Giant TCR Advanced 1 Disc 2018: Review

The Giant TCR Advanced 1 Disc 2018 is part of Giant’s competition bike range. It’s a carbon fiber road bike, in matte carbon with a smoke, orange and blue finish.

While the TCR Advanced 1 isn’t the top bike in the TCR range, from the moment you set eyes on it you know it’s a well-designed bike.

Let’s start with the basics. It’s got a Shimano Ultegra groupset (just below the pro-standard Dura-Ace), making it a great all-round cycling option for most road bikes.

The frame features a blend of high-performance carbon material with advanced composite technology, making it lighter but stronger, while the ergonomics give it a very comfortable ride.

The addition of disc brakes (traditional brakes are available on cheaper models) gives the bike a premium feel, with a 22-speed drivetrain providing speed. So, speed, reliability, comfort, and confidence descending and ascending. A good start.

Key features include:

• Colour: Carbon Smoke / Neon Orange / Electric Blue
• Frame: Advanced-Grade Carbon Composite
• Forks: Advanced-Grade Carbon Composite
• Groupset: Shimano Ultegra 2×11 Speed
• Brakes: Shimano RS505 Hydraulic Disc Brakes
• Chainset: Shimano Ultegra, 34/50
• Chainrings: 50/34
• Front and rear derailleur: Shimano Ultegra
• Wheels: Giant PR-2 disc wheelset with Giant Gavia Race 1 tubeless tyres, 700×25
• Handlebars, headset, stem, saddle and seat post: Giant Contact
• Weight: 7.76kg

Priced between £1700-2000, depending on your specs, makes it a fairly reasonably costing road bike. Particularly for a carbon frame and Ultegra groupset.

Plus, at 7.76kg it is pretty light for the price point. The internal cable routing is also a nice addition on a carbon frame, all adding to the aesthetics.

Giant’s OverDrive steering system provides extra stiffness on the front, helping to corner. All in all, it handles beautifully.

It really is a comfortable ride, providing plenty of punch for speed demons. For those who are looking for a bike suitable for racing, it fits the bill.

However, equally, it is perfect for those looking to cruise along the roads. The multi-functionality means it caters for almost all abilities and needs.

In terms of the actual cycling, it feels very stable, reliable and agile. The OverDrive on the front (with the small triangles) helps with that, enabling you to quickly change direction and move the bike from side to side.

If you go out of the saddle a lot, that helps too. It feels light to touch and has the kick for a surge of speed. The one big catch is probably the wheels, which although include tubeless tires, have pretty basic rims and are suspect to be harder to handle in strong winds.

The tubeless tire is a nice addition, taking the hassle out of carrying around spare inner tubes.

Summary

Giant themselves describe the TCR Advanced 1 as: “Designed with Compact Road geometry and constructed with Giant’s Advanced-grade composite frame material, the TCR Advanced Disc delivers the best on-the-road efficiency of any bike in its class.

The Variant seat post adds just enough compliance to give it a balanced, race-tuned feel on the road. And with its integrated disc-brake technology, including flat mounts and 12mm front and rear thru-axles, it’s an all-weather, all-conditions race machine to keep you at the front of the pack.” In all honesty, it’s hard to disagree, particularly at the price point.

The Giant TCR Advanced 1 Disc is a great option for anyone looking for a bike under the £2k mark. It’s an extremely enjoyable ride that handles well, looks nice and provides a level of quality guaranteed by the Ultegra groupset.

It’s fast enough when required, but also light and easy to handle on hills. Plus, the addition of hydraulic disc brakes gives it that extra bit of braking performance.

In my opinion, it’s great value for money and offers excellent performance in all categories.

Chris Smith

Founder of Vivi Nation, the cycling, running and active living brand. Chris is a sports enthusiast, occasional triathlete and experienced cyclist, having led multiple cycle tours across Europe.