided on white. When I first got the white frame, I determined I would not go euro and turn it into an all white bike. The temptation was there and I was even encouraged to do so. However, I resisted.

I grabbed several saddles and put them in position on the seat post. After alternating back and forth between the white and black, I just couldn’t get away from the white. The black and gray accents just seemed to be made for my Giant TCR Advanced frame — which is white, gray, and black. I just had to do it.

Looking good with the white Giant TCR Advanced

Looking good with the white Giant TCR Advanced

Now I’m pretty pleased with the look. I still have the black bar tape going. I really don’t see myself going white with that. However, I might try a gray tape at some point when my current black wears out.

Yep, the white is taking over. Next up? Check it out!

Specialized BG S-WORKS Road Shoe

Specialized BG S-WORKS Road Shoe

Purrrfect!  White out!

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White and black but still the same

Sunday, September 6th, 2009

Why change a good thing?  I can be sometimes bad about that.  There are times when I’ll keep using something for longer than I really need.  My ProFlex 757 was one of those.  However, things didn’t get much better than my 2009 Giant TCR Advanced.

2009 (black) and 2010 (white) TCR Advanced frames

2009 (black) and 2010 (white) TCR Advanced frames

Of course, you can’t see here, but the top tube of the black frame above is cracked.  This caused me to order a replacement frame.  It arrived last week.

Just after cleaning my 2010 Giant TCR Advanced

Just after cleaning my 2010 Giant TCR Advanced

At first, I thought the frame had a different geometry.  I kept looking and it appeared that the rear triangle of the 2010 frame was different.  The chain stays appeared to be thicker and the carbon molding seemed to have some different angles.

I'm loving the head tube graphics.

I'm loving the head tube graphics.

Even the head tube seemed to be smaller.  Other TCR Advanced owners commented that it appeared the seat tube was also more aerodynamic.  It was enough to get me to get the two frames side by side for some close inspection.

Pretty cool graphics on the seat tube as well.

Pretty cool graphics on the seat tube as well.

Bottom line is that the only changes between the 2009 and 2010 frames are the paint jobs and graphics.  I loved my black Advanced.  To be honest, I wasn’t real excited about getting a white frame, but it was the only replacement frame that they had.

The chain stays are going to be the challenge.

The chain stays are going to be the challenge.

Now that I have it, I really like it.  The graphics have some nice visual tricks.  For instance, what appears to be black decals on the down tube are actually exposed carbon weave.  It is the same with the “graphics” running along the top tube.  In the sun light you can clearly see the weave.

Let's get out an ride!

Let's get out an ride!

So, I had hoped to come and give a review of how much better the new frame is.  Well, here is the good news.  It is just like old frame.  On yesterday’s ride I had people asking me if I liked the ride of the new frame.  My answer was, “Well, I don’t even realize I’m on a new frame until I look down at it.”

That is exactly how I hoped it would be.  It does look sweet…

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I’ve been framed

Thursday, September 3rd, 2009

I’ve talked a bit about my lack of a bike to ride recently.  However, I haven’t shown you any pictures of the damage.  That is partly because I didn’t want to look at it.  My bike has been at Sunshine Cycle Shop since the day I crashed.  Well, I stopped by yesterday to go out with the old and in with the new.

You get the idea of the force with which that guy hit me.  People have the impression that carbon fiber is very fragile.  Really it isn’t.  It takes just the right force applied in just the right way to end up with a result like that.

Well, out with the old!

The crack in my 2009 Giant TCR Advanced frame

The crack in my 2009 Giant TCR Advanced frame

In with the new!

My new 2010 Giant TCR Advanced frame!

My new 2010 Giant TCR Advanced frame!

The main reason why I stopped by the shop was because John had sent me a text just as I sat down for lunch letting me know that the replacement frame from Giant had arrived.  Oooooooo, a 2010 Giant TCR Advanced frame with a white satin mate finish.  The lettering is a combination of exposed carbon weave and a black paint with silver highlights.

The frame weighs in at 2.8 pounds.  The geometry seems to be the same, but the size of the tubes seem to be a bit smaller.  I’ll have a better idea of the setup once my components get moved over.  Oh, there is also a matching fork to complete the set.

Funny, but the new SRAM Force shifters I received have white accents.  It is as though they were made for this frame.  I’ve got my fingers crossed hoping that today I’ll get another text from John telling me that I need to take this sweetness out for a test ride!

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One more reason for cyclists to love the Honda Fit

Monday, April 20th, 2009

Thursday night is the POA Cycling Team’s first POA Cycling Summer Series race.  It is also the night of the beautiful redhead’s play rehearsal.  I’ve got to find something to do with the Things Three.

The Honda Fit comes to the rescue!  I really try to avoid driving the Suburban if I can help it.  It seems like a lot of truck just to haul a bicycle around.  My Honda Fit is set up just perfect for carrying my bike.

Unfortunately, add three kids to the mix and you have a space problem… or so you would think.  Tonight I went out to try an idea.  What if I could put the kids in the back seat and then load the bike in the back compartment?

Three peas in a pod... and a bicycle too!

Three peas in a pod... and a bicycle too!

It turns out that it works just great.  I even have some space left for the rest of my gear.  Now, I can head over to help set up for the event and drop the kids off with their grandparents on the way.  Hopefully, they’ll all be able to come over to the old Greenville Braves stadium for the race at 6 PM.

At least there is plenty of room in that back seat!  This might be the ticket for them to come up to Marion when they pick me up after I finish the Assault On Mount Mitchell.

Three kids & a bike in the back... Mom & Dad in the front

Three kids & a bike in the back... Mom & Dad in the front

Once again, I can’t say enough about my 2009 Honda Fit.  I used it going down the Charleston for the criterium races this weekend and it made a great platform for all the things I needed.  One of the best advantages?  I could park in places larger vehicles couldn’t.

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Sometimes you just need a Giant carrot

Friday, April 17th, 2009

First things first.  You’ll notice the sponsor section over to the right – on the main page.  I’m trying to line up some sponsors for the blog and I’m glad to say that Quarq is the first on board.  Obviously, I’m looking for sponsors who have products I use and believe in.  Quarq falls in the category.  Thanks Jim and Mieke!

Now for the ride. I sent a text message to John James early in the day.  We had been getting together to do some riding and Thursday evening was supposed to be the next opportunity.  He responded with “I’m riding easy.”  I was hoping he would say that.  A hard ride on Tuesday and Wednesday had me tired.

When I showed up I found that Bob Rentz was there.  Now things were getting to be like old times.  Mike and Art had ridden the night before so a reunion wouldn’t be complete.  Matt – Turner, that is – was there as was Anthony and Rob.  The only guy along for the ride that I hadn’t ridden with before was James Barker, the regional sales representative for Giant.

We rolled out and indeed it was a nice leisurely ride for the most part.  For the first hour we averaged 161 watts.  The only excitement during that hour was nearly having the whole group taken out by a family with a bassett hound in the middle of the road.

We came around a curve and there they were.  The poor dog didn’t even move.  I did my best to keep from taking down both Matt and myself when my wheel got caught between his wheel and deraileur.

The only other dog issue came when a little wiener dog came flying out in the road to eat me up.  I had been lulled to a false sense of safety because most of the homes in that area had hidden fencing.  So, as I saw the little runt heading across the grass toward us, I figured he would stop.  No.  He kept coming.  My fear wasn’t that he would bite me.  I was afraid he would get that pointed nose stuck in my spokes!

Then it was time to climb Altamont.  I started up behind Matt and James.  This would be James’ first attempt up the climb.  I was curious to see how he would do.

Matt eased up some and then Anthony came to join us.  Before long it was just James, Anthony, and myself.  At the halfway point, Anthony backed off and I was left to hang onto James’ wheel.

He didn’t look in trouble at all.  He was just holding a steady cadence.  I started getting into difficulty.  This was not supposed to be a night for an effort.  With about a third to go, I eased up just slightly and just focused on my own pace.

I figured the one thing I had going for me was that James had not climbed this road before.  He had never encountered “The Wall.”  I decided to recover a bit and see where he was in front of me when we were both on that stretch.

When I entered the straight, I could see him about halfway up.  I dropped my gear about three rings and stood on it to see if I could at least come up close behind him.  As I reached the halfway point, I looked up to see him in trouble.  Ah! There was a chance!

I started huffing and puffing to get around him and passed him in the last 30 to 50 meters.  I rolled across the KOM line in 12 minutes and 12 seconds – just 7 seconds off of my personal best.  My Quarq CinQo was telling me I had put out an average of 304 watts for the 12 minute climb.  Mr. Barker was a very good carrot!

I figure he came across no more that 15 seconds later.  So, his first ever attempt of Altamont was around 12 minutes and 30 seconds.  I guarantee that his second time would be better.  Matt put in a 13:12 effort – a personal best for the big man.

Of course, we still had to go down.  Anthony took off to claim that prize.  Matt and I took off after him.  Sure enough, James was right on our tail.

Matt had his best climb ever up the mountain, but when he is along on a ride I figure the downhill portion belongs to him.  He and Anthony were tearing it up and I was just along for the ride.  I’m still a little fearful after my broken finger incident so I was not taking some of the turns as hot as they.  I slowed James down a bit.

As we came off the mountain it was Matt in front with Anthony, myself, and James finishing up the train.  I tried to get some momentum to come out of the draft, but the two guys in front were just too strong to get around.

The best part?  I feel great!  This weekend is the State Criterium Championships and I’ll be joining my teammates to see how we can do.  I’ll admit that this is not my favorite style of racing, but maybe if I just do it some more I’ll get used to it.

All I know is that we have some awesome bikes to ride on out there.  Thanks, James!

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I took a ride with Craig’s bike

Saturday, March 21st, 2009

After work Friday, I headed out on what I thought would be an easy spin around Cleveland Park.  Saturday was to be a long day in the saddle as I was to ride 5 hours in a fund raiser ride.  That isn’t too bad, except this five hours would going around in a one mile circuit.

While easily spinning along I came to a stop sign to turn right.  I thought I saw the shadow of a rider coming up behind me.  I made the turn and then the following turn onto Woodland Way to begin the climb.  That is when the rider came up beside me.

I glanced over and heard him say, “Nice bike.”  That, of course, made me look at his own bike.  It was a Giant and looked like a TCR Advanced frame.  However, there were numerous other markings on it that I didn’t decipher at the time.  “Yes, these Giants are very nice.  I love mine,” I replied.

We continued on talking about riding and racing.  Around one turn I asked him if the bike was an SL model.  Clay responded that indeed it was.  We went back to talking about various training methods and our plans for the year.

He asked me if I had raced any this year and I told him that I had only been able to do the River Falls race because of my broken pinkie.  He then asked me about the accident.  I told him the story and finished up by telling him that I rode up to the top of the mountain after the wreck with Craig Lewis.

He looked over at me and said, “This is his bike.”  I took a little closer of a look and realized those markings I couldn’t make out on the front fork were Team Highroad stickers.  Sure enough I looked closer and saw other sponsor logos.

Turns out Clay Jones is a member of the Hincapie Triathlon team and had taken a look at some of the Giant bikes that the local Hincapie Barkley team were releasing because of the bike sponsor change.  None of them worked well (the SL bikes have the integrated seat post).  There was another bike there that fit him perfectly.  It was Craig’s.

Craig was willing to sell and Clay got a pretty good deal on a very sweet bike.  There really wasn’t that much of a difference in the look of the two bikes.  The SL had the integrated seat post.  Our components were different and the SL was about a pound lighter.

Clay said that the bike pretty much had fallen in his lap and maybe he had spent a little more money than he had originally planned (that is not to say he didn’t get a VERY good deal), but it was worth it.  I told him that not only did he get a great bike, but he got a really cool story to go along with it.

By the way, Clay wore me out.  And so, that is how I ended up riding with Craig Lewis’ bike.  Hey, Craig, when you get ready to get rid of that Scott… give me a call!

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