With more cyclocross bike features on the way we are starting today with a special Giant TCX Advanced SL build.
This Giant is built up with Zipp Service Course SL bars and stem, Shimano Ultegra Controls, Shimano Ultegra derailleurs, cassette and chain, Rotor 3D Plus cranks, chainrings and BB, TRP Mini V brakes, and Challenge Grifo 33 tires mounted to Madfiber wheels. The Madfiber wheels though are not meant to stay on the bike. They are here for a general road test, and because we were told they are cross worthy we thought we ought to play with them here too.
Total bike weight as it sits right now, 16.2 pounds for this size Medium Giant TCX Advanced SL. But this will be an evolving project with a variety of wheels and parts tested and played with, and an eventual rebuild into a very nice road bike. Although cyclocross season itself is over, a cross bike is a bike for all seasons.
The good folks at Mock Orange Bikes in Winston-Salem know quite a bit about cyclocross as the sponsor of a Pro cross and Pro road team, and they made sure this bike was built up properly.
All images © Herbert Krabel / slowtwitch.com
The finished Giant TCX Advanced SL in front of Mock Orange Bikes.
Zach Leil of Mock Orange preps the Challenge Grifo 33 tubulars.
The applying of the glue is a very precise effort.
Another day, and more glue is applied.
Making sure the tire is seated correctly.
That looks pretty good.
The Giant TCX Advanced SL is ready for more parts.
The press fit BB gets carefully put into place.
Rotor rings are attached to the Rotor 3D Plus cranks.
Mounted and ready for more parts.
Time to work on the front end where the Zipp Service Course SL bars and stem are already in place.
Once the cable hanger was removed Charles von Isenburg focused on the cables.
Lubing is an important part of the bike prep.
The TRP Mini V brakes are a nice alternative to cantilever brakes.
Making sure the front brakes are good and ready.
Shimano XTR pedals are put into place.
After the hands are washed, it is time to wrap the bars with Zipp Cross tape. Sorry ladies, Charles is already taken.
Almost there.
Charles von Isenburg finishes up the build.
Ready for some action.
