The tenth technology Big TCR comes with numerous efficiency claims in want of justification, each from the model, and us. That’s proper, only a few of weeks in the past, the most recent technology of the enduring racing steed stole the award for Biking Weekly’s finest climbing bike of 2024, and for good cause. Big has introduced collectively all the biking trade’s buzzwords, with aero enhancements, decrease weight, and elevated stiffness all being current on the brand new race machine.
With that in thoughts, it’s time we dive into the main points of precisely why the TCR topped our testing when the gradients bought steep, so right here is all you have to know in regards to the new Big TCR, and the way it rides.
Building
Twenty-eight years after its controversial debut with World Tour staff As soon as, the Big TCR has reached its tenth technology, evolving from the primary bike with a sloping prime tube into a classy racing machine. For 2024 although, the acquainted silhouette has been refined beneath the paint, boasting new manufacturing strategies and design.
Probably the most noticeable change within the newest TCR is the total inside cable routing. A ten% lighter frameset and 5-watt aero saving results in claims of an total ‘whole system effectivity’ – the bike trade’s favorite line in the meanwhile – enchancment, making the brand new TCR as much as 12 watts sooner than its predecessor.
(Picture credit score: Future (Richard Butcher))
Big has switched from laser reducing to ‘chilly blade’ reducing for the carbon sheets, enhancing precision and lowering deformation threat for the brand new TCR. This technique permits for fewer carbon items, serving to obtain a decrease weight and better stiffness. As nicely, Big now constructs the entrance triangle from a single carbon piece utilizing a single bladder mould, eliminating joins and additional lowering weight whereas growing stiffness.
The body weighs in at 690 grams with out paint, which is 75 grams lighter than the earlier TCR and 155 grams lighter than the Big Propel. Whereas the Specialised S-Works Aethos claims a body weight of 585 grams, comparisons are finest made with totally constructed fashions, the place the TCR holds its personal at 6.4kg.
(Picture credit score: Future (Richard Butcher))
The TCR’s aerodynamics profit from tucked-in cables and flattened handlebar tops, contributing to a 4.19-watt enchancment at 40 kph. Moreover, narrower handlebar choices assist cut back drag, particularly with the smallest measurement measuring simply 34cm on the hoods. Big has opted for a two-piece setup on inventory bikes too, which, although not fairly as clear as an built-in setup, does make tinkering simpler.
For these in search of final aero effectivity, a one-piece handlebar is offered, providing an additional two-watt saving. That is one thing I’m in two minds about – a two piece cockpit is undoubtedly simpler to service, and alter up, however the bars on the TCR do pose as my principal level of rivalry – extra on that later.
(Picture credit score: Cadex)
The true positive aspects on the brand new TCR, in my view, are made exterior of the frameset alone. New Cadex Max 40 wheels fitted to our take a look at mannequin characteristic 40mm rim depth, a 22.4mm hookless inside rim width, and ultra-light carbon spokes. At 1,249 grams, these wheels strike a stability between weight and stiffness, outperforming some rivals in stiffness-to-weight ratio by 10.5%.
The experience
The outcome on the highway then, is that that is the perfect Big TCR the corporate has ever produced – interval. The headline statistics of decreased weight and barely elevated stiffness actually do translate onto the highway and make for a pleasant experience.
My preliminary experience of the Big TCR consisted of a stable blast round a loop that I’ve ridden numerous occasions and consists of some steep climbing in addition to larger pace flat and downhill sections that actually allowed me to get a really feel for the bike early on. Unsurprisingly, given the similarity of the geometry between the previous and new framesets, I felt at residence on the bike in a short time.
(Picture credit score: Future (Richard Butcher))
The very first thing that struck me was the load – our take a look at bike got here in at simply 6.4kg for a measurement 54 with out pedals, and in consequence, it felt blisteringly responsive. The brief 405mm chainstays and compact geometry allowed the bike to alter path extremely shortly, one thing that all the time goes down nicely with me as somebody who has a racing background.
On quick descents in Wales throughout my in depth testing, I felt instantly comfy, and the bike dealt with descents with exceptional poise. Unsurprising too, is that the TCR’s backside bracket is extremely stiff, so accelerating on climbs is tremendous quick, making the bike thrilling to experience. Regardless of its low weight, the bike is not sluggish on the flat. The truth is, it carried out admirably in sooner, flatter rides – which is why this bike actually stands out towards rivals.
My using
After a quick shakedown on my designated take a look at route, it grew to become clear that the TCR excels on steep climbs. Consequently, I spent most of my using time within the Cotswolds, recognized for its difficult ascents and descents. The attractive surroundings and rolling terrain supplied a wonderful setting to familiarize myself with the brand new TCR, all whereas having fun with a few of the best views (and occasional) that Oxfordshire has to supply.
The bike’s responsiveness and agility shone via on longer rides in my Cotswoldian playground, the place I used to be capable of push the bike on technical terrain I do know finest. On punchy, rolling terrain like this, the TCR actually is a pleasure to experience. A mixture of a motorbike that’s loads quick sufficient on the flat, but excels so nicely while you level it up hill, creates a experience high quality that consistently eggs you on to push over each rise, and tuck on each descent. The enjoyable issue, on this comparatively ‘run of the mill’ big-name bike is de facto there, and like I all the time say, in case you are spending this form of cash, it must be!
(Picture credit score: Future (Richard Butcher))
Nevertheless, no bike is ideal, and I did have one bone to choose with the TCR – the cockpit. The handlebars and stem lacked a little bit of stiffness within the drops, that means I could not get every part out of the bike whereas sprinting. No, this isn’t the bike’s major concern, nevertheless any tremendous bike must be able to dealing with excessive energy outputs in all situations. Match the proper built-in cockpit, and this may change, however out of the field, it’s not fairly stiff sufficient for a race bike. Nonetheless, the Big TCR stays an exciting experience, combining the perfect of climbing prowess and flat-out pace.
Worth
So far as worth is worried, out vary topping Superior SL 0 mannequin will set you again a whopping £11,999 / $12,750, and so competes straight with the large names just like the Tarmac SL8, and Pinarello Dogma F – so is it actually higher?
The Big is definitely able to going face to face with these race machines, little doubt about it, however the place Big actually hits house is in it’s aggressive midrange choices. For instance, the Superior Professional 1 incorporates a second-tier frameset, carbon wheels and 12-speed Di2 for £4,899 /$5,700, which is available in cheaper than the equal bikes from Specialised.
In the event you don’t fancy shelling out almost twelve grand in your new race steed, Big nonetheless offers an choice utilizing the top-level frameset from £8,799. For this somewhat massive discount in worth, you’re left with Shimano’s second tier groupset, Ultegra R8170 Di2, In addition to barely heavier Big SLR 0 40mm wheels. For positive, these modifications will add some weight to the feathery machine, however due to the top-level frameset, you’ll nonetheless find yourself with a motorbike that flirts with the UCI’s minimal weight restrict.
Specification
| Value | £11,999 / $12,750 |
| Weight (54) | 6.42kg |
| Groupset | himano Dura-Ace Di2 FC-9200P energy meter |
| Wheels | CADEX 40 Max Hookless carbon |
| Tires | Cadex Gavia Course 0 Tubeless 28mm (efficient) |
| Handlebars | Contact SLR |
| Saddle | Cadex AMP |
| Body weight (claimed) | 690g |
| Bike weight (on take a look at) | 6.42kg |
| Stack | 545mm |
| Attain | 388mm |
| Head angle | 73º |
| BB drop | 69.5mm |
| Wheelbase | 980mm |
| Chainstays | 405mm |
