Giant

The TCR 1 is the middle bike in Giant's aluminium TCR range - not to be confused with the carbon TCR Composite, TCR Advanced or TCR Advanced SL bikes - all of which are built around the same frame and fork package. The entry-level model is the Shimano Tiagra-equipped TCR 2 (£990) and top of the pile is the TCR 0 (£1,500) which comes with mainly Shimano Ultegra components.

We’ve been surprised by the Giant TCR Advanced 2. In a good way. To be honest, I was expecting a solid, workmanlike machine, but not necessarily any fireworks. Something that ticks all the boxes, covers the bases, does the job… but perhaps not with a great deal of flare. What I got is a fast and lively bike that’s smooth-riding too. It’s right up there among the best in its class.

Giant TCR Advanced 2 - riding 4

Giant TCR Advanced 2 - riding 2

Giant TCR Advanced 2 - riding 3

Giant TCR Advanced 2 - riding 1

Giant handlebars by cnarborough, on Flickr

25.8mm clamp, 44cm C-C. Deep-ish anatomic drop. Double cable grooves. £5 posted

chrisnarborough at yahoo dot co dot uk

Giant SCR 2.0 by cnarborough, on Flickr Giant SCR 2.0 by cnarborough, on Flickr [