2024 Giant TCR Advanced vs Pinarello Dogma F

The Giant TCR Advanced and Pinarello Dogma F are popular road bike models. Our expert, Bernard Lu compares these models, their features, technologies and pricing.

Experienced cyclist turned writer with 7+ years working in bike shops, overseeing retail and workshop operations.
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This article compares the differences between the Giant TCR Advanced and Pinarello Dogma F.

The comparison covers the model lineups, specifications, and retail pricing. It compares the carbon fiber technology (Giant Advanced Composite vs Pinarello TorayCa Carbon) and frameset technologies on each bike.

The objective is to provide you with a clearer understanding of Giant TCR Advanced vs Pinarello Dogma F before making the purchasing decision.

Giant TCR AdvancedPinarello Dogma F
Type of bikeAll-rounderAll-rounder
Frame materialAdvanced-SL carbon
Advanced carbon
TorayCa T1100 carbon
Frame sizesXS, S, M, ML, L, XL430, 465, 500, 515, 530, 545, 560, 575, 595
GroupsetShimano, SRAM (12-speed)Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo (12-speed)
BrakesHydraulic discHydraulic disc
CablingInternalInternal
Price (USD)$6,500 to $12,200Check with local retailers
Overview of Giant TCR Advanced and Pinarello Dogma F

Giant TCR Advanced

Giant TCR Advanced SL 1 SRAM Force eTap AXS
Giant TCR Advanced SL 1. Photo : Giant

The top-tiered Giant TCR Advanced SL uses the super light Advanced-SL carbon, has an integrated seat post, and is specced with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) or SRAM Force eTap AXS. The Giant TCR Advanced Pro sits in the mid-range, uses a lower-grade carbon fiber (Advanced carbon), and is slightly heavier.

The framesets are available in the Advanced SL and Advanced Pro versions for those looking to custom-build their bikes.

ModelFrame materialGroupsetWheelsetRetail price (USD)
Giant TCR Advanced SL 0Advanced SL carbonShimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200)CADEX 36$12,200
Giant TCR Advanced SL 1Advanced SL carbonSRAM Force eTap AXSGiant SLR 1 36$9,200
Giant TCR Advanced Pro 0 ARAdvanced carbonSRAM Force eTap AXSGiant SLR 1 36$6,700
Giant TCR Advanced Pro 0Advanced carbonShimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100)Giant SLR 1 36$6,500
Giant TCR Advanced models lineup

Pinarello Dogma F

Pinarello Dogma F Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200)
Pinarello Dogma F Shimano Dura-Ace Di2. Photo : Pinarello

The Pinarello Dogma F was released just days before the 2021 Tour de France. It’s Pinarello’s fastest and lightest performance road bike to date. It’s the bike that Ineos-Grenadiers will race on in July.

The main improvement in the Pinarello Dogma F is weight savings. By reducing weight in the cockpit, fork, headset, seat tube, and seat clamp, the Dogma F is 265g lighter than the Dogma F12 in the same configuration for a size 53. Pinarello also redesigned the (although subtle) fork, downtube, and seat stays. Combining these allows air to flow with less interruption, improving aerodynamics by 4.8% over the Dogma F12.

The Pinarello Dogma F is available in 11 frame sizes with 16 handlebar reach/widths and two seat post setback choices. This gives the cyclist 352 sizing options to get the ideal fit. As the top-of-the-line bike, the Pinarello Dogma F is only available with the best electronic shifting groupsets from Shimano, SRAM, or Campagnolo.

ModelFrame materialGroupsetWheelset
Pinarello Dogma FToray T1100 carbonShimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200)Shimano Dura-Ace C50
Pinarello Dogma FToray T1100 carbonSRAM Red eTap AXSDT Swiss ARC 1400
Pinarello Dogma FToray T1100 carbonCampagnolo Super Record EPSCampagnolo Bora WTO
Pinarello Dogma F models lineup

Giant vs Pinarello carbon fiber

Giant Advanced Composite Carbon

Giant’s Advanced Composite Carbon is a proprietary carbon fiber technology used in constructing bicycle frames. It’s a high-quality composite material with carbon fibers embedded in a resin matrix.

Using Advanced Composite Carbon, Giant can design frames with specific performance characteristics tailored to different riding disciplines. The material offers excellent vibration-damping properties, enhancing comfort and reducing fatigue on long rides. It also provides efficient power transfer, enabling riders to maximize their pedaling efficiency and accelerate easily.

The Giant Advanced Composite Carbon is available in standard and SL (Super Light) versions.

  • Advanced SL represents the pinnacle of Giant’s carbon fiber engineering and construction. Advanced SL frames undergo additional optimization, utilizing a higher grade of carbon fiber and meticulous layup techniques. It’s found in Giant’s top-of-the-line bikes.
  • Advanced is a step down from the top-tier Advanced SL carbon fiber, but it still offers an impressive balance of performance and value for money.

Pinarello TorayCa

Pinarello uses Torayca carbon in their bikes due to the material’s performance characteristics and the consistency of its quality. Toray’s manufacturing processes ensure a high level of control over the properties of carbon fiber, resulting in a reliable and predictable material.

Different grades of Torayca carbon are used in Pinarello bikes, which are distinguished by their moduli. The T in T1100, T900, T700, and T600 refers to Torayca, and the number denotes the grade of the carbon fiber.

A higher number equates to a higher grade of carbon, which in turn offers more stiffness and less weight, but also typically costs more to produce.

  • T1100 carbon is the top Pinarello’s carbon offering. This high-end carbon fiber blend is created for the ultimate stiffness-to-weight ratio. Utilizing the highest quality carbon fiber available, Pinarello designs frames with T1100 Carbon for their flagship, Pinarello Dogma F series.
  • T900 carbon is another high-quality carbon fiber offering from Pinarello, albeit slightly less stiff and lightweight than T1100. It’s used in the Pinarello F series road bikes, such as the F9 and F7.
  • T700 carbon is a step down from the T900 but still offers a solid balance between weight, stiffness, and cost. It’s found in mid-range models, such as the Pinarello F5.
  • T600 carbon is the entry level of Pinarello’s carbon range, is heavier, less stiff, and more comfortable. It’s used in the Endurance road bike series, the Pinarello X.

Frameset technologies and innovations

Giant TCR Advanced and Pinarello Dogma F framesets incorporate advanced technologies to enhance their bikes’ performance and ride characteristics.

Here’s an overview of the technologies used in each bike model.

Giant TCR Advanced

NameDescription
Advanced Composite TechnologyUtilizes Giant’s High Performance Grade raw carbon material and Modified Monocoque Construction technique to create a custom frame material. This carbon composite offers a high stiffness-to-weight ratio, balancing lightweight performance and strength.
OverDrive 2Features advanced steerer tube technology with oversized headset bearings and a tapered steerer tube (1 1/2″ lower, 1 1/4″ upper).

This design optimizes the front-end steering performance, resulting in superior steering stiffness, enhanced control, and precise handling.
Compact Road DesignOriginating with the professional Team ONCE in the 1990s, Compact Road Design revolutionized high-performance road bikes.

It involves a downward-sloping top tube, creating smaller front and rear triangles for a lighter, stiffer bike. The design also enables riders of all sizes to find a perfect fit and maintain optimal power transfer.
PowerCoreIncorporates a massively oversized bottom bracket/chainstay area with a fully integrated 86mm wide bottom bracket design (92mm wide for off-road bikes).

The asymmetrical chainstays provide additional stiffness on the drive side and stability on the non-drive side, ensuring efficient power transfer and precise handling.
Giant TCR Advanced’s frameset features and technologies

Pinarello Dogma F

NameDescription
T1100 1K carbon fiberThe T1100 refers to a high-grade carbon fiber known for its exceptional tensile strength and modulus. This results in a frame that is incredibly stiff and durable.

The 1K signifies that each tow of carbon fiber contains 1,000 filaments. This fine weave creates a lightweight, robust frame that also enhances the bike’s aesthetic appeal.
Asymmetric frameThe Pinarello Dogma F series has an asymmetric frame that compensates for the unbalanced forces generated by the drivetrain. The right side of the frame is stiffer and stronger than the left side, to improve power transfer and efficiency. The asymmetric frame also enhances the handling and stability of the bike
Nanoalloy TechnologyImplemented in the carbon fiber resin, this technology uses microscopic nanoparticles to form a composite material highly resistant to impacts and fatigue. This means the bike frame maintains its structural integrity under stress and over time, reinforcing the quality of the Pinarello Dogma F.
TiCRTotal Internal Cable Routing (TiCR) is the state-of-the-art internal cable routing system that sets the standard across the whole bike industry. This system is versatile, accommodating both wireless and electro-mechanical group sets.

TiCR completely conceals the cables within the bar/stem or integrated handlebar. This not only enhances the bike’s aesthetic appeal but also significantly improves aerodynamic performance and protects the cables from external elements.
FlatBack ProfileThe FlatBack Profile is a significant aerodynamic feature in the Pinarello Dogma F. Essentially, it’s a truncated aerofoil design that provides an aerodynamic advantage while adhering to the 3:1 rule set by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI).

By using this design, the bike achieves excellent aerodynamic performance with minimal lateral wind resistance. This means less energy is expended fighting wind resistance, leading to greater speed and efficiency.
Onda ForkThe Onda Fork is a distinctive Pinarello technology that has been around since 2000. This fork’s unique design offers precise steering abilities, stability, and a notable reduction of both longitudinal and lateral shocks. It does this by effectively absorbing road vibrations and dissipating them before they can reach the rider, resulting in a smoother, more comfortable ride.
Pinarello Dogma F’s frameset features and technologies

Where to buy

Giant retailers

Pinarello retailers

Bernard Lu at Mr.Mamil

Bernard Lu has 7+ years of experience working in a bicycle shop, overseeing the retail and workshop operations. He’s a qualified bicycle mechanic who understands a cyclist’s needs and speaks the same cycling lingo.

If you meet him at the cafe, he will happily talk to you for hours about all the intricacies of bikes and cycling tech. Just buy him a coffee next time you see him.