So, Im on the verge of pulling the trigger on a new bike. After riding a Kestrel Talon 105 for about eight years im looking to switch to a Giant TCR. I have narrowed it down to two options:

Giant TCR Advanced 2 - MSRP $1900 - https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/tcr-advanced-2
TCR Advanced KOM - MSRP $2520 - https://www.giant-bicycles.com/us/tc...ced-1-disc-kom

Both frames appear to be identical apart from the components. The disc version is Ultegra with disc brakes. So here is my question:
is it a waste of money to spend $600 more to get disc brakes and Ultegra components with everything else being basically equal? The disc version is a stretch on the budget but I plan to ride this bike for a good decade at least so Its worth to me to save up a little longer if the Advanced disc will be a better option.

Anyone have any thoughts or experience with either of these bikes?

Disc vs rim is a religious discussion that's been had many times, and they're usually fun.

Consider the benefits of both systems and decide for yourself. The main takeaways are:

• Discs stop better and with less effort in a wider variety of conditions - really hilly or wet conditions would favor discs
• Rim brake set-ups are typically a little lighter and less expensive up front
• Manufacturers seem to be trending towards discs, but I don't think that you'd have a problem sourcing parts, either way, within the desired lifespan of the bike

The significance of those improvements/benefits is up to you to weigh out. If you're not already leaning one way or the other, you'd probably be happy with either.

Oh, one thing to note on the KOM Disc - it's running hybrid brakes (a mechanical/hydro converter is built in to the faceplate of the stem), as opposed to having Shimano hydraulic levers. If it were straight-up Shimano hydros, that bike would be a really, really good value. The hybrid system is probably fine in terms of performance, but I'd prefer the full hydro approach. If you're not content with the hybrid system, or you just get upgrade-itis, the levers could obviously be replaced, but you'd want to factor in the additional cost.

Yeah I didnt mean to start another disc vs rim brake thread. Im really just trying to figure out if the TCR Advanced KOM is worth the extra money. I don't love the hybrid disc model, but the Ultegra components and slightly better wheels might be nice. I just dont know if the bike warrants another $600 though.

I hear you, but the disc vs rim difference is more significant than the 105 vs Ultegra aspect.

How different are the wheelsets? They're spec'd as PR-2 and PR-2 Disc, so I'd expect that they're very similar, no? On the matter of "better wheels," that was also a factor for me - I would not, could not justify carbon wheels with a rim brake bike (the rim is a wear surface), whereas I had no such qualms with a disc bike.

Yep you're right the wheelsets are the same. I like the idea of disc brakes but I wasn't sure about Giant's hybrid mechanical/hydraulic setup, Im curious if these will be substantially better than rim brakes. Overall im drawn to the disc version I just am not sure I can justify $600 more!

For the most part, I would expect that they'd still have the same benefits. Maybe the lever feel isn't as good (though I've never ridden the Giant hybrid system and I could be wrong) and there's the aesthetic mess of the faceplate/converter. I'd take one for a test ride. Keep in mind that the pads will probably not be fully bedded in to the rotors on a floor model and they will likely improve.


It's too bad that they're not importing the 105 version in the US market. CF frame, 105 and discs (even though they're hybrid) for under $2k would be appealing to a lot of buyers.