How Good is the Giant CFR3?

Mike Tucker is new to cycling and has his eye on a Giant CFR3 and needs to know if it will do for training and racing? We give out opinion on second hand bikes and if this one will be OK for Mike

Question:

I am a beginner and looking at getting a bike. I am looking at the Giant CFR3, Is this a good bike for a beginner for training and race.

Hi Mike,

Welcome to the cycling community!

The only Giant CFR3’s that I could find were quite old and all had different components fitted, probably due to the original kit being worn out. If the frame is a CADEX then it was (at one time) at the cutting edge of tube jointing technology and could be either made with alloy or carbon tubes that are glued together with lugs, very well made and looked good at the time, but a bit dated now.

Check out the equipment as changes have probably been made over the years, look for wear and damage.

If the bike is in good condition then it would be very good for a starter bike for learning to ropes and training on, but may be a little heavy for racing, especially on hill courses. It’s a good bike but take a very close look at it before you part with your money.

TOP TIP: Second hand bike can be a bargain, but be careful!

Pre-used Cadex

3 Responses to “How Good is the Giant CFR3?”

John Fiorentino August 17, 2009

Hi, I honestly would not throw my money away on such an outdated machine, look around and get yourself a more recent Carbon Bike that is in good condition (have it checked by your local bike shop first) that you will be happy with for a long time whether for training or racing, if you are into cycling that much you are going to do both, no good buying a bike now that will make do because you will not be happy with it in two or three weeks time, my advice get a good update Carbon bike now and you won’t regret it, good luck.

Bruce August 17, 2009

Used bikes can be a great deal or not depending on price, condition, and fit. But buying anything used can be a real gamble for a novice like yourself. I strongly advise you to get someone who really knows bikes to look at it with you or take it to a shop & have the mechanic look it over. Also be very very sure the bike es exactly the right size for you. Even a free bike is no bargan if it does not fit you right. As a newbe you need some expert advise on this. Dont just sit on the bike & think “it OK.” See you on the road.

Brent August 17, 2009

Training Bikes as a topic can be quite contreversal. With some people what is iportant is Brand Name, for others it’s strictly materials. As a mechanic I have seen people having top end bikes, but with badly fitted geometry, is the Frame to stiff or to flexible, the width of the handle-bars plays an imortant role on road racing bikes. I would like to say that the quality of the fit should be the first priority to consider than the quality of the bike. The fit between the bike & the rider should feel as one. Perhaps getting a custom built bike would be the best way to go if the money factor is not a problem. Used bikes may not work out for serious training needs.