The Giant Group launched the ninth generation of its iconic TCR road bike this week.
The new TCR, which shows several refinements from earlier models, was presented to the global public in a pre-recorded video that highlighted several new elements, manufacturing processes and interviews with the design team.
A legacy of efficiency
When Giant positions the TCR series, its legacy of outstanding efficiency always comes to the fore – and this aspect is once again a key driver of the 2021 model.
Even though the outgoing model offered superb riding performance, the Taiwanese manufacturer says it was able to improve the efficiency of the latest incarnation by tweaking the aerodynamics while maintaining its class-leading stiffness-to-weight ratio.
Balancing aerodynamics, stiffness and weight was the greatest design challenge and here carbon technology and a team of aero experts, engineers and designers were instrumental in reducing the frame’s weight without sacrificing stiffness.
As with Formula 1, says Giant, it is all about marrying minimum weight with maximum power and producing a shape that is clean and minimalistic, yet powerful.
Original DNA
The largest bicycle manufacturer in the world is rightly sentimental about the original TCR DNA and went to great lengths to keep the fluent top tube to seat stay line to maintain continuity between the two tubes.
Giant’s Tensio design language, where key feature lines give the bicycle a powerful and dynamic presence, makes its appearance on the 2021 model as well. The aggressive and muscular lines on the top tube, stem and down tube are good examples.
Aerodynamics
Aerodynamics play a far greater role in the new TCR and therefore several tube shapes had to be refined.
The tear-shaped head tube used in older models has been replaced with a truncated one, which improves the aero characteristics without sacrificing strength.
The TCR has always been known for its boxy down tube, but the new one shows several refinements in line with the new thinking.
Apart from lowering the weight while increasing the stiffness of the cockpit, Giant has also been able to improve the ergonomics of the new handlebar for an extra element of comfort.
The look
The team in charge of colours and graphics wanted the new TCR to be visually stunning, yet clean and sophisticated.
It achieved this by way of its chameleon (where colours appear to change in different light conditions) and gradient fade (a mix of rich metallics) decals.
The new frame is integrated with flat-mount disc brake technology for consistent braking power in all conditions while a new composite fork provides greater torsional stiffness.
A new aero-engineered contact SLR composite handlebar and stem deliver pinpoint steering and added frame and fork clearance lets you run larger tyres – up to 32 mm – for a smoother ride.
The all-new Giant TCR
View the 2021 Giant TCR by clicking here.
This article is published in partnership with Dragons Sports.
