Giant TCR advanced and advanced SL
 

Anyone ride a TRC advanced or Advanced SL? Is the Sl worth the extra $$$$ ? I am looking at the 2010 advanced SL frame in the mat black finish, very nice

It's nice. Higher grade carbon. The top models have an integrated seat post.

To answer your question, If you race, and have the money to replace a broken one, sure.

Also, don't get an integrated seat mast if you aren't done growing. Though, I assume, if you can afford one, you are.

Quite frankly, I don't see the point in paying the difference for the SL. I got a TCR Advanced 1 (2010) with 10' Sram Force that weighs 15 lbs 13 oz complete with pedals, cages and computer. A SL with Dura Ace will likely weigh close to the same if not more with similar wheelset. And for what I walked out of my LBS paying for this TCR Advanced, it is a no brainer.
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"Higher grade carbon" usually implies a "stiffer" ride and less durable. Now my TCR Advanced in still a sub 2 lb frame and not as durable as other heavier carbon offerings, but there is always a tradeoff with super light frames and components.

I agree. Stiffer and less durable. That's why I advise one for racing, not for going to the store. My frame (Defy advanced) is 2.5 pounds. Not too light, but not to shabby either.

Lazy, every time you post that bike, you make me wish I could justify dropping the coin for it. Beautiful.

Yes.

Thanks,
It is a nice bike. Stiff and handles really quick. The downtube is HUGE but it is more comfortable than my Isaac. I was really pleasantly surprised by the weight out the box. I paid cash, so I got a great price which always helps.

The 2010 Giant site shows models, TCR Advanced 0, TRC Advanced 2 & 3 but no #1 for 2010. Guess I'm just beat, can't locate it right now.

I want to sell my TCR with 105/Ultegra and Aksiums for the new TCR Advanced 1 really bad. That bike is killer in every aspect.

Is not the TCR A1, a 2009 model?

http://www2.giant-bicycles.com/en-ca....3/5409/37864/

I just brought home a nice Red TCR Advanced like Lazyriders. My LBS ft me and let me take it out for our Wednesday night group ride tomorrow. I am going from a 2005 OCR C3 with 105 and Reynolds Solitudes. One spin around the parking lot wasn't enough to convince me to spend that much. I am also concerned with the 55.5cm top tube lenght as I am 5'8&1/2" and one other bike shop said I shouldn't ride anthing longer than 54.5cm. Wrench Science fit kit says I can ride a 55cm though. My local shop put me on it and so far it feels good, but I will find out more tomorrow night.

I just jizzed.

the black tcr advanced sl2 with ultegra is a incredible bike for the money. Even better if you have some nice shimano race wheels already at home.

The dura ace model with dura ce wheels is the one I'd want, but would buy the ultegra model.

I want the Force model, but I'm slow.

It's just not an Isaac.

is the isp a smert choose ? I like the way it looks but not sure about negatives. I dont race, ride 100 to 150 miles a week, so not to concerned about breaking the thing. Any thoughts. BTW that trc advanced with the force and sl wheels is very nice, I think I want the mat black finish, crazy money by the time you put it all togather though.

Ask CrimsonKarter, I think he rides an Advanced SL.

i have a 09 Advanced 2 with the ultegra but havnt ridden the SL to compare it with. Dont raced it but usually use it for my 30+ commute and weekend rides.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2618/...3882a75304.jpg

I ride a 05 trc com. 1 , with ultegra and elite wheels. My lbs is talking me into upgrading to a new tcr advanced or ad. sl . I am in the market for a new bike, the lbs says the new carbon framse from giant are leep years ahead of my 05 tcr. But I have been looking into other brands, i love the Cervelo s2 and s3 frame but have been told they beat you up after 50 miles. For the money Giant still offers the most .

Yeah, you are right, it is not an Isaac. The Giant is a tad more comfortable and has better finish and just as snappy. I am not crazy about mainland Chinese frames. Taiwanese seem to be better for some reason IMO with their finishes and quality control.
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I'm in the process in buying an advanced sl frame with Campagnolo Chorus and Campy Shamal wheels. I have shop around and Giant is the best buy for the buck.

I test rode an advanced SL with carbon wheels as something to replace my madone....very nice, but went with a custom built steel frame/carbon fork instead...

Carbon frames are so highly over hyped...and not worth the money....try to convince anyone in love with carbon is impossible, but the new steel sprints and climbs just as well as carbon (maybe a pro might tell the difference, but no one here would), but offers way more all day comfort.

my new steel is 5oz more than the giant advanced SL...basically a water bottle with a mouthful of water in it...

I saved over $5,000 bucks going with the steel over the advanced.

I'm thinking about a TCR Advanced for next year, LBS says they can give me some kinda deal on it... though racing on carbon (I'm on steel now) might take some getting used to.

I agree with you to an extent, but if you were absolutely right about what you say, then why haven't steel bikes been in the pro pelotons for over 20 years?

From a comfort and smooth ride quality perspective, steel and ti are unmatched. But from a stiffness to weight ratio, carbon is far beyond any steel bike. As far as the weight of your steel frame being only 5 oz. more than the Giant, BULL#$#$.

If you built a super light steel bike with crazy light components, maybe. But put those same components on the Giant and it will SH@$ all over your steel bike in the weight department. Something is WAY OFF in your calculations.