Giant unveils new tri bike in Kona
Triathlon is the focus of this new Giant Trinity Advanced series, and that is positive step for the brand. Giant will be offering the bike in 4 editions, ranging from the top of the line Trinity Advanced Pro 0 at $7,200 to the entry level Trinity Advanced at $2,250. Aussie Tim Van Berkel has already been in action aboard one of these bikes, but the brand was otherwise tight lipped about the new offering.
According to Giant, they spent more than 2 years developing the Trinity Advanced line. They partnered with Aero Concept Engineering and utilized Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), dynamic testing in the wind tunnel using an aluminum prototype frame, and a mannequin named "Grischa" that was developed with a 3D scan of Giant test rider and former professional racer Grischa Niermann.
Giant also presented wind tunnel data with some very impressive numbers. This bike will be offered in triathlon and road versions with different front ends, but here we focus on the triathlon editions.
The Trinity Advanced Pro 0 is the top of the line model at $7,200, but these race wheels as pictured are not part of the package. Regular training wheels are stock. The brand wanted to make the bikes affordable and let the consumer decide which race wheels to use.
The first prototype of this bike was solid aluminum. This production bike is light in weight, yet 21% stiffer than the previous Trinity.
Giant calls the new integrated storage system AeroVault. These items can all be removed says Giant, but at an aerodynamic disadvantage. The top tube bento offers 290ml of space.
The proprietary cockpit features a 5:1 ratio foil shaped AeroDrive Tri composite base bar and is a reversible design, offering 20 millimeters of drop or rise. The armrests are adjustable from 10-40mm in height, and the extensions have a 100mm adjustment range.
The AeroVault front hydration unit provides athletes with 700ml or 450ml of volume depending on frame size.
A 5:1 airfoil fork and integrated stem match up nicely with the cockpit.
The brakes are hidden at the backside of the fork. 25mm tires and all current wide rims were tested and work well according to Giant.
The rear brake is shielded by a fin underneath the bottom bracket.
The bottle on the down tube is part of the aero storage package on the Giant Trinity Advanced Pro.
The seat post and back side of the frame have a very sharp Kammback.
Up close with the fizik Tritone saddle and the adjustment range of the post.
This top of the line Pro 0 model is loaded with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 components.
The Giant Trinity Advanced dropouts.
Giant shared the drag numbers of their new bike as compared to other super bikes.
They also offered this average drag chart.
Geometry numbers of the new Giant Trinity Advanced line.
MSRP in USA
Trinity Advanced Pro 0 – $7,200
Trinity Advanced Pro 1 – $4,950
Trinity Advanced Pro 2 – $3,400
Trinity Advanced – $2,250
Images 1-13 are © Herbert Krabel / slowtwitch.com
Images 14-16 are courtesy of Giant Bicycle.
Start the discussion at forum.slowtwitch.com