Making a lighter chassis is one thing, but it must work in conjunction with the overall performance of the bike. To this end, Giant has worked on maximising the stiffness-to-weight ratio throughout the frame. Weight has been eked out elsewhere, with the ISP seat clamp gaining forged composite clamps, while the new two-piece rear mech hanger is said to be both lighter and stiffer. The new frame design incorporates tube shapes Giant calls a truncated ellipse profile. A proprietary 3M adhesive protector has also been added to the clamping section of the integrated seatpost, in a bid to help with weight saving without sacrificing strength and security due of the ‘thinness’ of the paint process. The early models also had a significant advantage when it came to aerodynamics, thanks to a longer seatpost that could be aero-shaped and built from carbon fibre to also aid comfort.
Giant’s ninth-generation TCR family follows in the footsteps of other major players in the industry in that it now adds a generous dose of aerodynamic shaping to its previously light-and-stiff formula. However, the family of carbon fiber frames has also gone on a diet, gains a newly refined geometry, and — of course — has room for bigger tires, all while still retaining its superb stiffness and composed ride quality. The Giant TCR Advanced Pro 1 Disc is an excellent road bike that performs with aplomb and a bit of a flourish. Add in a high quality build, excellent wheels and a power meter, and you have a seriously strong contender. We thought the last bike ridden had a short wheelbase until we discovered the TCR.
The idea was that a smaller front triangle was both lighter and stiffer than a traditional frame with a horizontal, non-sloping top tube. While we like KMC chains, shipping a Shimano Di2 bike without an Ultegra – or a 105 at minimum – as standard is slightly perplexing. Being Chris King fans we have already labeled the TCR giant mountain hubs as contenders for replacement, but they have proved quite enjoyable, too. Some of the replacement parts are combination function and fashion. The Chris King mango line would look great hidden on the TCR’s metallic blue color. Two upgrades to consider are the wireless module and the Di2 sprinter/ climber buttons.
My daily-driver road bike is a custom-built, previous-generation TCR Advanced SL, so I’m very familiar with how that bike handles — and I generally like it, which is precisely why it’s my daily driver. Finally, there’s the TCR Advanced range, which shares the same frame as the Advanced Pro but downsizes to a more typical 1 1/8-to-1 1/4in tapered steerer diameter instead of the bigger one used on the more expensive bikes. The down tube is still extremely wide like the previous version, but the shape is less overtly rectangular than before. Also interesting is that while Giant admits to only having tested the disc-brake version of the TCR in the wind tunnel, its computational fluid dynamics simulations suggest that the rim-brake models are actually slightly less efficient. Keep in mind, too, that Giant’s testing was done at a more realistic wind speed of 40 km/h instead of the more common 50 km/h .
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 giant mountain experience all these benefits. Updated Giant tubeless wheelset and tires for improved comfort, efficiency and safety right out of the box.
TCR ADVANCED SL 2-KOM, Neon Red, Size L, FULL carbon frame and wheels. The new carbon fiber stem is specifically matched to the profiled headset spacers for a clean look. The symmetrical fork has been designed with high torsional stiffness in mind, despite the fact that the legs are visually quite slender. The chainstays only look like they’re not very big because the seat tube and down tube are oversized, too. When you compare it to the crankarm, you get a better idea of the scale. Is it the “total race bike” that Giant’s marketing materials boldly declare it to be?
Now’s the time to attack the other riders who you just reeled in on the climbs. The only exception is for heavier riders, who may find the cockpit giant mountain a little too soft for the mass sprint to the finish line. Hill finishes and high watt numbers on the climbs are this bike’s specialty.
Only a handful of times have we run out of gears on a downhill, and we have not looked for more gears on a climb. Giant added their brand power meter into the build, which we have enjoyed immensely. It has integrated seamlessly to our Garmin and Garmin Connect/ Strava, though others have reported inconsistencies in wattage relay or small cracking in the unit itself. At nearly 1,000 miles completed, the Giant Gavia 25 mm tubeless tires have performed better each time the bar has been raised.
Giant markets the frame as “Compact Road” frame as the world biggest sports bike manufacturer introduced Top Tube Sloping concept on road bike. Those early ONCE team bikes were instantly recognisable by their longer seatposts, which gave them a profile that more resembled mountain bikes. The other advantage was that longer seatposts could be shaped for better aerodynamics or crafted from carbon fibreto add compliance and smooth out the bike’s ride quality. Completing this range is the Advanced, Giant’s entry-level carbon composite models produced with the same carbon as the Advanced Pro, just with an alloy fork steerer. Most Defy Advanced models have been designed with a focus on optimizing disc brake control and smoothness. The Advanced SL, TCR Advanced Pro and TCR Advanced all come with either disk or rim brakes.