That’s the blend of attributes these all-round race bikes are now looking to achieve. Giant’s Tubeless System makes it easier than ever to experience all these benefits. Updated Giant tubeless wheelset and tires for improved comfort, efficiency and safety right out of the box.
In the process of developing the new TCR, Giant has refined its ‘advanced’ manufacturing processes to achieve a 765g claimed weight for the flagship 2021 TCR Advanced SL Disc frame. The TCR Advanced SL Disc is said to out-perform all three rivals on most counts , though this is based on Giant’s own giant KIDS BIKES testing and, of course, against a very select number of bikes. The aerodynamic difference between the TCR and the Tarmac and R5 is also extremely small. A massive rectangular downtube and oversized toptube work in unison to provide superior front end lateral and torsional steering precision.
The new fork has dropped a single gram relative to the previous one, but torsional stiffness has supposedly gone up, which should translate to more predictable handling, especially on the disc-brake models. TCR Advanced SL and TCR Advanced Pro frames get Giant’s 1 1/4-to-1 1/2in OverDrive 2 steerer diameter, while the TCR Advanced models get a more conventional 1 1/8-to-1 1/4in size. In a move that will surprise precisely no one — if only because we saw the new TCR at races months ago — the new TCR has been reshaped with aerodynamic efficiency in mind. “Truncated ellipse” cross-sections are now used on nearly every frame section to help air flow more smoothly around the frame at a wide range of effective wind angles, without adversely affecting other attributes like weight and stiffness. Of our four test bikes, the Giant is the second lowest priced (only the BMC was cheaper at £4,500) but the spec is miles above all of them. I’ve already mentioned the Giant Power Pro power meter, which would cost £799.99 bought separately.
As much as I enjoyed the TCR Advanced SL 0’s superb chassis rigidity and low weight, though, the more noticeable change for me was the revised frame geometry. The top-tier TCR Advanced SL incorporates all of the engineering features mentioned earlier, and is understandably the lightest and most expensive of the trio. In the interest of all-out performance, Giant has built all TCR Advanced SL Disc framesets to work only with electronic drivetrains. Rim-brake models, however, will accept either electronic or mechanical groupsets.
The suspension and braking surfaces are clean with some signs of usage yet free from grooves & pitting. The tires, grips/handlebar tape, and brake pads may show signs of usage yet have a majority of their life remaining. Team ONCE riders including Laurent Jalabert went on to win dozens of races on it, including grand tour stages and major one-day races.
Winding technical Bucks County roads were initially approached with caution. Recently more aggressive lines were explored while 10 psi was exhaled from the tires. Confidence soared as the Gavia tubeless system shrugged off racing clincher tire lines. Initially the Gavias were the first on the list to be replaced prior to the maiden voyage. He’s raced all around the world but now calls the south of France home and has left his racing days behind him, preferring to do his riding at a more leisurely speed in the beautiful Hérault Valley.
Now pushing 50, he’s riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions. Trek’s new Emonda SL 6 Pro (£3,350) is an interesting comparison, coming with a Shimano Ultegra groupset and Bontrager’s very good Aeolus Elite 35 wheels. Trek does spec power meters on some models in the range, but not on this one.
It’s a carbon fiber road bike, in matte carbon with a smoke, orange and blue finish. Giant had a very difficult task of updating its top of the range road racing frame by making it lighter, stiffer and more aerodynamic. To support the frame stiffness a new fork has been developed too and is also looking sturdier than previous model. The fork arms have leaving plenty of space for air to flow between the the arms and the spokes. Giant calls it a Symmetric design fork and this decrease Air drag as a result.