by tarmackev on Sun Jul 03, 2016 5:56 pm
I've spent a long time working in bike shops and I've been fortunate to ride and go on demo days for most of the big brands.
Through the 2000's with carbon bikes I always had Trek which I really liked, I then moved on to Cervelo, I had my S2 in 2012 that I also liked but I had the opportunity to go on a Giant demo day.
I tried the TCR composite, advanced and advanced SL all fitted with the same Dura Ace groupset and wheels.
At the time my S2 had Dura Ace and 7850cl wheels.
I tried the composite first and was devastated that it was as good as my S2, the Advanced with Dura Ace felt better again. Stiffer, lighter, comfier.
The guys at Giant HQ said you feel the difference on the SL when you accelerate out of corners and give it full gas. They were right.
I would say the best I've ridden would be
Giants Advanced SL, TCR and Defy.
Cannondale, the original supersix hi-mod (a shame the BB requires maintenance)
Scott the current Addict and new Foil HMX
Trek, late 2000 Madone 5.9 with Dura Ace.
Most disappointing Look 695 and Wilier Cento Uno, the Wiler just never felt right, I believe it was a geometry issue with my long legs and short body (this was pre 2013,new bikes may be better).
I've never had the chance to ride a carbon Colnago or any of the real boutique bikes but it seems to me the big boys do it best, I guess the money they spend on development works.
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Last edited by
tarmackev on Sun Jul 03, 2016 5:56 pm, edited 2 times in total.