I raced on the 2016 version of the Adv Pro1 this season. The thing is a work horse and climbs amazingly. Those stock carbon clinchers are VERY stiff and reasonably light. We are waiting on our 2017 Adv SLs at the moment. I'm can't imagine how stiff those are going to be being that I perceived the 2016 Adv carbon frame to be stiffer than the 2015 Adv SL (MUCH heavier)
this video / history lesson is LEGENDARY! mentioning Mike Burrows / Hein Vebruggen and Matt Stephens in the same video is quite the accomplishment! AND with cheeky photos of Tom Domoulin/John Degenkolb (Giant Alpecin) Roger Hammond (T-Mobile) / Mark Cavendish (High Road) too! Having ridden and owned a few TCRs over the years I thoroughly enjoyed your insights Simon!
Everything said is just spot on. That ONCE team bike used to be make me drool esp with DA back in the day. Being a 15 year old then I hated that I didn't have money back then. Fast forward 10 years later, I really made it a point that when I went back to riding, I'd buy myself a Giant TCR! You know what? It just rides like a dream.
This is hilarious, a couple of years ago I got the 1997 giant TCR because it was a good deal for a bike. And every time I go to a bike repair shop I get compliments, so cool learning why! It's my first GOOD bike so it feels amazing to me
The nice thing about sloping top tubes is also the dismount, over the top tube. I used that on a custom cross frame (Duratec) to be on the pedal longer before an obtable and dismounted really last second. the lower top tube also helps put the shoulder under the seat for low carries, or when the bike twice or thrice the weight from mud.
That TCR is one of the reasons I fell in love with cycling. It just looks fast! I never got one but I do have an old OCR from the early 2000’s and it shares much of the heritage of this bike.
Back in February I made a spur of the moment decision to start cycling to lose a bit of weight and improve my fitness levels (aged 61). Didn't want to spend to much so went to a local second hand bike shop after a small frame road bike. They had a nice white, silver and blue one that seemed to fit nicely so i bought it for £230 serviced. It appeared to have had an easy life, infact i think it had the original tyres on, which I have now changed as they were looking a bit perished. I didn't realize at the time that I was buying a legend. I'm now doing about 100 miles a week on my 2003 TCR 2 Aero and loving every minute.
Having cycled all my life, I’m now 71, purchased a new Giant Team Once in late 90’s ( first new bike, as throughout life had brothers hand me downs) still immaculate with original parts, now used very occasionally ,as I have other bikes, Cube Peleton, Kuota Kharma and recently an Orbea Gain. Original Campagnolo Mirage group with original Hutchison success tyres hanging in garage 1800 miles, still a wonderful bicycle to ride.
I've always loved the giant geometry ! Even for a 15 years old bike, you have to admit it look modern. It inspires so much brand in their bike conception ! Thanks GCN !!
I rode an old TCR on the Seattle to Portland (STP) ride. Terrific bike. 204 miles in one day and I was the only rider in my group of 4 without a mechanical or fatigue issue on the day. A bunch of luck, good prep, and some more luck for good measure, I suppose was what did it.
Love this, my TCR was my first race bike, rode it all through university racing crits to TT's on the same frame(broke college kid). Even now the aluminium frame sits with new contact points and 105 5800 as a spare bike.
It was fun finding this video. I ride a 1999 Giant Once almost every day. A couple years ago I upgraded it to 11 Speed Ultegra. It is fast and fun and still turns heads.
I owned the same TCR model back in 2000. I recall it was very similar to riding on air. Unfortunately I crash it in 2002. As the yellow ONCE model was no longer available, I replaced it with the TCR Aero which I still own and ride up till today - and loving it.
That was an excellent history lesson, thanks, Si. And there is a fantastic book titled No Hands: The Rise and Fall of the Schwinn Bicycle Company and that book, by two Chicago journalists, not only chronicles the history of Schwinn but also the story of Giant insofar as its role with Schwinn in the Seventies and Eighties. It is one of the best cycling history books out there, at least for American cyclists, in my opinion--and it is really sad how Schwinn in the Seventies failed to capitalize on the popularity of light road bikes, the sport of BMX, and mountain bikes. And it was certainly perplexing that Schwinn refused to allow its partner Giant to place Giant bikes in Schwinn dealerships--I mean, c'mon, Japanese motorcycles and cars and light trucks were popular then, so the sight of imported bikes next to Schwinns would have been just fine. Well, lots of history and thanks again, Si, for this--and it looks like you have won two caption competitions, so congrats on that :)
Just back from a spin on my 1998 TCR1 with Ultegra 600 groupset having not ridden it for some years. Such a sweet ride, even if it does take a bit of stopping. So I'm glad I found this vid - great to know more about my old museum piece! Not selling it any time soon - it's in the blue and it didn't skip a beat. Cheers and thanks from Sydney, Aust - Dave
Excellent video. Perhaps one of your level best ever. You are right about the TCR, I have owned a carbon monocoque version as early as back in 2005. Love the compact geometry and to me the TCR is as good as any other high level frameset.
I bought a TCR 1 in 1996 I think. I thought that the design concept was brilliant and the aesthetics were striking. It was fitted with a mix of chorus and record. It's still my favorite bike that I've ever owned. Thanks for the memories.
Kyle Chitiyo I’ve own a Giant MCR2 from new 1997 model, also have a TCR2 from 1997 both in immaculate original condition. I want to find a MCR1 and TCR1 from the same year so to have the collection.... awesome bikes
I loved my Giant TCR. It was so fast, and more comfortable to ride than a traditional frame. That long carbon fiber seatpost ate up the road chatter and felt almost like a shock absorber.
Thanks for t he video Si. Still owns a '99 TCR and uses it as a winter bike. One small correction: TCR originally stood for "TIG Compact Road" (aluminium frames at the time), Giant changed the signification later to "Total Compact Road" when moving to carbon frames.
thanks for sharing some history on giant's tcr model. i own a 2008 t-mobile tcr alliance and it is running strong, hope it will last me the next 10 years.
THE LIGHTEST FRAMES IN ABSOLUTE Already famous as a pioneer of the "superleggero Compact Road" concept, the Giant has brought technology at an even higher level with the revolutionary TCR racing bikes ONCE Team. Working exclusively with Alcoa Cu92 superalloy, the aluminum factory of Giant itself has found new ways to further reduce the thickness of the frame tubes and reduce the weight even more: 1.1 / 0.8 / 1.1 mm for the horizontal tube, 1.2 / 0.9 / 1.2 mm for the down tube and 2.04 / 1.2 mm for the seat tube. All this allowed to reach the weight of 1,100 grams for the 48 measure of the frame with the consequent victories of the team ONCE - Deutsche Bank throughout the 1998 season. FORKS IN COMPOSITE Designed by Mike Burrows, the TCR Team fork literally cuts the air recovering precious fractions of a second. Resilience, which saves money energy, combined with high resistance, guaranteed by the composite construction in carbon and fiber of glass, naturally ensures a smooth and precise stroke. The shorter horizontal sheaths offer a more responsive frame to the shots. THE UNIQUE MULTI-MEASURE CONCEPT We take three frame sizes, seven composite seat posts and three adjustable bindings: what we obtain? A bicycle of the perfect size for you with the smallest possible frame. IS since a smaller frame means lighter and therefore more rigid, agile and reactive manoeuvrable, we are sure that your Giant TCR will satisfy you. RACING BICYCLES The world of road racing is subject to endless innovations. Every serious producer is continuously looking for new designs and new technologies that make the bike more light, more aerodynamic and more performing. Often these innovations are in advance, as in the case of the Giant Compact racing frames Road! Invented by Mike Burrows for Giant in 1995, the Compact Road project has today such a great success to the point of bringing havoc in the world of road racing. Today you can buy a Giant Compact Road like the TCR used by Laurent Jalabert, who dressed the Pink Jersey for eight stages at the last Giro d'Italia, and Olano. With its 870 grams, that of Jalabert still remains the road racing frame more light of the world, but yours will not weigh much more: only 1050 grams (Medium size 50 cm): a truly insurmountable weight for a standard chassis! In the last ten years Giant's sales in Europe have increased tenfold, from 43,500 bicycles in 1988 to nearly 435,000 in 1998: no doubt that much of this success is directly attributable to Giant's commitment to product innovation, of the frame, in that of the technologists of the material and in equal measure also to the availability to demonstrate the value of these innovations at the highest global levels of competition professional. To be the best you have to work with the best: Giant and the professional team Once- Deutsche Banck!
Vídeo sensacional! Pura nostalgia ver este comparativo. Possuo uma bicicleta desta aqui no Brasil, e não está sendo fácil restaura-la nos padrões originais, precisava do garfo e agora achei para compor este conjunto vintage maravilhoso. Por aqui as pessoas pensam apenas em futebol, mas admiro a cultura Europeia e Norte Americana onde valorizam tanto este maravilhoso esporte! Parabéns!
I got my first TCR in Oz, reluctantly trading in my filet brazed conventional road bike... problem was I had taken a test ride on the TCR then next day, it felt as if my steel framed bike had gone all whippy.... After sulking over it for two days, I duly returned to the cycle shop and struck a deal over the TCR.. That TCR turned out to be the best road bike, I won a lot of races on it, and was always amazed at the comfort and performance.. Since then I have always had sloping down tube bikes... What a fabulous revolution in cycling..
Steve Sturges got my first road bike 3 months ago. A friend recommended me to go check out giant. I went to almost all stores in vancouver and giant was by far the nicest. I also learned a lot from the staff. Got myself a defy advance 2 and it is so smooth and comfortable. Price wise my defy is cheaper than the competition with same components. It makes my once loved hybrid bike feel like I'm riding a piece junk. I now hate it. Im saving now to buy a tcr pro in a couple years. Can't wait for that day.
I still have a Giant TCR 2 from 2003 that's going strong, still looks like a near new bike after over 100,000km! Only ever replaced the bits that have worn out
I’ve got the old T-Mobile carbon TCR-1 version, it’s my only road bike and it’s great. Getting ready to put a new Ultegra groupset on after 17 years with a 10-speed Chorus group. Should be good for another 10 years.
How can you be sponsored by different brands of bike frames at the same time? That goes against any form of sponsorship (advertising for the brand) that I've seen anywhere else.
I've had a couple of TCR's I love them! Traded in my Ritchey hand built for my first Once TCR, and it was the nazz... That finally got destroyed in a crash so I bought a composite TCR and rode the hell out of that... I'm on a Look 675 now, that ironically has just cracked so I'm looking at getting a Advanced....
I bought a Giant OCR team replica from Kilgrews Cycles in Cork, 2003. I have looked after it well and ride it in rotation (no pun intended) with my newer, lighter carbon bikes. It is superb. Ok, a 9 speed block (er, cassette nowadays I think) but with a Campag triple clanger, original ONCE inscrived saddle, frame and bottle. The comfort, handling and responsiveness are well up there with modern bikes, the only downside is about 800 grammes more weight. I recently lashed out E13 on a replica rip-off Chinese ONCE jersey, thanks children, and I look a right bobby dazzler. See you at the San Sebastian Classic this weekend.
I actually ride that same original Team Once TCR bike as in this video. I found it for a mere $400 bucks second hand and it has hardly been ridden. Its remarkably light and still gets the job done. I've compared it with some modern expensive race bikes and don't find it that lacking frankly. It was seriously well built back in the day in my opinion. I mainly ride a mountain bike, but when I ride road - this Team ONCE TCR is what I ride! It maybe retro but I don't care!
Seems to me that stiffness is mostly felt during out of the saddle efforts: but does it really affect power output where it counts? I'd love to see GCN do a side by side test employing a crank based power meter AND a hub based power meter at the same time on both bikes. Run a series of tests with old vs new frames in the saddle, then a series of old vs new out of the saddle, and compare power profiles and speed. Surely this would conclusively demonstrate whether power loss due to frame flexion is an actuality and not a myth, and its effect on bicycle speed (if any).
+Maximus Smith outstanding coastal ride to be had from Eastbourne pier, up Holywell Zig Zag to Seven Sister's and beyond though it's probably worth checking the wind first!
I love that the current TCR somehow looks classic. Whereas the Trek Madone has gone a horrible, bendy looking frame, the Giant TCR just looks slick. I hired some whilst in Mallorca recently, and have just ordered my own.
TCR is a nice bike. but those colors can be better. watch canyon those are beautiful colors, if gaint use this color they sell much better. keep up to the good work GCN
I had that original TCR, I never got used to the super short chain stays, I always pulled the rear wheel up in the air during sprints. And the front fork was so sloppy laterally you could hear the brakes rub against the rim when sprinting and in the vertical plane the fork was like a steel I-beam.
They are great bikes. I have two - aluminium winter and carbon summer. It's just a shame that Giant's customer service is so appalling. They're so big they don't give a toss about individual customer experience.
As a mountain biker I love to see a healthy amount of seat post exposed and hate when the majority of a seer post is in the frame. Since I am on the limit between the small and medium frame size with my tcx I opt for a small with a high seat and low stem
I don't know, but that original aluminium bike looks SO DAMN GORGEOUS, it actually makes me excited about aluminium!! The paint scheme, the lines, those wicked-fast looking forks, all beautiful. The newer style...just....looks bland. And not 'pure', 'simple', or 'organic' even...just, bland. Like cars these days, bikes have lost designers who could please the eye.
That old TCR is still absolutely gorgeous! She sure held up well
This is seriously impressive presenting. Si is belting along there, discussing history of the bikes without missing a beat.
Cameron R S Agree!
Rapid up that hill
I just bought a 2017 Giant TCR Advanced Pro 1
(Ultegra 6800, full carbon, even carbon wheels! Absolutely love it to death.)
the23rdshadowdragon pictures or it didn't happen
I raced on the 2016 version of the Adv Pro1 this season. The thing is a work horse and climbs amazingly. Those stock carbon clinchers are VERY stiff and reasonably light. We are waiting on our 2017 Adv SLs at the moment. I'm can't imagine how stiff those are going to be being that I perceived the 2016 Adv carbon frame to be stiffer than the 2015 Adv SL (MUCH heavier)
Mick Dundee I would I I could!
Johnny Hall very. They're amazing and one of the best bikes I've ever ridden!
just bought the same thing today, cant wait to ride.
That giant tcr once looks way better than most bikes today!! It's a real beauty
only the Wilier Tour de France 2024 in green metallic from Astana
this video / history lesson is LEGENDARY!
mentioning Mike Burrows / Hein Vebruggen and Matt Stephens in the same video is quite the accomplishment!
AND with cheeky photos of Tom Domoulin/John Degenkolb (Giant Alpecin) Roger Hammond (T-Mobile) / Mark Cavendish (High Road) too!
Having ridden and owned a few TCRs over the years I thoroughly enjoyed your insights Simon!
Everything said is just spot on. That ONCE team bike used to be make me drool esp with DA back in the day. Being a 15 year old then I hated that I didn't have money back then. Fast forward 10 years later, I really made it a point that when I went back to riding, I'd buy myself a Giant TCR! You know what? It just rides like a dream.
This is hilarious, a couple of years ago I got the 1997 giant TCR because it was a good deal for a bike. And every time I go to a bike repair shop I get compliments, so cool learning why! It's my first GOOD bike so it feels amazing to me
Finally! giant bikes on GCN!!!!
Pennell Wang they aren't that big
I wouldn’t say that they are that big lol
Just one of the biggest bicycle companies on the pla...
@@alexanderbasford3894 theyre the buggest bike company in the world, they most likely make the frames for the bikes that are most of your dream bikes.
Alexander Basford please google the biggest bicycle brands in the world... if you can find an article that doesn’t include giant I’d give you 10 bucks
The nice thing about sloping top tubes is also the dismount, over the top tube. I used that on a custom cross frame (Duratec) to be on the pedal longer before an obtable and dismounted really last second. the lower top tube also helps put the shoulder under the seat for low carries, or when the bike twice or thrice the weight from mud.
That TCR is one of the reasons I fell in love with cycling. It just looks fast! I never got one but I do have an old OCR from the early 2000’s and it shares much of the heritage of this bike.
Back in February I made a spur of the moment decision to start cycling to lose a bit of weight and improve my fitness levels (aged 61). Didn't want to spend to much so went to a local second hand bike shop after a small frame road bike. They had a nice white, silver and blue one that seemed to fit nicely so i bought it for £230 serviced. It appeared to have had an easy life, infact i think it had the original tyres on, which I have now changed as they were looking a bit perished. I didn't realize at the time that I was buying a legend. I'm now doing about 100 miles a week on my 2003 TCR 2 Aero and loving every minute.
Having cycled all my life, I’m now 71, purchased a new Giant Team Once in late 90’s ( first new bike, as throughout life had brothers hand me downs) still immaculate with original parts, now used very occasionally ,as I have other bikes, Cube Peleton, Kuota Kharma and recently an Orbea Gain. Original Campagnolo Mirage group with original Hutchison success tyres hanging in garage 1800 miles, still a wonderful bicycle to ride.
I still use an old TCR aluminium frame. Had to search for another as I liked it that much. One of the best geometries I've ridden.
I've always loved the giant geometry ! Even for a 15 years old bike, you have to admit it look modern. It inspires so much brand in their bike conception ! Thanks GCN !!
I really like this history lesson. And I'm old enough to remember seeing the 1st generation TCRs in shops.
I rode an old TCR on the Seattle to Portland (STP) ride. Terrific bike. 204 miles in one day and I was the only rider in my group of 4 without a mechanical or fatigue issue on the day. A bunch of luck, good prep, and some more luck for good measure, I suppose was what did it.
Love this, my TCR was my first race bike, rode it all through university racing crits to TT's on the same frame(broke college kid).
Even now the aluminium frame sits with new contact points and 105 5800 as a spare bike.
I bought a TCR back in May this year. I love it more than anything.
Hello from 2023, TCR still great as I bought new one. Marvellous piece of history 🎉
It was fun finding this video. I ride a 1999 Giant Once almost every day. A couple years ago I upgraded it to 11 Speed Ultegra. It is fast and fun and still turns heads.
I have a 2003 TCR Once I rode in PBP 2007. This video has inspired me to clean it up and get it back on the road. I loved that bike.
I owned the same TCR model back in 2000. I recall it was very similar to riding on air. Unfortunately I crash it in 2002. As the yellow ONCE model was no longer available, I replaced it with the TCR Aero which I still own and ride up till today - and loving it.
That blend of matte and glossy orange is incredible.
That was an excellent history lesson, thanks, Si. And there is a fantastic book titled No Hands: The Rise and Fall of the Schwinn Bicycle Company and that book, by two Chicago journalists, not only chronicles the history of Schwinn but also the story of Giant insofar as its role with Schwinn in the Seventies and Eighties. It is one of the best cycling history books out there, at least for American cyclists, in my opinion--and it is really sad how Schwinn in the Seventies failed to capitalize on the popularity of light road bikes, the sport of BMX, and mountain bikes. And it was certainly perplexing that Schwinn refused to allow its partner Giant to place Giant bikes in Schwinn dealerships--I mean, c'mon, Japanese motorcycles and cars and light trucks were popular then, so the sight of imported bikes next to Schwinns would have been just fine. Well, lots of history and thanks again, Si, for this--and it looks like you have won two caption competitions, so congrats on that :)
Just back from a spin on my 1998 TCR1 with Ultegra 600 groupset having not ridden it for some years. Such a sweet ride, even if it does take a bit of stopping. So I'm glad I found this vid - great to know more about my old museum piece! Not selling it any time soon - it's in the blue and it didn't skip a beat. Cheers and thanks from Sydney, Aust - Dave
That Team Once Bike is beautiful
And the Campagnolo Shamal wheels
I have the yellow Team Once bike - super light - it has carbon fibre forks. I love that bike. The new version looks awesome though.
I still have my Flite Ti saddle from the 90s. It's a work of art.
My 2nd bike was the 1999 giant tcr. 3rd was the 2000 ONCE team frame. Siiick bikes for the era.
Excellent video. Perhaps one of your level best ever. You are right about the TCR, I have owned a carbon monocoque version as early as back in 2005. Love the compact geometry and to me the TCR is as good as any other high level frameset.
TRC frame-set is quick, agile & super light 🙌🏾
Love these historical pieces. Thanks, Si
I bought a TCR 1 in 1996 I think. I thought that the design concept was brilliant and the aesthetics were striking. It was fitted with a mix of chorus and record. It's still my favorite bike that I've ever owned. Thanks for the memories.
The welds on that bike are so smooth! Most of the the aluminum bikes these days don't even look as good as that.
They are all made in China now. Even Aluminum Cannondales. It's a shame.
Giant was on a roll in the late 1990's. They also launched the futuristic carbon MCR, one of the first aero road/TT/Triathlon bikes
Kyle Chitiyo I’ve own a Giant MCR2 from new 1997 model, also have a TCR2 from 1997 both in immaculate original condition. I want to find a MCR1 and TCR1 from the same year so to have the collection.... awesome bikes
I loved my Giant TCR. It was so fast, and more comfortable to ride than a traditional frame. That long carbon fiber seatpost ate up the road chatter and felt almost like a shock absorber.
In have my Giant OCR replica (Once team)black and yellow color. So amazing frame geometry and really enjoying riding it!
still going strong on my 2012 tcr advanced sl. still turns heads with the rare nude carbon finish. fantastic bikes.
I have TCR SL 2013 and I just love it so much. It looks even better with deep rims.
Thanks for t he video Si. Still owns a '99 TCR and uses it as a winter bike. One small correction: TCR originally stood for "TIG Compact Road" (aluminium frames at the time), Giant changed the signification later to "Total Compact Road" when moving to carbon frames.
thanks for sharing some history on giant's tcr model. i own a 2008 t-mobile tcr alliance and it is running strong, hope it will last me the next 10 years.
THE LIGHTEST FRAMES IN ABSOLUTE
Already famous as a pioneer of the "superleggero Compact Road" concept, the Giant has brought
technology at an even higher level with the revolutionary TCR racing bikes
ONCE Team.
Working exclusively with Alcoa Cu92 superalloy, the aluminum factory of
Giant itself has found new ways to further reduce the thickness of the frame tubes
and reduce the weight even more: 1.1 / 0.8 / 1.1 mm for the horizontal tube, 1.2 / 0.9 / 1.2 mm for
the down tube and 2.04 / 1.2 mm for the seat tube. All this allowed to reach the
weight of 1,100 grams for the 48 measure of the frame with the consequent victories of the team
ONCE - Deutsche Bank throughout the 1998 season.
FORKS IN COMPOSITE
Designed by Mike Burrows, the TCR Team fork literally cuts the air
recovering precious fractions of a second. Resilience, which saves money
energy, combined with high resistance, guaranteed by the composite construction in carbon and fiber
of glass, naturally ensures a smooth and precise stroke.
The shorter horizontal sheaths offer a more responsive frame to the shots.
THE UNIQUE MULTI-MEASURE CONCEPT
We take three frame sizes, seven composite seat posts and three adjustable bindings: what
we obtain? A bicycle of the perfect size for you with the smallest possible frame. IS
since a smaller frame means lighter and therefore more rigid, agile and reactive
manoeuvrable, we are sure that your Giant TCR will satisfy you.
RACING BICYCLES
The world of road racing is subject to endless innovations. Every serious producer is
continuously looking for new designs and new technologies that make the bike more
light, more aerodynamic and more performing.
Often these innovations are in advance, as in the case of the Giant Compact racing frames
Road! Invented by Mike Burrows for Giant in 1995, the Compact Road project has today
such a great success to the point of bringing havoc in the world of road racing.
Today you can buy a Giant Compact Road like the TCR used by Laurent
Jalabert, who dressed the Pink Jersey for eight stages at the last Giro d'Italia, and Olano.
With its 870 grams, that of Jalabert still remains the road racing frame more
light of the world, but yours will not weigh much more: only 1050 grams (Medium size
50 cm): a truly insurmountable weight for a standard chassis!
In the last ten years Giant's sales in Europe have increased tenfold, from 43,500
bicycles in 1988 to nearly 435,000 in 1998: no doubt that much of this
success is directly attributable to Giant's commitment to product innovation,
of the frame, in that of the technologists of the material and in equal measure also to the availability
to demonstrate the value of these innovations at the highest global levels of competition
professional.
To be the best you have to work with the best: Giant and the professional team Once-
Deutsche Banck!
Vídeo sensacional! Pura nostalgia ver este comparativo. Possuo uma bicicleta desta aqui no Brasil, e não está sendo fácil restaura-la nos padrões originais, precisava do garfo e agora achei para compor este conjunto vintage maravilhoso. Por aqui as pessoas pensam apenas em futebol, mas admiro a cultura Europeia e Norte Americana onde valorizam tanto este maravilhoso esporte! Parabéns!
yo tengo la tcr advance en carbon y la amo, tuve la tcr aluminio y tambien era de lo mejor, gracias Simon. Saludos from Costa Rica
I got my first TCR in Oz, reluctantly trading in my filet brazed conventional road bike... problem was I had taken a test ride on the TCR then next day, it felt as if my steel framed bike had gone all whippy.... After sulking over it for two days, I duly returned to the cycle shop and struck a deal over the TCR.. That TCR turned out to be the best road bike, I won a lot of races on it, and was always amazed at the comfort and performance.. Since then I have always had sloping down tube bikes... What a fabulous revolution in cycling..
Steve Sturges got my first road bike 3 months ago. A friend recommended me to go check out giant. I went to almost all stores in vancouver and giant was by far the nicest. I also learned a lot from the staff. Got myself a defy advance 2 and it is so smooth and comfortable. Price wise my defy is cheaper than the competition with same components. It makes my once loved hybrid bike feel like I'm riding a piece junk. I now hate it. Im saving now to buy a tcr pro in a couple years. Can't wait for that day.
I still have a Giant TCR 2 from 2003 that's going strong, still looks like a near new bike after over 100,000km!
Only ever replaced the bits that have worn out
Hey!! That’s my bike! I ride the OnCe TcR and I loveeee this frame!!!
I'm so glad to come across this video and learn the heritage of the TCR. Awesome vid. I know what I will be saving for next. Keep up the great work!
This is making the wait for my TCR disk feel longer. I ordered the "poor" man's version today and am happy to learn what a good choice it was
Fantastic video! I really enjoy these old vs. new videos.
Great video, I've wanted to see something like this for a while
Crimes against cycling: I sold my original tcr for $150. Should've saved it as a winter donkey.
thetheflyinghawaiian Throw the key away! :'(
Just go turn yourself in, surely there is a penalty on the books for that and maybe the GCN guys could send you a water bottle :)
Find it and buy it back!
I love these videos that delve into the history of bikes. Keep them coming!
I have a Giant TCR Advanced Pro 0 2016 Ver.
And it is nothing but awesome !
So THAT'S what 'TCR' stands for--thanks, GCN!
woozer he said it in the video : total compact road
You may want to reread what you are responding to.
xGshikamaru wtf
huh, was that comment edited in between ? Or did I just misread it ? my bad then
I see there's someone at GCN really enjoying editing videos and match the music :)
love a bit of ONCE takes me back to my youth
I’ve got the old T-Mobile carbon TCR-1 version, it’s my only road bike and it’s great. Getting ready to put a new Ultegra groupset on after 17 years with a 10-speed Chorus group. Should be good for another 10 years.
I have a 2012 TCR, dated now but I just love the bike, apart fom being super stiff as Si says, it is also so smooth on the road.
Beachy Head - great location. Why not come back next summer and test your bikes on the Eastbourne Rovers Beachy Head Timetrial? :-))
Love cycling around there!
*new bike sponsor alert*
I'm confused as to how they can make a video like this and still list the likes of Trek, Orbea and Canyon as their sponsors in the description.
How can you be sponsored by different brands of bike frames at the same time? That goes against any form of sponsorship (advertising for the brand) that I've seen anywhere else.
I've had a couple of TCR's I love them! Traded in my Ritchey hand built for my first Once TCR, and it was the nazz... That finally got destroyed in a crash so I bought a composite TCR and rode the hell out of that... I'm on a Look 675 now, that ironically has just cracked so I'm looking at getting a Advanced....
I just got a 2006 carbon TCR. It's rock solid.
great video. loved hearing the details of how it was introduced into the pro peloton.
I bought my tcr advanced pro 1 last april,having owned just alloy bikes,this is like night and day,so light and responsive
The yellow TCR adorned with those wheels looks as if it is hovering :)
Fantastic video and acknowledgment to this game changer!
I was hugely disappointed with the title of this video, which should have been about Retro Matt vs. Modern Lasty.
Well, Si is sort of in the middle. I mean he has Matt's hair(kind of), he has Tom's youth and in terms of humour he is right in the middle.
spot on!
Yeah!! TCR represent!! I've got one myself, best bike I've ever owned!
Had a guy with an old TCR come in to get it fully serviced at the bike shop I work at, it was difficult letting it go when he came back for it.
thumbs up for the editing on this one :)
I bought a Giant OCR team replica from Kilgrews Cycles in Cork, 2003.
I have looked after it well and ride it in rotation (no pun intended) with my newer, lighter carbon bikes.
It is superb.
Ok, a 9 speed block (er, cassette nowadays I think) but with a Campag triple clanger, original ONCE inscrived saddle, frame and bottle. The comfort, handling and responsiveness are well up there with modern bikes, the only downside is about 800 grammes more weight.
I recently lashed out E13 on a replica rip-off Chinese ONCE jersey, thanks children, and I look a right bobby dazzler.
See you at the San Sebastian Classic this weekend.
The old TCR looks Sooo! much better than the latest. Lovely Campy kit & Comics. Would love that bike for myself. Beautiful !
I actually ride that same original Team Once TCR bike as in this video. I found it for a mere $400 bucks second hand and it has hardly been ridden. Its remarkably light and still gets the job done. I've compared it with some modern expensive race bikes and don't find it that lacking frankly. It was seriously well built back in the day in my opinion. I mainly ride a mountain bike, but when I ride road - this Team ONCE TCR is what I ride! It maybe retro but I don't care!
Both bikes are stunners!
Seems to me that stiffness is mostly felt during out of the saddle efforts: but does it really affect power output where it counts? I'd love to see GCN do a side by side test employing a crank based power meter AND a hub based power meter at the same time on both bikes. Run a series of tests with old vs new frames in the saddle, then a series of old vs new out of the saddle, and compare power profiles and speed. Surely this would conclusively demonstrate whether power loss due to frame flexion is an actuality and not a myth, and its effect on bicycle speed (if any).
Riding on Beachy Head, love it down there! Surely not filmed in the last 6 weeks, the main road has been shut there for resurfacing.
Hope you enjoyed Eastbourne, Simon!
Such a beauty this TCR ONCE!!!❤❤❤
You guys filmed this on Beachy head/Eastbourne/East Dean great location
Well spotted! That's my local route :)
+Maximus Smith outstanding coastal ride to be had from Eastbourne pier, up Holywell Zig Zag to Seven Sister's and beyond though it's probably worth checking the wind first!
This video is so good, I've even watched it 2 times! MORE!
This was a very interesting hit of history for me to learn.
What a beautiful bike -- that yellow TCR.
Such a beautiful bike to ride. The new one is something else. I hate the integrated seat post though.
I love that the current TCR somehow looks classic. Whereas the Trek Madone has gone a horrible, bendy looking frame, the Giant TCR just looks slick. I hired some whilst in Mallorca recently, and have just ordered my own.
I own a 2001 TCR CR Compact; sure is old, but I love her, and it's gonna be quite difficult for me to switch to a newer model
TCR is a nice bike. but those colors can be better. watch canyon those are beautiful colors, if gaint use this color they sell much better. keep up to the good work GCN
I love my TCR sl. Beast of a bike
I had that original TCR, I never got used to the super short chain stays, I always pulled the rear wheel up in the air during sprints. And the front fork was so sloppy laterally you could hear the brakes rub against the rim when sprinting and in the vertical plane the fork was like a steel I-beam.
I have a 2006 giant tcr c2 and I love it
Still got my Alu TCR. I use it as my indoor trainer. The only problem with it is you can't use tyres larger than 23c. Not future proofed.
I still have the 2001 TCR1 with duraace and mavic heliums : )
I'm getting a tcr advanced 2 next month. Very excited
Harry Johnson
Me too, second week of December TCR advanced 2 with the lovely colors black/red mmm
They are great bikes. I have two - aluminium winter and carbon summer. It's just a shame that Giant's customer service is so appalling. They're so big they don't give a toss about individual customer experience.
As a mountain biker I love to see a healthy amount of seat post exposed and hate when the majority of a seer post is in the frame. Since I am on the limit between the small and medium frame size with my tcx I opt for a small with a high seat and low stem
how fast was Si travelling in this video!! #WattageBazooka
I don't know, but that original aluminium bike looks SO DAMN GORGEOUS, it actually makes me excited about aluminium!! The paint scheme, the lines, those wicked-fast looking forks, all beautiful. The newer style...just....looks bland. And not 'pure', 'simple', or 'organic' even...just, bland.
Like cars these days, bikes have lost designers who could please the eye.
I think the original TCR looks like an SIS energy gel wrapper. :D
Giants TCR was an EPIC bike. Wish I had the scratch to buy one back then.
A drone following a presenter or two going up a hill or descending would make a great video
I love the TCR from Giant and Ultimate from Canyon, great bikes!
loving the Flite saddle on the old one, I have the same on my new Tcr. best saddle ever made