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 10TH GENERATION TCR
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.
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.
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).
The 2nd generation TCR, the first with a full-composite frameset, is unveiled at the Tour de France.
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).
The 4th generation TCR, the first with an integrated seatpost (ISP), becomes commercially available in five sizes.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
