NEW Giant TCR Advanced SL: details, ride impressions, inside the factory

The new Giant TCR Advanced SL frame weighs a scant 690g, and the new bike is stiffer and more aero than its predecessor. The bike launches today at the Taipei Show, and I’m here in Taiwan for to test ride the new bike, to visit the factory to see how this bike was made, and to talk to the people who designed the bike, quite literally from the carbon threads on up.
In this video I’ll tell you what’s new and unique with this bike, show you inside the massive factory where it wad made, and share my initial ride impressions. Come along for the ride in Taiwan.
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The Ride is supported in 2024 by:
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[@lukewalker1051]

No questions. Respect your opinion. TCR has probably been the best bike for the money for the last 15 years. Thanks for sharing your impressions.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

Giant just listed the 2024 TCR Advanced Pro Disc frameset on its website for $2100. Which is impressive ❤

[@AnthonyGilliland]

Thats the old style frame

[@leslie7922]

Old frame but yeah Singapore giant has the 2025 frameset for 3000 sgd

[@magnusschroeder9806]

Riding a Giant Propel 2023 model. Since then I’m a Giant fan.

[@jons78733]

I never considered buying a Giant brand bicycle but, last year, I purchased a 2023 Defy Advanced Pro 1 from a friend who never rode the bike and needed some money to work on his motorcycle suspension. I purchased the Defy from him very cheaply with the intention of flipping it and making a few bucks. I set the bike up and rode it a few times and was completely blown away. Most every Saturday, I get my 62 year-old self out of bed and typically do a group ride with some younger riders. These rides are usually 100 miles plus and I have mostly been riding the Defy. I find the endurance geometry to be much more comfortable than my Specialized Tarmac SL-7. If the TCR is half the bike that I believe the Defy to be, I may need to consider looking into the new TCR as a replacement for my Tarmac. One gripe I have with Giant is their carbon handlebar design. To me, they are an ergonomic nightmare. I switched my Giant bars out with Roval (Specialized) carbon bars and this completes the package for me. Giant also does a couple of little proprietary things with their bikes that can be a bit annoying but otherwise, I am pretty sold on this brand that, I never really considered. That’s my two-cents……

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

I think a lot of folks have a similar experience. Personally, I find Giant's branding and bike aesthetics underwhelming, but damn if the bikes don't ride like a dream, and there is always a wide price range and not just one Gucci model.

[@3TZZZ]

Why would you but a bike from your ‘friend’ cheap to flip for profit? Friend?

[@jons78733]

@@3TZZZ = My friend tried to sell the bike for two months. He got low-balled multiple times and the shop from where he purchased the Defy did not want to consign his bike because of their abundance of inventory. He offered me the bike because, being semi-retired, I wrench on and sell quite a few bikes. He needed the cash and we both felt good about the deal. Troll?

[@justinofboulder]

Like seeing the factories in the past few videos....

[@warwickp8055]

Why does Giant persist with Press Fit BB when everyone else is going T47 threaded?

[@derekkuhl]

Looks nice. Going to have one check the geometry to see if it agrees with me. That seat mast will be fun in a bike box. A frame may be in my future. I wonder Ben, is it electronic only? Thanks for another great video.

[@emilegoguely4032]

Having owned a propel SL, I think taking a crank off is easier than most people think. Traveling with a seat mast is a non-issue imo, enjoy the street food Ben!

[@seanmccuen6970]

weapon of a bike with purposeful everyday versatility. long time TCR fan.

[@cyclo_pedogogy]

Great review Ben. I love giant. One thing missing (maybe I missed it) is Giant has the best warranty in the industry. It's the gold standard. I know I had to use it on my TCX, which imo is the best gravel bike for the money.

[@semenovr]

Do you race bro?

[@jameshoward9700]

Probably the best all-round race bike. Not always the sexiest (those colours), but very well made, and a beautifully balanced ride. So smooth, so quick. The ISP does aid ride quality and I could get mine in a bike box for flying, despite a 79cm saddle height. Can be awkward for resale though. It does seem Giant have done a good job with the integrated hose routing, but I'd be interested to see the steerer tube design. My last gen ML with DA and 50mm DTs weighed in at 6.7kg with pedals, cages and mount, so how light is the new one?!

[@joseluisgarciahernandez656]

6,4 kg talla M montada en Durace Di2, bici completa con el cuadro Advanced SL, el de tija integrada

[@jackal6234]

Huh? i thought tcr is a climbing bike, like the opposite of propel

[@giorgiocarrara646]

Hi James, I have a question for you. I'd like to buy a ISP giant TRC advance SL but I'm quite worried about the box for flying. Do you have to disassemble your bike to put into the box or are you able to keep the cranks on? And if you are able to, which kind of box are you using to fly? Thanks in advance

[@jameshoward9700]

@@giorgiocarrara646 I use a Bike Box Allen and run a seat height of 79cm and 13cm stem (non-integrated), 175mm cranks. The ML bike fitted in with no disassembly except pedals. But this will vary with boxes and saddle height. One trick can be to remove the chainset which is quick and easy with Shimano, less so SRAM...

[@super71x]

Nice bike

[@noko1146]

Ben, do you know if the forks are available for purchase? I'm looking to fully internalize cables on my current TCR...

[@TheBarts27]

This SL bike should come in black with white Giant decals and a normal seatpost. That would be awesome.

[@nelsonglover3963]

2:44 I imagine the issue with laser cutting the carbon fibre is that the carbon will be pre-preg, as in the resin is already impregnated into the carbon. When this is cut with a laser it will start to cure the edge of the sheet, which reduces the adhesion between sheets during curing, and likely requires larger overlap between pieces.

[@markreams3192]

Press fit BB and hookless rims are a deal killer! Their price is closing in on Specialized and Trek for a top spec bike. While still under those companies in price, $12,000 is a lot of money for a bike. I suppose for those into conspicuous consumption, that amount would be okay however most with that motivation would probably want that S Works logo on their down tube!😂

[@veganpotterthevegan]

There's a good $3000 price difference. That's sizeable

[@gregmorrison7320]

Hope you get the cough sorted soon Ben 😄

[@brissiAU]

Great vid, how heavy over all?

[@jean-pierrebarre4056]

Ah yes, the evermore presence of the loud hubs! Got a Revolt Adv 0 last year and hated that scorching cicada sound occuring whenever I was coasting (the faster the louder!), not to mention the fact that I don't like to startle the people I'm passing by. Mid-summer I had enough, replaced the freehub pawls lubricant with Grade 2 grease and voilà! now it purrs like a kitten!!!

[@woolfel]

definitely go for a nice long ride in the mountains around Taipei.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

strava.app.link/zEBs7TTxMHb

[@frankwu894]

Enjoy your time in Taiwan, go visit some nightmarkets and no need to adjust the jet lag ;)

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Cheers, Frank. Just wandered through the Shilin market last night with Dave Arthur and had grilled squid and a soy pork bowl and fried milk and some other stuff that I have no idea what it was! Such a treat.

[@frankwu894]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney Awesome! I also highly recommend the Ningxia Night Market for best variety of street foods in Taipei. Enjoy! maps.app.goo.gl/rVRudHZJbKVo7Qfy7

[@3TZZZ]

Sounds like you guys are having fun. Great to hear.@@TheRidewithBenDelaney

[@bengt_axle]

Does this stem allow for extra hose length to be stored in the frame so that different lengths of stems can be used without disconnecting and cutting the hoses?

[@taosanwu]

Yes it does, the entry port in front of the D-shape fork is quite spacious so you can tuck the excess cable in to the frame. It shares the same stem and bar as new Defy last year and I can tuck away about 20 mil of spacers hetght or stem length (not both) worth of factorial brake hoses at least.

[@0xjdion]

We should be able to customize the bike.

[@WayneCouyon]

Ben, there is a blue colorway frameset-only option! :)

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

What?! Excellent.

[@PedroPrego]

What are the specs of the "mid" tier wheels, the 40mm slr 0? These are also new but not really talked about.

[@byc4611]

buy 9th tcr adv sl is a good choice now

[@allanedmunds2620]

Any mention of new Giant Revolt? (Hidden cables etc)

[@camlittlebikes]

That hub sounded like it was speaking to us.

[@neilfowler3284]

Or shrieking at us from beyond the grave

[@Redshark976]

What size did you take? And what size do you ride the Madone gen7? Thanks!😊

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

M/L here, and 56 in the Madone. I'm 6ft/183cm.

[@Redshark976]

Thanks, been riding a Giant TCR M and switching to a Madone gen7 56 (90mm stem instead of 100mm standard) hope didnt choose too big 🤯.. I’m 179cm

[@jamesvan8166]

Still oversize stem? Past TCRs limited stem options.

[@taosanwu]

Oversize and D shaped

[@stevekelly6544]

I think I saw you riding in front of David Arthur, while out on the group test ride, in his video- ha ha, bike reviewer party…

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Hanging with David in Shilin now. There will be a whole lotta him in my next video.

[@stevekelly6544]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney that’s cool you guys are friends and still hang out, two of my favorite KZbinrs! Look forward to the new videos! 🤙🏼

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

strava.app.link/zEBs7TTxMHb

[@thomasmurray1042]

Ask Giant why no threaded bottom bracket. Like your show.

[@BrewsAndBraaps]

Lol who cares? Properly installed and maintained = no issues. Ffs

[@Ar0wally]

wait how da di2 battery fit 'inside' the ISP??

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Just with a thin rubber sleeve and not the thicker one you'd use for a round post.

[@siitan83]

ofcourse, stiffer, lighter and more aerodynamic then the predecessor... just like the one thats coming out in 4-5 years, Ill be waiting for that one - because i want stiffer, lighter and more aerodynamic.

[@robertgreiner4703]

Giant has really well evolved with road bikes. But sad to see the Trinity TT bike is still outdated

[@freebird61885]

Weight of full build?

[@daeko69]

M/L variant i think 6.7, 6.8 kg

[@Eirikkinserdal]

Sounds like you are ready to throw in a cheeky little remark every time you pause between their claims 😂

[@DaaamnGina]

@11:35 Is the bike... talking?

[@zaphod_beeblerox]

i think Ben needs an exorcism

[@manueldiazdelgado8182]

Ben, did you ask for the expected release of a new Revolt?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

No, but I will now! I hope they ditch the seatpost shim and make the top frame blue. :-)

[@manueldiazdelgado8182]

Great!! Many thanks@@TheRidewithBenDelaney

[@leslie7922]

Pro version is the sweet spot, ISP is a pure disaster for resale value and the bracket being heavy + wiggling loose over time. Hookless is a hard no so you'll need to sell the rims (goodluck) and then buy a hooked wheelset. Pro frameset isn't available in my country but if it ever is, I'll buy it without hesitation.

[@JP-om3ou]

Did you grow up in southern cali?

[@sccxvelo]

What will giant do when hookless could be banned from the pro road races with that effects all of cycling? How could they rethink of fixes of their wheels in a hurry for current use and new models in the future?

[@PatrickJohannes-os5bv]

I don't think the UCI will implement an outright ban on hookless wheels, but maybe force wider tires or use tubes?

[@bengt_axle]

Good point but I'd like to know about the safety and reliability of tubeless with a TPU tube (How ironic is that?). I think that this can save road tubeless hookless because it is lightweight, simple, low cost, enables easier manufacturing of carbon rims which better resist breakage and lightweight. Road tubeless, hookless is a disaster with sealant. But maybe with a TPU tube, it will be safe, light and cost effective. Anyone riding this way?

[@tekesbur]

Every SL8 owner: "Damn I like this bike a lot but already dumped so much money on a bike with an ugly head tube."

[@dustind9242]

Looks great, but at 690grams, I'm afraid that this would be another frame that I would end up cracking... Although, Giant's warranty and service is excellent / lifetime.

[@CM-ft9ep]

Giants don't break. Period.

[@dustind9242]

Okay. I've already had tcr advanced sl crack/fail, but as I stated, their warranty was excellent and they immediately replaced my frame.

[@BrewsAndBraaps]

@@dustind9242 did it crack as a result of a crash? Or do you just put down serious watts??

[@dustind9242]

Not a crash. The cracking occurred at the isp & top tube junction. I also had, what was very likely cosmetic, paint stress cracks at the bb shell. 81kg, Giant & my LBS, were great; I had a replacement shipped to LBS within a week (pre-covid) and it's been fine since. Lifetime warranty ftw.

[@BrewsAndBraaps]

@@dustind9242 glad they took care of you!

[@cyclingfan7303]

This or the tarmac sl8? Thank you

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

I've only ridden the 7 but I love Tarmacs. Feel and handling it very similar. Main difference in my mind are the seatmast/post and aesthetics.

[@jackal6234]

not that stupid american overrated stuff lol

[@bendardania]

Hey Ben, I have a question about the Cadex handlebar. I don’t think the one piece handlebar comes in d shape 1.1/4 fit… Are you sure it fits? ( unless they have a wedge to fit. Am I missing something?) I don’t have any relationship with Giant reps and I am having really hard time trying to understand the d shape 1.1/4 fork fit. Giant AD’s are pretty much useless here in US and there is absolutely no way to contact giant direct. I have contacted about 100 stores so for and 0 help. Currently in US and Canada there are 0 contact sl or slr stems aero light available in any size more than 80mm for carbon or aluminum and they don’t include the any size stem in the box for frame only, which is really unsetting. I am really trying to like TCR but so far it’s been a challenge to build it…. Mainly because of Giant’s customer service or lack of it…

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Lemme ask. Hold, please.

[@bendardania]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney 🙏 thank you!

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

From Giant: “The CADEX Aero Integrated handlebar is made for round OD2 1” ¼ steerer tubes out of the box. With an included shim it can be made to fit the D-shaped OverDrive Aero steerer tube on the new TCR. The CADEX Race Integrated handlebar (similar in shape and function to the non-integrated Contact SLR handlebar found on the new TCR) is as yet unavailable in markets, but will be available in two different configurations. One is for a round 1” 1/8 and one is for D-shaped OverDrive Aero steerer tube on the new TCR. As for availability of different sizes of Contact SLR AeroLight stem in the US market, please stay in contact with your local dealer to receive the latest updates.”

[@bendardania]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney thank you Ben. I really appreciate it! 🙏

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

@bendardania ✌️

[@BrianMaynardLetsDoThisThing]

Do you know when the 2025 revolt will be released?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

I do not, and I have asked when the next one is coming. 🤷‍♂️

[@BrianMaynardLetsDoThisThing]

Thanks

[@DanTuber]

Was considering a TCR a few years ago but the weights for low to mid range were too high and the not the best bang for buck.

[@alexgalitier1322]

superb bike one of the most beautiful of the new generation but much too expensive on a super six evo Hm 2017 2018 which is also efficient for a ridiculous price.....

[@jmscheel]

Ben, what’s the overall weight with those wheels?

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

1,249g for the pair (!)

[@jmscheel]

@@TheRidewithBenDelaney Doh….🤦🏼….the whole bike. Sub 15lbs?

[@andrewb6541]

1249grams....

[@nofinglimit]

I like to ride with high tire pressure, will the tires pop off?

[@oldanslo]

There's no fing limit.

[@BoyMeetsMountain]

Giant is all in on hookless, you're limited to 72.5 PSI. So yes, they'll pop off.

[@nationsnumber1chump]

who care's if they pop off! What about replacing the carbon spokes?!

[@BoyMeetsMountain]

@MrChumps1 well one is annoying and expensive and the other kills you, so I'd probably argue in favor of caring about the tires!

[@taosanwu]

For the range top cadex max wheelset, each side of the separable carbon hub flange is bonded with half of the spokes, which are replaceable as a set, while nipples are still used to attach to the rim. By the way cadex max has lifetime warranty and "incident replacemnet" (not sure how that works). Or look to the second tier model which introduces SLR 0 wheelset that seems like a rebranded old cadex, with individual carbon spokes.

[@oldanslo]

The DuraAce power meter is worse than no power meter.

[@seanmccuen6970]

a stock power meter on a '23 Giant Defy (along with hookless rims, tires, bar width, gearing, etc) was a deal killer, I have less than zero need for that shite which I'd only replace. shame that Defy wasn't offered as a frame set only, 'cause that's exactly what I'd be riding today.

[@thecoffeeblog]

do they still make the rim brake model?

[@petersouthernboy6327]

Do they still make landlines and fax machines?

[@valiantabello]

Probably not but let's hope so

[@seanmccuen6970]

@@petersouthernboy6327 those are redundant.

[@thecoffeeblog]

@@petersouthernboy6327 As 2023 Giant TCR was available with rim brakes. The last big brand still producing them.

[@thecoffeeblog]

@@redauwg911 It is confirmed !!! Giant TCR rim breaks in 2024 is real. Rejoice my fellow rim breaks lovers.

[@conceptcs]

Giant color can customized from the factory.

[@Dustydayzz]

that hub was talking

[@paulthomas1431]

Ben. Love the detail but man you just talk too slowly.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Watch it on 1.5 speed. 😁

[@pierrex3226]

if they put 28C on hookless rims, what PSI are they rated for? I thought hookless were 60 PSI max, typically, but 28C means at least 80 PSI.

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

The Cadex 28s are rated 70-95 on these rims - definitely higher than most others but they were designed together.

[@John31611]

11:37

[@kristiantenerife]

@1:18 ufffff. there you go boys and girls...

[@drym3943]

that's great to know but there is way more to a bike than it's manufacturing. I am not an expert but i guess other brand create their bike and then colab with giant for the manufactuing itself. With that said it means that it is possible to have a giant bike that is actually slower than another bike made by giant but for another brand.

[@drym3943]

so it garantees the quality of the manufacturing of giant bikes but not the actual riding quality and speed of the bike.

[@FT__Bicycling_____-sc7yv]

690 grams for a frame is crazy. Seems too light to me.

[@nationsnumber1chump]

yawn, have to go with the propel i guess

[@Omnis2]

My ten year old TCR Advanced SL 0 was ten times cheaper than this new one. Fantastic frame and glad to see Giant not doing integrated cockpit stupidity. Will be ready for a used one of these in another ten years lol

[@grahamelliott6041]

Blue socks ?

[@drewc8497]

Hookless rims are definitely a deal breaker !

[@BrewsAndBraaps]

Have you ever had an issue with hookless rims?

[@veganpotterthevegan]

I'm 90kg and have 50k miles on hookless road. I can't see myself ever riding a hooked rim ever again. *Thats all mileage without inserts too

[@BrewsAndBraaps]

@@veganpotterthevegan similar situation here. I’d wager most the people who are against hookless haven’t tried them nor have had any issues with them….

[@veganpotterthevegan]

@@BrewsAndBraaps totally, just too afraid and largely unaware of how bad early hooked clinchers fit and not knowing the hookless, tubed tires used to be the standard for training on and people putsing around to get from A to B😅

[@andrewc662]

Not thrilled about that seatpost.

[@andrewmandich5906]

This fascination with routing cables through the headset is helping my wallet....a hard pass....otherwise its a nice bike

[@liegs009]

Agree. The increased fore-aft depth of the head tube is just ugly. Ditto Scott Addict.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

I really don't care about the aerodynamics. It looks so much better and makes bikes easier to clean to the point that I'd gladly take the hidden cables at a aerodynamic loss

[@Dimashoey]

Your ring scratches the frame 😅

[@larryt.atcycleitalia5786]

GIANT - spawned by Schwinn back-in-the-day, no? And IMHO the ones who should be blamed (or praised?) for t-shirt frame sizing. Too small, too big and close enough...forever!

[@Omeiden]

I paid half for EXACTLY the same bike back in 2017.

[@CM-ft9ep]

No you didn't. Those Cadex wheels are brand new and retail for $4000.

[@petersouthernboy6327]

Now if it had a BB386 bottom bracket and took a 50 mm tire…. Wait - I have a Revolt Advanced Pro 😅

[@highfived]

I don’t think these bikes will sell well as the colour scheme are not exciting or desirable. The bike are very good technically. After spending lots of money in a bike you want it to look good

[@PeterPutz82]

Ok, I don't give a shit about a company giving unverified claims. Don't bother reading that crap out. I want your opinion, do you think it's good, touching and feeling it, how does it ride? If pass on marketing, I click off, I can read that crap on their website, I don't come here for that.

[@DaM.1]

All the drawbacks of an aero bike without any of the aero benefits. Plus hookless wheels...

[@johnacebu3032]

“giant” factory 😂

[@pantster9855]

“Exclusively” see how it’s made?? Seems like Giant have let every man and their dog in their factory for this release!

[@TheRidewithBenDelaney]

Exclusive in that Giant seldom gives tours of its factories, and certainly not for the new new. There were 32 of us from around the globe in there for this.

[@JibbaJabber]

It's probably a fake factory, to root out espionage;)

[@bm4122]

Blink 3 times if hookless wheel company is holding you hostage

[@zaphod_beeblerox]

HOOKLESS wheels

[@JibbaJabber]

Yep. Designed in conjunction with their tyres. 👍

[@zaphod_beeblerox]

@@JibbaJabber their tires are crap

[@JibbaJabber]

@@zaphod_beeblerox Have you ridden them? Do you have evidence?

[@manuelrabelo6780]

$12k for a giant..

[@PatrickJohannes-os5bv]

Not to nitpick but the new TCR looks nearly identical to the outgoing model. It may just be me but I'd want my bike to at least appear updated over an outgoing model. The saying, "it's the inside that counts" doesn't really hold weight with me, figuratively speaking...

[@hamburgler124]

Imo the only thing that needed improvement was hiding the cables in the front and some decent paint options. I love the relatively thin tubes and small triangles, the way the top tube sort of flows into the seat stay. Id be disappointed if they made a big change

[@seanmccuen6970]

why change anything, especially when it works as beautifully as this? sounds like you want a different bike.

[@BikeLife154]

I'm sure it's nice, but I'd never buy it. Integrated seatpost no thanks, deathtrap hookless wheels no thanks, continuous muted dull colours no thanks, $12,000 😂 definitely no thanks! Thanks for the video though! kzbin.info/www/bejne/jZzUhJqKqpeGiJosi=MfvVzsYV5RYCQc-9

[@ericmagee9054]

The pro 0 is much more affordable and does not have an integrated seat post. Can’t do anything about those muted colours (which I happen to like) or hookless rims though.

[@elhoffman8290]

I’ve been riding in hookless rims for 3 years. Absolutely zero concerns.

[@BikeLife154]

@@elhoffman8290 I’m happy for you. I won’t ever be riding them

[@elhoffman8290]

@@BikeLife154 good for you. How about until you use them, you don’t call them a deathtrap? Did you know the car you drive is hookless? 🫣

[@BikeLife154]

@@elhoffman8290 the tyres are a different design and aren’t as thin as paper! There was no problem with hooked rims. You don’t need to fix something that doesn’t need fixing. Enjoy your day!

[@theantichrome9842]

Too bad about the ISP and the hideous graphics. Geez Giant, get it together.

[@Dolmar-Rick]

Hideous graphics? Yes, specialized sl8 graphics are way better?🤦🏻‍♂️... It seems pretty similar to me. The huge company name on the down tube. Is the font wrong?😂

[@alanngkwanyein]

Just take out that ring from your finger when handling bike for goodness sake.

[@davidvonslingshot]

I dislike Giant as a brand immensely because of a bad Propel experience ages ago. It was a nighmare. I do appreciate your proper video of the factory and bike today - but will never buy one no matter how good they appear to be.

[@supersucka]

The rake angle seems slacker

[@mohammadtaufek5529]

Don’t like the integrated seat post tho…