The GIANT TCR SLR1 is my first-ever "pure road bike."
True to its name, this is an aluminum bike that responds to every bit of power you put into it. In fact, it doesn't even let you just cruise along slowly.
If you slack off on a climb, it immediately stops moving forward, as if demanding that you pedal harder.
Based on GIANT's versatile, compact TCR, this frame is crafted using ultra-thin SLR-grade aluminum tubing, making it incredibly stiff—living up to its high-rigidity reputation. As someone who had only ever ridden steel bikes, it was a shock.
I also rode this bike in the Rapha Prestige Niseko this past June, but I wouldn't really recommend taking it onto gravel. It handled it surprisingly well, though (laughs).
Talking about the price, this bike is such a great deal that it makes you want to say, "I'd buy a complete bike with these specs at this price in a heartbeat!"
The 2016 model has a slightly more pop aesthetic and a small price increase, but it is undoubtedly still an incredibly attractive bike. If you aren't set on having ULTEGRA, the 105-equipped complete bike is also a great option.
For those who want to ride fast but aren't ready to commit to a carbon bike, I highly recommend giving this one a try. We have the GIANT 2016 model catalog in the store, so please come by and talk to us. If you'd like to test ride one, just let us know in advance!
This is the bike my senior colleagues recommended when I expressed my desire to ride faster. I've been riding it almost exactly as it came from the factory because I was so eager to get on it, but I hope to give it a fresh paint job once some time has passed.
Until then, I think I'll face its sadistic nature head-on.