[Closed] 2015 Giant TCX SLR mutterings

You missed the Spesh Diverge. Oh, and all of the CDFBrandingMuddle from Genesis.

🙂

The 1x11 TCX looks lurvely, though!
[img] [/img]

You missed the Spesh Diverge. Oh, and all of the CDFBrandingMuddle from Genesis.

At the moment not all manufacturers have all the new bikes in one place, so missed some out to avoid a million links.

Croix De Fer 30 looks nice, if a little pricey over the standard model.

[img] [/img]

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/article/genesis-croix-de-fer-30-first-look-41889/

Want that TCX Advanced (any idea if they'll do frame only on it this year?) [s]Though the Saracen Avro has piqued my interest, good price too, chuck on a decent set of wheels and that could be a nice race bike.[/s] (bugger, no clearance road bike) The Crux Elite Carbon looks good too, blimey only £2k, tempting.

On the subject of the Specializeds. It seems they have split the Crux models into EVO and regular models. With the EVO being 'gravel' bikes. Although, it seems to only actual difference is different tyres and saddle.

Edit: The carbon evo has a carbon post it seems. Non-evo doesn't.

[img] [/img]

http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bikes/2015-early-launch-bikes/compare/#/1274-15CruX-15CruXCruXEliteEVO/1274-15CruX-15CruXCruXElite/

[img] [/img]

http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bikes/2015-early-launch-bikes/compare/#/1274-15CruX-15CruXCruXSportE5/1274-15CruX-15CruXCruXSportE5Evo/

Is a bit weird that. Those pointy beak seat posts look bloody awful. Their frame only offering comes with it too, enough to put me off, well that and the awful orange colour.

Is anyone spec'ing SRAM hydros? Manufacturers put off my the debacle of last year?

Is anyone spec'ing SRAM hydros? Manufacturers put off my the debacle of last year?

The way I see it, is that SRAM hydros were only used last year as they were the only option on the market. Obviously, there are question as to whether they rushed the product to the market a little bit too quickly. given the recalls on the HRD700s.

The fact that nearly everyone seems to be using the Shimano RS685 hydros this year seems to confirm manufacturers have lost a bit of faith in SRAM.

...plus their shifter looked terrible. IMHO.

On a sidenote, if anyone is a S or a L on a Giant, you could do a lot worse than this with £1k off:

http://www.pedalon.co.uk/acatalog/giant-tcx-advanced-1-2014.html

Dammit, if that was an ML I'd be on my way to Tadley now. Hmm wonder if the price would apply to ones that are not in stock? May need to give them a bell.

I would fit the small, but really not a fan of SRAM. plus I wonder if they have had the revised brakes fitted.

Having sold the Haibike Noon (it was too small and my reservations about the wheels were justified...) I had for several months I'm looking again - and I'm back onto the CAADX. Ticks all the boxes; good frame, has mounts for rack and mudguards for optional touring.

Not fussed about 1x11 or hydro brakes. Not even sure if worth waiting for 2015 spec.

Just back in from the LBS and saw some Ridley alloy frames... the welding was, to be polite, agricultural in appearance.

Cannondale do make a nice frame.

Normally ship with poo brakes, tho.

not sure why they're showing the 2015 Giants, the 2014 bikes still arent available according to Giant UK

[img] [/img]

Cannondale offerings [url= http://www.cxmagazine.com/cannondale-2015-superx-caadx-cyclocross-bikes-prices-specs ]here[/url]. Can't find any UK prices though.

I rather like the look of the SuperX CX1...

[img] [/img]

I've got the TCX Advanced, it's rather Ace actually.

There were few choices around when I started looking for a Racy CX. I was looking to start doing some training for CX racing for the winter and bike choice had to fit in the Race category first then be comfortable for Hacking. I looked at Ridleys, TREK’s and some one off builds and stumbled on the Giant when meandering into Giant St Pauls in London.
First impressions were love at first sight. Light, fast, in baby blue, full on carbon sexyness and I bought it. I have suffered, like so many, from the SRAM Hydro debacle but I’m not going to moan about that again on here, suffice to say I’ve had the bike back for 4 weeks now and it’s bloody excellent.
For me it fit’s it’s a Medium, it’s light (but I don’t know what it weighs) it’s bloody racy and yet comfortable to Hack all day on it (I did a 65k mixed bridleway/singletrack/Downs blast yesterday) and still came back wanting for more.
A few points I’ll consider upgrading, the wheels aren’t particularly light so I’ll change them in the next few weeks and, well thats it.
I’f anyones around the Downs you’ll see me hacking it and you are more than welcome to take a peek/have a go.
Service and support form Giant has been exceptional, have to say it’s the first time I’ve ever been impressed by a dealer and St Pauls have been more than helpful and accommodating. First Giant bike and now not that last.
It cost £3k, but for me that was way worth it.

Hmm 2015 Advanced Pro 1 in blue with shimano hydros and ultegra shifting... 🙂

[img] [/img]

Bit surprised not to see a new Trinity in the Giant line up for 2015, probably one for another thread/forum though!

Service and support form Giant has been exceptional, have to say it’s the first time I’ve ever been impressed by a dealer and St Pauls have been more than helpful and accommodating. First Giant bike and now not that last.

Oh and this has also been my experience with Giant. They really are very good and my LBS has nothing but praise for them, especially when it comes to not pissing about over warranty issues. Love my TCR and really want that TCX!

For all those not down with the kids.

Hack = Ride 😛

^^ thats the fella. 😀

Thing to note is that this year Giant haven't changed the frames at all, ok some new model additions but the TCX's are the same bikes in all but a few add on bits.

They look better in the flesh 8)

Hack = Hack = Hack.

Gotta love Hacking. 😆

I have a couple of "offroad" routes around London if anyone fancies a Hack in an evening 😀

Quick edit: the bike came supplied with mudguard fittings, little plastic jobbies to attach the rear to the stays and the front to the forks..

What a waste 😆 😆

I've also changed the tyres to Griffo's and they're running slightly thinner than the supplied Sam's that came with it. I will probably use the Sams in deepest Winter but for now whilst it's rocket fast out there the Griffo's are the deal, tubeless of course.

One small thing, not that it's affected me just yet, the front brake routing.. still unsure as to the logic of routing it through the front fork.. 😆

@Bikebuoy

How are the revised HRD700s? Also, do the shifters look as bulbous in real life?

One small thing, not that it's affected me just yet, the front brake routing.. still unsure as to the logic of routing it through the front fork..

I had a TCX SLR 2 briefly, and the front cable routing just shouted 4pm on a Friday decision. Very surprised it seems to be the same again on the 2015 bikes.

So far, out all I have seen, I am thinking the Spesh Carbon Evo for £2k stands out. 11 speed 105, carbon frame/fork/post and TRP HY/RD.

Jamie - Freeloader!
@Bikebuoy

How are the revised HRD700s? Also, do the shifters look as bulbous in real life?

Well I'm a hoods guy and to be honest they are better at gripping/holding than the last set that were on it. Bulbous? I'd say no, not at all. Comfortable? yes, yes they are. Shifting? yes they do that too, faultless and efficient as I would expect.

Friday 4pm design I'd agree with, mine doesn't have the small screw fitting attaching it to the underneath of the fork U bend, the cable just runs from front to back under the fork then attaches behind with cable ties.. I might play with this setup once I've killed my legs off riding it and it starts to rain heavy one evening.. Until then, my legs will fall off.

😆

... but the Evo has that hideous seat post! I'd go for the normal Crux Carbon. Having had a spin on last years carbon Crux it would have been a lovely bike to race on.

bikebouy, heard some good things about the flexy seatpost on the Giant, how's it for you?

@BB

So the HRD700 replacements, are exactly the same as shown here:

[img] [/img]

...just different internals? I assume the calipers are the same, as the issue was with the master cyclinder, correct?

... but the Evo has that hideous seat post! I'd go for the normal Crux Carbon. Having had a spin on last years carbon Crux it would have been a lovely bike to race on.

It's not the best, but it would be under my arse, so out of my line of sight 😀

^^ Ohhh now hold on there dear boy. I can't see that nor tell the bloody difference 😆
All I know is they are the new 2015 versions and the housing IIRC is slightly wider and the top of the hood is slightly taller than the previous "knackered" version. The brakes, the whole set including calipers/hoods/cables, were changed to the 2015 rollout versions. They just took off the previous set and replaced them wholesale, which was both nice and what I expected SRAM to do.

Do note: I don't wear gloves, well I do in deepest Winter but then they're the thinnest I can get away with. So the hoods fit me very well without gloves, I expect they will when I don a pair of "Autumn" gloves when it's -10C 😉

To add..
I'm definetly going into corners harder and at greater lean angles and speed as I ride it more. I'm finding (cough) the discs are proving more confidence inspiring and better feeling than canti's. I am a died in the wool canti's fan from the road and had mixed feelings about discs on CX bikes, thats faded totally now. I am converted.
Keep the bloody things off road bikes though.

Weee bloody heee

... but the Evo has that hideous seat post! I'd go for the normal Crux Carbon. Having had a spin on last years carbon Crux it would have been a lovely bike to race on.

Hmmm.

[img] [/img]

Pricing for the GT Grade just been released. Looks like the Carbon 105, with full hydro brakes/decent wheels etc, at £1999 seems the standout 'bargain'.

More 'gravel' orientated, but different in a good way methinks.

GT Enduroad carbon frame and fork, disc specific, triple triangle with tapered head tube, PF BB30 bottom bracket, removable fender bridge, all-day geometry, Dual Fiber Dynamic technology

GT Carbon tapered fork 1” 1/8-1” 1/4, disc specific, 15mm thru-axle, threadless carbon steerer

Shimano 105 crankset 52/36 with Praxis Works PF30

Shimano 105 STI 11spd derailleur

Shimano R685 hydraulic disc brakes (F&R), 160mm Ice Tech center lock rotors

Stans No Tubes Grail Disc Specific Road 28h Rims w/ Formula 4 bearing sealed, center lock. (F: 15mm thru-axle; R: 135mm x 9mm)

[img] [/img]

Hmm not sure about that. Do GT do a proper cross racer?

This on the other hand...

[img] [/img]

... is rather lovely but I'm guessing it's going to be pricey!

Pricing for the GT Grade just been released.

Where did you get the price from, Jamie?

While we're diverging into other carbon CX bikes, I'm sorely tempted by one of these at £2400 (albeit not as good value as the GT):

[img] [/img]

I've already priced up a swap to Di2/hydro discs and some carbon wheels. There is a version which comes with Di2/hydros, but it's not as nice a colour. Be a hell of a winter bike. Hmmm...

Hmm not sure about that. Do GT do a proper cross racer?

Don't think so this year. It's just this 'Enduroad' thing. To be honest, I should discount the bike straightaway due to this nugget from GT's website:

Understanding that the non-conformist of the Road needs a high-performance daily ripper,

In relation to the Grade, I do like it, but it seems max rear tyre is 35mm acccording to Bike Rumour. This is with a 28mm fitted:

[img] http://i.imgur.com/7zd3EQx.jp g" target="_blank">http://i.imgur.com/7zd3EQx.jp g"/> [/img]

...but on GT's site they have this:

[url= http://i.imgur.com/2YimZwV.pn g" target="_blank">http://i.imgur.com/2YimZwV.pn g"/> [/img][/url]

....which handily doesn't note the sizes fitted.

I've have removed more paint from the inside of chainstays with my areas own brand of clay mud, that I might have to rule this one out. Seems a massive oversight to give such limited clearance.

Where did you get the price from, Jamie?

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/article/gt-grade-2015-builds-and-pricing-41995/

Ta.

I just don't think I could grow to love that frame, though...

So guys, what size tyres are you expecting to fit ? I'm on Griffo 32's and max I'll use the Sams for deepest Winter and they're 34's (IIRC) Are you hoping to stick some 38's or 40's in there?? If so, whats the logic?

Less the tyre size, more the clearance on top of that. I usually run a 35c, but would be nice to pop a 42c on and still have a bit of room to spare.

Not really a deal breaker, but nice to have the option.

35's I can see but 40+ and you are in MTB world Shirley?

Crack on, I'm interested in your musings 😀

35's I can see but 40+ and you are in MTB world Shirley?

Nah, you're in a world of comfort 8)

...but it's mostly wanting 35c and some clearance, Clarence.

I was looking at the 2015 trek cx range. They seem to be quite a lot of money for what you're getting or is all the value being sucked up by the isospeed frame and forks?

Clearance is king 😀 I have 700x38 Twin Rails and mudguards on my TCX SLR 2 at the mo'. There's still room underneath.

Trek's look ok, think I'd be happy with a Crockett, though the range they bring into the UK is really poor compared to what they have in the US. Annoying.

You've got me thinking now guys, just how big a tyre I can go on my TCX, got any thoughts? Wonder if I'll get a 37/38 in there??

S'pose it would turn it into an adventureX type thingy..

Hmmm..

No racks though, ohh the shame 😆

See my post above 😀

^^ "racks"

🙄

😆

bikebouy, seeing racks and guards on your otherwise lovely TCX would make me very sad indeed.

Trek's look ok, think I'd be happy with a Crockett, though the range they bring into the UK is really poor compared to what they have in the US. Annoying.

Like the colour scheme on that Boone, we're getting the 9 Disc next year, with Di2 and R785 hydraulic brakes, which will be good. £4k IIRC.

bikebouy, seeing racks and guards on your otherwise lovely TCX would make me very sad indeed.

Instant confiscation.

Gotta catch me first 😆

I reckon this should snag your rack quite nicely.

[img] [/img]

Pricing for the GT Grade just been released. Looks like the Carbon 105, with full hydro brakes/decent wheels etc, at £1999 seems the standout 'bargain'.

I guess they've got to sweeten the deal to get people to buy that monstrosity somehow

Damn you Jamie. I found the Alloy 105 with the HyRd brakes and now it doesn't seem so ugly (well it does, but the price has made me overlook it a bit)

I'm glad I didn't wait for the 2015 and got the last 2014 about, the colours nicer and it's otherwise the same.
Shame I went over the bars in my first ride and hurt my back!

Bikeradar had some more info on the new Diverges. No UK prices, sadly, but quite like the look of the Smartweld ally version.

http://www.bikeradar.com/road/news/article/specialized-diverge-first-look-42032/

[img] [/img]

One thing I find quite nifty is the new SWAT mount on the downtube.

[img] [/img]
[img] [/img]

^^ Why do I like that 😕

Damn you Jamie. I found the Alloy 105 with the HyRd brakes and now it doesn't seem so ugly (well it does, but the price has made me overlook it a bit)

£1k for all that lot does seem good.

Although, GT have gone and undone all their hard work by doing this to it:

[img] [/img]

....hopefully it's just a removable decal.

My LBS has a 2014 giant SLR2 in my size £799. is there a better deal out there or should I wait for the 2015 to come out.....?

If you check the links on the first post you can see what the 2015 bike offers.

I would take the 2014 bike at that price.

oh well, it looks like all the 2014 ML giants have now sold out again!

might go for this instead

http://whyte.bike/gb/models/all-terrain/cx-cyclocross/saxon-cross/

The alloy framed grades (excluding the Alloy X and Claris) are due at the end of August, the Alloy X and Claris in October and the rest "towards the end of the year".

Decision made; bike ordered - should be with me Wednesday.

2014 CAADX 105 10sp - 2015 only offers 11sp which I'm not fussed about as I have 10sp spares, and the 2014 was a wee bit cheaper.

This does also mean that I can stop fretting about all the new models, the minutiae of their specifications and their prices... 8)

and the rest "towards the end of the year".

That include the carbon?

If so, then harumph!

Decision made; bike ordered - should be with me Wednesday.

2014 CAADX 105 10sp - 2015 only offers 11sp which I'm not fussed about as I have 10sp spares, and the 2014 was a wee bit cheaper.

This does also mean that I can stop fretting about all the new models, the minutiae of their specifications and their prices...

Is there an echo in here? 😉

Glad you made your choice. I'm hanging in there for a bit longer. Worryingly, I think I like the alloy Diverge 😐

2014 CAADX 105 10sp - 2015 only offers 11sp which I'm not fussed about as I have 10sp spares, and the 2014 was a wee bit cheaper.

Hmm the CAADX is nice, I wonder when they'll start dumping their 2014 stock...?

Worryingly, I think I like the alloy Diverge

😯

That include the carbon?

If so, then harumph!

Yes. I was trying to convince myself that I could stretch to the carbon frame if I bought one. As I apparently can get an alloy one in a few weeks, that may win as it's really supposed to be a bad weather bike and I can't be arsed waiting until the end of the year.

As an aside, and I just mentioned similar to HH, I wonder if Shimano will be one of the first/few to get a disc based, either hydro or cable, brake to market without it needing to be recalled at some point. Should make some be a bit cautious given this will be the first production year of the Shimano RS685.

In terms of good omens, Shimano conceding the prize of being first to market last year to SRAM, in order to give them more time to perfect the design of this years hydros, should bode well.

Yes. I was trying to convince myself that I could stretch to the carbon frame if I bought one. As I apparently can get an alloy one in a few weeks, that may win as it's really supposed to be a bad weather bike and I can't be arsed waiting until the end of the year.

Was looking like a ugly-off between the durge and the graded, looks like that decision has been made for me, if I go that route. As end of September at the latest.

....did you find out if you can remove the camo mohican they put on the Alloy Grade?

Hmm the CAADX is nice, I wonder when they'll start dumping their 2014 stock...?

Cannondale don't have, apart from one base model, any remaining 2014 stock - not in 56cm anyway! I asked them t'other day.

Diverge prices.

[img] [/img]

So if one was in the market for a Spesh gravel/CX, £2k would either get you a carbon frame and HY/RDs (crux), or ally frame and full hydros (diverge).

They look a bit chalk and cheese. If you want to race cross then get the Crux. The Diverge looks a bit for pootling about on. Seriously though, go have a spin on the Crux. Definitely a bike that wants to be ridden fast everywhere, I loved it.

Well yes, completely different bikes. More a comment on their pricing, really.

Crux = CX race weapon
Diverge = you've had your eyes poked out and fancy the odd bit of [s]gravel[/s] off road.

you've had your eyes poked out

If you're not careful with that seat post you might just end up that way.

Apparently, looks aside, [url= http://www.bikeradar.com/road/gear/category/components/seat-post-seat-pin/product/review-specialized-cg-r-seatpost-14-48630/ ]it's quite sweet.[/url]

Just washed my TCX, ooohhh yeah it's blue under all that mud 😆

Hmm places are starting to discount the [url= http://www.freeborn.co.uk/specialized-crux-pro-disc-frameset-2014?gclid=CPOU7JX6lMACFZHKtAodjk0AoQ ]old 2014 Crux carbon frame[/url]. Tempting. And much nicer than the new minging orange with that funky post.

Hmm. Could get a '15 Crux Elite Carbon Evo for £1800, as can get 10% off.

Still wondering what exactly, other than diff tyres, makes it a [url= http://www.specialized.com/gb/gb/bikes/road/compare/#/1267-15CruX-15CruXCruXEliteEVO/1267-15CruX-15CruXCruXElite/ ][i]gravel beast[/i], rather than a [i]cross beast[/i], like the regular Crux Elite Carbon.[/url]

Still wondering what exactly, other than diff tyres, makes it a gravel beast, rather than a cross beast, like the regular Crux Elite Carbon.

[img] https://encrypted-tbn3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQhCOpB5DsfKkf0JiO8WG9Fj9g60DUFVqG5k0QUT-HZxBSngxFU [/img]

Meh. Nottingham Concept store doesn't have any Crux stock yet to look at/try.

I asked if they had any 52cm in stock, with the possibility of trying out a 54cm as well, just to be sure the 52cm was right.

They did suggest I could come over and try out a 2014 54cm Crux for sizing, and if that didn't fit, ordering me a 52cm 2015 on the basis of the 2014 one not fitting.

I said I would wait. As would be handy to see the bike before buying it.

Still wondering what exactly, other than diff tyres, makes it a gravel beast, rather than a cross beast,

Me:

Also, is the only difference between the Evo and the regular version, the carbon post, and different tyres/saddle?

Spesh Concept Store:

The differences between the two are exactly as you said which obviously make the EVO more attractive in my opinion with the carbon COBL-GOBLR seatpost.

attractive in my opinion with the carbon COBL-GOBLR seatpost.

Attractive and that seatpost do not go together. But then I think I may have already stated that in an earlier post 🙂

Well, that's odd. Giant UK website has now listed the new TCX models, and unlike the rest of the world, it appears the TCX SLR 1 for the UK market has a completely different spec.

UK bike on the left at £1299. Helpfully, Giant have used the same picture for both bikes.

[img] [/img]
[img] [/img]

Well after much deliberation I've narrowed my choice down to either the 2015 TCX SLR 2 or a Cannondale Caadx 105.

But i'm really struggling between these two.

Same here. I think lol.

Fervouredimage, you ridden either of them? (or at least the 2014 TCX?) They are quite different to ride so could be an easy decision.

My worry is they are both not hydro brakes and its not a cheap upgrade down the line when you want to ahem... replace worn components 😉

In what way do they ride differently?

Just to throw some spanners in the works. Pinnacle will be releasing an Arkose 4, no pics yet, which will come with hyrdos for £1250. Also has increased clearance, lighter frames than last year and internal cabling.

The £1,250 Arkose 4 gets the new Shimano 105 mechanical groupset with the new R685 hydraulic disc brakes. This is probably our pick of the range. The bike is available in men and women’s specification, with Matt Cyan for the former and Gloss Aqua for the latter.

At £1,450 the Arkose 5 uses the new SRAM Force CX11 1x11 groupset with hydraulic disc brakes. The SRAM groupset uses a chainring with alternating fat and thin teeth and a clutch mechanism in the rear mech that together eliminate the need for a chain guide.

More info here: http://road.cc/content/news/127425-pinnacle-launch-updated-arkose-and-dolomite-2015