Taken in total, the changes move the TCR’s handling in a slightly more stable direction, with somewhat calmer handling manners and better high-speed stability relative to last year’s model. Giant’s marketing materials didn’t make a big deal of this, but if you dig into the geometry charts of the new and giant ROAD BIKES old bikes, it’s hard not to notice some pretty significant changes. Giant graces the flagship TCR Advanced SL 0 model with a “Thinline” paint job that leaves much of the frame covered in just a bare-bones layer of clearcoat. This bike is a great proposition all round, with no real weakness in the spec.
Giant’s TCR Advanced Pro 1 Disc is a lively and efficient road bike that boasts most of the aero features the new, top-level TCR Advanced SL gained earlier this year. Even the massively wide down tube is optimised for airflow when a standard bottle is fitted, according to Giant. The Giant TCR needs no introduction – but here’s a quick one anyway.
The front triangle is assembled and molded as one continuous piece in a proprietary manufacturing process called Modified Monocoque Construction. It’s such a great all-round “GC” bike- light, stiff as hell, steady, yet ready to fall right over into a fast downhill turn. Also, compared to the next highest bike in this tier, the SL 0, it’s EXACTLY the same bike- same frame, same wheels, same finishing kit- only Ultegra Di2 and not Dura-Ace Di2. The next bike down, the SL2, has same frame, but one tier down in wheels, and one tier down in finishing kit , with mechanical Ultegra. It really is a comfortable ride, providing plenty of punch for speed demons. For those who are looking for a bike suitable for racing, it fits the bill.
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 giant ROAD BIKES 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?
Prototype testing of the 9th generation TCR Advanced SL begins with CCC Team pro racers. It is available in three frame sizes and has an angle-adjustable quill stem available in three different lengths . 23 years since that first-generation aluminium model, the bike has constantly evolved – this timeline shows key developments. I get the simplicity, and i guess the rating even make sense but i would assume that this is only the case because of outliers such as the Mountain bikes, or the Buffallo bike. Of course, experienced Zwifters know that real-world performance doesn’t necessarily translate to Zwift performance.
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.
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 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.
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.
The early TCR was unique in its ability to excel in mountain stages and time trials. With its aerodynamic advantages, it was especially effective against the clock—Jalabert won several stage race time trials on it, and ONCE became a favourite at every team time trial it entered. This frame’s aero performance sits mid-pack compared to the full list of Zwift road frames, clocking in at 2 seconds faster than the older Giant TCR Advanced SL frame.
The TCR Advanced beats it narrowly due to its tight handling, as well as the less expensive offerings in the TCR Advanced range — notably, the Advanced SL 2, which is less than half the price at $4,500. Reengineered with updated aerodynamic tube shapingplus added clearance for larger diameter tyres , Giant say the new TCR Advanced delivers ‘outstanding all-rounder efficiency’. 2016- The 8th generation TCR, the first with integrated disc brakes, is introduced to consumers. In all relevant models, the Advanced SL headlines the series, and features Giant’s highest grade carbon fibers to produce a frames with high stiffness-to-weight ratios.