Amgen tour of California 2012

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It's official – Giant Trinity Advanced SL introduction

  • Speed comes at a price, however. The top-end Shimano Dura-Ace Di2-equipped Giant Trinity Advanced SL will run a hefty US$14,000.

    Speed comes at a price, however. The top-end Shimano Dura-Ace Di2-equipped Giant Trinity Advanced SL will run a hefty US$14,000.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Giant claims the odd looking seat tube's vertical leading edge produces less drag than an angled one.

    Giant claims the odd looking seat tube's vertical leading edge produces less drag than an angled one.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Consumers will be able to buy virtually the same exact bike as what Rabobank uses in time trials come September.

    Consumers will be able to buy virtually the same exact bike as what Rabobank uses in time trials come September.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Orienting the stem inline with a level top tube has become a popular way to decrease drag - but Giant may have been the first to do so.

    Orienting the stem inline with a level top tube has become a popular way to decrease drag - but Giant may have been the first to do so.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The AeroDrive front end includes the head tube, upper stem, lower stem, and integrated base bar.

    The AeroDrive front end includes the head tube, upper stem, lower stem, and integrated base bar.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Some team stem assemblies are still made from machined aluminum but all production bikes will use carbon fiber exclusively.

    Some team stem assemblies are still made from machined aluminum but all production bikes will use carbon fiber exclusively.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The internal cable routing entry and exit points are sized for use with Shimano's new Dura-Ace Di2 electronic drivetrain.

    The internal cable routing entry and exit points are sized for use with Shimano's new Dura-Ace Di2 electronic drivetrain.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The 'reverse ISP' seatpost design doesn't rely on a clamp to fix its position so only a very minimal one is used here to eliminate play. A molded rubber cap will seal things up and provide a nicely finished appearance.

    The 'reverse ISP' seatpost design doesn't rely on a clamp to fix its position so only a very minimal one is used here to eliminate play. A molded rubber cap will seal things up and provide a nicely finished appearance.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The three-position seatpost head will simulate seat tube angles from 74-78 degrees.

    The three-position seatpost head will simulate seat tube angles from 74-78 degrees.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Some team bikes still have their rear brakes mounted on the seat stays but production bikes move them to below the bottom bracket for cleaner lines.

    Some team bikes still have their rear brakes mounted on the seat stays but production bikes move them to below the bottom bracket for cleaner lines.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The aluminum fork crown directs the cables straight back towards the down tube. Giant says extra flexible sections of housing such as Nokon are necessary in this area for optimum function and full production bikes will feature an aluminum ring to protect the edges of the down tube access hole.

    The aluminum fork crown directs the cables straight back towards the down tube. Giant says extra flexible sections of housing such as Nokon are necessary in this area for optimum function and full production bikes will feature an aluminum ring to protect the edges of the down tube access hole.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The internally routed cables come down through the lower stem and then jump over into the bottom of the down tube.

    The internally routed cables come down through the lower stem and then jump over into the bottom of the down tube.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The profile of the proprietary front brake is perfectly matched to the contours of the fork crown, thus effectively hiding it from the wind.

    The profile of the proprietary front brake is perfectly matched to the contours of the fork crown, thus effectively hiding it from the wind.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Giant claims its AeroDrive front-end design was the first to use an aerodynamic lower stem extension - and it apparently will vigorously defend the patent.

    Giant claims its AeroDrive front-end design was the first to use an aerodynamic lower stem extension - and it apparently will vigorously defend the patent.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The integrated proprietary aero bars offer a multitude of adjustments to fine tune the fit.

    The integrated proprietary aero bars offer a multitude of adjustments to fine tune the fit.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The press-fit bottom bracket cups save weight and allow for a wider and stiffer lower half of the bike than a standard 68mm-wide shell.

    The press-fit bottom bracket cups save weight and allow for a wider and stiffer lower half of the bike than a standard 68mm-wide shell.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The underside of the bottom bracket is a busy area but it's already in turbulent air so it supposedly doesn't matter much.

    The underside of the bottom bracket is a busy area but it's already in turbulent air so it supposedly doesn't matter much.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The Trinity Advanced SL requires a proprietary rear brake caliper as the cable pull arm is moved to the other side of the mounting stud. Giant claims the front derailleur still works well despite the tight cable routing.

    The Trinity Advanced SL requires a proprietary rear brake caliper as the cable pull arm is moved to the other side of the mounting stud. Giant claims the front derailleur still works well despite the tight cable routing.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The enormous down tube/bottom bracket junction actually comes up above the height of the outer chainring.

    The enormous down tube/bottom bracket junction actually comes up above the height of the outer chainring.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • The extensions mount to sturdy looking aluminum clamps.

    The extensions mount to sturdy looking aluminum clamps.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Extension height is adjusted by adding or removing spacers.

    Extension height is adjusted by adding or removing spacers.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • Team bikes typically use straight extensions but most consumers can't maintain that hand position so Giant will likely include the S-bend extensions as stock equipment instead.

    Team bikes typically use straight extensions but most consumers can't maintain that hand position so Giant will likely include the S-bend extensions as stock equipment instead.

    Photo credit © James Huang

  • A short supplementary lever arm is used on both brakes to amplify power.

    A short supplementary lever arm is used on both brakes to amplify power.

    Photo credit © James Huang