All About Zwift’s Giant TCR Advanced SL Disc Frame

Zwift’s newest update includes a new bike frame – the third Giant frame to be added to the game! It’s the TCR Advanced SL Disc, and an update to the TCR Advanced SL which has been in game for quite some time.

Available at level 14+ for 745,500 Drops, the frame is rated at 3 stars for aero and 3 stars for weight. Here’s how Zwift describes it:

“Everything about the Giant TCR Advanced SL Disc screams high performance. It’s the choice of pro racers for challenging road courses that favor all-arounder abilities. Proven compact road geometry, an OverDrive 2 steerer tube, and the massive MegaDrive downtube all work together to deliver legendary handling that’s synonymous with the TCR name.”

Of course, experienced Zwifters know that real-world performance doesn’t necessarily translate to Zwift performance. So at Zwift Insider we run frames and wheelsets through a battery of tests to figure out just how well they perform in Zwift’s virtual world.

Here’s everything you need to know about the new Giant TCR Advanced SL Disc in Zwift…

Aero Performance

The Giant TCR Advanced SL Disc is rated 3 aero stars, which is the highest any standard road frame is rated in Zwift. Not that this makes it special – approximately half of the current frames have a 3-star aero rating.

This frame’s aero performance sits mid-pack compared to the full list of Zwift road frames, clocking in at 2 seconds faster than the older Giant TCR Advanced SL frame.

The TCR Advanced SL Disc turned in a time of 51:31 on our test course (two laps of Tempus Fugit). By comparison, the fastest frame in game (Specialized Venge S-Works) turned in a time of 51:18. (Both of these test times were done with Zwift’s stock wheelset, the 32mm carbon).

This means the TCR Advanced SL Disc is better than approximately 1/2 of the road frames in game, in terms of aero performance.

Climb Performance

The TCR Advanced SL Disc is rated at 3 stars for weight, so we know it won’t be as fast as the very best climbing frames. But precisely how well does it perform?

The TCR Advanced SL Disc turned in an Alpe du Zwift time of 49:19. By comparison, the fastest frame in game (Specialized Tarmac Pro) turned in a time of 48:57. (Both of these test times were done with Zwift’s stock wheelset, the 32mm carbon).

This means the TCR Advanced SL Disc is only better than approximately 1/3 of the road frames in game, in terms of climb performance.

Color Slider

One oddity we noticed: this frame includes a color slider to customize the look – but it doesn’t actually do anything! Regardless of where you slide it, the frame remains black with white accents.

Comparisons + Alternatives

There are no frames in game which turn in the same performance as the Giant TCR Advanced SL Disc, so we have no direct comparisons. However, we can say that, at the price point of 745,500 Drops and a level lock of 14, there are certainly better performers available.

See our Zwift Shopping Guide for a list of recommended frames all the way through level 50 >

Based on this frame’s lackluster performance, we don’t anticipate many Zwifters using it for racing purposes. If you’re a Giant fan, though, you might want to pick it up for those less competitive rides – especially if you ride this bike IRL!

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