fixed gear bike: Eurobike 2011: Giant's new lower-priced carbon models

We've already shown you highlights from Giant's road and mountain collections for 2012 but the company's display at Eurobike still revealed some pleasant surprises: several new lower-priced carbon models that'll allow more riders to enjoy the benefits of composite frames but without requiring a second mortgage.

The new Anthem Advanced 2 mates an Advanced-level (Giant's second-tier composite construction) carbon fiber front triangle to a more economical aluminum rear end, thus gaining some modest weight as compared to the top-shelf Anthem X Advanced SL 0 model but saving a heap of cash.

Other features are wholly carried over, including the new OverDrive 2 front end with its 1-1/4 to 1-1/2in tapered steerer, the 100mm-travel Maestro dual-link rear suspension design, the oversized rectangular-profile down tube, and press-fit bottom bracket cups. A switch to a SRAM X7/X9 drivetrain, a RockShox Reba RL fork and Monarch RT rear shock, and Giant-brand hubs lends additional cost savings.

The carbon fiber front end on giant's trance x advanced 2 shares the same outer shape as the top-end flagship but a lesser grade of composite fiber to help save money: the carbon fiber front end on giant's trance x advanced 2 shares the same outer shape as the top-end flagship but a lesser grade of composite fiber to help save money

The front end on Giant's Trance X Advanced 2 shares the same outer shape as the top-end flagship but is made from a lesser grade of composite fiber to save money

The 5in-travel Trance X Advanced 2 adopts a similar formula, using the same front triangle shape as the top-end Trance X Advanced SL 0 but with a lower-grade composite blend and matching it to an all-alloy rear that otherwise retains overall suspension performance. Component substitutions include a Shimano XT/SLX drivetrain, a Fox Float 120 RL Evolution fork (with Giant's OverDrive 2 steerer dimensions), a Fox RP2 rear shock and Giant house-brand wheels.

Time trialists and triathletes haven't been forgotten, with the inclusion of two Trinity Composite models for 2012 that use a similar main frame mold as the top-end Trinity Advanced SL bikes (again, with a lower-grade fiber blend) but a more conventional fork and cockpit setup that's not only cheaper but also more accommodating to average riders' more upright positions.

Giant have added two new lower-priced time trial/triathlon bikes to their 2012 range: the trinity composite 1 shown here plus the trinity composite 2: giant have added two new lower-priced time trial/triathlon bikes to their 2012 range: the trinity composite 1 shown here plus the trinity composite 2

Giant have added two new lower-priced time trial/triathlon bikes to their 2012 range: the Trinity Composite 1 shown here plus the Trinity Composite 2

The linear-pull front brake is still tucked away behind the fork crown and the other cables are fed into the top tube behind the stem as usual but the spec definitely takes a hit in order to drop the cost. The Trinity Composite 2 will come with a Shimano Ultegra/105 blend, Shimano R501 wheels and Giant house-brand cockpit components (including the base bar and extensions). Moving up to the Trinity Composite 1 nets a Shimano Ultegra/Dura-Ace mix instead.

Giant also report that their new XtC Composite 29er carbon hardtails are in full production. The company's global marketing director, An Le, told BikeRadar that Giant decided to enter the carbon 29er hardtail market with their more basic Composite-level carbon construction in order to bring the bikes in at a more attainable pricepoint. Le hinted that higher-end versions are likely to follow, formed in the same mold but with lighter weights and extra stiffness.

Giant's new xtc composite 29er is in full production: giant's new xtc composite 29er is in full production