$4200

by John Bradley and Marc Peruzzi

Shana Novak

We have to break out the superlatives for this out-of-the-box racer. It's the lightest and stiffest frame that Giant has ever produced—the same one (albeit without the integrated seat mast) that was ridden to more pro wins last year than any other bike. Granted, the SL 2 is hung with a more affordable mix of Shimano Ultegra components and Mavic Ksyrium Elite wheels. But make no mistake: It's still an absolutely race-worthy rig. It's such a well-rounded package, in fact, that three testers each gave it a perfect 10 on their score sheets—but, and this is the most telling part, in three different categories: climbing, descending, and pedaling responsiveness. 16 lbs, 56cm; giant-bicycles.com

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2009 Summer Buyer's Guide Road Bikes Reviews

Wilier Triestina Izoard Gear of the Year	$3299
Cannondale Six 5 Killer Value	$1760
Bianchi 928 Carbon Mono-Q 105 Compact	$2699
Giant TCR Advanced SL 2	$4200
Cervélo P4	$6800
Raleigh Supercourse	$1740
Independent Fabrication XS	$5995

2008 Summer Buyer's Guide Road Bikes Reviews

Trek Madone 5.2 Gear of the Year	$3680
Scott Contessa Speedster Killer Value	$1450
Pinarello FP2 Killer Value	$2000
Ritchey Steel Break-Away Road Bike Killer Value	$1300
Bianchi 928 Carbon T Cube Rival	$4300
Felt B2	$3600
Felt FW2	$2900
Specialized S-Works Ruby SL	$6300
Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL2	$8500
Cannondale SuperSix 3 Compact	$3500
Jamis Xenith Comp	$1850

2007 Buyer's Guide Road Bikes Reviews

Kestrel RT700 Gear of the Year	$3300
Raleigh Supercourse Killer Value	$1475
Cannondale Synapse Féminine Carbon 2 Killer Value	$3000
Look 595 Origin	$7000
Electra Amsterdam Classic 3	$550
Orbea Diva	$5495
Trek Equinox TTX 9.9	$5500
Schwinn Peloton Pro	$2300
Fuji Supreme SL	$5000
Cannondale SystemSix 3	$3500

2006 Buyer's Guide Road Bikes Reviews

Cannondale Synapse Carbon 2 Gear of the Year	$3200
Leopard CL1 Killer Value	$2500
Kona Lisa RD Killer Value	$1399
Kona Zing Deluxe	$2000
Schwinn Fastback Comp	$1300
Fuji Finest RC	$2290
Litespeed Ghisallo	$8000
Orbea Mitis	$2249
Titus Modena	$2870
Trek Pilot 5.2 S.P.A. WSD	$3270

2005 Buyer's Guide Road Bikes Reviews

Giant TCR Composite Gear of the Year	$2100
Raleigh Competition Killer Value	$1710
LeMond Buenos Aires	$2200
Scott CR1 Pro Centaur	$2699

2004 Buyer's Guide Road Bikes Reviews

Schwinn Fastback Killer Value	$749
Trek Madone 5.9	$4999
Cannondale R2000	$2399

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