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The old meets the new - Giant's TCR-100
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By Paul Mirtschin
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This year's Tour has seen Giant unveil its latest work of art, the limited edition Giant TCR-100. The bike, which features a black and white paint scheme with accents of red, white and blue to commemorate the French flag, also has a special graphics package that highlight the key cities and mountains of the Tour, such as Le Tourmalet, l'Alpe d'Huez, Paris and Marseilles.
The TCR-100 was designed by Giant for use by Team ONCE-Eroski in the 2003 Tour de France, with an additional run of 100 bikes being made available for distribution through select Giant retail stores. One of those bikes is the major prize in the 2003 Tour de France Fantasy Game here at Cyclingnews. It is still possible to enter the Fantasy game to have a chance to win this limited edition machine. Entries can be accepted up to the start of stage 7 of the Tour. There is no disadvantage to joining mid-tour.
The bike uses the new TCR full composite frame and aero fork, weighing a mere 1370g, making it the world's lightest mass-produced frameset.
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Apart from its low-key frame, the TCR-100 is outfitted with the cream of carbon technology; Giant's own Carbon Technology seat post, handlebar, and stems, a full Campanolo Record gruppo with carbon Bora deep dish wheels and Hutchinson tubulars, a hand-made AX Lightness saddle specially designed for the bike, and black Nokon cables with red/white/blue accents to match the frame.
The design of the bike began in November 2002 when Manolo Saiz visited Giant Europe's Offices to discuss the idea of a special bike for the Tour's 100th anniversary, a bike that not only honours the Tour's history but also ONCE's history at the Tour. That meeting not only produced the TCR-100, but also the TCR Composite Team that Giant released to the public last year.
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There are 50 riders names on the TCR-100's clear-coat frame, from current stars like Beloki, Galdeano, Azevedo, to the pioneers of the team; Lejaretta, Chozas, Breukink, Bruyneel, as well as the big stars; Jalabert, Olano and Zulle.
The frame also honours the mechanics of the team who have worked tirelessly throughout the years; with Luis Diaz de Otazu having the honour of having his name written twice; first as a rider in the 1995 tour, and now as a mechanic.
Apart from the Giant, other prizes on offer in the the Fantasy game include a group set from Campagnolo, the latest carbon fibre components from Full Speed Ahead, Speedplay pedals, fi'zi:k saddles, helmets from Giro and Bell and sunglasses from Rudy Project.
You can still enter the Fantasy Game until stage 7 begins, so for your chance to win and for full details on all the prizes on offer in the 2003 Tour de France Fantasy Game, please visit the Fantasy Game section and register to enter your dream team.
Photos
Images by Chris Henry/Cyclingnews
- The TCR-100 in all its glory
- Looking down the forks we can read all the wins Giant has had in le Tour
- Subtle graphics leave the frame to sell itself
- The top tube showing the riders names
- Giant's TT bike; as used by the ONCE boys
- Black, gold, and a little bit of silver
- If they could plate it, they plated it gold.
- Looking down at the controls
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