White and black but still the same
Why change a good thing? I can be sometimes bad about that. There are times when I’ll keep using something for longer than I really need. My ProFlex 757 was one of those. However, things didn’t get much better than my 2009 Giant TCR Advanced.
2009 (black) and 2010 (white) TCR Advanced frames
Of course, you can’t see here, but the top tube of the black frame above is cracked. This caused me to order a replacement frame. It arrived last week.
Just after cleaning my 2010 Giant TCR Advanced
At first, I thought the frame had a different geometry. I kept looking and it appeared that the rear triangle of the 2010 frame was different. The chain stays appeared to be thicker and the carbon molding seemed to have some different angles.
I'm loving the head tube graphics.
Even the head tube seemed to be smaller. Other TCR Advanced owners commented that it appeared the seat tube was also more aerodynamic. It was enough to get me to get the two frames side by side for some close inspection.
Pretty cool graphics on the seat tube as well.
Bottom line is that the only changes between the 2009 and 2010 frames are the paint jobs and graphics. I loved my black Advanced. To be honest, I wasn’t real excited about getting a white frame, but it was the only replacement frame that they had.
The chain stays are going to be the challenge.
Now that I have it, I really like it. The graphics have some nice visual tricks. For instance, what appears to be black decals on the down tube are actually exposed carbon weave. It is the same with the “graphics” running along the top tube. In the sun light you can clearly see the weave.
Let's get out an ride!
So, I had hoped to come and give a review of how much better the new frame is. Well, here is the good news. It is just like old frame. On yesterday’s ride I had people asking me if I liked the ride of the new frame. My answer was, “Well, I don’t even realize I’m on a new frame until I look down at it.”
That is exactly how I hoped it would be. It does look sweet…
Tags: Giant, TCR Advanced
the black frame looked menacing, but this white one is just flat out beautiful! congrats.
love the new frame almost tempted to start shopping…….
Love the white color-it always looks classic! One “pro” tip-I would get rid of the little nuts on the valve stems. They don’t serve any purpose.
Jonathan nice frame, really nice. how did you manage to get the white frame with dark grey graphics? I can only find the white frame with blue graphics… perhaps i’m missing something. Just thought i’d ask.
Stu, This is a replacement frame from Giant. There are a number of differences with the paint job. One of the most noticeable is the fact that my frame is a satin matte finish. The floor model is a glossy finish.
My understanding is the 2010 floor model is white and red.
What I want to know is why the replacement frame is different. Is it a run of odd frames that never made it to mass production and now they are trying to get rid of them? I’m curious.
Hi Jonathan, I got myself the 2010 TCR2 white-blue which I think Stu is referring to. I loved the colour scheme but it developed a crack in the filler near the top tube – seat tube junction and the only replacement I can get is the carbon weave (black) / silver – very similar to your 09 frame! Sorta liked the white frame better but that’s all they can get me … kinda sucks as I changed out the saddle on my original and found one that matched the white-blue scheme as well.
Interesting about your crack. I have definitely found the paint job to be fragile on my white Giant. Pieces keep popping off near the rear drop outs. To be honest, though I am racing the white Giant, I really like the black one. You can see the two bike completely built up here: http://wurl.ws/1Oan.