Giant TCX SLR-1 cyclocross bike review

Daniel Baines gets to grips with the Giant TCX SLR-1 cyclocross bike; the manufacturer's top-of-the-range, race-orientated aluminium framed model

Giant TCX SLR-1 cyclocross bike
Cycling Weekly Verdict

The Giant TCX SLR-1 cyclocross bike handles beautifully and comes with a raft of good components, although some elements make it less of a crossover machine compared to similar efforts from other brands

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Good components

  • +

    Own brand finishing kit and wheels do their jobs well

  • +

    Handles beautifully

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    The choice of a front the-axle can make wheel changes difficult

  • -

    The tyres are cross race specific, so limit the bike's all round abilities

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

The Giant TCX SLR-1 cyclocross bike is the manufacturer's top-of-the-range, race-orientated aluminium framed model. Built from Giant’s Aluxx SLR-grade aluminium, it features internal cable routing, asymmetric chainstays and double bottle bosses. The bottom bracket area is oversized and the BB is press-fit to allow the widest down tube possible. Giant has done a good job of keeping clearances to the maximum, with lots of space at these crucial areas.

The tapered carbon composite fork incorporates a 15mm thru-axle, which is a contentious choice, since it means extra care and time must be taken to change a wheel, compared to a conventional quick-release system.

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.