1998 Giant TCR Team Once replica 55.5cm Campagnolo

This bicycle packs in a bit of history and is considered the "father of modern road bikes". In 1997 Giant introduced the Total Compact Road (TCR) which radically changed the geometry of racing bicycles from the traditional flat top-tube seen on vintage road bicycles to the sloping top-tube which is the hallmark of all modern road bikes.

Giant, the largest bicycle manufacturer in the world at the time approached the legendary frame builder Mike Burrows who came up with the TCR design, borrowing from trends in mountain bikes of the time. However, cyclists were sceptical of the new design and at first it was not well received. This is where Team Once, the Spanish professional cycling team stepped into the picture. They adopted the compact road bike frame and went on to become one of the most dominant cycling teams of the era.

Cycling Pulse asks if the TCR is the most important road bike ever made in this interesting little video. 

The bike is kitted with Campagnolo 9x3 groupset, Veloce brakes, Mirage derailleurs, Chorus shifters, Campagnolo hubs and a very loud (in a good way) freehub body! Sell Italia Team Once saddle, Vittoria tires. New Elvedes stainless steel brake and gear cables. New Bike Ribbon Professional bar tape.