Giant have given us a little teaser of what we can expect from them in 2017 with an 'early release' of selected models details, specifications and prices. Here is a sneak peek at some of the 2017 Road Performance range featuring the latest TCR, Propel and Defy bikes.
TCR Disc Range
The new TCR Disc range includes three series: TCR Advanced SL Disc, TCR Advanced Pro Disc and TCR Advanced Disc. Each disc version providing the benefits of the traditional TCR with enhanced stopping power in any conditions.
The fork has changed to feature a thru-axle design which Giant says will 'help boost steering stiffness' and 'when combined with the OverDrive 2 steerer tube and MegaDrive downtube, the result is razor-sharp handling and cornering precision.'
The 'PowerCore' bottom bracket and rear triangle has also been changed to accommodate for the flat-mount disc brakes but Giant say the disc ranges maintains 'the stiffness and efficiency that the TCR range is known for.'
Each purpose-built frame is engineered with flat-mount disc brake technology for the most consistent braking power in all conditions. And the new front (12 x 100mm) and rear (12 x 142mm) thru-axle setups produce a race-tuned ride quality with unrivaled precision and steering stiffness. The TCR Advanced SL Disc and TCR Advanced Pro Disc models also come equipped with Giant’s SLR Disc WheelSystem and all-new Gavia SLR tubeless tires to boost efficiency, comfort and control.
Advanced Pro Disc
Advanced 1 Disc
TCR
Giant's flagship performance road bike the TCR has had a facelift in 2017 and introduced a range of highly anticipated disc equipped versions. The 2016 edition made huge strides forward in stiffness, ride quality and weight reduction thanks to a re-engineered frame. The 2016 TCR frame featured new tube shapes, less volume, a new variant seat post and was complemented by Giant's own proprietary SLR wheel system.
The geometry and build of the 2017 TCR is the same as 2016 but the new range features new and vibrant colorways, the latest wireless shifting technology from SRAM and disc brake options.
The Advanced SL 0 features Advanced SL grade composite frame and fork, SRAM Red Etap groupset with a modern 52/36 front and 11-28 rear set-up, and Giant's SLR 0 Composite DBL WheelSystem.
The Advanced Pro Team represents possibly the best value performance road bike on the market, featuring Advanced grade composite frame and fork, Shimano Ultegra mechanical groupset and Giant's SLR 1 Composite DBL WheelSystem. All of that and a limited edition pro-team colourway so you can feel like a member of WorldTour team Giant-Alpecin.
The TCR Advanced 2 and 3 share the shame Advanced grade composite frame and fork, but the Advanced 2 features Shimano 105 groupset and Giant P-R2, whereas the Advanced 3 build consists of Shimano Tiagra and Giant S-R2 wheelset.
Advanced SL 0
Advanced Pro Team
Advanced 2
Advanced 3
Propel
The Propel has long been the pinnacle of aero performance and in 2017 gets a new colorway and sees the introduction of SRAM eTap to the top-of-the-line Advanced SL 0 version.
The same stiff Advanced SL-grade composite frame with integrated seat post and fork featuring an OverDrive 2 steerer remains, as does the black and blue theme that has featured on the SL 0 for the past 3 years, albeit with a different feel. The introduction of SRAM eTap is an exciting edition and will help reduce the overall weight to an aero bike that was already class leading in that category. Giant uses its own SLR 0 Aero Composite DBL WheelSystem to round out this elite aero road bike.
Prepare to stand out if you opt for the Advanced Pro 1 Propel. The same great value and performance remains for the 2017 edition of the Advanced Pro 1 but a new Neon Red colorway will ensure you're noticed. With the exception of the integrated seat post, the Advanced Pro 1 closely resembles the Advanced SL versions, Advanced grade composite frame and fork, Shimano Ultegra mechanical groupset and the aerodynamic Giant SLR 1 Aero Composite DBL WheelSystem.
Advanced SL 0
Image from Giant South Yarra
Advanced Pro 1 - AU$3,999
Defy
The Defy Advanced gets a new colourway for 2017 while retaining all the things that make it a great bike. The frame and fork is Advanced grade composite material with 12mm thru-axles front and back to accommodate for the hydraulic disc brakes.
The drivetrain is again Shimano 105 but the brakes have been upgraded from TRP Spyre-C, mechanical disc to Shimano RS505 hydraulic disc with 160mm rotors. The Giant P-R2 disc wheelset and P-SL 1 25c tyres remain the same.
Keep an eye out for more versions of the Defy to be released shortly. Including our coverage of the new 'Contend' range which replaces the budget-orientated Defy Alloy series.
Advanced 2 - AU$2,999
