Let's see your Giants

[KH1]

Ah yes - it's not always about the weight. There has to be a component of style too. Occaisionally you get the best of both worlds. Luc's bike would fit into that category I feel.

[derekshred]

I can't handle looking at all these white advanced/sl's. It's filling me too high with envy. I need one.

[Tinea Pedis]

mmm....my bet is that Luc's Giant is around the 4.9kg mark...?

And no higher than 5.2

[gandini]

As posted on my website, Luc's bike weighed 5.39Kg, but it could be lighter nowdays. Mine lost a lot of weight over the years, and his could have too, but the spec looks a lot like it did back in '03.
I rode an original Giant TCR for about 5 years, and it's great bike. I got it down to 5.6Kg but in the end it was a bit of a noodle compared to modern frame designs. I personally don't like the new square downtube on the Giants, and they are not the absolute lightest frames. Nice, and very "pro" for sure.
As for the trade off between ultimate weight and that "rock solid probuild," I agree. I don't race, but I used to, and I wouldn't race my bike as it is, (especially the wheels and the chainrings!), so a more durable build would weigh more. What impresses me is that there are bikes on WW that are true hard racing machines that weigh under 6Kg. I'm positive that if the UCI limit were lowered to 6Kg, the majority of them would ride bikes close to that weight.

[sawyer]

I agree with you comment on the pros gandini. and the fact that many pros did have special light bikes for climbing when they were allowed sub 6.8kg is evidence.

thinking about it, there is a distinction between "rock solid" which can be very light and certainly sub 6KG, and "pro build", which, to me at any rate, means the use a complete un-tuned group, fairly standard branded wheels (Zipps, Boras, LWs etc.s), a stock frameset, and a co-ordinated "mainstream" package of finishing kit, tubs etc.

No doubt this is open to objection - these things always are - but there seems to be general agreement around what a probuild is. Certainly, an Addict with Red, LWs and (say) 3T LTD parts would be at 6KG or even a bit below. You do end up reducing your choice of parts greatly however if you want to get really light, solid AND probuild.

[KH1]

The other factor in race/durability is longevity. It would be really interesting to see some experience put in a sticky somewhere on the life of some of the super WW parts. That factor alone can be the difference between will I race that part or not. The lower the life expectancy the more risk you have it will fail mid race.

[flameboy]

Here is my Giant Omnium 2010, 6.830gr

[Tinea Pedis]

Just curious guys, are the decals under the clear coat?

[gandini]

The Decals were under the clear coat on my Giant (older), and I've never seen one that wasn't. Unfortunately...

[sawyer]

the main decals on the TCR Advanced 2010 are raw carbon with white paint round them.

[range]

Makes me think about the TCR Advanced SL LTD that's available in my size with Di2. I might have to get it.

[KH1]

That would be a nice ride.

[steve long]

last years tcr advanced sl with new mavic wheels approx 15.5lbs, not the best of pictures though

[Perfition]

VERY nice - In my opinion the 2009 Giant TCR Advanced SL is one of the best looking frames out there. I don't like the new 2010 in matte black...

[range]

@Perfition, I used to think as you do, but the 2010 models kind of grow on you.