Giant Propel Advanced 1 - In good shape
In terms of visual appearance, the Giant Propel Advanced 1 is already way ahead. The deep purple shiny effect paint gives the racing bike a very classy look. With the sleek carbon wheels, its silhouette resembles that of the Propel Advanced SL of the World Tour proswhich is reflected in the exquisite Top club of racing bikes with the TOUR top score of 1.4 has fought its way forward.
For less than half the price, the Giant Propel Advanced 1 naturally doesn't come close to its performance, as the test shows. The visible differences lie in the adjustable seat post with integrated clamp - the top model has a laminated seat dome - and an aluminium stem instead of carbon. In the wind tunnel, the Giant road bike performs respectably: 216 watts for 45 km/h is a good value, with the reference wheels it improves slightly to 212 watts and comes close to more expensive high-end models.
In detail, the 400 gram heavier frameset compared to the SL makes a difference; if you include the heavier seatpost, it becomes even more. The SRAM Rival equipment is also comparatively heavy, and so the total weight adds up to a somewhat sobering 8.5 kilograms, a good three pounds more than the professional bike. Nevertheless, the road bike still looks sporty on the move, impressing with first-class stiffness values and predictable handling. The carbon handlebars and the comfortable saddle are pleasant, and the beautifully integrated bottle cages also adorn the Giant road bike.
The Propel Advanced 1 is offered with interesting equipment alternatives, but the price jumps are significant. The 2023 model with Shimano's mechanical 105 gears is available for just 2999 euros and is likely to be a worthy tuning candidate. If you are bothered by the relatively heavy frame, you can find a comparably equipped Advanced Pro for 5699 euros. The decision should only be easy if you don't have to worry about money: The 6.8-kilo professional model is priced at 11,999 euros.
Facts about the Giant Propel Advanced 1
- Price4799 Euro
- Weight: 8,5 Kilo
- Aerodynamics: 216 Watt
- Frame/fork/steering bearing weight* 1195/491/58 grammes
- Frame sizes** S, M, M/L, L, XL
- Seat/top tube/head tube 545/560/157 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR*** 570/386 millimetres/1.48
- Wheelbase/caster 995/61 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift SRAM Rival eTap AXS (2x12, 48/35, 11-30 t.)
- Brakes SRAM Rival (160/140 millimetres)
- Wheels/tyres (weights)**** Giant SLR 2 Disc/Giant Gavia Course 1 25 millimetres (front/rear: 1392/1883 grams)
Strengthsgood aerodynamics, high-quality add-on parts, long warranty
Weaknessesrelatively heavy, only five sizes
The Giant Propel Advanced 1 received an overall score of 2.0 in the 2023 TOUR test of competition road bikes.
More competition road bikes in the test:
>> Benotti Fuoco Aero
>> Cervélo Soloist 105
>> Cube Litening Aero C:68X Race
>> Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 eTap
>> Lapierre Aircode DRS 5.0
>> Merida Reacto Rival Edition
>> Ridley Noah Disc 105
>> Rose XLite 04 105
>> Storck Aerfast.4 Comp Disc Ultegra
The test results in detail
*Weighed weights.
**Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.
***Stack/reach projected vertical/horizontal dimension from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube
STR (Stack to Reach): 1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 a very upright sitting position.
****Wheel weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if applicable.
Jens Klötzer
Editor
