The "Trinity Advanced" is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular time trial bikes of recent years. With its characteristic stem, which emerges directly from the top tube and stands in the wind like the bow of a ship in front of the head tube, it leaves many competitors behind even when stationary. The avant-garde shape is complemented by outstanding sporting references, including the world time trial title won by Bert Grabsch in 2008 on a prototype of this bike.
In addition to aerodynamics, Giant also focussed on good adaptability to different seating positions during development - often a neglected topic for time trial bikes. On the Trinity, the armrests can be adjusted vertically by more than 20 centimetres thanks to three frame sizes, three stems of different heights and spacers; enough to cover a broad spectrum from moderate to extreme canting, which is mainly used by time trial pros. The seat post offers further scope with three offset positions, resulting in a horizontal adjustment range of eleven centimetres with the mounted Fizik saddle.
Once you have set up the bike properly, the fun is not long in coming. Even time trial novices experience a completely new dimension of road cycling with extreme addictive potential after just a few rides. It is all the more pleasing that even at full speed, there are no feelings of discomfort at any time. With your hands on the outside of the handlebars, the rolling bullet stays on track even on fast descents. The fact that the stem is supported by the fork crown, which noticeably stiffens the front end, contributes to the safe riding experience. The Giant brakes, which are hidden behind the fork crown and bottom bracket, decelerate passably well. Shimano's "Di2" electronic shifting system, which allows you to change gears at the touch of a finger from the lower handlebars and armrests, seems almost indispensable, especially in the aero position. Consequently, the top version of the bike tested, the "Trinity Advanced SL0", is already designed for "Di2" ex works.
Despite all the enthusiasm, there are also points of criticism. While the anachronistic hexagonal bolt for clamping the saddle may still pass as spartan racing technology, the limited tyre clearance at the rear is much more serious. A 22 millimetre wide tyre at the rear is the limit. Long-distance triathletes in particular suffer from this restriction, as no riding comfort is to be expected apart from the tyre. A horizontal adjustment option for the rear hub, as offered by many competitors, could provide a remedy.
PLUS: good adjustment options for the seating position; superior shifting technology
MINUSlow tyre clearance at the rear; complete wheel with "Di2" expensive
Price Complete bike (with Shimano "Di2" gears, "Dura-Ace" cranks, "BB86" bottom bracket and Zipp "808/1080" tubular wheels): 9,999 euros (with mechanical Ultegra gears and Giant wheels: 3,999 euros)
Reference/InfoGiant Germany, telephone 0211/998940, www.giant-bicycles.com
Frame sizes: S, M, L
Weight of complete bike: 7.8 kilos
System weight frame set (including fork, handlebar bearings, handlebars, Di2 gears, brakes and seatpost): 4,299 grams
Bottom bracket stiffness: 56 N/mm (further stiffness measurements could not be carried out on our test rigs due to the special design of the frame and fork)
Seat angle (at a seat height of 75 centimetres): 73.5° to 77°
Steering angle: 73°
Seat/top/head tube: 580/530/111 mm
Wheelbase/caster: 987/63 mm;
Stack/Reach/STR: 513/410 mm/1.25
Photos: Matthias Borchers
