First photos and details of the new Giant TCR

Giant has unveiled the first details of its new TCR. Optimized efficiency, aerodynamics, and control… Discover the first photos of the new version of the world leader in the cycling industry’s flagship model here.

Photo credits: Giant

Present in the peloton since 1998, the Giant TCR returns in a new version.

First appearing in 1998 with the Once team, the Giant TCR built its reputation in competition, quickly establishing itself as a benchmark in the pursuit of performance over the years. 2017 was surely its best season, with a victory alongside Tom Dumoulin in the Giro, and the white polka dot and green jerseys of the Tour de France brought home by Warren Barguil and Michael Matthews.

Optimized efficiency, aerodynamics, and ride control for the new TCR.

Giant developed its new TCR with three performance objectives and areas of focus for its new frame: exceptional efficiency / optimized aerodynamics / total control. To maintain the new TCR’s weight/stiffness ratio, and improve aerodynamics without adding weight, Giant had to compensate by lightening all areas where weight could be saved, and implement 4 advanced manufacturing processes.

The new TCR benefits from a new composite carbon, woven in Giant’s factories.

Giant has developed a composite presented as cutting-edge. The carbon layers of the new TCR Advanced SL are woven in the brand’s factories. They are then impregnated with a specific CNT (Carbon NanoTube Technology) resin, thus forming a very high-performance Advanced composite assembly. The carbon fiber layers of the new TCR are laser-cut, whereas the previous generation used a press system, in order to obtain extremely precise cuts, reduce excess material, and maximize lightness on the final frame structure.

New robotic frame assembly process for the most sensitive areas.

Assembly is robot-assisted. Giant Manufacturing states that it has invested in a new robotic assembly process for certain sensitive areas. This process allows the approximately 150 pieces that make up the new TCR frame-fork assembly to be assembled with surgical precision, resulting in an assembly with an unprecedented lightness/stiffness ratio.

The new TCR’s integrated seatpost (ISP) benefits from reinforced 3M adhesive at the saddle clamp attachment point.

The new Giant TCR Advanced SL features a ThinLine finish thanks to Giant’s new technology, saving up to 50 grams compared to the usual 7 layers of paint. Thinner, the integrated seatpost (ISP) adopts a reinforced 3M adhesive at the saddle clamp attachment point. To save weight without sacrificing safety, exclusive 3M protection is applied to the ISP seatpost under the saddle clamp.

The new TCR and its ThinLine finish developed by Giant.

Giant defines aerodynamics here as the ultimate quest for a road racing bike. Obviously, weight and mechanical qualities are crucial elements when designing a frame that seeks a certain level of performance, but reducing aerodynamic drag remains the best way to improve marginal gains. Giant presents a very significant evolution compared to the previous generation, thanks to the work of its engineers who combined calculations and wind tunnel tests to design this new TCR. The new TCR thus adopts truncated ellipse-shaped aero tubes to significantly reduce aerodynamic drag, regardless of the angle of attack of the airflow. This precision work was completed by Giant in the GST wind tunnel in Immenstaad, Germany, to maximize the efficiency of its new bike.

The new Giant TCR features truncated ellipse-shaped aero tubes.

Giant also drew on lessons learned from the development of the Propel Advanced SL regarding the integration of disc brakes, which also reduce aerodynamic drag compared to a standard rim caliper. To increase steering precision, Giant redesigned the fork from the axle to the steerer tube, claiming a result 35% stiffer than the previous model (for disc models). It is presented as being more aerodynamic and just as light. The wider tire clearance allows for larger tires up to 32mm.

A new frame optimized to accommodate flat-mount disc braking.

The new TCR Advanced SL Disc features integrated disc braking. The new frame has been optimized to accommodate the latest flat-mount disc brake standard (thru-axles at the front (12x100mm) and rear (12x142mm)). Giant has also developed a new Contact SLR aero handlebar with internal cable routing offering aerodynamics, ergonomics, and ease of access for maintenance… More details on weights, figures, and prices coming very soon!