Giant TCR C2 bike

[Thoneshan]

Hi all,
I'm looking to get my first bike and one of the options is a Giant TCR c2 as shown in the pictures and is on sale for R7k (neg). 

Do you have any views on this bike and the price?
Also the size looks like 55.5 which I'm struggling to find on google - do  you know about the Giant size 55.5?  I'm 1.81m and 78 kg and think will be around the right size for me?

[Dappere]

@Thoneshan Older bike, not sure what your intended purpose is with the bike. If the goal is to get into cycling; then it could be a good buy for that price. Alternatively, you could look at an aluminium option that will be slightly more, but new. 

Regarding sizing, tricky one. I had a TCR SL years back and rode an M/L. I am the same height as you. The M/L has a 55.5 top tube, which I assume is meant to be the 55.5 printed on the frame. 

If you are just starting out, the best would be to go to a bike shop and try a few sizes. Height alone is a poor indicator to select a frame size. 

[Thoneshan]

8 minutes ago, Dappere said:

@Thoneshan Older bike, not sure what your intended purpose is with the bike. If the goal is to get into cycling; then it could be a good buy for that price. Alternatively, you could look at an aluminium option that will be slightly more, but new. 

Regarding sizing, tricky one. I had a TCR SL years back and rode an M/L. I am the same height as you. The M/L has a 55.5 top tube, which I assume is meant to be the 55.5 printed on the frame. 

If you are just starting out, the best would be to go to a bike shop and try a few sizes. Height alone is a poor indicator to select a frame size. 

Thanks, that's helpful. I'm a marathon runner and looking to try out cycling as another sport and see if it is something that I will like and stick with. So, yes purchasing an older budget friendly version to get into the sport.

[Dappere]

5 minutes ago, Thoneshan said:

Thanks, that's helpful. I'm a marathon runner and looking to try out cycling as another sport and see if it is something that I will like and stick with. So, yes purchasing an older budget friendly version to get into the sport.

A second-hand bike is a good option, just take into consideration wear on bikes. Even though you might find a good deal on a second-hand bike, you might need to replace, the tyres, chain, cassette etc... Best to weigh up those factors.

As a new cyclist, I would look at more endurance focussed frame/bike. Racing bikes are nice, but they have a very low front end, which could make them uncomfortable in the beginning. Once you get fit on the bike you can look at getting lower and more aggressive on the bike. 

Something like: 
https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/road-bikes/products/giant-contend-3-2022
https://bike-addict.co.za/collections/road-bikes/products/avalanche-solo-2020