Giant TCR Advanced Pro 2 Disc
I ADMIT TO BEING A BIG FAN OF
the TCR: the combination of razorsharp handling and a ride that’s stiff in the right places and forgiving where it needs to be are compelling reasons enough. I also like that, in this era of complex integration of everything, the TCR keeps things simple. It makes a bike that’s easy to maintain, easy to pack for travel, and easy to upgrade should you want to. Giant also deserves plenty of recognition with the 2022 Advanced Pro 2, as in these times of supply chain issues, Brexit-induced price increases, inflation, shipping cost increases and more, Giant has maintained the price of the Pro 2 from 2021’s £3,499.
That is impressive and certainly not something to be sniffed at, especially when you consider that the Pro 2 comes with a raft of quality components – not least of which is a set of 42mm full carbon wheels in the form of Giant’s own SLR1s. These come shod with Giant’s hardy Gavia Course 1 tyres in a slender 25mm. Giant supplies bikes with tubeless tyres set up ready to go, with seated tyres filled with sealant (and spare sealant included).
It means the wheel package rides as it should, and while the Gavia may not be the fastest tyre around, it rolls well and feels compliant over poor surfaces, gripping tenaciously in the corners throughout all of my dry test rides. Ideally, I’d upgrade the tyres once they’d shown a bit of wear, and to cope with the poor condition of most of my local roads I’d also up to a 28mm width for good measure, and comfort’s sake.
Just a few short years ago, a Shimano mechanical 105 groupset would have been the stalwart on bikes around £1,500£2,000. This TCR costs around double that; in comparison, Specialized’s SL6 Tarmac Sport is £3,500 with 105 and alloy wheels, and Cannondale’s SuperSix Evo is £2,850 also with 105 and base-model alloy wheels. That Giant has included carbon wheels to up the value makes it stand out in the crowded £3,500 bike space.
If you think that means I’m down on Shimano 105, then that couldn’t be further from the truth. This iteration of Shimano’s sporting workhorse is superb: the shift speed and accuracy are excellent, and the braking full of feel and power. You can get the rather basic brake rotors to elicit a squeak or two once they get full