Giant TCR ONCE

[dfoster]

Hello, I could do with some help identifying my road bike frame. It is a Giant TCR frame with ONCE on it. I think the full name of the bike is: Giant TCR Compact Road ONCE, that's everything written on the top tube. The frame has a manufacturing date above the bottom bracket of 1992, but is says, made of T700 carbon on the frame, which I didn't think was used in the early 90's. Any help identifying this bike would be greatly appreciated. I hope the attached picture helps.

The website identifies it as a 1999 frame, so I'm a little confused (http://cyclex.com/articles/giant-road-b ... -pg326.htm).

Thanks guys.

 

[Mike Muz]

Re:

First of all, welcome to the forum

I think it's from around 2001/2002. I had the alloy version, bought in 2000 before the carbon one came out. Wish I'd waited now! :roll:
It's a great looking frameset!

Mike

 

[dfoster]

Hi Mike, thanks for the warm welcome. I wasn't expecting a reply so quick, I really appreciate it! If it's from around 2001/2002, why does it have 1992 on the frame?

It's such a classical 90's looking frameset, I can see why you bought one, even if it's the alloy version. I'm looking forward to buying parts for it. It's going to be a fun project over the next few months.

Do you have a picture of your completed version? Would be great to see what you built.

Danny

 

[Mike Muz]

Re:

Hi Danny

The 1992 is mysterious, even the Once team were on alloy ones in the mid '90s.
I used mine for time trials, building it up with Ultegra, Mavic Cosmic carbon wheels and Cinelli Angel bars. I'll send a pic when I get to the laptop. After I finished racing in 2006, I converted it to a road bike. Was lovely and light, but a bit stiff at the back. Good for putting down power bad for backache. I imagine the one you have would be more forgiving, being made of carbon.
If I didn't already have a carbon framed bike, I might look for one.
What plans do you have for yours?

Mike

 

[dfoster]

Morning Mike,

Your bike sounds pretty sweat then. I never even considered using it as a time trial bike, it must awesome with the Cinelli handle bars though. When I do decide to make the switch from just running to duathlons it's great to know this will make a great TT bike.

I don't know whether you can see from the picture, but the seat post has some sort of damping build into it. I don't know whether that will make any difference to comfort. I would rather have a stiffer bike that I can put power through anyway.

I plan to put a full Ultegra 11 speed groupset on it, mavic ksyrium elite s wheelset and Look pedals. The seat and handle bars are going to be my dilemma. Finding something that matches the bike, but at the same time I find comfortable. Any recommendations are appreciated though.

How much do you reckon my frame could be worth? If I spec it out with the components I've mentioned, what sort of resale value am I looking at (not that I am planing to sell it).

I look forward to seeing a picture of your bike when you get around to it

Danny

 

[Mike Muz]

Re:

Hi Danny,

Here's a photo of me in a national 25, around 2003,



Well I look good, even if I only did a 57. Was pleased with that though, on my local course. Finished mid-field. TBH, I was pleased just to be fast enough to get in!
I did use a carbon Burrows aero seatpost, still got it, but flexed so much I put on a USE Alien.
As for what the frameset is worth, I'm not sure. Maybe look at what they go for on eBay. IMO, they are the nicest looking Giant carbon framesets . Not really sure of how much the more modern stuff is worth either.
Good luck with the duathlons mate
Never been into running, I know too many people who've had joint problems as a result. Cycling not weight bearing so it suits me. I just can't stand up straight and my hamstrings are short!

Mike

 

[dfoster]

Nice, that is a brilliant picture, It must have been great to compete. Your bike looks awesome, for you to still have it, it must be great to ride.

I take it you like to build bikes? Do you sell them on after completing them, or do you end up keeping them?

I haven't actually been able to find anyone selling another one of the frames I have. I've contacted GIANT this morning and they said that the 1992 is to do with the manufacturing regulations. The guy I spoke to agreed he thought it was an early 2000's bike. I've sent them an image, so hopefully they'll be able to work it all out.

Danny

 

[stringfellow1946]

The Frame Was NOT made in 1992 the label you are referring to is this one.

The rest of the bike is here if you want to see it
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/g7v3ssmwx94v ... 4XSXa?dl=0

 

[dfoster]

The rest of the bike is here if you want to see it
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/g7v3ssmwx94v ... 4XSXa?dl=0

Thank you, some great images. Looks like you did a great job of restoring it.