The TCR Advanced SL is the bike used by CCC Team and represents the top of the TCR line. Interestingly, it’s only available with SRAM RED or Force eTap, while the Advanced Pro and Advanced use Shimano Ultegra and 105 respectively. Both the Advanced SL and Advanced Pro come with integrated power meters and all models include an integrated computer mount. The fork crown area on the TCR has been ‘cleaned up’ by placing the disc-brake calipers down at the hub. Other improvements include new airfoil sections that use truncated ellipse tubing to produce lower drag coefficients at a wider range of yaw angles compared to traditional “teardrop” tubing.
The TCR family comprises 10 other bikes, ranging from the $1,900 TCR Advanced Pro Disc up to the highest-prcied bike reviewed here. Thanks to this control, updates to the TCR are more than skin deep. Not content to use the same carbon as the previous TCR, Giant manufactured new, lighter raw carbon. The fibers are woven into swatches that, rather than being stamped by a machine, are cut with a laser, a far more precise process that eliminates excess material.
The range-topping Advanced SL 0, equipped with SRAM Force eTap is given a lightweight finish which Giant calls ThinLine Finishing Technology. This uses just three coats, vs the usual eight, and saves a further 65 grams across a frame and fork. Vibration damping is acceptable on small irregularities in the road. However, as the surface gets worse and giant ROAD BIKES impacts get bigger, the TCR becomes less comfortable, transmitting a lot of feedback directly to the rider. As a result, the handling becomes more nervous and your efficiency suffers. The agile front end becomes more difficult to control in side- or headwinds – long flat rides are not this bike’s speciality, even with its improved aerodynamics.
The particularity of the TRC Advanced SL is that is feature an Integrated Seatpost. This save approximately 45g compared to a separated carbon seatpost. Beside the saved grams it does also improve frame stiffness and aerodynamic. The Eclipse shape giant mountain optimizes aerodynamics and increase structural strength on the front end of the frame. The front triangle looks beefier than previous TCR version while reducing weight. The frame or fork or components or accessories have many cosmetic blemishes.
My test bike arrived during lockdown, so my first rides were restricted to 30-40km solo TTs, which evolved into longer rides through quiet Surrey roads. Strange as it sounds, the TCR’s ride quality played a part in keeping me riding. While we can’t verify Giant’s claims about stiffness, there’s no doubting the scales when it comes to weight. Given that it also includes a seatmast, like-for-like the TCR is lighter than the S-Works giant mountain Tarmac and Cervélo R5 Disc at 1,266g for the frameset , and in this build the complete bike comes in at a remarkable 6.7kg. The rear of the saddle is equipped with Giant’s Uniclip port that can accept a wide range of accessories, including a rear light, flat kit, bag, and rain fender. While the new bike is extremely stiff in terms of pedaling efficiency and front-end handling, it nevertheless serves up a highly refined ride.
To achieve the desired numbers, the brand claims it’s building up the frame using 500 precisely laser cut composite pieces that are smaller and more accurate than what they’ve done in the past. “This new TCR perfectly represents our new brand purpose to helping riders unleash their full potential,” said Giant Global Marketing Director An Le. This new TCR retains Giant’s OverDrive 2 1.5″-1.25″ tapered steerer tube, PowerCore pressfit BB86 bottom bracket, and works with Giant’s Ride Sense speed/cadence sensors. It’s a pretty good CV, but with bikes of this calibre, at this price, we really expect something incredible to happen when tyres hit tarmac.