The 2018 TCR Advanced SL 1 is a fully loaded race machine that remains mostly unchanged save for one majot feature : Disc brakes! Ideal for the racer looking to tackle the coming UK domestic race sceneseason with enhanced control in all conditions A Shimano Ultegra Di2 Groupset provides simple and reliable shifting on even the toughest parcours while a full complement of carbon finishing kit and tubeless carbon wheels further refine the weight and handling of an already nimble race machine.
Back in 1997, Giant introduced a bike to the racing world that fundamentally changed the industry. That bike was the Mike Burrows designed TCR.
It was unusual in that it featured a sloping top tube as well as smaller front and rear triangles. After initial resistance from the UCI (the frame was banned) the improved stiffness, lower weight and more responsive handling of the Compact Road geometry, Giant's TCR was much imitated and it remains the bedrock of all modern sloping and compact frame geometries. The TCR has remained in the range ever since and is the mainstay of their race range.
For the 2016 season, to celebrate 20 years of the TCR (it was designed in 1995/6) Giant had the desire to re-design the TCR platform to be equally as impactful as it's forbear. In just one season, it has proved to be.
The completely re-engineered TCR features a new resin and construction process. As well as using Torayca's top end T800 raw carbon fibre as the building block of the SL platform for exceptional stiffness and low weight; Giant have this year used a new resin which employs Carbon Nano Tube technology. CNT is a polymer that is blended with Giant's resin and which act to strengthen the layers of composite for incredible strength - 14% more to be precise. This season Giant have also employed Continuous Fibre technology. This method of frame construction utilises longer runs of carbon fibre allowing for greater strength and less material to yield significantly lower (up to 100g) frame weights without compromising on strength and stiffness. Further advances in the frame construction include a Fusion Molding process used to join the toptube to the seat tube; by hand-weaving the area together and re-molding at a higher temperature, the junction becomes far stronger and lighter. Not only are the Giant TCR SL frames real performance pieces, they are also all hand-made, demonstrating the incredible value inherent within when you consider their price and that of the competition.
As a result of these new processes the TCR Advanced SL has lost a serious amount of weight without sacrificing it's incredible stiffness. From a visual perspective the change is immediately evident when compared with the previous model - a far sleeker, slimmer and elegant frame is the result. As ever its precise handling is its hallmark and the TCR Advanced SL is a beautifully sure-footed and reactive bike to ride, delivering the rider confidently into the corners and launching them out the other side without a sniff of instability. It is equally adept on the inclines and when out of the saddle sprinting.
The Giant TCR Advanced SL - like all SL's - utilises an ISP or Integrated Seat Post which not only adds to the aesthetic but which increases overall frame stiffness and aerodynamics while remaining comfortable through clever carbon lay-up
Giant have expanded and revised their range of wheels that they manufacture in conjunction with their long-term partner and all-round wheel-smiths, DT Swiss. The wheels are manufactured in-house from only the highest grades of aluminium and carbon fibre. Giant design the wheel system from rim to lacing pattern and DT supply the Hub internals like the Star Ratchet freehub system, and spokes. The 35mm SLR 1 carbon disc wheels found on the TCR Advanced SL 1 Disc aren't just another 'hop on the carbon band-wagon' either. Giant have developed a proprietary lacing they call Dynamic Balance Lacing, whereby there is not only different tension between drive and non-drive spokes but also between the 'Pushing' and 'Pulling' spokes on the Drive side itself. Giant claim that this Dynamic system allows for better transmission of the drive forces for greater balance, power transfer and longevity. Like all of the SLR wheels in the range, the 35mm deep SLR 1 Disc are tubeless ready.
Giant were one of the first to heavily commit to the disc brake revolution in their carbon Defy ranges for 2016. It is no surprise then that 2018 sees the technology blossom in their TCR range and there are more bikes on offer, including this Advanced SL 1 model. Mounting disc brakes to frames that have been optimised for performance presents unique challenges. The most obvious of these is the potential addition of weight, the less obvious is the need to mount the caliper and rotor without interfering with the geometry of the bike, which is what ultimately lends the TCR it's renowned ride feel and responsiveness. Both these problems have been addressed with clever engineering. Giant employ a flat-mount caliper similar to Cannondale and this helps minimise weight on the frame. Unlike other brands though, rather than lengthen the chain and seat stays in order to house the new technology (less of an issue on endurance bikes), Giant have come up with a clever spacing option on the rear axle which allows for the additional space required but that does not interfere with the handling of the bike. In addition, Giant use their own disc-specific hubs and forks which neatly employ 12mm Thru-axle technology to maintain front end stiffness and sure-footed handling
The 2018 TCR Advanced SL 1 Disc is replete with Shimano's Ultegra Di2 transmission which offers effortless shifting in all conditions and when the pace is telling. Giant's lightweight tubeless SLR 1 Disc wheel-system handles rolling duties and deftly transfers all your input into the road. The 35mm deep carbon rims are a brilliant blend of stiffness, low weight and aerodynamics, and while slightly heavier than the SLR 0, they lend genuine performance advantages. They come shod with Giant's own Gavia Tubeless tyres. Finishing kit is in the form of Giant's Contact SLR carbon handlebar and stem and new Contact SLR Forward saddle suitable for riders in a typical race position.
For serious racers, the TCR Advanced SL offers a perfect balance of stiffness, light weight and smooth compliance. The new Advanced SL grade T800 composite frame is lighter, but it still retains its pedal stomping stiffness. The OverDrive 2 steerer system distinguishes the Advanced Pro from the Advanced range below it. It features an oversized tapered headtube housing an 11/4" upper bearing and 11/2" lower for incredible front end stiffness. Coupled with the MegaDrive downtube, this stiffness translates into precise, direct handling and control.
This legendary road machine asserts itself as the ultimate all-round race bike. The all-new TCR Advanced SL is the lightest road frameset ever produced by Giant and it boasts the highest stiffness-to-weight ratio of any road bike on the market. The new Variant integrated seatpost design delivers an improved ride quality and the frame retains TCR’s proven Compact Road Design.