Mont Ventoux shootout – Giant TCR Advanced SL in review

Lighter than allowed by UCI regulations! Despite its 40 mm deep-section aero wheels and disc brakes, the Giant TCR Advanced SL weighs in at just 6.5 kg. Moreover, according to Giant, the TCR Advanced SL was developed following a holistic aero approach, which, together with the low system weight and exceptional efficiency, makes it the perfect tool for long days in the mountains. But is it enough to secure victory?

With the new TCR Advanced SL, Giant are tenaciously placing the 10th generation of their iconic racer at WorldTour level. And it’s easy to see why – they’ve been refining the bike since 1997, and packed the latest generation with high-end features. The direction is clear: ultra-light, stiff, and still aero. To achieve this, Giant pulled out all the stops. From special full-carbon Cadex wheels to an integrated seat post with ISP seat dome and the lightest frame in the test field, they’ve thrown everything at the TCR Advanced SL to make it the ultimate bike for conquering the legendary Mont Ventoux.

It’s lightweight, baby! A closer look at the Giant TCR Advanced SL

Wow! This bike is a true jaw-dropper. While the super-slim fork and seat stays seem to shout “mountain climber!” at the top of their voice, the one-piece carbon wheelset quietly whispers “expensive.” The colour-shifting paint finish glows from deep, dark red to a bright, sparkling gold depending on the light. From the first moment, the Giant TCR Advanced SL makes it clear – it’s all about performance.

Fittingly, it comes equipped with Shimano’s top-tier Dura-Ace Di2 groupset. The electronic 2×12 drivetrain, consisting of a 52/36T chainring, 11-34T cassette and power metre, is both light and high-performing, offering the low 36:34 gear ratio we were more than grateful to have to tackle Mont Ventoux!

One trend running through the test field? Aero wheels. Even the ultra-light Giant TCR Advanced SL rolls on deep, 40 mm CADEX MAX 40 hookless full-carbon wheels with ceramic bearings. At a claimed weight of just 1,249g, this is easily the lightest wheelset in our shootout. The idea is to combine the aero advantage on moderate gradients with top-tier climbing performance on the nastiest climbs. Sounds exciting!

Going against the trend, though, is the classic cockpit with a separate carbon stem and handlebars. While most of the competition has gone for a one-piece cockpit to improve aerodynamics and looks, this setup might appear a bit bulkier, but it’s significantly easier to adjust and service.

However, when it comes to adjustability, the seatpost is a whole different story. In a bid to save weight, improve aerodynamics, and boost comfort, Giant integrate it into the frame, and deliver the bike with a generous seatpost length. This means that most riders will have to ask their local GIANT dealer to take a saw to it. The upside? The seatpost will never slip. The downside? Cutting it to size reduces resale value, and makes it harder to pack the bike into a travel bag. For small height adjustments, the ISP seat dome can be moved up or down by around 2.5 cm. But once the seat tube is cut, you’re stuck with it and there’s no going back!

Wow! That seat tube is absolutely gigantic!

Our test bike in size M hits the sweet spot between sporty and compact, with a stack-to-reach ratio of 1.43. Both the Canyon Ultimate CFR Di2 Aero and the S-Works Tarmac SL8 share the same ratio, offering a similar riding position. Only the Rose XLITE UNLTD is a touch sportier, coming in at 1.40.

Size	S	M	ML	L	XL
Top Tube	535 mm	550 mm	565 mm	580 mm	600 mm
Seat Tube	710 mm	740 mm	770 mm	800 mm	830 mm
Head Tube	130 mm	145 mm	165 mm	185 mm	200 mm
Head Angle	72.3°	73°	73°	73°	73°
Seat Angle	74°	73.5°	73°	73°	72.5°
Chainstay	405 mm	405 mm	405 mm	405 mm	405 mm
BB Drop	69.5 mm	69.5 mm	67 mm	67 mm	67 mm
Wheelbase	977 mm	980 mm	991 mm	1,006 mm	1,020 mm
Reach	383 mm	388 mm	393 mm	402 mm	412 mm
Stack	528 mm	545 mm	562 mm	581 mm	596 mm

On review: the Giant TCR Advanced SL on Mont Ventoux

The Giant TCR Advanced SL lives up to the high expectations it sets at first glance. Craftsmanship is top-notch, while the paint finish strikes the perfect balance between subtle and striking. The slender fork, the impressively long seatpost matching the frame colour, and the Cadex full-carbon wheels are real head turners, adding at least 5 watts per leg – if only by making you feel faster!

When it comes to the spec, this bike shines as a true climbing specialist. The slim handlebars with generously wrapped bar tape are particularly impressive, providing a comfortable and secure grip – a real advantage when your hands get sweaty and you’re tackling 1,600 metres altitude gain in one go.

The low system weight, the light wheels, and the efficient power transfer all make the Giant a great choice for long days in the mountains. It stands out with the liveliest acceleration in the entire test field, constantly encouraging you to get out of the saddle. When climbing, the TCR Advanced SL is easy to throw from side to side, showing marginal flex while delivering power exceptionally efficiently from the pedals to the rear wheel.

The playful, highly precise handling really shines on slow climbs, allowing for quick direction changes and pinpoint control. The frame, cockpit, and 28mm CADEX Race GC tires are compliant enough to spend long days in the saddle, and make it easy to navigate through rough tarmac. While the stiff Cadex 40 Max wheels offer little give, they deliver the sharpest handling in the test field, perfectly complementing the TCR Advanced SL’s overall performance.

The precise handling and balanced weight distribution inspire huge amounts of confidence. This is partly due to the wheels’ low crosswind susceptibility and the cockpit 11° flare, which ensures plenty of control and fills you with confidence on the descents. The loud Cadex freehub is definitely a matter of taste, but on fast descents, it provides an extra bit of adrenaline and serves as a clear warning to anyone grinding their way up the mountain ahead of you!

Who should take a closer look at the Giant TCR Advanced SL?

If you love riding in the mountains, the Giant TCR Advanced SL is the ultimate tool – whether you’re tackling steep climbs or thrilling descents. It doesn’t matter if you’re racing mountain stages or just cruising along with your mates, the TCR Advanced SL delivers pure riding joy, control, and agility. Solid comfort, low susceptibility to crosswinds, and a strong sense of security round off the harmonious overall package. It’s a true all-rounder in the mountains, and even on flatter sections, it’s guaranteed to keep the fun rolling.

Conclusions about the Giant TCR Advanced SL

The Giant TCR Advanced SL is perfectly tuned for long days in the mountains. Its lightning-quick acceleration, paired with the razor-sharp handling, makes it both a podium-chaser on the racecourse and a fun climbing machine. This is partly due to the ultra-light, stiff Cadex Max 40 wheelset, which gives the TCR Advanced SL its responsive handling and lively acceleration. It’s a bike that screams “Allez! Allez! Allez!” and pushes you to test your limits. For us, it’s the perfect choice for an epic day on Mont Ventoux – Chapeau!

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Words & Photos: Jan Richter