Spinz

The lack of local access to Scott frame sets has me looking elsewhere for other considerations. There are plenty of local Giant dealers that are willing to wiggle in order to get a sale. The 2011 TCR Advanced SL is a real eye catcher and plenty stiff too. Perfect for all of the local rollers and lung busting hills here in Ulah Proper. I know there are plenty of TCR riders here in the forum. Would any of you care to share your evaluation of this fine machine and your current build up with weight? I'll use large frame set, 2010 Ksyirum SL Premium wheel set, 2010 Force, KMC light weight chain, 11-26 force cassette, Easton CF bars, EA90 stem, CF railed Aliante and hope to come in close to 15 lbs. Thanks in advance ---- Lp

BostonWest

i got the ISP frame last year and built it up with Record 11, Eurus and FSA bars and stem. No idea what the weight is, but it's likely sub 16. Great bike to ride and super comfortable. It's a lot more bike than I need or deserve.

Dom89music

This bike is awsome! I have a 2010 TCR Advanced 0 and i love it! Very stiff and reponsive, quite confortable and lite! My setup is all 7900 DA groupe with DA wheels and Giant Contact SLR Composite handlebar & stem!

15,01 lbs stock and 15,9 lbs with Ultegra pedals, 2 carbon cages and Cat Eye double wireless cpu!

SL is lighter and more responsive so it as to be a terrific bike! More than 99% of cyclists need!

Be sure for you get the right frame! I'm 6ft and i bought a medium/large frame! Perfect fit out of the box whitout any change!

ThinLine

Don't have a Giant although I did much research on them. They are great bikes, do their own R&D, engineering, design, quality control. Probably the best in carbon fiber manufacturering with a dedicated facility in Taiwan and USA. Manu others buy from them.

You can't go wrong, top notch outfit.

Spinz

Anyone else? Lp

Munk69

Don't have 1 personally but ride with a lot of guys that do. Every one of them loves their frame. 1 guy sold his Cervelo r3 and got the Advanced 0.. He loves the TCR.

keepamonte

I dont have the SL, but I do have the Advanced 0 with SRAM Force. Look carbon pedals, Arundel cages and November 38mm carbon clinchers comes in at 16lbs on the nose. Love this bike, buddy has the SL and he loves his!

FLvector

I'm riding the Advanced TCR 2 and several I ride with have other Advanced TCR models. They have a very stiff bottom bracket and there's virtually no flex when standing hard on the pedals. Our big hills are only 300 ft, so no major climbs here, but very stiff compared to my older Caad 8.

While looking, I did see a few TCR SL's, but besides being out of my price range, I was a bit concerned about the integrated seat post. Not a big deal if you get it dialed in correctly, but take off a little too much and you're screwed. Also, if you ever plan to sell the frame, you are limited by the needs of those purchasing. However, this is such a sweet frame, you would probably never sell it.

There are plenty of reviews on youtube and online, but if the LBS is willing to deal, you can't go wrong with this bike. Good luck.

Spinz

" I was a bit concerned about the integrated seat post. " That is the TCR Advanced ISP ----- definitely not for me. Lp

BarryJo

The ISP rocks, there's nothing like riding a one piece frame.
If you're dealing with a reputable fitter you shouldn't be concerned.... and there are 4cms of spacers in case you want to sell the bike (which I couldn't imagine why you'd want to).
If you're worried about it, get the adjustable seatpost, but you will never know what you're missing out on.

I'll never understand why Giant doesn't get more love on this forum. This biggest complaint seems to be the asthectics, most people seem to think of them as plain looking, I wouid disagree, but it's all a matter of taste I suppose. They're no worse than Cervelo or Specialized (especially the SL3 with those obnoxious Roval wheels).
I've owned Specialized, Cannondale and several Giants, and for me you can't beat the bang for your buck with Giant.

And I have the 09 TCR SL1 (DA7900), it's far and away the best bike I've ever ridden.

Spinz

Pulled the trigger this morning and purchased the last 2011 TCR Advanced SL sz lg in the Giant inventory. After the build up Ill put up a few pics for good measure. Lp

oc_rider

Good choice!

I have the 2010 Giant TCR Advance SL built up with the stock components except I had my LBS switched out the Ultegra gruppo for SRAM Force. Without pedals and water bottle cage, my medium frame bike weighs in just a tad over 15 lbs.

This is my second Giant TCR and I love this bike! It is very responsive and accelerates well when out of the saddle going uphill! You'll love it too!

BarryJo

So did you get the ISP, or wimp out and get the adjustable one?
Either way you're going to be raving about this bike almost as much as 2ndgen does about Cannondales.

Spinz

I wimped out. Couldn't beat the price I negotiated. It should be here toward the end of the week ------ looking forward to having a new toy! Lp

Spinz

Picked it up this afternoon. Its satin black with white and silver graphics and crazy light. Have everything on the frame except the chain. The only thing left is to connect cables, adjust, take a few pics for posting and hit the road. Will be Monday before I can finish up ---- have to cover the ER all weekend. Lp

kayakdiver

Love mine.... it will bring many smiles.

rick1

I have the 2010 Advanced SL..... honestly the best bike I've ridden yet. I rode the Scott Addict and while it's very stiff rode unreasonably harsh..... wasn't impressed. Can't wait to see pics.

BarryJo

I've ridden a lot of high end bikes, they're all good.
But the TCR Advanced SL is a little better.
I'm biased, I'm sure just as many SL3 owners will tell you the Tarmac is the best bike.
Same with SuperSix owners.
to each their own.
Enjoy the new bike OP!

ChucklesKY

Don't mean to hijack the thread. Tried to send PM but I don't have that privilege yet since I have yet to reach 50 posts. But I was wondering what is the difference between the TCR Advanced SL and just the TCR Advanced. I mean, you're talking about a $1400 difference in frame price. Is it worth the upgrade?

rick1

Advanced SL is constructed with T-800 Carbon while the Advanced uses T-700 Carbon. There are some differences in frame design as well.

BarryJo

But not enough information on their web site to make an intelligent decision without going to a dealer and finding out first hand.
Both bikes are great - the question is whether the SL frame is $1000 greater than the Advanced frame.
For 99% of riders (myself included), I'd guess not.

ChucklesKY

That's the big question. I have perused the website to try to figure out the REAL difference between the frames without success. I have the full-line Giant catalog which is pretty comprehensive but doesn't give me much information on this. So, exactly what IS the practical difference between the two frames? Anyone know the weight difference?

BarryJo

Good luck trying to figure it out without a trip to a Giant dealer who has both bikes in stock.

Dom89music

SL (t-800 carbon) have more carbon fiber per inch than Advanced (t-700)... It's a little bit stiffer, lively and lighter (100-150 grams for a medium)... The SL have the ISP wich is the biggest difference IMHO... I had the choice between a SL 0 and advanced 0 last year (400$ diff) and i ended out with the advanced 0 because i prefered the black and blue graffic and the non ISP... Tried both, SL was a little harsher and 100 grams less! It's a matter of taste! My 2010 Advanced 0 was 15,1 lbs out of the box and 15,9 with pedals, cages and cpu! I really love my ride! All DA 7900 and DA 7850 wheels!!!

Dom89music

Spinz, you'll love your bike!!! SL is a monster machine!!!