Giant claim that the TCR Advanced Pro Disc delivers an ‘all-around race performance with zero compromises.’ Highly promising on paper, this compact frame is designed to leverage more confidence and control in all conditions. So how did it fare on its island getaway
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What’s the best road bike for Mallorca?
The Giant’s compact frame generates a really comfortable position, and its sloped top tube lends a real sense of control and stability, which appealed to all of our test riders. When asked to sprint and climb, the bike is reactive and efficient.
Yet even with the winning mix of agility and stability, there’s little respite on the descents due to the poor tires. Coming as stock with own-brand tubeless models, we’d suggest exchanging the Giant Gavia SLR tires immediately. Despite the small 140 mm disc brake rotors and faultless Shimano Ultegra Discs, the tires only made a token gesture to transfer braking power to the tarmac, seeing the rear wheel lockup too early and break free too often; exasperating when compared to other bikes with the same brakes but better tires that held their grip on the road.
The frame of the € 4,199 bike also has noteworthy weaknesses in the detailing. The adjustment of the seat post is tricky as the fastening mechanism of the seat post clamp sits loosely in the seat tube. However, once adjusted the rubber cover fits cleanly over it. Thanks to the angular shape of the seatpost the saddle is always correctly aligned. We were also frustrated by cable rattles as soon as the tarmac became rough, and the routing is unnecessarily complex. The inlet for the sleek Di2 cables is situated behind the head-tube.
The Giant TCR Advanced Pro Disc in detail
Drivetrain Shimano Ultegra Di2 Hydraulic
Wheelset Giant SLR 1 Disc
Brakes Shimano Ultegra Disc 140/140 mm
Tires Giant Gavia SLR Tubeless, 700x25C
Weight 7.73 kg
Price € 4,199
More Info giant-bicycles.com
Giant TCR Advanced Pro
Conclusion
Considering its price, the Giant TCR Advanced Pro Disc is certainly an attractive all-rounder with a solid spec, well-considered geometry and balanced handling that appeals to newbies as well as amateur racers. Unfortunately, there are certain fundamental flaws with the frame and spec. Simply changing the tires results in a significant improvement in performance, elevating the Giant to a decent workhorse for the season.
Strengths
+ Compact frame geometry
+ Handling and performance
+ Fairly priced
Weaknesses
– Seatpost clamp
– Cable routing
– Tires
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What’s the best road bike for Mallorca?
All bikes in test: BMC Teammachine SLR01 | Cannondale SuperSix Evo HiMod Ultegra Di2 Disc | Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 8.0 Di2 | Cervélo S3 Disc Ultegra Di2 | Festka Spectre Space Odyssey Edition | Heroïn H1 Limited Edition | Lapierre Xelius SL 700 Ultimate | Rose X-Lite CDX 8800 | Standert. Kreissäge | Stelbel Antenore | Trek Madone 9.5 Ultegra Di2
This article belongs to the GRAN FONDO Issue #004. For the full interactive experience we recommend reading it in our magazine app for iPhone & iPad – it’s awesome – and free!
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Words: Robin Schmitt, Manuel Buck, Benjamin Topf Photos: Julian Mittelstädt, Valentin Rühl
