If the Rabobank pros were secretly slipped the replica tested here, they would probably hardly notice. With a lighter fork, the carbon bike would easily pass as a top frame. The fact that the replica, unlike the original, has a height-adjustable seatpost instead of an integrated one is actually an advantage. It's not just the knowledge that you're riding a professional frame at a bargain price that makes the ride a pleasure. The reassuringly stiff chassis and the surprisingly well-sprung seatpost are extremely well balanced. The fact that the equipment with Shimano's "old" 105 groupset is no longer up to date is less of a problem than the heavy wheels, which, along with the fork, are responsible for the relatively high weight. As with Cannondale, the frame is a great basis for future upgrades.
Reference/InfoGiant Germany, telephone 0211/998940, www.giant-bicycles.de
Weight frame/fork/ headset bearing*: 1,156/536/72 g
Frame sizes**: 46.5/50/53.5/55.5 cm
Seat/steering angle: 72°/73°
Seat/top/head tube: 536/570/187 mm
Wheelbase/ caster: 985/54 mm
Stack/Reach/STR***: 581/381 mm/1.52
Equipment
Fork: Giant
Steering bearing: FSA, top 1-1/8, bottom 1-1/4 inch
Brakes/gears/bottom bracket: Shimano 105 BB86 (53/39 t.)
Wheels/tyres: Shimano WH-RS20/Vittoria Zaffiro Pro Slick
Handlebar/stem: Prol PLT/Pro PLT
Saddle/post: Giant/Giant TCR Advanced (24 x 40 mm)
* weighted weights; ** manufacturer's specification, test frame size greased; *** stack/reach: projected vertical or horizontal measurement from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the headset cap; STR (stack to reach): Values between 1.45 and 1.55 denote a sporty riding position, values below are race-like, above are comfortable
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