Giant TCR Advanced SL 0 Review

Giant TCR Advanced SL 0 review – The 2024 version of the Giant TCR has refined its winning formula even further. This model is slightly stiffer and now 10% lighter, delivering a sharp, responsive feel on challenging gradients. The compact geometry, paired with a shorter rear end, provides precise handling and agility. Now in its tenth generation, the TCR is more aerodynamic than ever, making it a serious contender in the super bike category with broader capabilities than its predecessors.

Reasons to Consider

• High-quality frameset that stands out in its class
• Responsive handling that enhances racing performance
• Aero design improves efficiency across diverse terrains

Points to Note

• The integrated seatpost requires a tailored fit
• The two-piece cockpit could use more stiffness

The Giant TCR’s 10th generation comes packed with claims of performance enhancements. Recently, this latest model earned the title of Cycling Weekly’s best climbing bike of 2024, and it’s easy to see why. Giant has taken all the key innovations in the cycling world—better aerodynamics, lighter weight, and increased stiffness—and combined them into one impressive racing machine.

Given these updates, let’s delve deeper into why the TCR emerged as our top choice when the roads tilted upwards. Here is a comprehensive look at the new Giant TCR and its on-road performance.

Construction and Design

Twenty-eight years after its debut with the World Tour team Once, the Giant TCR has evolved into its 10th generation. Originally known for introducing the sloping top tube design, the TCR has now matured into a sophisticated piece of racing technology. The 2024 model retains its iconic silhouette but introduces advancements beneath the surface, including new production methods and design tweaks.

The most noticeable update in this version is the full internal cable routing. The bike is now 10% lighter, and its 5-watt aerodynamic gain is part of the claimed improvement in overall ‘total system efficiency’—a current favourite term in the industry. These enhancements make the new TCR up to 12 watts faster than the previous iteration.

Advanced Manufacturing Techniques

Giant has transitioned from laser cutting to a ‘cold blade’ method for carbon sheets, which enhances precision and minimizes deformation risk. This approach allows for fewer carbon pieces, reducing weight and improving stiffness. The front triangle of the frame is now made from a single carbon piece using a single bladder mold, eliminating joints and further enhancing weight reduction and stiffness.

The frame weight is a mere 690 grams without paint, which is 75 grams lighter than the previous TCR and 155 grams lighter than the Giant Propel. Although the Specialized S-Works Aethos has a frame weight of 585 grams, the comparison is more meaningful when looking at fully assembled models, where the TCR competes strongly at 6.4kg.

Aerodynamic Enhancements and Performance

The TCR benefits from its streamlined cable routing and flattened handlebar tops, offering a 4.19-watt improvement at 40 kph. The narrower handlebar options also contribute to reduced drag, with the smallest size measuring just 34cm at the hoods. Giant has chosen a two-piece setup for stock bikes, which may not be as streamlined as an integrated design but does make adjustments simpler.

For those aiming for maximum aero efficiency, a one-piece handlebar is available, which offers an additional two-watt saving. Although there are pros and cons to each setup, the option for customization adds value. For more information on similar high-performance models, check out 4BiKE.co.uk in the UK or 4BiKE.us in the US.

Cadex Max 40 WheelSystem Performance

The real performance gains of the new TCR aren’t solely due to the frameset. Our test model came equipped with the new Cadex Max 40 wheels, featuring a 40mm rim depth, a 22.4mm hookless internal rim width, and ultra-light carbon spokes. These wheels, weighing just 1,249 grams, balance weight and stiffness, outpacing some competitors with a 10.5% better stiffness-to-weight ratio.

The Riding Experience

When it comes to real-world riding, this is the finest Giant TCR to date. The standout statistics—reduced weight and enhanced stiffness—are evident on the road, providing a truly enjoyable ride. My initial outing on the Giant TCR was on a familiar loop with steep climbs and fast flats and descents, giving me a good early feel for the bike. Thanks to the similar geometry between the old and new frames, I felt comfortable on the bike almost immediately.

The first thing that struck me was the bike’s weight—our size 54 test bike weighed just 6.4kg without pedals, resulting in a highly responsive ride. The short 405mm chainstays and compact geometry enabled quick directional changes, which is particularly appealing to a rider with a racing background like mine.

On fast descents in Wales during extensive testing, the TCR felt remarkably stable and controlled. The exceptionally stiff bottom bracket means that acceleration on climbs is quick and exhilarating. Even though the bike is lightweight, it doesn’t feel sluggish on flat sections. Instead, it performs admirably on faster, flatter routes—another reason why it stands out in the competitive market.

Riding Experience

Following a shakedown ride on my test route, it was clear the TCR shines on steep climbs. I then focused most of my riding in the Cotswolds, known for its tough ascents and descents. The beautiful scenery and varied terrain provided an excellent backdrop for getting to know the new TCR while enjoying some of Oxfordshire’s finest views and coffee.

Throughout longer rides in this familiar region, the TCR’s agility and responsiveness stood out. On rolling terrain, the bike is a joy to ride, combining a speed that is more than sufficient on the flat with exceptional climbing prowess. This creates a ride experience that encourages you to push over every rise and tuck on every descent, proving that even a well-known brand can offer a bike with plenty of fun factors—essential when you’re investing this kind of money.

Final Thoughts on the Giant TCR Advanced SL 0

However, no bike is without flaws. My primary issue with the TCR is the cockpit setup. The handlebars and stem could use more stiffness in the drops, which slightly limited my ability to get everything out of the bike during sprints. While this isn’t the main focus of a climbing bike, any super bike should excel in all performance areas. Switching to a more integrated cockpit might resolve this, but as it stands, the out-of-the-box setup isn’t quite as stiff as expected for a race bike. Despite this, the Giant TCR remains an exhilarating ride that combines the best of both climbing and flat-out speed.

Price and Value Analysis

As for pricing, the top-tier Advanced SL 0 model comes in at £11,999 / $12,750, placing it alongside other high-end models like the Tarmac SL8 and Pinarello Dogma F. But does it measure up? The Giant TCR is certainly capable of competing directly with these elite racing bikes. Where it really excels, though, is in its competitive mid-range options. For instance, the Advanced Pro 1 model, featuring a second-tier frameset, carbon wheels, and a 12-speed Di2 groupset, is available for £4,899 / $5,700, making it a more cost-effective option compared to similar bikes from Specialized.

If you’re hesitant about spending nearly twelve grand on a new race bike, Giant offers an alternative starting at £8,799 with the top-level frameset. At this lower price, you’ll get Shimano’s Ultegra R8170 Di2 groupset and slightly heavier Giant SLR 0 40mm wheels. While these changes add some weight, the bike still flirts with the UCI’s minimum weight limit, thanks to the premium frameset.

Specifications

Bike Specifications

Frame Specifications and Geometry