Giant TCR...roadbike question

[Roverjoe]

I had knee sugery 2 years ago and sold my Litespeed Classic to a buddy. He races and has got great use out of it, but now I want to start riding again.

I don't want to buy another super expensive bike and think I want a Giant. I'm looking at a few used TCR's and OCR's. I've got a ton of Dura Ace parts lying around. Any opinions on which bike to buy?

Joe

 

[n8thgr8]

My girlfriend just bought the SCR. It's pretty nice for the price. I see a lot of the TCR's around the island, lots of guys like them a lot, but I've never ridden one.
I'm pretty much in the same boat as you though, haven't ridden in a while, looking for a new road bike, don't want to spend tons of money.

 

[emmodg]

If you had knee surgery I'd be looking at steel frames...a lot more "give" where the seat tube, down tube and chain stays meet the bottom bracket. I raced for years and carbon and/or alum. frames beat the hell out of my knees. I had a GIANT carbon mtn bike and it felt like I was riding some 4x4 posts!

 

[adriatic04]

x2 on steel frame road bikes

 

[LRflip]

My girlfriends dad has the steel framed Giant...he rides the living shit out of it. He took some damage to his body as a grunt in the Marine Corps. so he's got the bad back, bad knees, bad neck.

He bought an all carbon bike as an upgrade and kept the steel giant.

He never rides the carbon bike.

 

[wturner]

I know an old man (65+) who had hip surgery about 2 months ago and beat me to both destinations in a 2 day 160 mile ride who rides carbon. I am no Lance Armstrong, but I am no slouch either.

Hip is much different than knee, I know, but biking is extremely low impact. I may be wrong, but if carbon frames are hurting your knees, I think you may need some adjustments on your shoes and clips because you need to correct your form.

I only have experience with carbon but everyone I have spoke with tells me that the carbon is much smoother than aluminum (not sure if aluminum = steel).

That being said, Specialized Roubaix have the "zerts" that remove a lot of vibs. That's what I have, but like I said, I don't know anything else...

 

[adriatic04]

carbon transfers the energy of impact, so knees would take it before hips. carbon is light so if you are racing it is great. aluminum does not equal steel, steel is in its own category. titanium is great for mountain bikes but I think it is too whippy for road bikes.

 

[Ed Cheung]

Had some experience with carbon and Aluminum, but not on bike, it is on camera tripod, and I think the same theory serve. Aluminum seems to damper out vibration much better than carbon, i.e. if I knock or kick on the leg of the tripod, the vibration goes up to the camera, aluminum does do the same thing but settle down much quicker.

 

[2FUELS]

Carbon is extremely stiff compared to Aluminum and even steel (transfers your power more efficiently), carbon DOES dampen road vibration (think knobbies on hard pack). However, I think a hit is a hit is a hit regardless what the frame is made from. Newer carbon bikes have shaped seat stays and even the forks are "layed up" to take some of the shock transfer out.

 

[LR Max]

I just bought a new Trek 2.1 (love it) and it was worth having the bike fitted to me, as well as my shoes.

The fitting was part of the bike purchase and the guy ended up changing A LOT of stuff around on the bike to make it fit me better. Even took measurements of my leg and such. The guy said when I was ready to move over to road shoes and pedals (currently running shimano mtn bike pedals, it is what I'm used to) that I should have them "fitted" to me to prevent problems. Makes sense.

 

[Ballah06]

I just bought a new Trek 2.1 (love it) and it was worth having the bike fitted to me, as well as my shoes.

The fitting was part of the bike purchase and the guy ended up changing A LOT of stuff around on the bike to make it fit me better. Even took measurements of my leg and such. The guy said when I was ready to move over to road shoes and pedals (currently running shimano mtn bike pedals, it is what I'm used to) that I should have them "fitted" to me to prevent problems. Makes sense.

When I got my Trek a couple years ago, it already came with the "clipless" pedals, so i got the shoes right then and there. Couldnt be more happier. They are easy to attach/detach and provide much needed help on the steeper uphills. Got SIDI for the shoe, very comfortable.

 

[mjbrox]

You will get laughed at during your local group ride. Well if the group ride is in Arlington VA that is.

Fit is going to be more important than anything else. I would get the bike from shop that knows how to properly fit you. Go to the shop, ask questions, tell them about your injury and pick the one your most comfortable with.