Another 2-wheel upgrade: Giant TCR to Salsa Warbird

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Back in 2006, when I first started getting a bit more serious about biking, I bought an all carbon Giant TCR2. That thing was soooo smooth and fast and light relative to anything I ever put under my butt. I enjoyed countless lunch rides and long Saturday loops up to the Peak to Peak. But then I discovered gravel riding back in 2012 and bought a steel Salsa Vaya for a trip to Patagonia. That Vaya changed how I wanted to spend my time building up lactic acid. Instead of fast and smooth pavement, I wanted bumpy and steep gravel paths and dirt roads. The TCR started spending way more time hanging from its front wheel in the back of the garage. For a couple of years, I don't think it even made it out once. It's still a great ride, though. And it did get some updated shifters and a cassette for the 2017 Ride the Rockies. But mostly, it's been neglected and sitting idle. 

This past weekend, I did a nice loop up Sunshine Canyon to the Peak to Peak and Brainard Lake then down Lefthand to Lee Hill. Such a nice route in the spring! Green and lush down low and snowy and alpine up above. It was a great final ride for the TCR. Next time I do it, I'll be on my brand new Salsa Warbird with a lot more give on the washboard of Goldhill and lower gear or two to spin up the steeps.

When I sold my Vaya last year, the plan was to also sell the TCR and get something that melds the attributes of both: carbon, big wheels, fast and built to soak up washboard. This week, I lucked out when I checked the inventory at a local shop and they happened to have a 2021 Warbird GRX 600 in my size (57.5cm). Given the sparse inventory during covid, it was just great coincidence and timing. 



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