I currently have a 2016 Giant escape 1 but i’m wanting to do longer rides. Would this 2013 TCR advanced 1 for $300 be a good fit for that? Not sure if it matters, but i’ll be moving to a hilly area in a few months and i’m not sure about biking areas.
by The-Weistest
2 Comments
The price is right, but you need to make sure it fits. And by that, I mean you **need** to make sure that the current saddle height is as tall or taller than what you need.
Giant has an annoying habit of using integrated seatmasts on their high-end road bikes (yes, this would have been high-end 20 years ago), which means they must be cut down for the rider. Once they have been cut down, **you cannot raise it**. Some of them have a few millimeters of adjustability left by adding spacers inside the seatmast topper, but even if that is the case here, finding spacers for a 20-year old bike might be nearly impossible, and there are limits to how far you can adjust it.
In other words, if this bike’s saddle height is too low for you, the bike will not work for you. Full stop.
If the saddle height is too high, the bike may be workable – but bear in mind you will need to cut the seatpost down even further, which, again, is permanent and will further ruin resale value. Also, you will need to factor in the cost to go to a bike shop to have the seatpost cut down further. I would not suggest attacking it with a hacksaw unless you happen to already have a cutting guide and fine-tooth or carbon-specific blades.
that’s an amazing bike, quite old but the price is right and it will work out for you. as other commenter said just make sure it fits you, that seatpost is annoying to work with, can’t fiddle much with saddle height. can’t go higher, and if you need to go lower you need to cut the frame which is quite intimidating (at least to me)
without knowing this bike’s size. Just by looking at the frame I’m gonna bet it’s a size S or 52. Along with the saddle height I’m gonna estimate the rider must be maximum 5’8” or 5’9” / 170-172cm maximum. If you’re taller than this don’t buy it