Road.cc editor, Stu Kerton tested Giant's TCR Advanced 2, scoring the rim brake carbon bike a solid 8 out of 10.
Kerton begins by praising the geometry of the TCR and how it “generates a smooth and comfortable ride.”
He highlights that the heavy sloping top tube creates a compact frame, that optimises lightness and stiffness. The frame and fork are produced by Giant’s own Advanced Grade Technology which is a high quality, lightweight, carbon composite material.
The TCR Advanced 2 disc runs Shimano’s slick 105 groupset, which Kerton believes is good enough to be raced on.
“As always with a 105 setup, the gear shifting has a light action to it, but one that is also crisp and precise, while the braking from the dual-pivot callipers is powerful, with plenty of bite from the stock Shimano pads.”
The TCR also runs the P-R2 wheelset with the Giant AC 1 tubeless tyres (700x25c). Kerton found the wheels “stiff enough for sprinting and when climbing out of the saddle, and there were no issues with durability either.”
The TCR Advanced 2 is valued at £2,249 which Kerton believes is pretty good value for a bike with a mid-range spec.
“It's a fast, lightweight race machine, and its eagerness to be ridden hard is infectious.”
Kerton summarises his review by praising the impressive ride quality of the TCR, having the spec of a modern race bike with advanced technology, however, is topped with a feeling of “simplicity and oldschoolness”.