Giant TCX Advanced Pro 2

Just got my new TCX Advanced Pro 2.  Took it out for its first ride, yesterday, and it is great!  Only had time to get in twenty miles on a mixture of gravel and pavement.  First impressions on how it feels on gravel are good.  This is the first carbon fiber frame bike that I have owned, so it is a totally new experience for myself.  The carbon and seatpost/seatholder really dampen the jolts on the gravel.  I am comparing it against the Giant Revolt 1 that I have put a lot of gravel miles on over the last year.  Here is a picture:

 
Just curious if anyone out there is riding a Giant Cross bike on the gravel.  Will post another update on ride/performance/perceptions as I get a chance to put some more miles on it.  Have been impressed with several aspects, so far.  Be glad to hear what others may have experienced with this model, or similar.

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I bought the aluminum framed version and really like it.  I've been riding MTB's for a decade and have grown very fond of my 5" of squish.  I was surprised how quickly I felt comfortable on this.  I'm using the same shoes and pedals as my MTB. So far, I have done a 30 and 60-miler with the Super Swans and been able to play a little in the dirt. The LBS let me borrow a take off set of road tires to join in a few road rides.  I decided to upgrade to the Clements MSO tires and run them tubeless.  Running the front at 35+ and the rear and 40+ seems to be the sweet spot for me.

I signed up for a local, semi gravel grinder ride in March - the Redlands Strada Rossa II 100K.  Let's hope I'm still smiling after 6K of climbing....

Glad to hear from you OTHRider!  Was beginning to think that I was the only one riding a Giant TCX on gravel.  LOL!  I've had several good rides, now, on this bike and I love it.  Am using my MTB shoes with XT pedals.  I also, got some 28's road tires, but haven't rode with them yet.  Wanted something to ride with some of the roadies that I run with occasionally.  The Super Swans have been great in even the really loose, chunky & deep gravel that I run across.  Haven't felt any looseness on them in hard corners either.  On my Giant Revolt 1, I have been running the Clement MSO 40's for almost a year.  I run them with tubes, and they are great! 

Got a short video, on my blog, of riding a small gravel downhill at around 25MPH with the Super Swans.  Didn't feel anything but grip and confidence.  Also, you will find more pictures there as well. You can check it out at:

http://www.okieoutdoors.blogspot.com


Post back, sometime, and give an update on your Giant TCX.  Let us know how that 6K of climbing works out for you!

OTHrider, \nDid you get the TCX SLR 2? It's one of the bikes I'm looking at, great spec at the price. How's the carbon post soaking up bumps? Would you say it's suitable for long rides?

Yes, I have the TCX SLR2.

I'm afraid I'm the last guy in the world to answer on soaking up the bumps.  EVERYTHING except rolling resistance is way more harsh - but, I haven't ridden a road bike in over 30 years.  All of my recent riding has been on top of a fully suspended mountain bike.

Since my rear rarely stays on the saddle for very long when riding the MTB, I was pleasantly surprised that the longer trips haven't messed with my butt.  I really haven't had any issues that I wasn't warned about - possible lower back stiffness, and small pains in my shoulders and neck getting used to the new riding position.  My last ride was a 36 mile trip to Huntington Beach and back and I think I've pretty much adapted.  No stiffness or soreness.  I was able to dive into dirt in several areas along the bike trail and the bike/tires really smooth out nicely.  The best part was the look on the other Roadies' faces when I peel off into the dirt.  They all seem positive I'm going to flat or wipe out - Priceless!

One thing on the seatpost, the proprietary "D" Fuse shape practically eliminates any possible aftermarket switch down the road.  My riding buddy did say that he could see the post flexing a little - in a good way of course.

So far, I haven't had any of the Press Fit squeak issues mentioned on some CX forums.

Just rode my first century, yesterday, on this bike.  I can tell you now, after this ride of one hundred miles that the TCX carbon frame was a joy to spend the day on.  Only thing that I did, though, was replace the stock saddle with a Brooks Cambium C17 carved.  Got the new saddle on Friday, and put it on the bike in time for the next day's ride.  The combination of the carbon frame, the D-shaped seat post and the Brooks soaked up a ton of shock.  Spent more time on pavement, but did hit some very rough stuff as well.  Would I have been a little more comfortable on my Giant Revolt with it's relaxed geometry?  Yes, I know I would have.  It was still a LOT of fun on the cross bike!  Looking forward to the next century, or century plus.  I absolutely am thrilled with this bike!

Thanks for the update, I'll take a closer look at it.