Giant TCR Advanced SL 0
The TCR name is not a new one in the lexicon of Giant road bikes. But for 2009, it might as well be. After a five-year play with similar models and technology, the top-of-the-line road bikes are all-new for this year. And to help prove the point, Giant went out and hired the powerhouse Dutch Rabobank team to show off their wares in the Pro peloton.
There are five different models within the TCR Advanced SL family, from the top-of-the-line LTD model (pushed to an unfathomable $13,500 price due to the Shimano Di2 drivetrain) to the $4200 SL 1 (which uses the same frame, but without the integrated seat mast). We tested the mid-priced TCR SL 0, which can be found on the showroom floor for just over $7000.
THE FRAME
We first saw the new Giant at their press launch last summer in Mallorca. We were immediately impressed with the frame design and technology. In a world of over-the-top, origami-shaped frame tubes, the TCR frame stands apart with its more straight-forward, yet still massive, oversized frame sections. From the rectangular Mega-Drive down tube to the 86mm-wide Powercore bottom bracket and 1.125 inch tapered Overdrive head tube, it’s obvious that the TCR frame was designed to be stiff from front to back. There is some similarity with other bikes at the seat tube/top tube junction, where the former looks to pierce the latter.
As the world’s biggest bike maker, you’d guess that Giant would have some cutting-edge manufacturing at their disposal. They do, and most of it can be found within their C-Tech factory, where all the carbon fiber R&D gets done. Giant uses a fusion process, where the frame endures a second round of mold time after the tubes have already been molded and co-wrapped together. Frame construction is first rate. With its compact frame design available in seven different sizes (XS-XXL), there is undoubtedly a frame to fit every consumer.
THE PARTS
On a bike that celebrates carbon so well, the flat-black aluminum FSA stem seems a tad on the utilitarian side, especially for a bike in this price range. Of course, the reality is, more often than not, an aluminum stem is lighter than a carbon stem-maybe by just a coat of gloss black paint.
As for the rest of the bike, there is no shortage of glamour. You’ll find a full SRAM Red group, Fizik bar tape and Arione saddle. Most enamoring of all are the Zipp 404 clincher wheels mounted with Michelin Pro 3 tires. But for as svelte as the 404 wheels ultimately are, we remain perplexed by the big Zipp quick-release skewers. Like castoffs from a mountain bike, they seem out of place.
THE VERDICT
There’s really not much to say about the Giant’s ride, beyond, well, let’s see…how should we put it? How about simply amazing. This is a hotrod race bike that oozes performance from the first pedal stroke. Test riders were left gushing and pointed to three main players: 1. The Zipps. Everybody loves them. 2. The stout frame construction. Owing to the oversized front triangle, the SL 0 tracks straight and true. Point it to the apex of a turn and it executes your command flawlessly without complaint. 3. The integrated seat post. Yeah, still a bit to get used to for setup, but as stiff as the frame is beneath you, the ISP (along with the rear triangle) delivers enough comfort to provide the perfect mix of crit-level stiffness and all-day ride comfort.
Simply put, the all new TCR Advanced is one of the best bikes we’ve ridden.
PRICE: $7300
WEIGHT: 14.8 pounds
INFO: www.giant-bikes.com
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