The Giant TCR was used by ONCE in the 19902 and revolutionised bike geometry. How does it compared to its modern day version; the TCR Advanced SL Disc?
Rated as one of the most important bikes of the last two decades, the Giant TCR has had many guises since it was first launched in 1996.
The iconic original Giant TCR, first made famous by pro team ONCE, has morphed over the years into the current version; the TCR Advanced SL Disc.
The bikes, which date 20 years apart, are compared below by Global Cycling Network.
The original TCR is seen as so influential for top end road bikes because of the new geometry it ushered in.
At the time of its launch, top tubes were horizontal. But the original TCR introduced the sloping tope tube and compact geometry.
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It was produced after Giant recruited legendary British bike designer Mike Burrows; of Chris Boardman’s Lotus monocoque bike fame.
And in 1994 Burrows dressed up a Giant mountain bike as his road bike and his bosses spotted it and liked it.
The aluminium Total Compact Road (TCR) was born just two years later.
The latest TCR, with disc brakes, is made of carbon fibre and Giant claims it has the best fitness to weight ratio of any road bike.
Simon Richardson compares the two TCRs, 20 years apart.
The Giant TCR; Retro Vs Modern
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