Giant has given us a sneak preview of what's coming from the world's biggest bicycle manufacturer in 2018. We attended the Australian Dealer launch and were provided with 'early release' model details, specifications and prices.
Here is a preview of the 2018 Road Performance range featuring a number of improvements across the board including an all-new Propel, more disc options for the mainstay TCR range, tubeless wheelsets for the majority of the range, tweaks to the ever popular Defy range and a new gravel grinder/adventure bike in the form of the ToughRoad GX.
Propel Disc Range
Giant's Aero-Race platform scores a complete overhaul for 2018 with the Taiwanese manufacturer leaving no stone unturned when updating Propel platform which until recently, was largely unchanged since 2013. As the name suggests, the Propel is now flat mount disc brake specific and scores a host of upgrades and improvements. Giant claim the new Propel Disc is 35% stiffer than its predecessor thanks to the redesigned frame, disc specific forks and Integrated seat post. Further aiding stiffness, the whole range scores an Giant's new integrated two-piece bar and stem combo.
The aero credentials have also been boosted, with Giant claiming the new models saved 15 watts at 40 kph compared to its predecessor in realistic wind tunnel testing thanks to updated truncated ellipse tube shaping Giant has dubbed AeroSystem. Looking to rolling stock and the entire range scores a staggered 42mm/65mm depth wheelset in the form of Giants own tubeless ready SLR WheelSystem. Making good use of the tubeless ready wheelset, every model in the Propel Disc range is also tubeless straight out of the box, shod with Gavia Race 25c tubeless tyres. For more information on the Propel Disc range, check out our Ten things to know article
The Propel Disc range includes:
Propel Advanced SL 0 DISC - AU $11,999
Featuring a full Shimano Dura Ace Di2 groupset with the recently released Shimano powermeter cranks as standard, 140mm flat mount hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, thru-axle technology (front and rear), Giant SLR 0 Disc Composite Centerlock DBL 42/65 WheelSystem with DT Swiss internals, and Giant Gavia Race 0 tubeless 25c tyres. The Advanced SL grade composite frame at the heart of the bike features a RideSense integrated wireless data transmitter, integrated seat post and is finished with Giant's all-new two piece integrated bar and stem combination.
Propel Advanced SL 1 Disc - AU $7,999
Using the same Advanced SL grade composite material for the frame with integrated seatpost as the SL 0, however, is finished in a black and orange colour scheme and features Shimano Ultegra R8070 Di2 with Ultegra-level 140mm flat mount disc brakes. Thru-axle technology and Gavia Race 0 tubeless 25c tyres are given too but with the slightly heavier carbon rim SLR 1 42/65 WheelSystem instead of the SLR 0.
Propel Advanced Pro Disc - AU $6,599
Using Giant’s Advanced grade composite frame finished in a black and green colour scheme. The Advanced Pro 0 Disc features an Ultegra R8070 Di2 groupset, flat mount 140mm hydraulic disc brakes, thru-axle technology, and Giant SLR 1 Disc Composite 42/65 WheelSystem shod with Gavia Race 1 tubeless 25c tyres. The integrated two-piece bar and stem combination remains, however the carbon stem is swapped out for an aluminium version.
Propel Advanced Disc - AU $4,999
The Advanced Pro 1 Disc features same Advanced grade composite frame, however, is finished with a heavier alloy fork steerer. Shiftng comes courtesy of Shimano's Ultegra R8020 mechanical groupset with flat mount 140mm hydraulic disc brakes bringing the bike to a stop. The bar and stem in the integrated cockpit move from carbon to alloy with the internal cabling slightly more exposed. Thru-axle technology remains and rolling stock is Giant SLR 1 Disc Composite 42/65 WheelSystem wrapped with Gavia Race 1 tubeless 25c tyres.
TCR Disc Range
The TCR Disc range first introduced in 2017 has expanded for 2018 with disc options doubling to six offerings. It's perfect timing given Cycling Australia's announcement last week that allows the use of disc brakes at club, state, and non-UCI championship level. The TCR Disc range is available across three series: TCR Advanced SL Disc, TCR Advanced Pro Disc and TCR Advanced Disc.
The redesigned fork introduced last season carries over and features the same thru-axle design which when combined with Giant's OverDrive 2 steerer tube (1 1/4in instead of the industry standard 1 1/8in tube diameter) and MegaDrive downtube is claimed to sharpen up handling and improve cornering ability.
The TCR Advanced SL Disc and TCR Advanced Pro Disc models also come equipped with Giant’s updated carbon SLR Disc WheelSystem and score Gavia Race tubeless rubber throughout the range, boosting efficiency, comfort, and control.
The range includes:
TCR Advanced SL 0 Disc – AU$11,499
Featuring a full Shimano Dura Ace Di2 groupset with the recently released Shimano powermeter cranks as standard, 140mm flat mount hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, thru-axle technology (front and rear), Giant SLR 0 Disc Composite Centerlock DBL WheelSystem with DT Swiss internals, and Giant Gavia Race 0 tubeless 25c tyres. The Advanced SL grade composite frame at the heart of the bike features a RideSense integrated wireless data transmitter in a sleek charcoal coloured frame with red accents rounding out the paint scheme. It’s a looker in person!
TCR Advanced SL 1 Disc – AU$6,999
A new addition to the TCR Disc line-up. Using the same Advanced SL grade composite material for the frame with integrated seatpost as the SL 0, however, is finished in a striking blue colour scheme and features Shimano Ultegra R8070 Di2 with Ultegra-level 140mm flat mount disc brakes. Thru-axle technology and Gavia Race 0 tubeless 25c tyres are given too but with the slightly heavier carbon rim SLR 1 Wheelsystem instead of the SLR 0.
TCR Advanced Pro 0 Disc – AU$5,999
Using Giant’s Advanced grade composite frame finished in a carbon colour scheme with red accents and chrome highlights. The Advanced Pro 0 Disc features an Ultegra R8070 Di2 groupset, flat mount 140mm hydraulic disc brakes, thru-axle technology, and Giant SLR 1 Disc Composite WheelSystem shod with Gavia Race 0 tubeless 25c tyres.
TCR Advanced Pro 1 Disc – AU$4,499
Also new for 2018, uses Giant’s Advanced grade composite frame finished in an electric blue colour scheme with orange highlights. The Advanced Pro 1 Disc features the Ultegra R8020 mechanical groupset, flat mount 140mm hydraulic disc brakes, thru-axle technology and Giant SLR 1 Disc Composite WheelSystem wrapped with Gavia Race 0 tubeless 25c tyres.
TCR Advanced 1 Disc – AU$3,299
Shares the same frame as the Advanced Pro but with Shimano R8000 Ultegra mechanical in place of Di2. Braking comes courtesy of the beefier RS505 160mm flat mount hydraulic discs. Rolling stock is Giant's PR-2 disc wheelset with tubeless Giant Gavia Race 1 25c tyres.
TCR Advanced 2 Disc – AU$2,799
Shares the Advanced Pro frame with a Shimano 105 mechanical groupset. Stopping power comes courtesy of Giant’s own Conduct semi-hydraulic 140mm hydraulic discs brake system and rolling stock is Giant's aluminium rimmed PR-2 disc wheelset with tubeless Giant Gavia Race 1 25c tyres. To learn more about this braking system, read our previous review of the Giant Contend SL 1 Disc.
TCR
Giant's flagship all-around performance road bike has had another facelift in 2018. The geometry and build of the 2018 TCR is similar to 2017 but the new range features powermeters as standard on top of the range offerings, even more competitive spec, new colourways and Giant’s proprietary tubeless WheelSystem across the board.
The range includes;
TCR Advanced SL 0 DA – AU$10,999
Sitting atop of the rim brake TCR hierarchy, The Advanced SL 0 DA features Shimano DuraAce Di2 and scores Shimano’s new DuraAce powermeter cranks as standard. Giants proprietary SLR 0 WheelSystem wrapped with Gavia Race 0 tubeless 25c rubber keeps riders rolling and the bike is finished in a deep gloss black paint scheme with shadow chrome highlights.
TCR Advanced SL 0 RED – AU$10,499
Featuring Advanced SL grade composite frame and fork, SRAM Red Etap groupset with Quarq DZero powermeter as standard, a modern 52/36 front and 11-28 rear gear set-up, and Giant's SLR 0 Composite DBL WheelSystem.
TCR Advanced SL 1 – AU$6,499
TCR Advanced Pro 0 – AU$5,999
The Advanced Pro 0 features a full 9100 Dura Ace groupset, Advanced grade composite frame, and fork and Giant's SLR 1 Composite DBL WheelSystem with Giant Gavia Race tubeless 25c tyres.
TCR Advanced Pro 1 – AU$3,999
The TCR Advanced Pro 1 represents one the best value performance road bikes on the market with the only real difference between the Advanced Pro 0 and 1 is the choice of groupset, with the recently updated R8000 Ultegra available on the Advanced Pro 1.
Advanced 3 – AU$2,099
Sharing the shame Advanced grade composite frame and fork, The TCR Advanced 3 features a Shimano Tiagra groupset and alloy rimmed, tubeless-ready Giant P-R2 wheelset.
Defy
Giant's endurance road bike, the Defy, has been given a range of new colourways in 2018 and retains all of the hallmarks that make it one of the most versatile bikes in the road line-up.
Defy Advanced Pro 0 – AU$5,999
The frame and fork are Giant's Advanced grade composite material with 12mm thru-axles front and back to accommodate the flat mount 140mm hydraulic disc brakes. The groupset of choice is the new R8070 Shimano Ultegra Di2 with Giant's updated SLR 1 Disc Composite Centerlock DBL WheelSystem and all-road Giant Gavia AC 1 tubeless 25c tyres keeping you rolling. The Advanced Pro 0 is finished in a sleek gloss black paint scheme with chrome highlights.
Defy Advanced Pro 1 – AU$4,499
This bike closely resembles the Pro 0 with the exception of mechanical Shimano Ultegra R8050 in place of electronic.
Defy Advanced 2 – AU$2,699:
Sharing the same Advanced grade composite frame as the model above but different wheel and groupset selections. The Advanced 2 has Shimano 105 with Giant's own Conduct semi-hydraulic 140mm disc brakes and updated Giant PR2 disc wheels with tubeless 25c tyres.
Contend
The value packed all-rounder Contend range scores a new colourway in 2018 as well as tubeless compatible wheelsets on all SL level bikes. It's otherwise much the same bike we reviewed early this year, read our review of the 2017 Giant Contend SL 1 Disc.
Contend SL 1 Disc – AU$1,999
Featuring an ALUXX SL grade aluminium frame with an Advanced grade composite fork with alloy steerer. Shimano takes care of the drivetrain with a partial 105 groupset and Giants own Conduct 140mm flat mount semi hydraulic disc brakes take care of stopping power. Giant’s PR2 Disc is the wheelset, shod with Gavia AC 2 tubeless 25c tyres.
Contend SL 2 Disc – AU$1,699
The SL 2 shares the same frame and fork combo, but features a Shimano Tiagra Groupset and Giant SR2 disc wheelset with tubeless Gavia AC 2 25c tyres.
Contend 1 - AU$1,099
Two rim brake options remain on the entry level Contend 1 and Contend 2 offerings, with the Contend 1 featuring the ALUXX grade aluminium frame with an Advance level composite fork with alloy steerer, Shimano Sora groupset, and Giant SR3 alloy wheels.
Contend 2 - AU$899
The Contend 2 is almost identical in specification to the Content 1, save for a Shimano Claris groupset.
ToughRoad SLR GX
New for 2018, the ToughRoad SLR GX range is Giant’s adventure/gravel bike offering and features a number of tweaks over the standard ToughRoad series. The GX range features a drop bar design with a similar endurance focussed geometry to the ever popular defy range, save for tyre clearance up to 50c, mounting points for racks and fenders and space for a downtube mudguard.
ToughRoad SLR GX 0 - AU$2,399
The SLR GX 0 features an ALUXX SLR aluminium frame with an Advance grade composite fork with alloy steerer. Shifting and braking come courtesy of SRAM with an Apex 1x 11sp groupset with a wide 11-42t cassette out back and features 160mm hydraulic SRAM Apex disc brakes front and rear. The wheelset is courtesy of Giant, featuring PX 2 Disc hoops shod with Giant CrossCut Gravel 2 40c tubeless tyres.
ToughRoad SLR GX 2 - AU$1,599
The SLR GX2 scores the same frame and fork, with a Shimano Sora groupset, Giant Conduct 160mm semi-hydraulic Disc brakes with Giant’s SX2 disc wheelset wrapped in Giant CrossCut AT 2 38c tubeless tyres.
TCX
The TCX has been refreshed for 2018 with the versatile cyclocross range getting a new lick of paint, updated tubeless wheelsets and a price cut, sure to make it high on any rider's n+1 list.
TCX Advanced Pro 1 - AU$4599
The TCX Advanced Pro 1 sees a big step down in price for 2018, sure to suit cyclocross racers on a budget. Featuring an Advance composite frame, OverDrive 2 steerer, cyclocross specific SRAM CX1 groupset, staggered 160mm (front) and 140mm (rear) hydraulic disc brakes and Giants own CX1 wheelset wrapped in Schwalbe X-ONE evolution 33c tubeless wheels, the spec equals if not trumps those costing much more.
TCX Advanced Pro 2 – AU$3499
Components are similar to the Advanced Pro 1, with exceptions being a SRAM Rival 1x groupset, SRAM HRD disc brakes and PX-2 wheelset wrapped in the same Schwalbe X-ONE evolution 33c rubber.
TCX SLR 1 – AU$2899
Featuring identical geometry to the advanced models, the SLR features an ALUXX SLR-grade aluminium frame with an Advanced composite fork and OverDrive 2 steerer. Groupset and brakes are courtesy of SRAM in the form of the cyclocross friendly Rival 1 group and SRAM HRD disc brakes. The wheelset is Giant's own PX-2 and is finished with Schwalbe Super Swan 35c tyres.
TCX SLR 2 – AU$1999
The SLR 2 shares the same frame and fork combo as the SLR 1, however, it offers a Shimano 105 groupset, Giant's own Conduct semi-hydraulic disc brakes and S-X2 wheelset with Schwalbe Super Swan 35c rubber.
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