- TCR is Giant’s term meaning “Total Compact Road.” Giant was pretty much the pioneer that made compact geometry an industry main-stay for the last decade. Sure, the occasional purist will pout at compact geometry, but that buyer is probably riding an Italian steel frame or full custom frame anyway.
- SL series bikes are Giant’s top shelf racing steeds.
- These exact same bikes are used through their full pro racing program.
The science behind the SL bikes is, well, to throw a little “X-factor” at it…just sick. The shape of the frame is not measured in “tubes” – rather in geometric shapes that point at precision. The oversized casing around the 86mm wide bottom bracket is simply impressive. The oversized head tube is encased in a design in which the top tube and down tube actually “wrap” around it, adding strength and rigidity – the result is laser sharp steering.
TCR Advanced SL 3
Oh if this could have been my first racing bike. The tools I started on all those years ago were not enough to land at the most entry level of Giant’s spectrum.
The Ultegra grouppo with Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels is such a bold machine. Tastefully finished in a very non-garish touch, this bike embodies that spirit of Giant that says “bikes first…marketing second.” Despite my taste for “more just for the sake of more”, the TCR Advanced SL3 is a bike that for good or for bad, leaves me needing… nothing more.
Price: $4,000
TCR Advanced 2
Oh if this could have been my first…oh wait…I already said that. Well, wow. How to choose. The Advanced 2 uses the same Ultegra drivetrain as the SL3, but in Giant’s aero-design frameset. It’s a small (very small) step down in carbon grade…but that small step “down” is still several steps up from just about everyone else. Compare this frame to the aero designs from Felt and be prepared to loose sleep deciding.
Price: $3,300
