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I am looking to get a new cross bike and I rather like the Tcx but I am un decided whether the advanced (carbon) frame is worth the extra cash over the slr (aluminium)
I have a set of race wheels that will fit the frame and fork so the heavy wheels on the slr are not necessarily a problem.
I am swaying towards the advanced but will it actually save any weight?
The intended use for the bike will be a few local cx races and the Monster cross series of rides next year
It may also become a winter road bike with a change of tyres
I lifted my mate’s two TCXs out of the van ( he has carbon and alu) , after the race on Sunday. There is a barely detectable difference in weight and he reckons he prefers the feel of the alu one. If it is relevant, he tends to be at the back of the field in V50 but has raced cross for over twenty years.
(oh and after Sunday I’ve started thinking that a TCX might replace my CAADX shortly, in aluminium.)
I have an Advanced with sram red 2x and some Reynolds assault on. I’ve upgraded to Reynolds carbon 40” bar, 120mm carbon stem.
Its a fabulous bike. IIRC it weight about 18lbs in old money.
I ran it as a mix off-road bike, competing in CX and Long Distance Off-road events (SDW/Ridgeway/NCN/MonsterCx) and plenty of long distance off the bat riding.
I’ve never had any problems with the bike, and I’ve ridden it a lot, which means normal maintenance and fettling covers all. Still on the same B.B. and headset bearings.
Mines a 2015 blue version, and its nice to know Giant haven’t changed the frame spec to date so something must be right.
Is the Carbon worth more than the Alloy? Can’t tell you that because I’ve not ridden an Alloy version.
I love mine, it’s a lifetime keeper for sure.
If interested i’ll post a pic up.
I think I have seen the pictures of your tcx - did it have orange bar tape?
If so it is a great looking bike
Yip, that’s the one blue with orange bar tape.
I mix tyre sizes on it from Limus or Griffo’s to ClemPCX and Gravel Grinders, so sizes from 33 to 44 and all easily fit in the stays.
I should go for a ride on it this weekend 👍🤔
I have a tcx slr and the mud clearance is fantastic. Is the clearance a bit more limited on the carbon version? might be something to consider if you are doing cx races.