The Giant Propel is made for going fast. Period. Used by riders like John Degenkolb to win on some of the biggest stages of professional cycling, this bike is steeped in racing pedigree. Compared to competitors, the Propel's AeroSystem Shaping Technology saves as much as 12-36 seconds over a distance of 40km at a speed of 40km/h, a difference that you can really feel out on the road.
Best for riders who want a no compromise approach to speed. With sharp handling and responsive power transfer, the Propel is ideal for riders who want to venture into road racing and time-trialling (or even improve on their current efforts in both).
Price: From £1,548.99
Discipline: Road
Usage: Semi-Aero/Race
- + AeroSystem Shaping Technology
- + Giant SpeedControl Brakes
- + OverDrive Headtube Design
Frame and Forks
The Propel range is built from Giant's own Advanced-grade Composite carbon fibre - which becomes Advanced SL-grade in the top-end models - and moulded into one of the best aerodynamic frames on the market.
However, all the time spent in the wind-tunnel doesn't mean ride quality has been forgotten. The Propel frame provides super-accurate handling thanks to technology like the OverDrive headtube, whilst the oversized PowerCore bottom bracket handles top-end power transfer with ease.
Other Stand-out Features
The Propel range was designed with racing in mind. Hence, the geometry of the frame has been adapted to create an aggressive riding position to help get from A to B as fast as possible; ideal for riders who have found their competitive side.
Groupset
Top end aerodynamic performance deserves top end shifting. Hence, the Propel model range uses reliable Shimano groupsets, from 105 to Ultegra Di2 (the only variation being the SRAM eTAP on the Advanced SL 0). Many riders swear by Shimano components and the inclusion of a SRAM eTAP model illustrates what the pinnacle of road-bike design should be.
Wheels and Brakes
Giant's range of deep-section wheels are the perfect accompaniment to the Propel frame, with alloy braking surfaces that make stopping reliable and predictable on the Advanced models and full, race-ready carbon wheels on the Advanced Pro and Advanced SL range.All wheels feature Dynamic Balanced Lacing technology, which according to Giant makes spoke tensions balanced under load. This may sound like a small feature, but the results are threefold; improved handling, better climbing and increased durability.
To maintain the most aerodynamic platform possible, the Propel uses rear-mounted fork brakes. This means the front profile of the bike is as smooth as possible. Small features like this can count for the split-second margins races can be won by.
Finishing Kit
Even the details of the Propel Advanced 0 have aerodynamics in mind; the Giant Contact Forward range of saddles is specifically designed to help riders maintain an aggressive position without compromising on comfort. The final touches are made up of a Giant Connect stem, a Giant Contact handlebar and a Giant Vector composite seatpost (varying from the standard to SLR-level components).