I’ve got the 2017 TCR Advanced Pro 0 with Ultegra Di2 and hydraulic discs, love the bike, especially as I’m now running 28mm Continental GP5000. But this new TCR with mechanical Ultegra and rim brakes keeps me coming back for another look! 16lb weight is a fair bit lighter than my TCR too.
I saw this build in progress at the shop about a week and a half ago, it was slick looking. Enjoy it man, I just built a 2020 Propel advanced pro.... and I’m loving it!
Love your enthusiasm Tony! I just got my first ever carbon bike and its the TCR Advanced 2020 and it feels so awesome. Agree with your points on stiffness and acceleration. It feels unreal.
Picked up the exact same bike as you today! My first new bike in 10years! Can’t wait to get out on it. The paint job on this is one of the best of the new tcr’s in my opinion. Didn’t get my garmin mount included so hopefully giant can sort that for me soon. Thanks for your review, 👍
Badass. I just put a downpayment for this model at the LBS. Fell off the cycling wagon after the accident and then the theft, but excited to get back on it. What better way to explore San Diego than on a new bike. Thanks for taking the time to make the video.
hope you enjoy your new shiny pretty bike. I had a TCR earlier this year and although it was a great bike I ended up upgrading to a BMC SLR. I had very little flex on the frame which was so minute any average rider wouldn't feel it but when I'm pumping 1500 watts I can definitely feel the little flex. I'm sure the wheels had a part in it but when riding over 35-40 mph the frame began feeling very sketchy so had to upgrade. cheers and put lots and lots of miles on it :)
I had 2 previous generation tcr . Have you tried the 2021? It now has the highest stiffness to weight . It really does feel like a different bike. I did put out 1596 watts and it was very stiff
21 Giant tcr adv pro1 rim brake version!. I want it. I ordered the same thing in early May. However, it is not being imported. Two months after receiving the refund. It is ML size, but there is no stock. In the end I got a refund. I want to ride the product, but I can't buy it. I envy you very much. I hope you enjoy riding.
Good to get an honest down to earth appraisal of this bike. Seen one or two reviews that get way to techy. You'd think they were working for NASA doing a review about a space station. 😊
Have you noticed on the pro 0 that the cable routing is different. All the cables come around the left side of the frame. I don't know if it's because that bike is disc braking and therefore can be routed differently?
@@antoinemaxima6036 not at all. I have had carbon rim brakes in the past. I never had an issue with giants slr wheels. Just keep the wheels and pads clean and it will last so much longer. Also never use any kind of harsh cleaners. Soapy water is all. Ill use alcohol on the pads.
@@blkbelttony just got it on my bike. Can't believe how small and compact it is! Do you know the difference between flash and auto flash?
Před 2 lety+1
Hi, thanks for your review. Giant claims the tire clearance for 2021 model is up to 28mm, I was wondering if you have tried it or know if it is possible to fit 28 tires with the rim version? I know Ultegra R8000 supports 28mm but the frame and fork gotta clear them too. Thanks in advance!
I have heard of people running the 28c tires and had no major issues other than debris that sticks to the tires scratching up the fork crown. That said. I'm a fan of bigger tires but with the new hook less wheels the 25c tires at 82 psi are smoother and more comfortable than any 28c tires I have ever ridden on conventional wheels. Give the 25c a chance with the lower pressure. And no, it's not slower rolling at those speeds and you are less likely to puncture at that pressure. Hard tires will always lose to harder debris.
You mentioned you have a Defy as well - given the surprising comfort of the TCR, what makes you reach for each bike for a given ride? Is the Defy still noticeably more comfortable for longer rides, or is the TCR close enough to make the Defy redundant?
Good question. When I bought my defy I had a 2018 tcr. Still a great bike and comfortable by race bike standards. To me it would beat my shoulders and neck up pretty bad on the longer rides here in my area. Im close to New York city, the roads suck. So I sold that for a defy. The defy from the 2018 was night and day in comfort. One thing about the defy that I did miss from the tcr was sprinting. The defy was damn near perfect except in one way. The bike is meant to be ridden smoothly not like a race bike. On the long road its awesome. I got many p.r. on segments with that bike. It rolls over everything like butter. Now comes the new tcr. Are you kidding me? This thing on my first ride was nothing like the last generation. The new hook less rims works so well and the frame absorbs the road almost as well as the defy. Now i have done a few 100 plus mile rides on the new tcr and love it, but depending on where I'm riding ill take the defy. Example. If I know its bad roads =defy. Slower group=defy. They are 2 bikes that i would have a hard time deciding if one had to go. ( 2021 tcr to defy) but I would choose defy over previous tcr.
twowheeltony thanks for the reply to this. Was trying to pull the trigger on the same Defy you reviewed, but was late to the game. Saw the new TCR and saw a few reviews about its comfort. I think you sold me on it. Most, if not all my rides are on decent So Cal roads and coming from a 2010 Aluminum Cannondale, I think I will be more than happy with the TCR.
Night and day? Really can't agree with that. Having had four TCRs now (SLs and APs) the new 2021 frame is undoubtedly a better (faster) bike, but it's an evolution rather than a revolution. Maybe you're feeling more difference through those hookless wheels, as I bought the 2021 disc frameset only and so am running the older SLR1 wheels (which are a little heavier than the new model). Nonetheless, agree that they've done a great job (cabling aside) on the 2021 TCR. I did a comparison between the new AP0 Disc and my older SL over on my channel. (loving the integrated saddle light, btw).
True, those wheels are like butter even with the 25c tires. But no doubt the frame is absorbing more than my previous models. Also keep in mind that just last week I was still riding my defy with 32c . So thats like a couch. So if the new tcr feels that comfortable after riding that it must be better. It was the hard ride of my 2018 tcr that led me to the defy. I missed the ability to sprint, so I bought the tcr.
We are at a stage in bike evolution where it's really just possible to make super baby steps of progress. Also agreed cleaning up the cables would be nice, but the price to pay is also hefty (fit, design, maintenance, etc.).
I love them. Feel very light, they do roll fast and the hookless mount is awesome. I have had a few sets of the last generation slr wheels. They were good, these are great. The design is the same as the 3k cadex wheels. Same bearings too. You won't regret getting these.
@@blkbelttony Thanks! Yeah and they're wider too so I guess comfort and aerodynamics are improved. I have had the the SLR0 30mm climbing wheels in the past- great wheels and very light but a bit dated in their narrow rim profile, so it's good to see this updated wheelset from Giant.
They are of course 2 different bikes. Its like comparing a mazzarati grand sport to a Ferrari. Both fast,, but one is built for comfort and the other basic speed..
Comfort is based on the individual. I can say its more comfortable than the last generation. It feels very smooth and the tires arec25c but feel much softer. I just did 107 miles with 4400 feet elevation and I had no neck. Back or shoulder pain . So as far as race bikes I'd say very comfortable 😀
hello tony, if you must have only one bike, which bike do you choose? Defy, TCR, or Propel? or Defy with aero wheel, or aerobike that can be comfort as defy? or TCR that can be aero like propel and comfort like Defy? if its exist. thank you.
Honestly, I love my revolt the best. If I had to live with only one bike that would be it. Its so versatile. Plus you can always get a second set of wheels with road tires. That said it won't be as fast as a tcr or propel, but its very comfortable and stiff for sprinting. The defy is awesome for those longer rides,, but does not sprint as well. Its fast, dont get me wrong and can go almost anywhere. The propel is limited to road only. Very stiff, but still comfortable enough for all day rides. In fact its on my list of next bikes.
@@blkbelttony good idea tony, one bike with 2 wheelsets. I ride lapierre pulsium, its soft and comfort like defy. Maybe one more a bit deep profile wheels would be good. Everyone has their own choice. Thanks tony, appreciate it.
I have the TCR Adv Pro 1 & the Propel Adv Pro 1 and I love both bikes. My daily ride is the Propel which i have covered 40K on and the TCR has around 18K on. I use the TCR mainly for when we head out to the few hills/mountains we have here in Dubai UAE but I also take it with me to Italy every year for two weeks in the mountains. My TCR is just awesome in the mountains and I have thought about what I would swap it for if I were to do so but, to be honest, there isn't that much out there that would do a much better job than the TCR. It weighs in around 7.3 kg with the 30 mm SLR wheelset and tubeless setup and a set of carbon bars. It descends like it is on rails. I have, on occasion, dropped in the 55mm wheels off of the propel for a few fast road/group rides and this bike can move! My propel which weight around 7.5kg with the 55mm wheels on and a set of carbon bars is just great all rounder, even performs in the hills without too much of an issue. The aero advantage is there for the fast road rides and I have done 200+ km rides on it and plenty of 100+ rides and no issues comfort wise. Yes it's stiff but most aero bikes are! Both bikes are very very capable all rounders and I will be sticking with the both of them for some time to come. They are reliable, awesome value for money and very capable of embarrassing some of the more expensive machinery out there...Take a look at the terrain you ride mostly and choose your weapon accordingly. If you ride mainly hills/mountains then go the TCR route. If you are a flatland rider and mainly fast group rides and rides without too much elevation, the Propel is a formidable tool...Either bike will give you plenty of smiles per mile and that is what it's all about.....Ride safe and enjoy the ride!
Actually 7.26 kg. For $3500. U.S. thats great. Plus although weight us very important. The other things that make a great climbing bike is the ability to put that power to the ground. The 2021 tcr is now one of the lightest, stiffest frames in its class. Since this video i have had a chance to put in some climbs. Trust me, it goes up the hills very efficiently.
@@blkbelttony at that price 16lbs is definitely great specially with a reliable power meter, compare to many other brand which now doesn't even offer rim brake so is heavier by 300-400g but I felt like people used care about weight more so there is lots of options and groupset like sram red or force 22 which is 300g lighter than there shimano counter part, now you got to really put in the cash to get a new 6.8kg bike, unless you go with the second hand market for a tcrmac sl5 for example
Giant usually starts releasing next model years mid summer. So this isn't anything new with them. A lot of the 2020 models were late due to manufacturing moving back and forth from China and Taiwan due to tariffs. Plus shimano had a factory fire last year that held up many bike manufacturers because lack of groupsets
This is one of the best and detailed review of 2021 Giant TCR Advanced pro. Thanks
Thank you.
I’ve got the 2017 TCR Advanced Pro 0 with Ultegra Di2 and hydraulic discs, love the bike, especially as I’m now running 28mm Continental GP5000.
But this new TCR with mechanical Ultegra and rim brakes keeps me coming back for another look! 16lb weight is a fair bit lighter than my TCR too.
I saw this build in progress at the shop about a week and a half ago, it was slick looking. Enjoy it man, I just built a 2020 Propel advanced pro.... and I’m loving it!
Thank you
Thanks for the review. Ordered the same bike and great to hear your first impressions!
Your welcome
Love your enthusiasm Tony! I just got my first ever carbon bike and its the TCR Advanced 2020 and it feels so awesome. Agree with your points on stiffness and acceleration. It feels unreal.
Best of luck. 👍
Picked up the exact same bike as you today! My first new bike in 10years! Can’t wait to get out on it. The paint job on this is one of the best of the new tcr’s in my opinion.
Didn’t get my garmin mount included so hopefully giant can sort that for me soon. Thanks for your review, 👍
You're going to love it
@@blkbelttony wow 10yrs....carbon has improved alot since then...you are going to like it
Badass. I just put a downpayment for this model at the LBS. Fell off the cycling wagon after the accident and then the theft, but excited to get back on it. What better way to explore San Diego than on a new bike. Thanks for taking the time to make the video.
Glad you're getting back on the bike and what a great choice
excellent information thank you for your time and support
Not really considering this bike, but was curious. Nicely done video and comments, Tony. Cheers.
Thank you
hope you enjoy your new shiny pretty bike. I had a TCR earlier this year and although it was a great bike I ended up upgrading to a BMC SLR. I had very little flex on the frame which was so minute any average rider wouldn't feel it but when I'm pumping 1500 watts I can definitely feel the little flex. I'm sure the wheels had a part in it but when riding over 35-40 mph the frame began feeling very sketchy so had to upgrade. cheers and put lots and lots of miles on it :)
I had 2 previous generation tcr . Have you tried the 2021? It now has the highest stiffness to weight . It really does feel like a different bike. I did put out 1596 watts and it was very stiff
This rim brake version must ride like heaven
This bike feels very smooth. I run psi on the lower side. 80/82 psi.
@@blkbelttony isnt that alot on tubeless?
@@maxd3g actually it calls for 85 psi min.
21 Giant tcr adv pro1 rim brake version!. I want it. I ordered the same thing in early May. However, it is not being imported. Two months after receiving the refund. It is ML size, but there is no stock. In the end I got a refund. I want to ride the product, but I can't buy it.
I envy you very much. I hope you enjoy riding.
I hope you can get one very soon. Thank you
Nice bike, Tony!
Gonna have start calling you, Tony TCR, now!
Good riding with it, bro!
Ha ha
Good to get an honest down to earth appraisal of this bike. Seen one or two reviews that get way to techy. You'd think they were working for NASA doing a review about a space station. 😊
I try to give the regular guy review. If you want specs check out the manufacturers web page. Lol!
Have you noticed on the pro 0 that the cable routing is different. All the cables come around the left side of the frame. I don't know if it's because that bike is disc braking and therefore can be routed differently?
Thank for sharing, by the time I save up enough to buy a bike like this it might by the 2030 model 😂
The value is very good. For only 3500, you get carbon wheels and power meter, I don't know if the other brands even offer all that.
Giant will always be the best bargain
@@blkbelttony Noticed that you chose the rim brake version, are you worried that they will wear out your carbon wheels?
@@antoinemaxima6036 not at all. I have had carbon rim brakes in the past. I never had an issue with giants slr wheels. Just keep the wheels and pads clean and it will last so much longer. Also never use any kind of harsh cleaners. Soapy water is all. Ill use alcohol on the pads.
Weight?
Does anyone know when will this rim brake model become available on their website?
Awesome bike got the same one! How do you like the integrated taillight? Thinking of getting one myself
I love it. Use it on all my bikes
@@blkbelttony just got it on my bike. Can't believe how small and compact it is! Do you know the difference between flash and auto flash?
Hi, thanks for your review. Giant claims the tire clearance for 2021 model is up to 28mm, I was wondering if you have tried it or know if it is possible to fit 28 tires with the rim version? I know Ultegra R8000 supports 28mm but the frame and fork gotta clear them too. Thanks in advance!
I have heard of people running the 28c tires and had no major issues other than debris that sticks to the tires scratching up the fork crown. That said. I'm a fan of bigger tires but with the new hook less wheels the 25c tires at 82 psi are smoother and more comfortable than any 28c tires I have ever ridden on conventional wheels. Give the 25c a chance with the lower pressure. And no, it's not slower rolling at those speeds and you are less likely to puncture at that pressure. Hard tires will always lose to harder debris.
You mentioned you have a Defy as well - given the surprising comfort of the TCR, what makes you reach for each bike for a given ride? Is the Defy still noticeably more comfortable for longer rides, or is the TCR close enough to make the Defy redundant?
Good question. When I bought my defy I had a 2018 tcr. Still a great bike and comfortable by race bike standards. To me it would beat my shoulders and neck up pretty bad on the longer rides here in my area. Im close to New York city, the roads suck. So I sold that for a defy. The defy from the 2018 was night and day in comfort. One thing about the defy that I did miss from the tcr was sprinting. The defy was damn near perfect except in one way. The bike is meant to be ridden smoothly not like a race bike. On the long road its awesome. I got many p.r. on segments with that bike. It rolls over everything like butter. Now comes the new tcr. Are you kidding me? This thing on my first ride was nothing like the last generation. The new hook less rims works so well and the frame absorbs the road almost as well as the defy. Now i have done a few 100 plus mile rides on the new tcr and love it, but depending on where I'm riding ill take the defy. Example. If I know its bad roads =defy. Slower group=defy. They are 2 bikes that i would have a hard time deciding if one had to go. ( 2021 tcr to defy) but I would choose defy over previous tcr.
twowheeltony thanks for the reply to this. Was trying to pull the trigger on the same Defy you reviewed, but was late to the game. Saw the new TCR and saw a few reviews about its comfort. I think you sold me on it. Most, if not all my rides are on decent So Cal roads and coming from a 2010 Aluminum Cannondale, I think I will be more than happy with the TCR.
@@spencerammons7286 without a doubt you made a great choice. Best of luck with the new bike
Night and day? Really can't agree with that. Having had four TCRs now (SLs and APs) the new 2021 frame is undoubtedly a better (faster) bike, but it's an evolution rather than a revolution. Maybe you're feeling more difference through those hookless wheels, as I bought the 2021 disc frameset only and so am running the older SLR1 wheels (which are a little heavier than the new model). Nonetheless, agree that they've done a great job (cabling aside) on the 2021 TCR. I did a comparison between the new AP0 Disc and my older SL over on my channel. (loving the integrated saddle light, btw).
True, those wheels are like butter even with the 25c tires. But no doubt the frame is absorbing more than my previous models. Also keep in mind that just last week I was still riding my defy with 32c . So thats like a couch. So if the new tcr feels that comfortable after riding that it must be better. It was the hard ride of my 2018 tcr that led me to the defy. I missed the ability to sprint, so I bought the tcr.
We are at a stage in bike evolution where it's really just possible to make super baby steps of progress. Also agreed cleaning up the cables would be nice, but the price to pay is also hefty (fit, design, maintenance, etc.).
Hey Tony- overall impressions of the wheels? I'm about to drop the trigger on a pair
I love them. Feel very light, they do roll fast and the hookless mount is awesome. I have had a few sets of the last generation slr wheels. They were good, these are great. The design is the same as the 3k cadex wheels. Same bearings too. You won't regret getting these.
@@blkbelttony Thanks! Yeah and they're wider too so I guess comfort and aerodynamics are improved. I have had the the SLR0 30mm climbing wheels in the past- great wheels and very light but a bit dated in their narrow rim profile, so it's good to see this updated wheelset from Giant.
Yes, the rim makes 25c feel like a 28. I run low psi. 82/85 ish and im just over 200 lbs right now. They never feel sluggish
Which computer mount is that? Would it work for a wahoo element?
Comes with the bike and yes has a wahoo and garmin cup too
How does the tcr ride compared to the 2020 defy adv pro 2?
They are of course 2 different bikes. Its like comparing a mazzarati grand sport to a Ferrari. Both fast,, but one is built for comfort and the other basic speed..
@@blkbelttony so having both bikes, which would you prefer for long 100miles ride? Would tcr be comfortable as well?
Hello sir, do you know where could I buy 2021 Giant TCR Advanced pro 1 size small not disc version? Thank you in advance
Check with your local giant dealer
Hi, what size are you taking? 16 lbs is impressive!
Medium large. Bike is now 15.9 lbs. Titanium skewers, and shortened brake cables a tad
I really wished they used direct mount rim brakes.
Its really not needed. The bike stops very strongly and can easily overpower the tires grip.
Could you tell me more about the comfort please?
Comfort is based on the individual. I can say its more comfortable than the last generation. It feels very smooth and the tires arec25c but feel much softer. I just did 107 miles with 4400 feet elevation and I had no neck. Back or shoulder pain . So as far as race bikes I'd say very comfortable 😀
Tony what is the seat height on that tcr?
75.5cm from top of seat to center of bb
Weight with stock wheelset?
Yes, the stock slr wheels are light. Right now this bike weight is 15.9lbs. With pedals and bottle cages
Only issue is those damn cables!
At first i hated them, but actually when riding the bike you forget all about them. Not as bad as you think. But there is always wireless upgrades
hello tony, if you must have only one bike, which bike do you choose? Defy, TCR, or Propel? or Defy with aero wheel, or aerobike that can be comfort as defy? or TCR that can be aero like propel and comfort like Defy? if its exist. thank you.
Honestly, I love my revolt the best. If I had to live with only one bike that would be it. Its so versatile. Plus you can always get a second set of wheels with road tires. That said it won't be as fast as a tcr or propel, but its very comfortable and stiff for sprinting. The defy is awesome for those longer rides,, but does not sprint as well. Its fast, dont get me wrong and can go almost anywhere. The propel is limited to road only. Very stiff, but still comfortable enough for all day rides. In fact its on my list of next bikes.
@@blkbelttony good idea tony, one bike with 2 wheelsets. I ride lapierre pulsium, its soft and comfort like defy. Maybe one more a bit deep profile wheels would be good. Everyone has their own choice. Thanks tony, appreciate it.
I have the TCR Adv Pro 1 & the Propel Adv Pro 1 and I love both bikes. My daily ride is the Propel which i have covered 40K on and the TCR has around 18K on. I use the TCR mainly for when we head out to the few hills/mountains we have here in Dubai UAE but I also take it with me to Italy every year for two weeks in the mountains. My TCR is just awesome in the mountains and I have thought about what I would swap it for if I were to do so but, to be honest, there isn't that much out there that would do a much better job than the TCR. It weighs in around 7.3 kg with the 30 mm SLR wheelset and tubeless setup and a set of carbon bars. It descends like it is on rails. I have, on occasion, dropped in the 55mm wheels off of the propel for a few fast road/group rides and this bike can move! My propel which weight around 7.5kg with the 55mm wheels on and a set of carbon bars is just great all rounder, even performs in the hills without too much of an issue. The aero advantage is there for the fast road rides and I have done 200+ km rides on it and plenty of 100+ rides and no issues comfort wise. Yes it's stiff but most aero bikes are! Both bikes are very very capable all rounders and I will be sticking with the both of them for some time to come. They are reliable, awesome value for money and very capable of embarrassing some of the more expensive machinery out there...Take a look at the terrain you ride mostly and choose your weapon accordingly. If you ride mainly hills/mountains then go the TCR route. If you are a flatland rider and mainly fast group rides and rides without too much elevation, the Propel is a formidable tool...Either bike will give you plenty of smiles per mile and that is what it's all about.....Ride safe and enjoy the ride!
is this a M/L size or L? how tall are you?
It's a medium/large and I am just over 5'11" 32" inseam
@@blkbelttony thanks, i am the same height and inseam so i guess that would be the size i would need.
@@toddbartnicki1041 yes it is. I just went down to 100mm stem from 110mm
What frame size is this?
Medium large
@@blkbelttony 56cm?
About 56cm. Here is a link to the giant web page with exact numbers. www.giant-bicycles.com/us/tcr-advanced-pro-1-2021
Price?
$3500
fugly cables everywhere
so many unruly wires
Honestly, when your on the bike you don't notice them.
Dude you like spending money on bikes. Lol
Yes I do. Lol
Hey, this is not the disc version, so
No its not. I did not want another dusk brake road bike.
7.5kg is not exactly superlight for a climbing bike
Actually 7.26 kg. For $3500. U.S. thats great. Plus although weight us very important. The other things that make a great climbing bike is the ability to put that power to the ground. The 2021 tcr is now one of the lightest, stiffest frames in its class. Since this video i have had a chance to put in some climbs. Trust me, it goes up the hills very efficiently.
LOL It's the lightest and stiffest bike for the price on the market. If you want even lighter, get the SL version.
@@blkbelttony at that price 16lbs is definitely great specially with a reliable power meter, compare to many other brand which now doesn't even offer rim brake so is heavier by 300-400g
but I felt like people used care about weight more so there is lots of options and groupset like sram red or force 22 which is 300g lighter than there shimano counter part, now you got to really put in the cash to get a new 6.8kg bike, unless you go with the second hand market for a tcrmac sl5 for example
It's light for the price, but sometimes the efficiency pays off more than a few grams.
“2021” and still we havent even reached the middle point of 2020 (Tomorrow will be 1st July 2020). Ridiculous naming/advertising.
Giant usually starts releasing next model years mid summer. So this isn't anything new with them. A lot of the 2020 models were late due to manufacturing moving back and forth from China and Taiwan due to tariffs. Plus shimano had a factory fire last year that held up many bike manufacturers because lack of groupsets