![Giant tcr a0](https://kumkoniak.com/55.jpg)
The main advantage though is the more comfortable ride, especially over big distances thanks to the road vibration absorbing characteristics of carbon. The Alliance loses a little weight over a regular all-aluminium frame while retaining much of the lateral stiffness, thanks to the aluminium bottom bracket, down-tube and chainstays. This is to help dissipate road vibration and do away with any harshness of ride, which can turn into the numbness you might feel after a few hours in the saddle with an all aluminium frame. Another nice touch you wouldn’t see without a thorough inspection is the seat-tube, which is aluminium with a composite insert moulded on the inside. Giant have used a carbon filament wrap at each for a smooth finish and once painted it’s hard to tell where these joins are. The joint junctions where the composite meets the aluminium are particularly neat. The two are bonded together in order to reduce weight and offer a little more compliance.
![giant tcr a0 giant tcr a0](https://fasrcruise402.weebly.com/uploads/1/2/4/9/124994022/890799951.jpg)
![giant tcr a0 giant tcr a0](https://files.bikeindex.org/uploads/Pu/20401/image.jpg)
The top tube, seat stays, seat junction and post are all made from carbon composite while the head and down-tubes, chainstays and bottom bracket are made from top grade 6613 aluminium. The change from aluminium to carbon is subtle and the Giant is certainly easy on the eye, but what’s underneath this sleek blue, silver and black jacket?
![giant tcr a0 giant tcr a0](https://ep1.pinkbike.org/p4pb13617626/p4pb13617626.jpg)
Many manufacturers usually try to scream about their use of carbon and do everything to make it stand out. At a quick glance it would be hard to tell that the compact Alliance uses two different materials in the construction of its frame with its flashy all over paint job.
![Giant tcr a0](https://kumkoniak.com/55.jpg)