RIDDEN AND REVIEWED GIANT TCR ADVANCED O £3,699

Lively all-rounder that offers pro bike pedigree without the premium price tag

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The range-topping Giant TCR Advanced SL won the Climbing Bike category of our prestigious 2024 Race Bike of the Year test. However, at £11,999, it's far beyond reach for most of us. Giant is known for offering excellent value for money, so we wanted to test a more affordable option to see if the trickle-down effect extends to the lower tiers of the TCR range.

Now in its 10th generation, the TCR is designed to be light, aerodynamic, and stiff - everything you'd expect from an all-round race bike. Visually, this latest version differs from its predecessor, with fully integrated cables and a more aggressive truncation of the tubing, giving it a noticeably beefy front end. Giant claims that the wind-tunnel tested frameset and cockpit improve "overall aero performance compared to the previous version".

Looking at the spec sheet, it's clear that you get a lot of bike for the moneyor, at least, a well-specced bike for what is still a significant price. A full 105 Di2 groupset and carbon-rimmed wheels put it ahead of most competitors in this price bracket.

Advanced range sits at the third tier within the TCR hierarchy. Above it, the mid-range Advanced Pro models start at £3,999, while the flagship TCR Advanced SL range benefits from Giant's highest-grade SL carbon, advanced layup, superior bonding processes, and is mated with top-end groupsets and Giant's premier wheels and finishing kit.

Geometry is the same throughout the TCR range, meaning you're getting the same race-oriented DNA as the pros.

Tyre clearance is in line with current road bike trends, accommodating up to 33mm rubber.