Anyone have any experience and/or thoughts regarding Giant’s 2009 TCR Advanced SL frame? It appears to get good reviews in Tour Magazine and Giant has published their own “report card” which stacks it up vs. the top competitiors:
Wow, they designed the test, they performed the test, and (shockingly) they won the test! The test was more of a marketing exercise than a scientific one. Attributes like aerodynamics (a Cervelo strongpoint) were neglected, and the decision to test w/o BB bearings penalizes the BB30 frames. Also, how do you compare frames that don’t size S/M/L (i.e actually size in cm increments)?
Ok, diatribe over 
I saw the Columbia boys on these at the AToC. Looks like a pro-quality full carbon frame. The downtube is way boxy, so it’s not going to be aero, but should be light and stiff. Since the sizing is S/M/L, just make sure you are close to the midrange of a size, and not having to straddle sizes and compromising fit.
Wow, they designed the test, they performed the test, and (shockingly) they won the test! The test was more of a marketing exercise than a scientific one.
You just described all the tests released by the manufacturers, whether weight, stiffness, or aerodynamics. What amazes me is that consumers continue to cling to these things, and STers continue to cite to them, as if they have any validity other than marketing.
I also don’t get the S/M/L sizing. Although the top tube measurements were/are not perfect as a fit guide, at least they allow for more comparability between brands. What the hell does a M bike frame mean?
An “M” size frame means nothing, that is why they provide the geometry charts.
I wouldn’t doubt that it’s a high quality frame but the report card might be a bit suspect. I had an early aluminium TCR. The thing rode like beer cans and had horrible high speed wobble on decending. I’m sure they’ve come a very, very long way since then. I agree that the down tube can’t be aero, but neither is the R3.
I have a 2009 Giant TCR Advanced SL - the non-ISP version. The ISP makes it harder to fit in a bike case.
I love the bike - stiff and pliant in all the right place. Light and great handling - very stable on descents compared to my previous Cervelos.
Great bike - doesn’t inspire passion like a Pinarello - but is a perfect workhorse.
Thanks for the reply!
Were you able to test ride both the ISP and Non-ISP version for comparison? If so, any difference that you could tell?
Granted the report was generated by Giant, I don’t think I would have considered a Giant frame had it not been for their “Report Card” as well as Tour Magazine’s review.
What previous Cervelo’s did you own? I’ve tried an R3, but to me it transmits a lot of road vibration when comparing it to my Look 585. I’ve also ridden the Cannondale SuperSix which I liked.
But then again, nothing inspires passion like a Pinarello . . .
I have a Soloist Carbon and a RS - both bikes had twitchy handling and I got a very dead feel from the RS.
Didn’t try the ISP version but might still get one as a race bike.