Road Wheelsets - What are my Options?

[Mr Purple]

I've previously got around this by matching valve stems, bottle cages and out in front mounts in brighter colours - first orange and then red.

I think I'll go silver with this one to match with the top tube branding.

The shop has confirmed the replacement is another XS and a 2024 model so a reasonable upgrade. I have some vague worries I'm still riding another undersized frame because the geometry on this one matches the last one, which matched my Bowman Palace, which matched my 2007 Avanti Giro. The Focus size calculator puts me on an 'M' which is clearly way too big.

Either way it's within 3mm on reach and stack on on the old one so will presumably ride the same. Though weirdly the effective top tube is apparently 13mm shorter. I don't know how that works.

[blizzard]

Steeper seat tube angle on the the 2024 makes up the difference.

[Mr Purple]

Ah, yeah. 73.6 degrees versus 74.5 degrees. Makes sense.

Similar stack, similar reach, more fork rake, shallower head angle on the new one. Explains why the old one was always a darty old thing.

Should be ok though the Focus size calculator says that one's for up to 166cm (I'm 172cm). My Checkpoint is also allegedly for up to 168cm.

[Mr Purple]

Glad I didn't buy any wheelset after all.

Stopped by the shop yesterday to sort out the minor fit issues (easily resolved) and a mate of the mechanic is considering making an offer for the whole build.

Depending on how close I get to a TCR Ultegra Di2 that gets me I might just take the offer and get a proper fit done.

[warthog1]

Sounds like a good plan Mr. P

[blizzard]

Glad I didn't buy any wheelset after all.

Stopped by the shop yesterday to sort out the minor fit issues (easily resolved) and a mate of the mechanic is considering making an offer for the whole build.

Depending on how close I get to a TCR Ultegra Di2 that gets me I might just take the offer and get a proper fit done.

Good call, looks like the TCR Ultegra Di2 is on sale for $7k online, pretty sure it's cheaper in-store. When I got my MTB, Giant Brisbane's price in-store was $250 cheaper than online before negotiation.

[Mr Purple]

Yep I saw that yesterday. $1200 off the TCR is very tempting!

[Andy01]

Yep I saw that yesterday. $1200 off the TCR is very tempting!

And, bear in mind that (the last time I looked) Giant Brisbane shops offer a 10% discount for Cycling Brisbane (BCC) membership. On the CB website it has a link and codes. It only mentioned two shops, but I got Indooroopilly to match it (back in 2021).

[Mr Purple]

Stopped by Giant Brisbane today and yep, they have stock. That price until Friday.

Just have to get out of the other shop whether they want to sell on the built up Focus before then now.

[warthog1]

Hope they will.
Giant is a great choice imo. Nobody makes more CF bicycles, given they make them for so many other brands. Great reputation for warranty support and given their expertise, it doesn't make sense they wouldn't apply their knowledge and expertise to their racing bike.

[Mr Purple]

Shop just bought the Focus, to be confirmed Tuesday.

New bike time! Will also check out an Aethos this afternoon.

[blizzard]

Sounds like either option you will be a winner.

[Mr Purple]

Sounds like either option you will be a winner.

TCR it is.

The Aethos is $8k for last year's Ultegra Di2 version - no PM, really old fashioned (i.e. narrow) wheelset and alloy bars.

Tempting until I price in the cost of upgrading the bars, wheelset and adding a power meter.

[blizzard]

Is it this colourway?


Its a great looking bike, I didn't realise Giant's handlebar widths are actually quite modern ie. narrow. The wheel look good but still dubious on hookless, however Giant does seem to do more rigorous testing than other brands.

[warthog1]

Hookless is not an issue with wider tyres. Giant hookless wheels are well regarded and allow a higher pressure than the etrto limit for some tyres.
My WR50 are 25mm wide int. Currently running 30mm f and 32mm r. 55psi at each end is plenty at my 75-76kg.
Mr P would need less pressure being significantly lighter.
The etrto limit is plenty high enough with wider tyres and the wider tyres carry advantages in grip, comfort and wear.

[Mr Purple]

Yes, that colourway.

I was expecting to have to change the bars but they’re actually 370mm wide at the hoods so perfect!

[Mr Purple]

Picked up the TCR Ultegra Di2 today. Decent bike fit at the shop, and snuck in a quick 4km ride in a break in the weather.

It is lightening fast, and utterly without vice. As in I was comfortable in two seconds on it after not being on a lightweight bike for 4 months, whereas every time I hopped on my Izalco Max it'd take a few blocks to get used to being stabbed in the eye again.

The freehub is very, very loud. Not sure about that yet! How they do a 1330g carbon spoked wheelset and dual sided PM for that price I have no idea. Have a happy afternoon planned calibrating the PM properly, waxing a few chains and fitting my Berk Lupina.

For anyone wondering (Giant don't tell you weights) a TCR Advanced Pro 0 in 'S' comes in at 7.5kg on the dot with a cage and Ultegra pedals (248g). Swapping the saddle over will save 100g and I can probably save another 50g with a lighter cage but after that I'm done.

Nice to have something that doesn't need modification out of the box!

[blizzard]

Sounds great, Giant in Australia is insane value.

[am50em]

It is a really nice bike! With a PM as delivered, great value.

[warthog1]

Good stuff Mr P!
Need some photos

[blizzard]

I saw the Strava pics, great looking bike, would a Defy have fit you better?

[Mr Purple]

I saw the Strava pics, great looking bike, would a Defy have fit you better?

No, the TCR was about perfect, bike fitter saw no issues. First ride was like slipping into an old pair of shoes, which was weird for something this fast. And it's fast!

Indoor pictures only unfortunately due to the weather.



Downloaded the appropriate app, calibrated the PM, waxed the chain and all good to go. Expect torrential weather tomorrow.

[warthog1]

Looks good.
Plenty of spacers under the stem, which is where Blizzard may be coming from. Defy have a taller head tube I believe. If it's comfortable that's what counts.

[jasonc]

Nice colour Mr p. You may want to black out that rego

[blizzard]

More whether the Defy would get a similar fit with less spacers. It's supposed to be more comfortable than the TCR whilst still being quite agile.

Either way it's a killer looking bike, probably my favourite finish in the current TCR range. As much as the Propel is supposed to be faster and almost as light I just really like the look of the TCR .