For sale on ebay (auction ends in less than 2 days! Sun at 19h UK time) what I believe is a 1998 Giant TCR (Debut model or 'Generation Zero') ONCE Team Bike (Frame No. 7819981). 50 cm frame with Shimano Ultegra groupset in very good condition. I am convinced this is the model as ridden by Jalabert on climb to Plateau de Beille in stage 11 of the 1998 Tour de France although the carbon forks appear to be the next colour scheme (this photo of Jaja is attached).
Key features for me are the weight of the frame (complete bike as shown - 8.6 kg), the pantographed Giant and ONCE logo at the rear of the back triangle of the frame, and the indent on the seat tube to house the rear wheel closer into the frame to save even more weight and aid power transfer for climbs. (all shown in the photos attached).
I have always found it difficult to get info on this model as it has never been for sale commercially, however, cycletrade is the first place I have seen a listing for this pro frame (naturally sold out):-
https://cycletrade.co.uk/products/road-frameset-giant-tcr-once-team-issue-54cm-grade-a-excellent
Other features on the bike are:-
Mike Burrows Carbon Seat Post;
Selle Italia Seat;
18 Speed: 2 x 9;
Shimano Ultegra Groupset;
Ambrosio Light Alloy Team Wheels (red);
Energy Hubs (red);
Look 296 Racing Pedals (Yellow).
Last interesting point is that this Team Bike was sold as part of Manolo Saiz's collection of 57 ex-team bikes and special one-off machines put up for sale in 2012. He was the ONCE Team manager from 1989 to 2006. The model in the collection is the photo attached dated 05/07/2011 and article link here:-
https://road.cc/content/news/58309-manolo-saiz-selling-his-bike-collection-want-it
The bike is currently in Luxembourg. Delivery preference was been set to collection only however a sensible rendez-vous location to exchange could also be arranged. Additionally, I can prepare and post the bike at Buyer's expense (cost set at £60 but to be confirmed subject on delivery location etc.) as shown in this YT video below (It will be the first bike I have posted!):-
For a UK Buyer the bike can be posted to mainland UK or NI via Parcelforce Express 48 service on Mon 2 Oct 2023. The cost with inclusive insurance (upto £150 only) is £47.20. Additional insurance can be added eg, supplement of +£31,50 to cover upto £1k. Additionally, should a UK Buyer wish to arrange a rendez-vous for collection near Musselburgh or Eyemouth this would be possible between Sun 1 Oct and Tues 3 Oct 2023.
Any further info on frame, history or collectiability please do share. Thanks for viewing.
Key features for me are the weight of the frame (complete bike as shown - 8.6 kg), the pantographed Giant and ONCE logo at the rear of the back triangle of the frame, and the indent on the seat tube to house the rear wheel closer into the frame to save even more weight and aid power transfer for climbs. (all shown in the photos attached).
I have always found it difficult to get info on this model as it has never been for sale commercially, however, cycletrade is the first place I have seen a listing for this pro frame (naturally sold out):-
https://cycletrade.co.uk/products/road-frameset-giant-tcr-once-team-issue-54cm-grade-a-excellent
Other features on the bike are:-
Mike Burrows Carbon Seat Post;
Selle Italia Seat;
18 Speed: 2 x 9;
Shimano Ultegra Groupset;
Ambrosio Light Alloy Team Wheels (red);
Energy Hubs (red);
Look 296 Racing Pedals (Yellow).
Last interesting point is that this Team Bike was sold as part of Manolo Saiz's collection of 57 ex-team bikes and special one-off machines put up for sale in 2012. He was the ONCE Team manager from 1989 to 2006. The model in the collection is the photo attached dated 05/07/2011 and article link here:-
https://road.cc/content/news/58309-manolo-saiz-selling-his-bike-collection-want-it
The bike is currently in Luxembourg. Delivery preference was been set to collection only however a sensible rendez-vous location to exchange could also be arranged. Additionally, I can prepare and post the bike at Buyer's expense (cost set at £60 but to be confirmed subject on delivery location etc.) as shown in this YT video below (It will be the first bike I have posted!):-
For a UK Buyer the bike can be posted to mainland UK or NI via Parcelforce Express 48 service on Mon 2 Oct 2023. The cost with inclusive insurance (upto £150 only) is £47.20. Additional insurance can be added eg, supplement of +£31,50 to cover upto £1k. Additionally, should a UK Buyer wish to arrange a rendez-vous for collection near Musselburgh or Eyemouth this would be possible between Sun 1 Oct and Tues 3 Oct 2023.
Any further info on frame, history or collectiability please do share. Thanks for viewing.
