by Maggie and Sandra
Last Sunday, the size XS 2012 Giant TCX W owned by 12-year-old Local Ride/Dr. Vie Superfoods+ rider Maggie was pedaled to two podium finishes. The first came from Maggie herself as she grabbed victory in the U17 women’s race and the second was courtesy of veteran Local Ride Racing member Sandra, who snagged silver in the elite women’s competition. The bike proved to be incredibly versatile and a perfect fit for both ladies. Local Ride Bike Shop owner Barry quizzed them about the TCX W. Read on for their impressions on Giant’s women’s specific cyclocross rig.
Barry: What do you like best about the bike?
Maggie: I like the way it handles… the narrow bars and the fit make it easy to mount and dismount and corner.
Sandra: Totally. The feel of this bike is the first thing I noticed when I jumped on it after Maggie’s victory. The shorter top tube that is part of Giant’s women’s specific geometry makes the bike incredibly manoeuvrable.
B: You both raced unisex bikes last year. What’s the most noticeable advantage you have now, riding a bike that is designed specifically for a woman?
M: I just feel more balanced on this bike. I feel more confident on it, because I know how it will respond to slightest movement.
S: I love how I feel a part of the bike instead of like I’m perched on top of it. With other bikes, I’m too stretched out and have to run super short stems, but that just messes with the handling. At 5’2″, it’s hard to find a bike that fits me out of the box. Giant got it right with the extra-small TCX W.
B: Did you make any specific tweaks or adjustments to the bike to make it suit your riding preferences?
M: No, after Dad did a basic bike fit, it fit me perfectly. Oh, and we took off the top mount brake levers.
S: Funny story, actually. I expected to have to make lots of changes, but I didn’t even have to adjust the seat height! The one thing I did was tilt the bar up slightly, which improved the handling. Maggie tried it after and preferred it as well.
B: Because when it comes to women and shopping, it’s all about colour. So, what do you two think about the colour?
M: I love it! The metallic blue cleans up very nicely and stands out in a race.
S: I really like the metallic paint Giant used this year – it’s not too girly, but still very pretty!
B: How was running with the bike?
M: It was great – the lightest bike I’ve ever ridden – or carried…. I can’t believe it was only 18 lbs out of the box! Plus, the underside of the top tube is flattened to make it ideal for shouldering.
S: Yes, it definitely is light, especially for a bike that retails for $1,800.
B: Even though it’s such a great bike out of the box, what one thing would you upgrade?
M: I can’t think of anything to upgrade – I love it just the way it is.
S: Well, since you’re asking, a set of Giant’s new carbon tubeless wheels would turn it into one serious racing machine….
B: Any final comments?
M: Compared to the other bikes I’ve ridden, this bike has made all the difference. It has helped bring my racing to another level.
S: From the frame geometry to all of Giant’s special touches, like the narrow shallow drop bar and the comfy Fizik women’s Donna saddle, this is a true performance cyclocross bike for women.
