Giant TCR vs Canyon Ultimate | Which Is Really The Best?

Giant recently released the update to do it's ever popular TCR platform. Built to be a lightweight climbing bike for performance orientated road cyclists, the Giant TCR has long been a highly sought after bike. However, Giant isn't the only company producing a great value, lightweight road bike in this category. Canyon updated the Ultimate back in 2022, and it's a bike that we really enjoy riding. Canyon also offers good value for money, so Joe Baker bput these two bikes head to head to see which really comes out on top and we find out which bike he would choose between the pair. These are arguably some of the best lightweight road bikes in 2024, so watch this video to find out which you should buy.
00:00 - Intro
00:40 - Frame & Aesthetics
04:04 - Weight
04:48 - Ride Feel
09:38 - Price & Value
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[@petersouthernboy6327]

TCR, because I can buy the 2025 Advanced Pro frameset in the US for $2500. Canyon won't sell me a frameset in the US.

[@EmmetFardy]

The TCR Adv 2 is a good buy. Plus you can upgrade the wheels later. Separate bar and stem is a benefit not a negative.

[@elliotli1369]

TCR, made in a modern facility in Taichung, Taiwan. Canyon, made in a dingy sweatshop in Dongguan, China.

[@chrisdavis8399]

I have that exact Ultimate and it’s a joy to ride. It’s so fast uphill and the small new aero tweaks make it faster than my last generation Ultimate.

[@abcdefg8134]

Can you honestly tell it’s faster?! I’d imagine the wattage savings are so small?

[@jamespham888]

@@abcdefg8134I’d like to know as well

[@michaelhussey3263]

Thank you for your content. To say an integrated seat post is a positive because it avoids seat post clamps is an unusual take. The integrated seat post on my 5 year old TCR broke, sending me tumbling. Giant refused to warranty. Never liked it, and every experienced cyclist I know prefers a normal seat post. If integrated seat posts were better, they would be normal. Both these bikes are well-regarded, but avoid integrated seat posts whenever possible.

[@chrisdavis8399]

💯. And good luck on the re-sale market. I wouldn’t go anywhere near an integrated seat post.

[@gk5891]

$4,649 on Canyon's website including Post, Cockpit and Pre-Mounted Dura -Ace Calipers (includes brake kit). Shows available in all sizes. Do they block you when you attempt to order?

[@ichor20]

Giant paint schemes are 🔥

[@red00tl]

Does the current 10th version TCR have the essentially identical ride feel with the previous 9th version TCR? I'd be particularly interested in the SL version.

[@karga5208]

I think Canyon Ultimate is a complete endurance aeroad hybrid✌🏼

[@tranquill80]

TCR more aero according to David Arthur’s testing and that was on old gen with exposed cables. Overall I don’t think the Ultimate is on the same level, TCR is lighter, stiffer, more aero and better looking. Canyon fork so fat lol

[@randomname8442]

I double dare you, compare that TCR to the last gen rim brake TCR purely for ride feel. I’ve no idea what the opinion would be but you know it would make a popular video.

[@ozgurinsan]

TCR all the way.

[@karga5208]

Omg 😂

[@FliskerX]

Integrated seatpost, like get the f.. outta here Giant! Seriously who wants to have zero adjustability in seatpost, even if you are riding a long time set height, maybe you decide to try shorter or longer cranks or whatever change on bike and you are screwed... go sell the buy and get new one. That's nonsense. It's enough that we got integrated cockpits that are already issue for many buyers.

[@werdsmyth]

I only have Giant bikes in my garage (currently a Propel and a Trinity but have had other Propel/TCR/SCR versions in the past). However, Canyon is the one other brand I'd cheat on Giant for...

[@lancaster5808]

Between TCR Advance Pro and Propel Advance Pro which one would you choose for a all round bike?

[@theantichrome9842]

I have a TCR, I'll rush right down to the local Canyon dealer to compare the two...

[@salvatoremannino3389]

When I want to have a laugh I check your channel

[@lbsBROS]

Can you elaborate on how you see the geometry to be the almost the same?

[@andorsn]

Stack and reach numbers of both bikes are within a few mm

[@DDai-qd8uk]

So the cockpit is too flexible for you but it's stiff enough for Philipsen and mvdp. Interesting.

[@Toto_Muc]

TCR ADVANCED SL 0 (Dura Ace): 12299€ and 6.6kg Canyon Ultimate CFR DI2 (Dura Ace): 9999€ and 6.3kg TCR Advanced Pro 0 DI2 (Ultegra): 6499€ and 7.2kg Canyon Ultimate CF SLX 8 DI2 (Ultegra): 6499€ and 7.2kg So, why does the TCR wins your weight comparison? If you spec these bikes the same, the Ultiate wins on top level (while beeing cheaper. On mid level there is any difference...

[@songjoseph3314]

that canyon ultimate got updated last year for better aero profile. not 2021.

[@obinnaonyenedum8060]

Just bought a TCR Disc 1 Pro / it was on sale and also was at a bike shop I could test ride it / Canyon - love the colorways and the single headpiece cockpit and the horizontal top tube / Have been looking for someone to convince me I made the wrong purchase but it sounds like TCR Is an overall better bike than Ultiimate and It came with Ultegra groupset as opposed to the 105 / I'm just not a fan of the sloping top tube, two piece head set and colorway -- rides really well so far and couldn't say much about the weight difference from TCR to Ultimate

[@Pierrrrrrrrrrrrrrre]

Why only review Top End... wha % of your viewership look to buy these?

[@maxaposteriori]

The 2025 TCR is simply a bit too expensive and needs to come down to the old 2024 model RRPs quite quickly I think. So it’s hard to disagree with the overall conclusion, even if I disagree with the emphasis on the cockpit in this video.

[@jalovecjoffrey9542]

Best buy is tcr advanced pro 1 at 4700 euros. Carbon frame, carbon wheels (1440g) electric group, power meter and integrated cables routing. Unbeatable. Ps: giant advanced pro frames are more premium than canyon sl frame. Canyon equivalent is slx frame. You’re welcome 😂

[@sarahtoustra7127]

Still not a big fan of the sloping top tube on the Giant TCR. And those hookless rims are a deal breaker.

[@maxaposteriori]

The top tube is a large part of what makes it so super to ride. Aesthetically not to everyone’s tastes though, I admit, but then neither are dropped seat stays (although the Canyon Ultimate does strike a good balance in that regard).

[@tippy35075]

Ikr those giant's are well priced, just those hookless rims are a risk not worth taking, so add another up to $2k for nice wheels to match

[@kellrockets101]

​@tippy35075 that's why I bought the Adv Pro frame and just built it up from there.

[@karga5208]

Agree✌🏼

[@Wonkee792]

I'm pretty sure the Giant doesn't have dropped seat stays..

[@bikerjk1205]

Nairo Quintana used the Aeroad in the Giro and Jayco the Propel. Seems nobody uses these climbing bikes in the pro peloton.

[@kellrockets101]

Plenty of Jayco riders been using the TCR this year. What are you talking about?

[@boguyen]

TCR

[@Danilo-uc8lz]

Love my TCR! Canyon blows

[@fredericpressel1611]

Giants pricing is off the charts, and Giants cut to fit seat post is a no go for a second hand sale afterwards and the all proprietary parts are not that "bling factor" to me. Carbon spokes nice to have, for 2k less i can buy another all out asian carbon wheelset (wich a dream material, too) to lower the weight of the canyon, if wanted - or you fly with the savings to Mallorca for a nice extra bike holiday week for just 150g more bike overall.

[@werb24]

None of the teams actually ride either of these bikes.

[@johnbrookshull]

2 piece head set at that price would make it a no from me for the giant. I’m going canyon out the 2

[@alorli14]

Ultimate CFR no rival

[@curtisclewett5249]

1st non bot

[@fib621]

damn bots

[@palpatine1975]

None. The best is decathlon road bike which cost $400 because everyone can afford it. 😅😅😅

[@TwiinStar1224]

Yep, and McDonald's has the best burgers!

[@KuriReevel]

So, Giant payd you more than Canyon :)

[@user-xi2xi7qd3s]

The idea that the Canyon Ultimate is even in the conversation is laughable. That being said, the Giant geometry is something to watch for. It doesn’t suit everybody, myself included.

[@shred3005]

Yes the Canyon really is in the next league. And the TCR is butt ugly

[@user-xi2xi7qd3s]

@@shred3005 🥴🥴🥴

[@nursultansaljakbaj9401]

Giant. Of course. Canyon cheats

[@halitecheuk3050]

Canyon made in China Giant made in Taiwan This topic ended.

[@curtisCclarke]

@halitecheuk3050: I am now too scared to make comments about China on KZbin. But all I would say (for now) is that I clearly understand.

[@JustSueMe]

Most "made in Taiwan" bikes are mostly made in China and shipped to Taiwan for paint and assembly, where they are able to get the "made in Taiwan" badge. As far as I know, Giant has most of their factories located in China as well. I don't know which one makes the TRC though.

[@curtisCclarke]

@@JustSueMe : I know this is true as well.

[@halitecheuk3050]

@@JustSueMe buy the giant‘s top-end bike, they are made in taiwan surely At least buy the pro-grade frame ALL of the Merida（Specialized also） are made in China

[@glennicol1361]

Giant has a factory just outside Shanghai

[@HeggemusNL]

Neither, buy a steel bike.

[@BarbieLong1]

Aethos-----------> Giant TCR & Canyon Ultimate