2015 Giant Propel Advanced 1 Review — "Just You Against The Wind" — Aero Road Bike

Best-In-Class Aerodynamics Meets Superior All-Around Ride Quality.

Engineered with AeroSystem Shaping Technology and Advanced-grade composite, this race-ready machine delivers lightweight performance and a stiff chassis for sprinting and solo riding situations. The Propel uses a combination of both tube designs to achieve what Giant claims to be the fastest aero road bike on the planet. That claim is based on the higher-end Propel Advanced SL, which differs from the Advanced frame in the type of carbon used, and the fact that it uses an integrated seat mast and one-piece handlebar/stem combo. All the Propel frames share the ability to facilitate either mechanical cables or electric wires.

Image Credit: RoadBikeAction

The seat tube is dramatic looking, with an extreme cutout for maximum rear-wheel shielding, and a sharp profile where it meets the Vector SLR seatpost.



"In the quest for reducing all possible drag, the Propel’s most unique feature is its brake integration. Linear pull brakes built by TRP are positioned behind the fork and on the seatstays. The arms of the V-style brakes help maintain the smooth lines of the frame and fork. Spring-tension adjustments for centering are made via a 2.5mm hex screw on each independent arm. Making adjustments was easy, especially compared to a chainstay-mounted brake" - RoadBikeAction.com



An OverDrive steerer tube and PowerCore bottom bracket help improve its sharp handling and pedaling efficiency-the perfect combo when you’re off the front of the pack. Normally, this high BB would make this bike feel twitchy since it raises the center of gravity. Giant have avoided this problem by giving it a slightly slacker head angle and that massive steerer eliminates any torsional flex that's present in most other bikes.

Giant’s entrance into the aero-road market not only brings a bike with a striking appearance, but also some of the best advancements we’ve seen of the genre so far. The Propel’s brakes don’t sacrifice power in the name of aerodynamics, and its frame design offers stiffness throughout.


Giant offers six versions of the Propel—three with the Advanced SL frame and three with the Advanced frame. There is also a women’s-specific model called the Envie, which comes in three build options. 

1904 Staples Mill Rd.
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(804) 658-2126
randy@pedalpowerbicycles.com
www.pedalpowerbicycles.com

Frame
Sizes	XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL
Colors	Red/White/Black
Frame	Advanced-grade composite, Electronic ready
Fork	Advanced-grade composite, Hybrid OverDrive steerer

Components
Handlebar	Giant Contact, 31.8mm
Stem	Giant Connect
Seatpost	Giant Vector, Composite
Saddle	Giant Performance Road

Drivetrain
Shifters	Shimano Ultegra
Front Derailleur	Shimano Ultegra
Rear Derailleur	Shimano Ultegra
Brakes	Giant SpeedControl SL
Brake Levers	Shimano Ultegra
Cassette	Shimano Ultegra 11x28, 11-speed
Chain	KMC X11L
Crankset	Shimano Ultegra, 36/52
Bottom Bracket	Shimano, Press fit

Wheels
Rims	Giant P-A2, Aero
Hubs	Giant Performance Tracker Road, Sealed bearing, [F] 16h, [R] 24h
Spokes	Sapim Race, 14/15g
Tires	Giant P-R3, Flat Guard Deflect 3, Front and rear specific, 700x23