The new TCR builds on innovations of the bikes that came before it, achieving greater efficiency, improved aerodynamics, and more seamless integration to elevate the road riding experience. Much has changed in road bikes over the past quarter century, but through it all the TCR has remained at the forefront of innovation. It’s a bike that has kept its focus on one core mission: to give riders a competitive edge in all aspects of road riding and racing.

The original TCR made its debut 28 years ago. Created for the pro racers of Team ONCE, it was an immediate game-changer, signaling the end of one era of road bikes, and the start of another. Now, over a quarter century later, the 10th generation TCR represents years of continual advancements in road bike innovation, packing everything Giant has learned from working with the best professional athletes, engineers, and product designers into the ultimate all-rounder road racing machine.

EVOLUTION OF THE TOTAL RACE BIKE

Since it debuted with radically different geometry compared to all other road racing bikes in the late 1990s, the TCR has continually pushed the limits of performance with every new generation. Here’s a look at the TCR over the years.

1997

The 1st generation TCR makes its debut. It is available in three frame sizes (S, M, L) and has an angle-adjustable quill stem available in three different lengths (105mm, 120mm, 135mm).

2002

The 2nd generation TCR, the first with a full-composite frameset, is unveiled at the Tour de France.

2015

Team Giant-Alpecin races the 7th generation TCR to a number of high-profile wins in grand tours and major one-day races. Tom Dumoulin has a breakout performance at the Vuelta a España, taking a solo stage win in the mountains and spending six days in the leader’s jersey.

2016

The 8th generation TCR, the first with integrated disc brakes, is introduced to consumers. Team Giant-Alpecin races the new TCR to several wins including a dramatic solo mountain stage victory by Tom Dumoulin at the Tour de France.

2020

The 9th generation TCR is developed in partnership with CCC Team riders, including Olympian champion Greg Van Avermaet. The frameset features more aerodynamic tube shapes and best-in-class efficiency.

2024

The 10th generation TCR, featuring the all-new OverDrive Aero steerer tube technology and an integrated cockpit with internal cable routing, is unveiled following pre-season test sessions with Team Jayco AlUla.

2004

The 3rd generation TCR debuts at the Tour de France with the T-Mobile squad. T-Mobile goes on to win the team classification at the Tour for three straight years (2004-2006).

2005

The 4th generation TCR, the first with an integrated seatpost (ISP), becomes commercially available in five sizes.

2008

The 5th generation TCR features several breakthrough technologies including a PressFit bottom bracket and integrated cable routing. Mark Cavendish (Team Columbia Highroad) wins four stages on his TCR Advanced SL.

2012

Team Rabobank races on the 6th generation TCR, which is introduced at the Tour de France. Spanish rider Luis Léon Sanchez rides his new machine to a solo stage win in the Pyrenees.

GENERATION X

The 10th generation TCR carries on a tradition that began 28 years ago. It’s the result of a team effort involving Giant product developers, our in-house aerodynamics team, and the athletes and team technicians from Team Jayco-AlUla. The flagship model of the new range, the TCR Advanced SL, is the lightest, most efficient TCR ever. The entire range also features innovative new features that are largely made possible by new construction techniques.

It's about saving watts, but also about making the most of your road riding experience. Stiffness and weight matter, but not at the expense of ride quality or control. Internal cable routing and a more integrated cockpit improve aerodynamics and offer a cleaner profile, but not at the cost of overly complicated maintenance and adjustment.

KEY PERFORMANCE FACTORS

Making the 10th Generation TCR

CUTTING-EDGE COMPOSITE MATERIAL

To make the TCR Advanced SL frameset both lighter and stiffer, we create proprietary composite materials from premium raw carbon fiber in our own production facility. Advanced SL-grade composite sheet material, custom woven in Giant’s own manufacturing facility, is used throughout 80 percent of the overall structure to produce a lighter overall frame and fork weight without sacrificing stiffness.

COLD BLADE CUTTING

Whereas previous generations of TCR frames relied on laser-cut composite swatches, cold blade technology is now used to make ultra-precise cuts and eliminate the concern of deformation from excess heat. This translates into fewer (270) and more exacting swatches, which results in lighter overall frame weight.

ADVANCED CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES

The TCR Advanced SL frameset features one-piece mold technology, an entirely new process that uses a single inner bladder (as opposed to the previous generation’s three bladders) to create a one-piece front triangle. The result is lighter overall frame weight without compromising stiffness or aerodynamic shaping.

FINISHING TECH

A new ThinLine paint process uses a highly advanced, composite powder coat technology to apply an extremely thin, ultra-brilliant and tough finish. In addition, a proprietary 3M adhesive protector reinforces the integrated seatpost (ISP) when the saddle clamp is installed, saving more weight without sacrificing security.

Pro Racer Approved

Giant worked with Team Jayco-AlUla riders to gather feedback during the development process of the flagship TCR Advanced SL series. At a pre-season training camp in Spain, Filippo Zana, Michael Matthews and Luke Plapp tested final iterations of pre-production models. “I’m super impressed with how this bike climbs, accelerates and feels out on the road,” said Zana. “It’s a great all-rounder bike and a top option for many races, from the one-day classics to tough mountain stages.”

THE SCIENCE OF SPEED

The 10th generation TCR range includes new frame designs and construction techniques to create the fastest TCR bikes ever. Learn more about our testing methodology and see the results for weight, stiffness, efficiency and aerodynamics.

TESTING RESULTS