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When it comes to triathlon and time trial performance, data matters. Throughout the development process, the new Trinity Advanced SL was subjected to countless tests to analyze every factor and eke out every gain. Here’s a look at some of the key test results including comparisons of aerodynamics, stiffness, weight and overall efficiency.

INTEGRATED AERODYNAMICS

The previous generation Trinity introduced a more aerodynamic frameset using truncated ellipse tubing in strategic areas. The next-generation Trinity Advanced SL takes this engineering another step forward, using Computation Fluid Dynamics and wind-tunnel testing to achieve significant gains in the shaping of the down tube, seatpost and fork. To ensure that it performs just as well in real-world conditions, we designed the aerodynamic flow around the down tube equipped with the AeroVault hydration system. From there, we refined the entire system including frame, fork, cockpit and WheelSystem at the GST wind tunnel in Immenstaad, Germany.

We tested the new Trinity Advanced SL against the previous Trinity Advanced Pro in a temperature and humidity controlled environment. The Trinity Advanced SL included the new CADEX 4-Spoke Disc WheelSystem (featured on the flagship Trinity Advanced SL 0 series), while the previous generation had the CADEX 65 WheelSystem. Both models had all triathlon accessories installed.

Using a 45 kph wind speed and yaw angles ranging from -20 to +20 degrees, the new Trinity Advanced SL averaged a 5.9-watt improvement (264.4 watts to 270.3 watts), demonstrating a significant aerodynamic advantage.

WEIGHT COMPARISON

Frameset weights can be subjective, depending on what is considered a frameset. Giant defines a frameset as:

  • Size medium frame with paint and decals
  • Painted production fork
  • Headset, expander and top cap
  • Seatpost (ISP or seatpost included with frameset)
  • Seat clamp
  • Front and rear derailleur hanger/clamps
  • Aero handlebars and extensions
  • All production hardware (water bottle bolts, etc.)
WEIGHT (G)PREVIOUS TRINITY ADVANCED PRONEW TRINITY ADVANCED SLDIFFERENCE
FRAME WITH PAINT14601340120 GRAMS LESS
FORK WITH PAINT665535130 GRAMS LESS
SEATPOST/ ISP CLAMP365256109 GRAMS LESS
FRONT DERAILLEUR HANGER1515SAME
REAR DERAILLEUR HANGER11143 GRAMS MORE
EXPANDER103121 GRAMS MORE
TOP CAP01212 GRAMS MORE
HEADSET AND SPACERS4141SAME
AERO HANDLEBARS / EXTENSIONS1228120226 GRAMS LESS
STACK SPACERS9595SAME
AEROVAULT COMPONENTRY (COMPLETE HYDRATION SYSTEM & BENTO BOX)1023814209 GRAMS LESS
TOTAL WEIGHT49134355558 GRAMS LESS

Weight Comparison Summary

All of these innovations add up. The new Trinity Advanced SL Tri frameset is a full 558 grams lighter than its predecessor.

A key goal with the new Trinity Advanced SL was to match the high stiffness of the previous generation. With its significantly lighter frameset, this would mean greater overall efficiency. We tested the steering (lateral) and pedaling stiffness of both framesets with a fork in place, using industry standard protocols to provide the most accurate measure of real-world performance.

The new frameset showed the same lateral fork stiffness (49 N/mm), frame pedaling stiffness (65 N/mm) and transmission stiffness (114 N/mm) as the previous frameset. As the data below illustrates, the decreased weight and equal stiffness leads to a 12.6% boost in efficiency.

By maintaining stiffness and decreasing weight, the new Trinity Advanced SL series significantly boosts its overall efficiency (stiffness-to-weight) ratio.

FEATUREPREVIOUS TRINITY ADVANCED PRONEW TRINITY ADVANCED SL
TRANSMISSION STIFFNESS (LATERAL FORK AND FRAME PEDALING)114 N/mm114 N/mm
FRAMESET WEIGHT (COMPLETE AND PAINTED)4.91 kg4.36 kg
STIFFNESS-TO-WEIGHT RATIO23.2126.14
TOTAL12.6% IMPROVEMENT

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Trinity Advanced SL
Trinity Advanced SL
Trinity Advanced SL Frameset
Trinity Advanced SL Frameset