This article compares the Trek Emonda and Giant TCR Advanced.
I’ll help you understand the bike model lineups, specifications, and suggested retail prices in USD. I’ll explain the carbon fiber technology (Trek OCLV and Giant Advanced Composite) and innovative frameset technologies on each bike.
The objective is to provide you with a clearer understanding of Trek Emonda and Giant TCR Advanced.
| Trek Emonda | Giant TCR Advanced | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | Lightweight, all-rounder | All-rounder |
| Frame material | OCLV 800 carbon OCLV 500 carbon | Advanced-SL carbon Advanced carbon |
| Frame sizes | 47, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 | XS, S, M, ML, L, XL |
| Groupset | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Price (USD) | $4,999 to $13,199 | $6,500 to $12,200 |
Trek Emonda
The Trek Emonda is a lightweight bike for the high mountains.
The lightest Trek Emonda frame weighs less than 700g using Trek’s OCLV 800 carbon. This is the bike Richie Porte rode to his third place in the 2020 Tour de France.
The SLR is the lightest and most expensive atop the Trek Emonda models. There are six Emonda SLR options, specced electronic shifting groupsets from SRAM or Shimano.
Next in line is the SL, the mid-range, more budget-friendly option. It has the same frame design and geometry as the SLR but uses the OCLV 500 carbon instead. The groupset choices are Shimano Ultegra Di2, Shimano 105 Di2, SRAM Force AXS, or SRAM Rival AXS.
The Trek Emonda SLR and SL framesets are also available separately.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trek Emonda SLR 9 AXS | OCLV 800 carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 | $13,199 |
| Trek Emonda SLR 9 | OCLV 800 carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | Bontrager Aeolus RSL 37 | $12,749 |
| Trek Emonda SLR 7 AXS | OCLV 800 carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 | $9,699 |
| Trek Emonda SLR 7 | OCLV 800 carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 | $8,999 |
| Trek Emonda SLR 6 AXS | OCLV 800 carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 | $8,399 |
| Trek Emonda SLR 6 | OCLV 800 carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 | $7,699 |
| Trek Emonda SL 7 AXS | OCLV 500 carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Bontrager Aeolus Pro 37 | $6,699 |
| Trek Emonda SL 6 | OCLV 500 carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Bontrager Aeolus Elite 35 | $4,999 |
Trek Emonda vs others
Giant TCR Advanced
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.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giant TCR Advanced SL 0 | Advanced SL carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | CADEX 36 | $12,200 |
| Giant TCR Advanced SL 1 | Advanced SL carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Giant SLR 1 36 | $9,200 |
| Giant TCR Advanced Pro 0 AR | Advanced carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Giant SLR 1 36 | $6,700 |
| Giant TCR Advanced Pro 0 | Advanced carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Giant SLR 1 36 | $6,500 |
Giant TCR Advanced vs others
Trek vs Giant carbon fiber
Trek OCLV carbon
The OCLV (Optimum Compaction, Low Void) carbon is a proprietary carbon fiber manufacturing technology developed by Trek.
- Optimum Compaction refers to the heat and pressure applied during the curing process to squeeze out excess resin and ensure that the carbon layers are compacted to the optimal density.
- Low Void refers to the goal of reducing microscopic air pockets or voids that can occur in the carbon fiber and create weaknesses.
One of the key advantages of OCLV carbon is its ability to achieve an optimal balance between stiffness, strength, and weight. Trek engineers carefully tune the carbon layup and utilize varying modulus carbon fibers to create stiff frames in certain areas to maximize power transfer while maintaining compliance in other areas to enhance comfort and ride quality.
The OCLV carbon is available in 800 and 500 series.
- OCLV 800 is the highest-grade carbon fiber used by Trek. The carbon modulus is higher in OCLV 800, making it stiffer and lighter. The manufacturing process is more refined, using more advanced carbon and resins, leading to a bike frame that provides top performance levels for stiffness, weight, and strength. OCLV 800 is used in all models with SLR.
- OCLV 500 is a lower-grade carbon but still offers a high level of performance. It has a slightly lower carbon modulus, meaning it’s a bit less stiff and heavier than OCLV 800. OCLV 800 is used in all models with SL.
It’s worth noting that the different OCLV grades don’t only refer to the material itself, but also to the manufacturing techniques used to form the carbon fiber into bike frames. Higher-grade carbon requires more precise manufacturing techniques to take full advantage of its superior material properties.
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.
Frameset technologies and innovations
Trek Emonda and Giant TCR Advanced framesets incorporate advanced technologies to enhance their bikes’ performance and ride characteristics.
Here’s an overview of the technologies used in each bike model.
Trek Emonda
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| OCLV Carbon | Optimum Compaction, Low Void (OCLV). A carbon fiber technology used in Trek frames. Employs advanced layup techniques and precise carbon compaction to create lightweight, strong frames with a balanced blend of stiffness and compliance. Available in two grades; OCLV 800 and 500. A higher number indicates a higher grade carbon. |
| H1.5 geometry | Trek’s geometry design that strikes a balance between aggressive racing positioning (H1) and rider comfort (H2). H1.5 geometry provides a slightly more relaxed riding position than the racier H1 geometry, making it suitable for a wider range of riders. |
| Project One | Trek’s customization program allows riders to create personalized and unique bikes. With Project One, riders can customize various aspects of their bikes, including frame color, paint scheme, components, drivetrain, wheels, and other details. |
Giant TCR Advanced
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Advanced Composite Technology | Utilizes 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 2 | Features 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 Design | Originating 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. |
| PowerCore | Incorporates 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. |
Where to buy
Trek shops
- Trek online shops. Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom, United States
- Trek retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Trek retailers.
Giant retailers
- Giant retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Giant retailers.
Alex Lee is the founder and editor-at-large of Mr. Mamil. Coming from a professional engineering background, he breaks down technical cycling nuances into an easy-to-understand and digestible format here.
He has been riding road bikes actively for the past 12 years and started racing competitively in the senior category during the summer recently.