Giant TCR Advanced 2 - Road Bike of the Year 2018 Winner

Our annual search for the best road bike is over, and the Giant Advanced TCR 2 has come out on top. Not only did it prove to be the best bike under £2000, it also impressed us more than any other bike in the other price groups too.
This video contains a paid product placement on behalf of Le Col - (lecol.cc) and MET Helmets (www.met-helmet...).
Huge thanks to Mercedes-Benz, Brittany Ferries and Life Cycle (www.life-cycle.eu) for making this video series possible.

[@IdontNeedHandles]

I bought Giant Propel because it won the same award 4 years ago and absolutely love it. Then I bought GT Grade 105 carbon for the same reason. Now i'll get TCR. Thanks BikeRadar for the most professional yet unbiased reviews!

[@inferno4001]

Andriy Levin one of the reasons why I also bought that gt grade. Freakkin awesome! (already own a giant and no surprise winner!!

[@user-ki5ds3mx1m]

Thanks to the bikeradar reviews in 2016, I bought CAAD12, my first roadbike .

[@jason40449]

Andriy Levin giant propel dise 2018 ?

[@IdontNeedHandles]

Jason, 2016 Propel Advanced Pro 0.

[@gongo787]

Andriy Levin so you are a Bike Radar Bike of the year collector then?

[@Sills71]

Can't argue with TCR.... been a great bike for a long time... I am a Trek guy but Giant kicks butt.

[@mister_ray]

I put some ICAN Cycling FL40 tubeless carbon wheels on my 2018 Giant TCR Advanced 2 and dropped nearly 2 lbs off its weight. A great bike made even greater.

[@chrisrichardson3738]

I have a Giant TCR Advanced Pro 2 2015. Love it and can't imagine owning anything less.

[@bfroman]

Just found this vid. Wife and I got into cycling July 2017. Bought hybrids and enjoyed them. Decided January this year to step up our game. Bought this bike and the sister Liv Langma version in February! We've got over 2200 miles each on them now.. Absolutely love them. Especially as our first serious entry into the sport.

[@woutermrofcynski7076]

Got a TCR Advanced Pro 2 at reduced price a couple of months ago. Eyewateringly good bike, especially for the money

[@ralphstieper3035]

In my opinion the TCR is a timeless roadbike. I ride the advanced 1 rim with ultegra R8000 since two years and i still love it so much. The handling is superb and feels so good. You can make it lighter very easily and have a pretty roadbike with little bit more than 7 Kilos. Now i am thinking about buying a second one 😛😊

[@TheSpitfire6]

Bought Giant TCR Advanced 1 in january for 1500€ (from 1800€) and it is nothing short of amazing :)

[@jock9089]

Fantastic video. Just read all the reviews in issue 340 and now made my mind up. Having completed Etape Loch Ness 2018 in a Felt V85, I am now going taking the next jump to the TCR. Great read this month and fantastic detailed video.

[@skylarshirley9385]

Just ride this bike today, it's a fucking fighter jet!!! A must buy

[@therealpinkyskull]

Funny you mention the TCR, I’ve been thinking of getting one or building from the frameset! This is good to hear and reassuring.

[@je_suis_le_vent]

Feeling that much better about my purchase! :) This is one fantastic value and a heck of a bike.

[@micbanand]

it went down to this or the propel for me here in the very windy west DK. So when I did find a Giant Propel adv. 2 2017 for 1000 Pounds. I hit it! Very happy :)

[@minominomino6024]

went for the advanced 1 with ultegra :) the bike are light for aero bikes at this pricepoint. Mine comes in at 17.4 lbs stock for medium size.

[@anderswinther4429]

Hvor faen' har du fundet en propel tll 8500 kr??

[@stuartclark1982]

I loved my TCR when they first came about, especially how cool the large bladed for looked. Not too aero these days though. Seriously considering moving back to Giant bikes, tough decision though as I have a very nice e Trek right now. Always got a soft spot for Giant though. 😉

[@MatthewBeedham]

This "3 grades of carbon" thing is mentioned in a lot of media, but there's no evidence of this in Giant's documentation. There appears to be two grades of carbon, Advanced grade composite, and then the stuff that's used on the super high end SL frames. The Advanced and Advanced Pros are the same frame. The only difference, is the advanced range has alloy steerer on the forks, the Advanced Pro has full carbon forks.

[@dickieblench5001]

Correct

[@saltydog6241]

I’m bummed that you ditched the idea of showing all the runner up bikes pitted against each other in pairs like last year.

[@bikeradar]

It wasn't an easy decision, but this year's test didn't lend itself to that format quite as well so we've gone back to basics. We're really glad to hear you enjoyed it though!

[@VirgilOvid]

I was wondering what happened. I really liked the weeks of fanfare and lead-up. Sad to see it go.

[@Goodman-4525]

Agreed

[@bikeradar]

Well, there's always next year! We'll have A LOT more BOTY videos in the coming weeks, spread over Road (three price groups!) Trail and Enduro categories.

[@saltydog6241]

BikeRadar I know these videos must take a lot of work to produce, but to thoroughly test so many bikes and only talk about the winner seems like a missed opportunity. I’m in bike buying mode this year and hoped to see some of the models I’m interested in (endurance road) discussed by your knowledgeable team. I want to know what 40 you started with and what 14 you took to Italy. Maybe an article on the website if not a video?

[@RobBastien]

Good job of presenting the bike.

[@fmc6338]

Looks like a great bike at a phenomenal price

[@josefedericopresno6668]

Very nice review, thank You very much. I have had 3 Giant bikes and the were very good bikes. Really good quality for the price. Their carbon frame and alloy parts are awesome.

[@MrEric5452]

You will never go wrong with Giant, my 2012 model is still surviving, bringing me around oversea trips, century and Audux rides.

[@allhill]

TCR is a best bang for buck bike!

[@StephanieHughesDesign]

I agree with you. Love the TCR. Love your review.

[@veloriderkm]

Wholeheartedly agree with one exception, that saddle is unnecessarily heavy but this can easily be remedied. The one thing I love the most about this bike is the colour. It’s stunning when seen in person. If anyone knows why Giant puts the seat tube bottle cage bosses so low, I’d be curious to learn why.

[@TheMusicman1654]

I'd guess it would be for aerodynamics.

[@richardggeorge]

So the bottles can rub against your frame (my BH G6 front bottle bosses are a bit low and had to change holders to avoid rubbing)

[@veloriderkm]

Nick Cooper could be and I’ve also wondered if it’s because of lowered centre of gravity for improved handling. Bottle full of water is a weighty thing.

[@veloriderkm]

Richard George the seat tube bosses come with 5mm spacers and longer bolts. Most cages will work but I have cages which allow the bottle to sit deeper into the cage and the lowest part of the cage had to be modified to fit.

[@joejoe8948]

I freaken love, love my Advanced SL!

[@ebigarella]

I believe there are only two carbon levels for the TCR, no? The adv has the same frame as adv pro, but a 1-1/8 fork with alu insert, wheres the adv pro has a full carb 1-1/4 fork. Then there's the adv sl, which comes with the next level toray.

[@MatthewBeedham]

Yes, I dont know where this "3 grades of carbon" thing came from... The Advanced and Advanced Pro share frames, but not forks.

[@kennethhowell5291]

I have a Giant TCR, it is a killer for the price. Their is nothing like them.

[@Rejor111]

Gonna be looking at the TCR Advanced 3 with Tiagra group set as well as a couple of Bianchi bikes. Giant's great, but also like those Bianchi colors...

[@AnnaOnTheBike]

Wow! What a rider! So inspiring! Please share more!

[@cup_and_cone]

Didn't mention the original purpose of Giant's compact geometry: Create wider fit capability on frames for different sized riders, thereby limiting the number of different size frames needed to manufacture and keep on showroom floors. This was the biggest pitch Giant pushed onto shops 20 years ago, not frame stiffness, ride compliance, or anything else.

[@hyena8385]

You probably right lol, but it wouldn't be the first time that something introduced for a reason ends up having unintended benefits that overtake the original reason.

[@dickieblench5001]

Also comfort. More exposed seat post= bouncy leaf spring

[@cup_and_cone]

@@dickieblench5001 Yeah, definitely some truth to that. The earlier TCR posts were those aerofoil shaped posts at the top and tapered to standard 27.2 round post at the bottom. You'd think it would flex less, but it actually concentrated the compliance right at the seat collar.

[@siccarditorino5670]

I bought a TCR in january and the wheelset is absolutley nasty. The rim is always crooked because of the spokes that doesn't stay in their palce. The hub doesn't roll well and they were noisy...a lot!! After a change in warranty I decided to buy a new wheel set from Campagnolo and now the bike is good.. but I had to spend more 400 €...

[@topmech71]

Doesn't surprise me...Giants been building bikes for other companies for years and I believe they were the first with the compact frame design. Price to Value has always been good.

[@alexcarrick6540]

Why is bike of the year consistently, best value bike of the year. I get situations like the Caad12 where it's truly exceptional innovation and is literally better than a lot of higher end bikes but the tcr?? No one doubts Giant's value and ability to hit price points, but that doesn't constitute an interesting, stand out bike. Anyone involved in cycling falls asleep to a bike like this, not what I'd call bike of the year material. I'd like to see there be more clarification about what you guys value when deciding bike of the year, because it appears to me that it's value and pandering to the sooks in the comments always crying for more vids on cheaper bikes that takes #1 priority. Also, as other people are saying, last year's format was extremely interesting and I'd love to see it's return next year. Thanks.

[@gabriel.trainer]

I love this bike.

[@K777John]

I appear to be a Bike of the Year collector-but on year in arrears-bought a B'Twin Ultra720AF last year-didn't know it was 2016 B.O.Y.-Just ordered a Specialized Roubaix Expert-didn't know that was last years winner until I saw the video........

[@JeremyHansenblue2kid3]

Now I have a TCR cheers

[@Guoenyi]

I like the look of those hubs!

[@hotdog9025]

I bought this but broke my wrist before I could ride it?! Now 8 weeks later I hope to ride it this weekend lol

[@outdoorsouladventures]

I bought this bike this year before this video and award. Special order too. Love the bike but hate the matte colour. It picks up all the dirt and bleeds into the frame. Always cleaning. Lol.

[@gonzaleznadia2]

great price easy to set up.

[@ajussiwannabe]

Bummer, I could have saved some serious cash....while I like my Trek Domane SL6 Disc, I don't know if it's worth twice the cost of Giant TCR. It's great seeing great carbon frame roadbikes at a "reasonable" price. A recent GCN interview of Shimano rep said pretty much the new 105 groupset is very close in performance with Ultegra at a much lower price.

[@prudiceflc]

awesome review! =)

[@MelbourneFisho]

I'm in Australia and I don't think we get this neon pink colour I think it looks cool. I own a 2013 Defy Composite which I love dearly and is set up as aggressive as a TCR but I would love this version of the TCR. I believe aesthetics has alot to do with whether you enjoy riding. You have to enjoy looking at it too

[@mehmd1913]

OMG, everyone keeps talking about tubeless tires. They are NOT that great. Punctures still happen and then you are stuck and you still have to put a tube in to get home. Tubeless tires are not reliable. Yes, some people will not have much of an issue but most likely do. I tried tubeless, horrible experience with 3 different brands of tires on my Madone. It was a horrendous experience. Multiple punctures and a massive blow out. Very dangerous in fact. On my Domane I run 32 Hardshells...rock solid.

[@evanwilliams7070]

Damn. Now my gears are turning about adding the disc version of this to my garage! Already have LY version of Defy Advanced SL 1.

[@jovelh2812]

Great honest review

[@chrisdagnall8666]

Bought a TCR based on the review, and I wanted a bike with a “race feel”,also went for the disk version. Been riding and I must admit the ride position is not racy at all, I was surprised by this the bars do seem high, I am 5’10” with a medium size. Also when I stand up to accelerate the disks rub so the frame cannot be that stiff. It feels like a Gran Fondo type bike as opposed to a race bike and is flexy so somewhat disappointed.

[@sergarlantyrell7847]

Plus, the disc model for this year is worse than the one from last year, they have gone from a full hydro system to a hybrid like system with cable brake levers and a silly cable/hydro junction box.

[@chrisblanchard4938]

I was not impressed with the cable/hydro junction box right in the middle of the handlebars.

[@edgaroscarkocherneto]

I have one Defy Advanced 1 with the same solution. It really doesn't look nice, but if you use a cycling computer, Giant supplier with a support that, when you put your computer, covers part of the box... looks ok for me...

[@sergarlantyrell7847]

Edgar, It's nice that they though to add that, but it's just solving a problem that should never have existed in the first place! And i would guess that they supply the hardware to mount a Garmin or Giant's own GPS but its hard to make something like that have perfect compatibility with every GPS out there. But I hate them because it's marketed as hydraulic (hybrid) but its not, you don't have the full benefits of hydro and trust me, that thing is a pain in the ass to set up and after that, you'll have double the maintenance than a fully hydro or fully cable disc system. Luckily Shimano's upcoming 105 spec hydro levers (rather than the non-105 RS505s that the old one came with) should make this sort of hybrid system obsolete and Giant would get with the program and stop fitting this BS to a £1750 bike. But charging £300 more than the rim brake version for this is just wrong, even if they had to bump the RRP by £50 to get full hydro it would be worth it. The only use case I can think of for the conduct thing is upgrading an old bike, and cant afford new shifters, but even then, just get the TRP spyre calipers and you'll probably be better off. Rant over.

[@alfonsolizarazo9806]

Horrible indeed!

[@porkchop2723]

I have the Advanced Pro Disc. Disappointed with first puncture experience. Didn’t seal properly. Perhaps wet road affected sealant, perhaps bad puncture. Always carry a tube anyway.

[@Try_n_2Tri]

I'm torn between Advance 1 and 2. In short, is the upgrade worth the $$? Ultegra groupset 'seems' to be the only difference... this will be my second roadbike and first carbon. First bike was a starter bike and now I'm investing. Not racing, but want race quality. Do I spend the $500 to go up to the 1?

[@drjwbriand]

good question! 105 and ultegra are very, very close performance wise and the main difference is a slight amount of weight. I guess i.d say if you've got the extra bucks, go ultegra, if not i honestly don't know if you could tell the difference between them if they put you on the bike blindfolded! either way you're gonna be happy! It's one of the best deals out there.

[@gokhanmhz]

i almost got that but bad retailer confused me about sizes and i now got specialized tarmac sl4 sport. Giant is lighter, has full 105 and tubeless.

[@gokhanmhz]

Maca i am satisfy with specialized.

[@DerekSeto]

Did Giant update the TCR for 2018? Looks the same to me as the 2017 model. If its the same, shouldn't the Roubaix be bike of the year again? Or did the 2016 winner, Cannondale Caad12 105 get any worse? Given that's even more bang for the buck? The TCR is a fine bike and I always wonder if I should have gotten it over the Caad12 105 that I bought based on your selection in 2016. Just curious how this works...

[@Rejor111]

Caad12 is a good bike too. Honestly the difference between these bikes are small. Just enjoy what you have ;)

[@minominomino6024]

the potential of the bikes and the bang for you buck are very different tho. With the TCR, for the same price, you have a carbon bike with full 105 and a little light than the caad12. The caad12 has 105 groupset but tektro brakes and proprietary crank

[@dominickslush3593]

I also bought a caad12 last year and im loving it! The only reason I would like the giant over the Caad12 is aesthetics. I do prefer the over exposed seatpost and dropped seat stays. To me that gives it a premium look. I'm very happy with my caad12. It kicks ass out on the road

[@ooitzeyang]

2016 onwards the TCRs are the same. Even the 2019 is the same. Hopefully they bring new updates soon. Can't wait for a new TCR.

[@DerekSeto]

Caad12 has been great. Not complaining. At my level, probably won't notice the difference anyways.

[@theylivewesee1674]

bike of the year by what standards: best performance, best bang for your buck??

[@krishawes]

Brilliant review! Maybe enough to sway my decision :D

[@brody5211]

Love this colour , Same frame since 2016 though ? Does this mean next years years models are due a change ?

[@jiriga72]

honestly, not quite sure about the comfort. This model is on my shortlist now along with Emonda SL4 and Tarmac SL4 but looks to me the least comfortable of all though I have to still ride it for a longer haul. the rear was little too nervous and stiff/bumpy to my liking. Not sure this comes down to the aeropost and that rear solid triangle as it can be viewed on photo number 5 above. Am I the only one to feel this?

[@martin.B777]

I wouldn't call it a solid investment, but definitely best bang for buck ;)

[@MoiMelgarHN]

What do you think about Giant tcr advance 3?

[@mattparsons6487]

I bought the 2016 version of this bike 2 years ago for £960 (new) not £1500!!

[@alfonsolizarazo9806]

Well.. I just ordered one

[@michaelgould3475]

Would be interested in your thoughts should I get a TCR Advanced pro 1 or a TCR Advanced 0 is it simply set of carbon wheels or di2 or is the quality of the frame a lot better in the advanced Pro

[@stefis6]

So what's the widest tyre that frame will take and will the disc version take a still wider tyre? This info is not readily available outside of reviews and this video did not cover this area.

[@paulysci925]

I want to put 28mm continental gp5000 tl. Do you think they’ll fit? Should I do 25/25, 25/28, or 28/28? I have the 2018 sl disc model

[@VisualKIt.Studios]

Is the Trek emonda 500 oclv stiffer or this tcr?

[@sonofab5246]

Emonda sl5 or this for 2019?

[@smallnuts2]

I wonder if the TCR advance 2 is more snappy compared to the disk? Since the disk is more weight. I live where its all flat . I have the 2018 TCR advance disk KOM but wondering about this advance 2.

[@CaiandtheMoose]

Shame you can only get TCR Advanced 3 (with Tiagra) or TCR Advanced 2 with disc in Australia.

[@smallnuts2]

What's the tcr models? I know there is a advance and a advance pro. But then... I'm hearing advance pro 2? Maybe this is for models in a certain country? Usa I have a giant tcr advance KOM.not a pro and has disk brakes.

[@EvilBambo0]

can't wait to see the bikes that you short listed also. I think equivalent level TCR with the new 105 groupset should be even better than this

[@henryjacobsen6873]

2b 1a thinking about picking up a fuji bike from my dealer. I might switch over to the new 105 from the old ultegra if it's really that close.

[@EvilBambo0]

Henry Jacobsen I read the hoods are more ergonomic and shifting of the front chain rings is even easier, while other changes not so noticeable. Cranks of the dark new 105 is even better looking than the new Ultegra and Dura Ace too imo, it will be an awesome add on for any new bike! Enjoy

[@decnijfkris3706]

sleek. Giant sells more in Belgium now.

[@scott907]

Love it

[@Defyreactz99]

Giant=Best Buck for Bang

[@rodolfonietocastillo9722]

choose between a caad 12 replica and this giant tcr 2 which is the best option

[@inferno4001]

Did they test the different seat posts that come with giants models? It seems that that there is a difference regarding the fact that you can or cannot drop the seat post???

[@dorvito67]

I'm riding a Cannondale quick flat bar alominium frame/carbon fork I get lots of road buzz in my hands and shoulders now I want a road bike but worried about spending on a tcr advanced & suffering the same road buzz so maybe the trek domane sl 5 would be better but would struggle with the hill any advice would be appreciated

[@rr8299]

Not gonna lie but the fact you didn’t put the runner ups makes me feel like this is a Giant Sponsored review. Though this vid will probably nudge me to get it

[@bikeradar]

This is the 'winner' video, but there will be other videos for the runner ups. As always: unless clearly stated in plain English no money changed hands in relation to this video.

[@inferno4001]

Did they also test the defy advanced (with discs obviously)??

[@talabaskictube161]

Why TCR wasnt bike of the year last year. It was that good(read "the same") in 2017. Maybe the competition was better last year.

[@Goodman-4525]

It's not going to be winner up front for Trail Bike of the Year right? +bikeradar

[@FabiiBarahona]

Emonda vs TCR vs tarmac vs supersix evo??? any opiniions??

[@fuelbasti]

What were the competitor bikes? I see canyon on top.

[@whichdoctor4858]

What’s the biggest width this will safely take?

[@fusackyang-5343]

dream bike

[@TheAcdcnz]

Are these endurance or race bike?

[@salkdjfasldkfjsdlk]

Nice bike but a custom seat post is an instant deal breaker for me.

[@WildOutdoorLiving]

Agreed! I wouldn't even consider it as an option. Zero chance of reselling the bike and even switching pedals and shoes could throw off the fit.

[@jimwocha4949]

What's custom about it? Think you are thinking of the SL model with the ISP.

[@ashleylemmer8016]

Nice!

[@StealthElectronVIP]

Bike of the year without disc brakes? In 2018?

[@44routshyface]

1700€ and a 105 is „amazing for its price“... i paid around 1400€ for my Canyon CF

[@jonneymendoza]

im scared to buy such a nice bike to ride around london in fear of it getting stolen

[@ketamification]

London sounds like a lovely place to live in...

[@whichdoctor4858]

Insurance!

[@basedgodstrugglin]

Can anyone tell me a bike that’s better than the TCR and why?

[@sbcpunisher9905]

They must have sent you a good when mine was complete crap although that bike out with my defy 3 now that's a great bike mines on the way back to the factory for the off falling off of it then again I'm a heavy Rider if you are I don't suggest it

[@RAYSAYFUL]

What size is the bike...??

[@smallnuts2]

Is the tcr advance 2 lighter than the tcr advance disk KOM?

[@Countrystock]

Yes

[@jasontime8465]

Does anyone know where I can get it?

[@cnsnmms3708]

tcr feels great it is stiff and great for racing but not for daily ride not healty for your back. (experienced tcr rider)

[@jiriga72]

why it should be?

[@cnsnmms3708]

Maybe should not be but be sure that the frame geometry fits to you when you buy a tcr. I was feeling well about the frameset but I have slipped discs and have a real backpain now. I'm a giant fan and now I'm using Defy model which provides more comfortable ride for training.

[@jiriga72]

well if you got that specific problem then you' d better opt for some more relaxed geometry i guess.Plus you can always change the stem length/angle) and adjust it according your needs. I have juts bought TCR ADv2...though the Emonda SL5 is a but more comfy and was a runner up;-)

[@MrAndrew1953]

Over the lifetime of the bike I'd happily pay the extra £400 quid for the disc brakes.

[@hcw199]

Giant Bikes are the best.

[@naninaik8853]

what's it's cost bro?

[@surfside-hj2ue]

I wish you had published this two months ago. I bought the Specialized Roubaix Comp 2018 at $3,200 based on your review which I hate because it has a sluggish ride and I don't like the gearing. How can you go from Roubaix Comp 2017 as road bike of the year and now you rate Giant TCR Advanced 2 as bike of the year for 2018 which is about $1,400 cheaper?

[@jiriga72]

Id say all of the Endurance bikes are bit sluggish....thats why I finally opted for more "racey" geometry although was leaning towards the Endurance bikes at first too...sorry to hear that

[@Chris-de2qc]

The Roubaix is an endurance bike so it will have a different feel than the TCR which has more of a nimble racing feel. I have an old alum TCR 2 myself.

[@WildOutdoorLiving]

I agree, I was really excited about the Roubaix when it first came out several years ago but then in 2014 I finally got to demo one in carbon and it felt like an absolute dog compared to my Madone and previous TCRs. Not long after I demoed the Specialized I tested the new Trek Domane and even though it's also an endurance bike it too felt like a rocket compared to the Roubaix. Endurance bikes don't sprint as well by their nature but they don't have to have to feel unresponsive. I recently sold my race bikes and picked up an alluminum Domane and it still feels pretty darn good. I really wanted to like the Roubaix but it just didn't feel right.

[@dukets5652]

Goodbike but in my country distributor not good...

[@mesere7]

what's with the tuk tuk at 1:20 ? your man is terrified of him, can't shake him