Built for going anaerobic in the slop, Giant's TCX Advanced Pro 1 cyclocross bike boasts a composite frame, thru-axles front and rear, Schwalbe tubeless tires and a 1x11 Shimano Ultegra Di2 drivetrain.
A brilliant ride
Typically, fast, responsive bikes make you pay the price when the road or course is anything but smooth. The TCX Advanced Pro 1 manages to pull off the elusive combination of speed with a ride that subdues the bumps and hits. It was quite interesting feeling the quickness and acceleration of the TCX, but then not feeling the jarring. The D-shaped D-Fuse SL seatpost made me a believer. Tricky seatpost, carbon layup, or forgiving seatstays, the TCX did an admirable job of muting the buzz, rounding the edges off hits and even keeping the wheels tracking.
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This ride quality encouraged going into corners a bit hotter, and leaning harder especially since the frame stiffness was up to the task. The previous year's European-inspired geometry remains, which may suit some riders better than others. If you're used to modern mountain bikes with low, corner-carving bottom bracket heights, you might feel like you're on a ladder. But if your typical 'cross course finds its technicality in its mud and slop and less in the twisties, then you'll be in heaven.
The unique OverDrive 2 stem and steerer are definitely stiff. It's noticeable, but likely unnecessary given the challenge that is finding or swapping the proprietary 1 1/4in stem, especially if you want something without the Giant brand on it.
A few interesting specs
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