Giant TCR C1 or Specialized Ruby Comp

[purplegolden]

Hi

I want to upgrade from my Giant OCR2 to a carbon fiber bike. I am looking at either the TCR C1 at the moment, or the Ruby Comp. The main difference that I can see is that the TCR has Shimano Ultegra drivetrain and brakes, whereas the Ruby Comp has the Shimano 105. Is there a huge difference between the two?

Anyone out there tried both? They are roughly the same price, though I can get a discount on the Giant. Any other suggestions for a good CF bike?

[SouthernBelle]

I have a Giant carbon fiber bike with 105 components. Really no problems, I've been quite happy. Every once in a while it needs a little adjusting, but don't they all?

I'm assuming you've had the chance to ride both bikes???

[bike4ever]

One thing to keep is mind is the difference between the OCR geometry and the TCR geometry. The OCR is a more relaxed road ride - sloping top tube, longer head tube, more upright riding position. The TCR is a more agressive ride - longer top tube, shorter head tube, more stretched out. I would suggest you go down in size from the OCR to the TCR.

[purplegolden]

Thanks for the replies. Yes, I have tested both rides and I couldn't really pick any difference between them. But I also did not have my full gear with me - shoes, gloves, helmet. I am saving at the moment to buy the bike, which I won't buy until June. So I am putting in the research at the moment.

As for the TCR vs OCR, I noticed that Giant have put out a new OCR range. I have the older one - 2003. I will mainly use the bike to commute, but I do like to go on longer rides at the weekend.

[Bad JuJu]

Hey, purplegolden, no help on choosing a bike, but I just want to say that I LOVE your avatar!

[purplegolden]

Thanks! He is my 8 month old pug wearing some antennae. Probably why he looks so shocked!

[li10up]

Purplegolden, Have you been able to get your question answered about the Ultegra drivetrain vs. the 105?

What exactly constitutes the "drivetrain" ? Is that just the chain, chainrings, and rear cassette?

I too am trying to find out more info - trying to decide between the Ruby Comp with 105 or Ruby Pro with Ultegra/DuraAce. Any info you have I'd appreciate.

[purplegolden]

Hi - this is what I found on another web-site.

A group is comprised of brakes, hubs, chain, cassette, bottom bracket, crank, derailleurs, shifters and headset (sometimes a seatpost is included, too).

As you spend more money, parts get lighter and bearing quality (bearings are what the hubs, headset, pedals and crankset spin on) improves. Higher-level components shift and brake slightly better, too -- though even entry-level braking and shifting is exceptional on modern systems.

So, how do you decide what to buy? It comes down to your price range and which group offers the features you want (i.e. weight, number of gears, appearance, quality). Usually, you can narrow it down to a couple of groups. And, at that point, a great way to decide is to ride and compare. If you can feel a difference in braking and shifting, go with the bike you like better.

Basically the 105 is cheaper than the ultegra which is cheaper than the dura-ace. Ultegra is race quality whilst dura-ace is one step above that.

Hope that helps!

[SouthernBelle]

Since this popped back up I did think to point out that Giant does make an OCR in carbon, FYI.