2021 Giant TCR Advanced Pro 1 Disc £3,599. The Best Value Road Bike of the Year? Detailed first look
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 4 พ.ค. 2020
- Finally got my grubby mitts on the brand new 2021 Giant TCR Advanced Pro 1 Disc so here's a detailed first look before I get it all grubby!
CORRECTION! The UK price is actually £3,599. So even better value for money
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Your review is better than GCN's review of this bike. Bravo!
Wow, thanks!
Aye and the variant people are far more likely to actually buy
I totally agree with you!
Please can you post a link to GCN's review of this bike.
@@davidarthur Is it compatible with 35mm tyres? Or 32 is a maximum?
What do you think of the new TCR Advanced Pro? Also, correction on the price, it's actually £3,599, so even better value for money!
Finally a medium large that works. Love the revised geo. Always felt thar ML was 5mm too long.
Bike of the year contender, great video too
It's a gorgeous looking bike, but I'm looking forward to your opinion on compliance/ride quality. If it's as good as the Defy Advanced, they're on to a winner.
My Chinese Tarmac SL6 is beautifully made but the deep-section seatpost has no discernable compliance.
Hopefully not to long of an ordering queue, can 't wait to start riding mine.
Compliance is something I’m really keen to asses when I start getting the miles in
great video David keep them coming your one of a few that actually give detailed reviews
Thanks 🙏
Congratulations ! Looks like you're the best out there at this kind of thing ! 😀
Note - new Covid + Brexit price now 4200.
In the end I was stuck between this and the equivalent Defy. The speed focus, extra .5KG saved plus a power meter swung the deal, and all things considered very happy. The Defy a great bike but the 34/34 combo even a little too easy for me and I tend to spin out on the flat.
Rides like a hammer out the gate with almost zero setup. The frame is not quite Defy compliance, but given the focus, is not meant to be. I read it's much closer to the enduro than it used to be. I have no issues with the cables, which gives more stem versatility and the wheels are super sweet. The Garmin mounts a nice touch but lack of tubeless kit a little tight at this price. I also find the short seat just fine, nose down a tad.
Improvements? Well, I have the ML frame, being 6ft and 31 inside leg, and following the chart ML is right. But TBH it feels a little short in the cockpit - I could have gone L. Will get used to it, or buy a longer stem.
Gear ratios could do with some improvement. It's setup for speed, but reality it's going to be bought by the enthusiastic amateur. This means the 52/36 and 11-30 will be a struggle for most over 12 to 15%. The semi-compact chainring is fine, but a 11-32 would have given more choices. But - with a short rear derailleur your max option is the 30 (although I read you can push to a 32). Just by fitting a factory medium cage they could have given more out of the box versatility, even if just to swap out the existing cassette for a 32 for longer steeper rides.
In the end - this and the Defy both great deals - with the Defy you save 200 but lose a power meter and gain weight, with this you have a lightweight weekend brag race ready bike with top spec kit throughout.
Oh - and the colour - delicious. Black from afar, exotic up close.
Great first impressions video, David!
David - I subbed. I really like your reviews. Great photography and close ups. Excellent narration. Thank you
Thanks 😊
What a fantastic bargain. Looks beautiful. Proven performance. Yeah - I love it.
Watched last week. Bought today. Ride tomorrow. Great review. Bang for buck. Great bike
Wow glad the review was helpful for you
I was gonna hit 'subscribe' at the end, when I realised I'd already subscribed - Great review!
Much appreciated!
Whaoooo. Superb bike. Better presentation. Thorough, comprehensive, explicit.
Thanks for the feedback :)
great value with the carbon wheels and power meter!
Very impressive package, lots of bike for the chedda. Giant is setting the bar.
Excellent review. This is a GREAT bike for sure. I know you are paying for the Ultegra group set and wheels so my question is does this TCR have the same frame carbon fiber as the lesser expensive TCR's ? Thanks again for the review.
Love this bike and actually have the Advanced SL 2021. Just one correction at 9:19, you can't choose any stem you like unfortunately, Giant's steerer tube is 1 1/4" on top, which limits the stem selection to very few options...
Keep up the great job David, love your channel!
Shame that, luckily the stock stem works for me! 👍
This is a Gorgeous bike, Nice review btw
Great review 👍
Ordered. Thank you for you nice review!
Good choice Martin glad the review was useful for you 👍
Looks amazing. Great review.
Thanks so much!
nice review without the blowing of smoke..
I've always had a soft spot for the TCR, had a TCR in Once team colours back in the day, man was that a harsh ride!
Got an ‘03 with 21mm. Feels like your riding a broom handle! What were they thinking.
Can't wait for the how it rides vlog. Niiiiiiceee!
Coming soon!
Great video! Giant always chooses a complicated route for internal cables to make the the bike aero. Not a big fan of the cables being channelled into the top of the down tube. In my 2015 Giant propel the cable is routed on the top of the top tube!
I have a propel as well. Horrible routing. After spending 12 hours recabling I just drilled out the top cap and ran a full cable housing from bar to derailleur. Abysmal design.
Living in 🇹🇼 now over 3y and I just bought my first Giant, exactly this one. I'm impressed by the price difference between TW and Europe, didn't expected it that pricey in 🇬🇧.
was it cheaper?
@@normen416 definitely. High end bikes like giant or many other brands like specialized is made in Taiwan. Groupsets here are also cheaper then those in Japan, basically just kinda cheaper then other coutries does.
Nice to hear that! Though these two weeks two we can't really go out for a ride can we... Hope the pandemic will soon be better ... 🥺
Giant makes thier high-end bike inTaiwan and sells lowest price inTaiwan even sram also besides thier factory. I buy a tcr advanced sl with Sram Rival and SLR1Wheele and soon the total price is about 6,500 USD,less price but high performance.
I love mine
Ordered mine Saturday. Not sure on delivery date but cant wait to get out on it. Great review too David
Good choice Tony. It'll be worth the wait
Great review of this bike, but how would you compare it to the Orbea OMX that you test rode?
Great Review. Thx. I've ordered an M/L frameset already. :)
Only one question: Can I put 160mm rotors back?
Thanks! You should be able to do that with the necessary Shimano flat mount adapter
Excellent review. Can’t imagine how giant address almost everything a cyclist needs, no additional money need to spend on accessories like computer mount or power meter. It also have great and smooth wheels. Excellent price to value ratio!
Great point! Hard to keep everyone happy but like you say there's nothing you need to spend extra on this bike, it's very well equipped for the money
Hey David what kind of bike stand is that? Great video!
Have my eye on this bike. Probably the closest bike on the market that rivals the Tarmac Expert Disc SL6... which is what I ride...and want to move on from for a smaller frame.
What colour is this can not find it on Giant website or the internet only Rosewood/Carbon listed?
Absolutely stunning bike , , out of my price range, catch it in a few years on the second hand Market, cheers for the video.
Hi David,
Are you planning to put up a new review of the bike? I’m still comparing against the Emonda and wanted to see a little more before deciding. Thanks!
Lovely looking bike I think! The weight is too much though and cable routing is terrible imo! I want to like disc brakes, but more money for a bike that is 1kg heavier than what I have now, why would anyone upgrade? I think this is the dilemma facing many serious riders!
Love the bike. Why has Giant gone with exposed cables?
Any stem you want? Doesn't this have a 1 1/4" steerer?
Thank you for the great review, David! Does the Powermeter allow to install 50/34T chainrings temporarily or wouldn't there be enough space? :)
I think it is possible to swap the chainrings but I would check with your local Giant dealer to be sure
@@davidarthur Thanks 😊
Great video! Does it come with a bottle cage?
Thanks! This test bike did but I’m not sure about shop bought bikes, I’m sure they could sort one out for you, but I would have to ask Giant to be 100%
Great review, thanks. So are these rims exclusive to tubeless, or can you use traditional inner tubes as well?
Thanks! I would imagine you can run tubes but let me check on that. You don’t want tubeless even if the bike is sold tubeless?
david arthur thanks for checking hopefully they do. Still not convinced and LBS isn’t either, heard mixed reports. Rate the wheels but bit of a dinosaur with good old tubes!
You can run inner tubes, but they must be used with Tubeless tyres because the rims are hookless.
Great review man. Seems like they re-redesigned the power meter. I own a 2019 Pro 0 Disc but I think I’m buying this bike. 👌
Thanks! My first experience with this Giant power meter and it sure works well after a couple of weeks so far
david arthur i think you’ll love it. I had both previous versions. They keep changing the design I see. first generation was outside of the crank. I dropped my chain and ripped the cover off and everything under the cover since there are cables tied to the cover. Luckily it was still under warranty and Giant quickly replaced it. Terrific customer service 👌👌 Both PMs worked just fine. I have a Quarq dfour on another bike and honestly can’t tell the difference. It’s a great bang for your buck. For me it was even a better deal that I purchased thru a team deal. If you are smashing watts it will tell you. I can’t care less if the number I see is 10-20w over under the real number. The thing is number you’ll see on the screen will be the same consistently ride after ride. That’s all it matters for me. Enjoy your new bike man. Jealous!
@@davidarthur This is My/L size, i wonder how taki are you?
@@Skowciu he said he's 5'11" in another thread.
what is the difference between this one and Giant TCR Advanced "team" Disc?
What do you think of the Pinarello Paris 2021? Can’t decide from that, or trek domane sl5 both around $3000.
How do you have the 2021 model while we're stuck in May 2020? Time travel? When was this released? What's different from 2020?
They were released 2 weeks ago and didn't you watch the video. Lighter whilst keeping the stiffness the same and revised tube shapes like a larger downtube for increased aerodynamics
Great review. Any idea of the new slr-1 42mm wheelset weight? Thanks
1452 for the pair
Did you put the tyre sealant when you weigh the bike? My tcr pro team size S weigh 7.5kg without pedals.
I am torn between this new TCR and the Defy. Would love to see a ride comparison.
Good idea. I've ridden the Defy in the past so can draw on those comparisons in my review
If it came with a Campag build i'd have one by now!
Hello sir, do you know where could I buy 2021 Giant TCR Advanced pro 1 size small not disc version? Thank you in advance
This is it, this is my next bike i think, the Di2 version though
Thinking the same here, i hope there will be more colors available. I am not that fond of the Chameleon Neptune color.
@@Kansloos you may want to see it in person (i havent), but ive recently rode the blue 2020 bike and its a lot prettier than on pictures. Im assuming the neptune will be very colorful in the sun
@@Kansloos I love it personally. It will be very colourful in the summer months and is something different from the usual matt blacks and white colours. This just my personal preference though. Have a look at the colours in real life because photos never do them any justice
@@austintinoC00l Yep colors are very personal preference, i downloaded the PDF from the Giant site and zoomed in on the bike it looks better then, but it think you're right with these metallic colors you have to see them in person and with different lighting.
@@Kansloos I don't know why the bike manufacturers are limiting us to 1 colour per trim level. They're using the same frame across various trim levels so why not allow us a choice of the 3 or 4 colours each frame comes in anyway
The 105 version has gone up in price again?
I have tcr advnaced 1 for already 2 years 14k done. I agree in general TCRs are very economical wrt components overall ok quality. But comparing to some Italian brands or even German it lacks attention to detail and some passion. Pay attention it is not the stiffest neither if you take XL frame. Something like Andriod phones -- more economical almost the same but lacks the finish -- that's my 2 cents. Would I buy it again after all experience, maybe no if I had bigger budget.
Yes, paint is boring and it has a press-fit, true. But dollar for dollar, the other brands are form over function.
Is there a dt swiss internal in rear hub please? There should be ratchet and is it compatible with dt swiss ratchet?
Cant wait!
Bigger tyre clearance is just better all around. We aren't all built like pro cyclists, I'm no hulk but still weigh over 90kg so having a bike that can take fatter tyres just makes for more comfortable riding and makes us more likely to get out more
Great looking bike. Love the look of the new red/blue Advanced SL 1 Disc, but the pricing is just wrong. For the same money you can get Canyon's Ultimate with Red AXS or even the super lightweight EVO. So no longer such great value.
The Canyon Ultimate is showing its age though, introduced in 2015 (I was at the launch) and updated with disc brakes in 2017, so the TCR is a much more modern frame which you have to take into account when making value judgments
Hey David, would you choose the Giant TCR pro 1 disc or the trek emonda slr7 disc? I have to decide these coming days, and I really don't know... I am a bit afraid of the comfortability of trek slr...
I'm afraid I haven't ridden the new SLR yet
It looks twice as much, but because bikes are 200% to expensive: ) It's not justified, why carbon bikes are so expensive, profit margin is huge on any brand. If you compare 5K japanese motorbike, full of high-tech, electronics, engine etc...
You can't compare a motorbike to a bike, sure it has high-tech electronics, bearings, an engine and all, but being lightweight is not a concern for them, that's what's expensive for a bicycle, and weight is kinda important if you're racing.
Hello David! What is your height ? and frame size ?? I got 196 cm (95kgs) let me know if I need to order XL or L is enough ( I'd like to have smaller frames) Great VID!!!
I'm 5'11" and it's a size ML. Hope that helps? Tricky to suggest the right size, what does the size guide say? Sometimes better to go smaller as more likely you can make it fit with longer stem etc
I have a 2018 synapse hi-mod dura ace would the 2021 TCR advanced pro 1 be a good upgrade? Looking for more speed but still comfortable thanks in advance David
It would be speedier and the comfort is very good but it’s more a race bike than the endurance setup of the Synapse
Is it the same frame/fork/wheel combo as the much more expensive Dura Ace Di2 version?
They don’t do a Dura-Ace Di2 version here in the U.K. 😭
I'm still wondering whether getting the SL or ADV pro model due to the ISP. How's the stiffness compare between both framesets?
Good question. I'm not sure how much difference there is in stiffness between the two, that's a question I'll have to ask Giant. The SL is lighter though and there's probably a bit more compliance from the ISM. Which you choose depends on what's more important to you. Having the lightest frame (SL) or easier seat height adjustment (ADV)
Hi David, great review, thanks very much. I see Giant have increased the price of this bike (and all their other 2021 models) by £200. Would you still consider this bike to be great value at the increased price of£3,799? Thanks
Strange they’ve upped the price. I would say it still represents good value compared to the likes of the Tarmac or Emonda etc
@@davidarthur Thanks for the reply David. My first thought was shameless profiteering given the huge demand for bikes. But I'm sure they will claim increased manufacturing & shipping costs due to covid!
Hi David. Just bought a 2020 Pro 1 Disc, and the combo stem/spacers on this 2021 model looks so much better. Do you know if the said combo can be purchased and fitted to the 2020 TCR? Thanks.
Hi Jocas I'm afraid I don't know. Could you ask the shop you bought your new bike from? Have you ridden it yet? How is it?
@@davidarthur haven' t. Will be collecting it from the shop on Thursday and will definitely ask.
Thanks for the reply.
Where can you get it at that price in uk? Plus can only find rosewood :(
Amazing review, thank you. Does the frame have a compartment for a electronic groupies battery, or would you need to tie the battery to the stem if you were to switch to an electronic groupset in the future?
Thanks! It looks like the Di2 model has the junction box either in the handlebar or seatpost, much neater than strapped to the stem
@@davidarthur all right thanks :)
Hello my friend this is the colour for 2021? This is a good bike? Giant?
Yes it's the Matt Carbon/Rosewood 2021 colour. Looks amazing in the flesh. And yes it's a great bike :)
This is a lovely looking bike, but for that sort of money i would want much cleaner cable routing. You get better cable routing on bikes that cost much less money
Simplicity at its finest
Thank you . Super film . CHICAGO 🚲🇵🇱POLAND 🇵🇱🚲🌍🇵🇱
Hello thanks for the detailed report. Can you confirm your source for the quoted frame weight - I am struggling to find any facts about it online. (Specifically the advanced pro frame weight).
The source is Giant from speaking to them here in the U.K.
david arthur Much appreciated for this clarification.
This TCR with logo of CCC team or Trek Emonda Sl6 Pro? Tcr more light and have the power metter, Trek have a better and nice frameset (for me) and the cables are invisible... Wich one is more fast and aerodynamic and the best wheels? I use a M 54 european
Meetings from Portugal!
P.S.i need a answer fast because i go buy one of these bikes tomorrow...
I haven't ridden the new SL6 Pro so can't comment on ride and handling differences, but based on the spec the Giant is a lot lighter and has the power meter included and the only downside is the cable routing so it depends on what you place more importance on really
My 2018 TCR Advanced Pro 1 rim only cost me £2799 new but I could have got it for £2000 if I had waited another 6 months
Just subscribe great film
This or the new Tarmac SL7?
Now listed at £4199 Uk Giant, February 2021
I want a new bike now 😢😢
Does the TCR come in alloy??
I’m afraid it doesn’t - but their Contend model does
Thanks again.
Giant is from Taiwan 🇹🇼!
Everyone knows....what's your point?
Shem dude I just proud of myself cuz I am a Taiwanese
@@pauloeichenseder5852 Probably 80% of world bike production is in Taiwan
This channel deserves way more subscribers. Always on point.
I think it's cheaper here in sg as I just got mine. No problem on stock level too.
how much u bought bro im from Malaysia.
What size is the one on your video?
It’s an M/L
Great video dave. Really interested to see how it rides. I have narrowed my next bike down to a tcr, scott addict or supersix evo. What would be your choice? Cheers martin
Thanks Martin! That’s a damn tricky question and I’m going to be honest, I’ve not ridden the Scott Addict and only ridden the Evo once, so I don’t feel qualified to pick just one yet. Is there a specific thing you’re looking for that might push you to one bike over the others?
@@davidarthur
Thanks for replying. I am looking for the smoothest riding comfortable bike and not over aggressive. I have kept leaning towards the evo as I believe that they have raised the front end slightly but the tcr looks like very nice and you get alot for your money. I will not pull the trigger until recent events pass so not in a rush. Thanks again dave
If comfort is important than the ability to fit 32mm tyres on the TCR could be useful. Only a couple of rides so far but I’m impressed by the smoothness it offers
@@davidarthur thanks dave. I have a great giant dealer locally so once they are open and have some 2021 models on display I shall take a look. Have a good weekend. Cheers martin
@@martinheath5976 I can only speak for canada. But here the equivilant supersix evo(ultegra) is 100 bucks more, does not have a power meter and is spec'd with a 105 rear cassette. The evo is a nice ride but I dont like them cutting corners when the bike costs that that much.
I think the biggest factors for comfort are the included 28mm tubeless tires which will be more compliant than tubular. And the option to be able to go up to 32 will make the ride that much more plush.
I was going to go with the evo until they released this bike then I changed my mind. Good luck with your choice.
WOW - Krypton Factor reference, that’s a #DeepCut lovely review! 👍🏻
Yes! Thank you! Glad somebody enjoyed that :)
Hookless rims won’t take most tires, which is a bit of an issue. A Canyon Ultimate CF SL Disc 8.0 is 8.6 kg’s for £2,399 and still have some cash to buy a nice set of carbon wheels from Hunt that will make the bike even lighter.
How much weight do you think the Hunt wheels will save on this bike? And you know Hunt are hookless as well right?
David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes The HUNT 33 CARBON AERO DISC WHEELSET, weigh about 1,340 grams, not seeing they’re hookless in the spec. The DT Swiss P 1800 Spline that come with the Canyon CF SL Disc 8.0 weigh about 1,680 gram, so a saving of about 300 grams. Just numbers off the websites so not saying they’re carved in Stone.
You might want to look into the hookless bit then...
Great value for money
Can't fit any stem. The TCR has a 1.25 steerer (OD2)
Watched this and ordered it
Awesome! 👌
where did you order from? closest retailer for me is 1000 miles away and I'm in the US
Drop the power meter and lower the price?
You can buy the Pro 2 Disc for £2,999 with 105 and no power meter
david arthur - thanks for the reply . I have the version before this one and it’s still the best road bike I’ve ever ridden . It this version is a slight improvement they are onto a winner . Great to see they haven’t put the cables through the bars & stem , the propel is a nightmare.
I only ever hear good things about the TCR. I've always liked them too but it's been a long while since I rode one so looking forward to testing this one. The cable routing is certainly splitting opinion!
Is it a L or M/L?
It's an M/L
How much would it cost with 105 and rim brakes?
£1799. It's this model you want www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/tcr-advanced-2-2021
@@davidarthur Thank you
what's that out front mount you're using on the TCR?
It's the one that comes with the bike. Neat isn't it. There's one for Garmin, Wahoo and GoPro
That’s indeed pretty neat! Wondering if I can buy it? My stem bolts are angled upwards and downwards so I can’t use a stem mount without that angle adjustment 😭
I have no idea I’m afraid but I could ask them for you
david arthur ohhh could you please do that for me? Thanks a lot!
Beauty!!
I'd prefer di2 than a power meter
Great looking bike. It’s too bad the nice paint job is ruined with the big white Giant logos.
Nice!
love the review ,Is that the Rosewood color ? It looks matte black
That's what I was wondering - this looks plain black but this bike on their website has a deep red/purple front end
Looks fantastic. But a mid range bike coming in at 3600 pounds... I find this more top range bike.
The range does start at £1600... Canyon's direct-sales model is tough for brands selling through bike shops to compete with. I do think this bike compares pretty well especially when you factor in the dual-sided power meter
Thank God, there is also a rim-brake version of the model.
So true. They push this disc nonsence like 'no headphone jack' on new smartphones. At least they give ability to choose. Ah and round seattube is nice also unlike aero bullshit proprietary seatposts, where you are limited in setback options.
@@eddie9703 I admit, for bombing the long descents, or in wet conditions, it is better.
Looks better without the pizza cutters
Advanced and not Advanced Pro?