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GIANT TCR Advanced SL 0 Disc is a lightweight dream machine that’s brutally fast and highly responsive. Giant’s TCR originally debuted in 1997; eight other versions have existed before now, making this the ninth version. Although many different bike brands have changed their frame design radically over the years, Giant TCR has not. Its highly efficient geometry has remained the same, maintaining the bike’s stiffness and speed.
This new TCR has everything you can think of: it’s incredibly lightweight, weighing just 6.8kg, its frame is stiffer and more aerodynamic. Its eye-catching features include an integrated aero carbon seat post, hydraulic brakes, a Quarq power meter, SRAM’s twelve-speed eTap AXS wireless gears, and Cadex wheels designed by the brand. This bike is definitely a super-bike; it runs very fast, handles like a dream, and climbs beautifully. This new TCR is one to die for if you can afford the outrageous $11,300 price tag.
GIANT TCR Advanced SL 0 Disc Features
Giant has put so much detail into the new TCR frameset; weaving their own carbon fibre sheets in-house in Taiwan, the brand’s engineers use laser-cutting tools to design and shape each piece. This new Giant TCR frame requires about 500 pieces of carbon fibre to create, unlike the previous version, which requires 380 pieces. Giant employed robotics to ensure the pieces were accurately placed in the mold, especially the 150 smallest pieces.
With the advanced carbon materials and manufacturing techniques used to design this new TCR, the aerodynamics and stiffness of the bike has been greatly improved. Giant has also reduced the weight of the frame and the fork by using special Thin-Line paint. This makes the bike up to 140.43g lighter than its predecessor.
Also included is the integrated seat post, which is much lighter than the conventional post. It grips well and prevents you from slipping during wet rides. However, some people have made complaints about this post because it makes the bike difficult to pack for travel. Giant has also incorporated two different clamps in this new TCR, 25mm and 45mm height adjustment clamps. This is a good feature for riders with longer legs.
Another feature to rave about is the SRAM 12-speed wireless eTap AXS; this kit perfectly matches the premium frameset of the Giant TCR Advanced SL 0 Disc. This SRAM kit is easy to use and adjust. Its app is easy to understand, and it syncs with the bike’s Quarq power meter. At the end of your ride, it will make a report of your maximum power output, number of shifts, average power, and the full GPS of the ride. The new brake rotors and hydraulic units offer a powerful, consistent, and silent braking that’s fully felt. The bike utilizes a brake hose as opposed to fully integrated cockpits used by competitor bikes.
The stem is pretty stiff and very responsive; it has a sleek matt finish, and the handlebar has the same design as Giant’s Defy bar, which produces superb handholds. The wheels also beautifully complement the frameset; they are well-balanced, rigid, and deliver adequate speed. The bike’s geometry is only slightly different from its predecessor; its bottom bracket has bed reduced by 2mm for greater tyre clearance. The tyre clearance has also been increased from 28mm to 32mm, but the stack height remains 581mm. Together with the 402mm reach, the bike’s geometry is low and race-focused.
Product Specification
Name: GIANT TCR Advanced SL 0 Disc
Brand: Giant
Weight: 6.71kg
Handlebar: Giant Contact SLR
Stem: Giant Contact SLR
Seat Post: Giant integrated carbon
Shifter: SRAM eTap AXS
Rear derailleur: SRAM eTap AXS
Front derailleur: SRAM eTap AXS
Frame: Advanced SL-Grade Composite, integrated seat post
Cranks: SRAM Red, 48/35
Brakes: SRAM Red eTap AXS hydraulic
Wheels: Cadex 42mm Disc Wheel System
Pros
Lightweight and stiff
Has aerodynamic features
Cons
Very expensive
Conclusion
The Giant TCR Advanced SL 0 is a fun bike to ride; it offers excellent performance and speed that leaves you very impressed. The bike is incredibly stiff and very responsive, although not very comfortable. If you can afford the jaw-dropping $11,300 price, this bike is worth it.
Also, read
Giant Revolt Advanced Pro Force Review‘