Giant TCR Advanced SL 0 review: the best climbing bike of 2024

Find out exactly why the Giant TCR is our best climbing bike of 2024

New Giant TCR Review
(Image credit: Future (Richard Butcher))
Cycling Weekly Verdict

For 2024 Giant has totally dialled in the TCR formula. Slightly stiffer, and 10% lighter, the bike undoubtedly feels razor sharp on steep gradients, and the compact geometry complete with a short rear end makes the bike handle with utmost intent. The tenth-generation climbing bike provides more aerodynamic features than ever meaning its capabilities are far broader than previous models, making it a force to be reckoned with in the super bike space.

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Exceptional frameset quality

  • +

    Razor-sharp race bike handling

  • +

    Aero package performs well on a range of terrain

  • +

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    Integrated seatpost makes the bike fit a must

  • -

    Two-piece cockpit lacks a tiny bit of stiffness

  • -

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 10th generation Giant TCR comes with a lot of performance claims in need of justification, both from the brand, and us. That’s right, just a few of weeks ago, the latest generation of the iconic racing steed stole the award for Cycling Weekly’s best climbing bike of 2024, and for good reason. Giant has brought together all of the cycling industry’s buzzwords, with aero improvements, lower weight, and increased stiffness all being present on the new race machine.

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Bike specification
Price£11,999 / $12,750
Weight (54)6.42kg
Groupsethimano Dura-Ace Di2 FC-9200P power meter
WheelsCADEX 40 Max Hookless carbon
TiresCadex Gavia Course 0 Tubeless 28mm (effective)
HandlebarsContact SLR
SaddleCadex AMP
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Frame specification and geometry
Frame weight (claimed)690g
Bike weight (on test)6.42kg
Stack545mm
Reach388mm
Head angle73º
BB drop69.5mm
Wheelbase980mm
Chainstays405mm

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Joe Baker
Tech Writer

Joe is Cycling Weekly's tech writer. He's always had a love for bikes, since first riding a two wheeled steed before the age of four. Years down the line, Joe began racing at 16, and enjoyed great experiences internationally, racing in Italy, Spain and Belgium to name a few locations. Always interested in tech, Joe even piloted his Frankenstein hill climb bike to a Junior National Title in 2018.  After taking a step back from elite level racing in April 2022, Joe joined our team as a freelancer, before becoming Tech Writer in May 2023.