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 KIDS BIKES 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.
Giant’s endurance range is designed to provide maximum comfort over longer distances, suitable for endurance and sportive events. When it comes to descending or any on-the-limit cornering, the bike is more magic, with composure akin to Formula 1 legend Jim Clark behind the wheel of his Lotus. His speed felt effortless, never chewing up tires or damaging his car.
These top-tier models are also typically equipped with top of the line specifications and components suitable for maximum performance. As stiff as the bike is, it falls a step short of the other-worldly reactivity bikes like the new Émonda possess when jumping from slow speeds. The Giant is crisp giant KIDS BIKES and quick while accelerating on a steep pitch, just not quite as crisp and quick as the top two or three disc bikes in the peloton. Sure, the rear end is very short, but whatever has happened to beef up the stays for the rear disc brake seems to have robbed a fraction of the bike’s liveliness.
Every bike, it seems, has got lighter and more versatile in 2020. Early in the year, Giant got the revamp train rolling by making its TCR Advanced SL 0 lighter, more lithe, and frankly, more fun to ride. And notably, the bike does not feature dropped seatstays, bucking the trend du jour of bike design. Because of its incredible stiffness, Giant’s TCR Advanced SL harnesses 100% of your energy, resulting in unparalleled quickness, agility and speed. The frame or fork or components or accessories have cosmetic blemishes. The bicycle has some mechanical issues and a tune up is necessary.
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 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.
So at Zwift Insider we run frames and wheelsets through a battery of tests to figure out just how well they perform in Zwift’s virtual world. For further insight into this model, our Blog team has reviewed the 2017 Contend SL 1 Disc. The TCR Advanced is an extremely lightweight and stiff option, making it the perfect complement as Giant-Alpecin’s climbing and stage-race road option. This unbeatable all-rounder is lightweight, ultra-efficient, and always in control.
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.
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 giant mountain 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.
These simple additions will add more enjoyment to the electronic shifting experience. Focusing on the crankset and Giant has equipped the TCR with subcompact rings. We have never enjoyed compact cranks, and we would take a true double any day but the subcompact’s 52/36 compromise works here.
Some pros prefer the quicker Propel for the sprintsor the more comfy Defy, but with its subtle added aero updates, the new TCR had CCC riders picking it for its lighter weight and overall smoother ride. The TCR wants to carve out every second, demanding to be ridden in the drops. Despite its low weight, the bikes surprised us with its predictable handling.