GiantTCRAdvanced2
Possibly the most refined bike model in cycling shows no signs of slowing down yet. Giant’s TCR has been the mainstay of the Taiwanese giant for over two decades.
The carbon fibre TCRs come in four levels, each denoting lighter, stiffer material. This Advanced 2 is the second cheapest of the entry-level range, but it’s hardly slumming it in the spec stakes. A complete Shimano 105 compact groupset and Giant’s own tubeless alloy wheels, tyres, cockpit and saddle are all attractive and good quality. Shimano’s 105 is crisp shifting, good-looking and bombproof, and the compact chainset here doesn’t mean less speed, just more accessible gears from the 11-28 cassette.
Lose the tubes
Giant has taken the step of making its bikes tubeless, and supplying them with valves and sealant installed. Using its own-brand Gavia 1 25mm tyres and PR-2 aluminium wheels, you’re saved the time and occasional expense of converting a tubeless-ready combination.
Tubeless tyres have lower rolling resistance than clinchers, and however much they add to the TCR’s performance, it’s welcome. Their improved feel and ability to better conform to road imperfections increases cornering speeds, and there’s usually a small weight saving in the most important area, aiding acceleration. The wheels willingly spin up to speed, and hang on to it through incessantly rolling roads.
Turn of pace
From the first metres, the TCR feels keen to scamper up the road. The angular head-tube area, boxy down- tube, broad bottom bracket shell, asymmetric chainstays and dropped seatstays combine to give superb drive and excellent control.
On the flat, you’re rapidly up to speed, and immediately feel how lively the bike is. There’s real seat of the pants control, the surprisingly good saddle needing just a weight shift to avoid obstructions, or assist cornering. The TCR Advanced 2 is a thoroughly satisfying and incredibly comfortable bike to ride at a steady speed, but put the hammer down, and it really comes alive.
There’s real seat of the pants control, the saddle needing just a weight shift to avoid obstructions, or assist cornering