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Lightweight road bikes from 6.5 to 6.8 kilosGiant TCR Advanced SL on test

Jens Klötzer

 · 02.11.2023

Giant TCR Advanced SL, 6.5 kilos
Photo: Giant
With the advent of disc brakes, the days of six-kilogram racing bikes seemed to be over. But the designers are working feverishly to make the racers lighter again than the UCI allows. We have tested six - unfortunately rather expensive - candidates, they show the current state of the art. The Giant TCR Advanced SL is one of the lightest racers in the test: its domain is mountainous terrain, which it masters quickly and safely. However, the bike shows weaknesses in terms of aerodynamics.

Even at its launch in 2020, the Giant TCR seemed rather conservative. It was a surprise at the time that a major manufacturer would launch a top-of-the-range model without an integrated handlebar/stem combo and with brake lines running freely in front of the frame. In today's test environment, the TCR almost seems out of date, and the standard 25-millimetre tyres are now also considered outdated. However, the classic still scores with its inner values.

Just like the old days: round clamped handlebars, exposed brake lines, 25-millimetre tyres. The Giant TCR Advanced SL looks like it has fallen out of time, but scores with its inner values.Photo: GiantJust like the old days: round clamped handlebars, exposed brake lines, 25-millimetre tyres. The Giant TCR Advanced SL looks like it has fallen out of time, but scores with its inner values.

With a weight of 6.5 kilos, it is one of the lightest test participants; reassuring stiffness values allow the bike to ride downhill like on rails, even at high speeds. Added to this is the outstanding comfort of the integrated seat dome. With these ingredients, the bike shines especially in mountainous terrain: thanks to the lightweight wheels with carbon spokes, the TCR reacts explosively to acceleration; the confidence with which it masters fast descents is impressive.

The relatively high aerodynamic drag remains a minor drawback. Although good aerodynamics are not a particular strength of any of the test bikes, 227 watts at 45 km/h still puts them at the bottom of this test field.

Giants TCR has free-running cables and a classic, round handlebar - a rare exception in this price category.Photo: GiantGiants TCR has free-running cables and a classic, round handlebar - a rare exception in this price category.

Technical data and notes Giant TCR Advanced SL

Manufacturer information

  • Price: 11,599 euros
  • Frame sizes**: S, M, M/L (tested size), L, XL

Weights and geometry

  • Total weight*: 6.5 kilos
  • Weight frame/fork/headset bearing*: 853/378/46 grams
  • Seat/top/head tube: 715/565/165 millimetres
  • Stack/Reach/STR***: 564/394 millimetres/1.43
  • Wheelbase/caster: 995/55 millimetres

Equipment

  • Drivetrain/gear system: Shimano Dura-Ace (52/36, 11-34 t.) Brakes Shimano Dura-Ace (160/140 mm)
  • Wheels/tyres (weights)****: Cadex 36 Disc Carbon/Cadex Race 25 mm (f./h. 1,070/1,418 g)

Valuation

  • PLUS: Very stable ride, high level of comfort in the saddle, generous warranty
  • MINUS: poor aerodynamics, seat dome makes transport and adjustment difficult

TOUR grade: 1.7

Giant TCR Advanced SL ratingPhoto: TOUR-Testabteilung
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*Weighed weights.

**Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.

***Stack/reach projected vertical/horizontal measurement from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube; STR (Stack to Reach): 1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 a very upright riding position.

****Wheel weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if applicable.

Jens Klötzer

Jens Klötzer is a qualified industrial engineer and TOUR's expert for components of all kinds: brakes, gears, wheels and tyres - Jens puts everything through its paces. He collects historic racing bikes and owns both a modern time trial bike and a titanium gravel touring bike. When travelling, he likes to explore unknown roads in Eastern Europe - on wide but fast tyres.

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