What would be a better choice, Giant TCR Advanced 2 or Specialized Tarmac SL6 Sport? Both comes with Shimano 105, both entry level carbon. Price difference around 1k between 2.

links to both bikes' specs etc?

https://www.giant-bicycles.com/int/tcr-adva...ro-compact-2020

https://www.specialized.com/my/en/tarmac-di...r=271687-171352
https://www.specialized.com/my/en/mens-tarm...r=227230-154556

hope the specialized one is correct. Either one of them.

Id take the spez. Not bcoz of merc/bmw logic. But bcoz of round seatpost and threaded bb.

Id take the spez. Not bcoz of merc/bmw logic. But bcoz of round seatpost and threaded bb.

What are the differences btw the round seatpost and the threaded bb?

seatpost n bb are two very different things. i dunno where to begin with

Differences btw round shape seatpost vs 'aero' shape seatpost?

Id take the spez. Not bcoz of merc/bmw logic. But bcoz of round seatpost and threaded bb.

i will take Spez coz Merc/BMW logic 

i thought aero seat post is more changgih?
also for round seatpost... need to be very careful to position it straight.
i've been having issue being off-set it a little- causing cramp and other problem.

Differences btw round shape seatpost vs 'aero' shape seatpost?

Round = Proton

Aero = BMW

cat likes cheap stuffs

I see. In other words, I can get campy groupset with shimano cassette, and maintain current mavic wheelset which is shimano freehub. Will there be shifting issue?

Unless you're super sensitive towards shifting smoothness, it shouldn't be a problem at all.

if u are just starting rm2k is fine, no ned to spend more. 9.5 kg & Sora is pretty fine too. How I know? Coz my bike is exactly tat, more or less & i'm ur height too    I am the admin for PJ Bike Meetup where u can join grp rides:

https://forum.lowyat.net/topic/4172673

Come join with ur tourney bike and u'll see a variety of bikes then u can ask all the questions u want. And yes support your local LBS otherwise they'll b extinct. Cheers!

eleh kau punya pun round

i like cheap stuff jugak but my bb not threaded

dawson's creak

Thanks for your advice and invitation! I should head to my LBS after the MCO settles down and try out some of their offering (they do provide free test ride right?), hopefully the road bike experience it's as good as I imagine   Meanwhile I'll just ride the stationary bike at my home for these few weeks...