Verdict on the GIANT Propel Advanced Red test
Das Giant Propel mutierte über die Jahre vom reinen Aero-Boliden zum vielseitigen Race-Allrounder. Die Neuauflage folgt dem Anspruch weiter: Schneller wurde das Rad nicht – dafür unfassbar leicht
Data and facts about the GIANT Propel Advanced Red
| Weight | 6.43 kg |
| Drivetrain | SRAM Red AXS |
| Front brake | SRAM Red |
| Wheelset | Giant Cadex Max 50 |
| Front tire | Giant Cadex Aero TR Hookless 28-622 |
It is part of the craft of racing bike builders to get the most technically possible out of their product. Because this naturally never stops, new records are constantly being set. Most recently many in the wind tunnel, where the ever-improving aerodynamic performance of the racing bikes becomes visible in measurable figures. When the Propel first joined the Giant programme in 2012, complementing the lightweight race classic TCR, our tests showed it to be one of the aerodynamically fastest racing bikes on the market. The genre of aero racers was still young at the time and the competition was not particularly fierce. However, with the fourth generation of the Propel, the world's largest bicycle manufacturer is no longer claiming to be one of the most streamlined racing bikes on the planet. The predecessor already positioned itself as an all-round racing machine that balances aerodynamics, weight and comfort in order to excel on all routes. Nevertheless, the new Propel Advanced SL is breaking records: the bike weighs an incredible 6.4 kilograms and is probably currently the lightest dedicated aero bike in the world.
Weight miracle wheels
At 6.7 kilograms, the predecessor was already more delicate than many lightweight models from other manufacturers. Even back then, this was made possible in particular by the wheels of the Cadex own brand: rims, hub bodies and spokes made of carbon, hookless profile, laminated connections instead of mechanical metal fastenings. The Cadex Max wheels have been redesigned for the new Propel and are now even lighter. In combination with another new, aerodynamically optimised tyre, the wheelset alone saves almost 200 grams; overall, the new Propel is 265 grams lighter compared to the previous test bike with the same groupset.
Beguiling without concessions
As expected, the riding experience on this bike is beguiling while the impressions are still fresh. It accelerates explosively and is easy to steer, but always feels controllable, even when changing direction quickly. After a longer ride, you gradually realise how balanced and complete the new Propel has become. The Giant requires none of the concessions that many other specialists demand - whether ultra-light or blazingly fast. It steers precisely even at high speeds, the firmly laminated seat post provides suspension as good as an endurance bike and significantly better than its predecessor. The equipment is also free of any compromises: A fully-fledged 2x12 drivetrain instead of a patchy single chainring specification, a well-padded saddle instead of a minimalist seat board; a power meter is included with the SRAM groupset.
Aerodynamically, others are faster
Only the Cadex Aero tyre doesn't fully convince us; its tapered shape makes it look narrow and a little wobbly. We would fit wider tyres, even if this would make the bike slightly heavier. Especially as the new tyre can't show off its supposed strength in the wind tunnel test either. In our test, the Propel landed exactly at the same level as its predecessor, both in standard trim (209 watts) and with our reference wheels from Zipp (210 watts). This may be a slight disappointment in view of the giant's aero expertise - Giant tests with its own moving full-body dummy and has significantly greater development resources than most of its competitors. Due to the big leaps made by the competition, the Propel almost seems to be left behind aerodynamically; most bikes from the established brands are now significantly faster.
"Second row" competitive with top models
However, our overall score shows that the Propel has made a considerable leap forward as a complete package: it is currently the only competition bike to achieve a score of 1.4 and can be considered the best race bike in the world until further notice. Of course, this only applies to the top-of-the-range Advanced SL version tested, which is only available with SRAM Red in the configuration shown. The next most expensive Advanced Pro comes with a slightly heavier frame with a classically clamped seat post and different wheels, which should add around half a kilo to the total weight. Nevertheless, the Pro is also a recommendation for high demands: With Shimano's top Dura-Ace groupset and Cadex wheels with carbon spokes, the Propel Advanced Pro-DA costs 7,999 euros. It should weigh just under seven kilograms and, apart from the lack of a power meter, its equipment is on a par with many top models from other manufacturers, but significantly cheaper. The entry-level model comes with a mechanical 105 groupset including aluminium wheels for 2,999 euros; the frame set is only available for the SL version at a price of 3,899 euros
Jens Klötzer
Editor
