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While Europe lives in lockdown, Taiwan already has the Covid-19 chrisis under control. Its on this island that Giant Bikes first launched this month its new top-tier bike, the latest evolution of its legendary TCR model. Sergio Tu, Taiwanese rider for the Spanish outfit Equipo Kern Pharma, took part on this launch by testing the new Giant TCR Advanced SL 0 Disc for the local website Cyclingtime.

“In my opinion, this new TCR is really awesome”, asserts Sergio Tu. “Over the years I’ve raced on three different TCRs, so this is the fourth one I’ve tried. Every TCR has been a step forward compared to the previous one, but in this case the evolution is extraordinary.” The Taiwanese rider identifies three main areas of improvement: bike handling; aerodynamics; and efficiency.

“Bike handling on descents has been enhanced,” he explains. “Some improvements on the top tube and the fork have been key as they have made the bike more stable. I notice it reacts more naturally. This feeling of stability and control is pretty good in fast descents. I’ve felt really confident on the bike, and that will be very helpful when racing.”

When it comes to aerodynamics, Sergio Tu says on the new Giant TCR: “The whole section of the bike where the wind impacts is sharper and the aerodynamics is therefore excellent. The geometry has changed quite a lot, and now both the top tube and the bottom bracket appear to be lower and closer to the ground.”

Last but not least, Sergio Tu points out about efficiency: “When you stand up on the pedals, the feeling bears some resemblance to the Propel's [Giant’s household aero road bike]. It helps you reach your top speed when accelerating – you can feel the bike is almost asking for it! This bike is really well crafted: it has kept the stiffness of previous TCRs, and that makes the frame feel quite solid and helps the transmission of power so no watt is lost. I’m sure our sprinter Enrique Sanz will no longer use an aero bike once he tries out this new TCR.”

Picture gallery of Giant TCR Advanced SL 0 Disc, 2021 version, by Giant Bikes.