From Propel to Beyond [Giant Propel Advanced 1 Review]

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Giant Propel Advanced 1 Review

• Price:  $6100
• Frame: Advanced-grade composite
• Tires：700x25c (28mm)
• Weight: M – 8.37kg (18lbs 07oz) – Size (ML)

What we like about it: Lightweight construction、Efficient electric system、Durable transmission system、Long range option、Safety compliance

What we didn’t like about it: Tire width limit.

Rating: (4.8/5)

In the field of bicycles, every breakthrough embodies the hard work and wisdom of engineers. Every ride is a challenge and transcendence of one’s own limits. Therefore, we have decided to conduct an in-depth evaluation of this bicycle – Giant Propel Advanced 1. Starting from every detail, explore how it stands out among numerous competitors. Whether it’s the lightweight body design, efficient transmission system, or comfortable riding experience. We will reveal to you one by one, taking you to experience the new riding realm brought by this bicycle.

Riding Experience

Today, I rode my newly acquired Giant Propel Advanced 1 along the winding coastline of California. The sunlight shone through the gauze like clouds and onto the winding Pacific Coast Highway. This road extends from Half Moon Bay in the southern part of San Francisco to Carmel Valley north of Santa Cruz.

The car is so light that it seems to have no weight. When I stepped onto the car seat and lightly stepped on it. Giant’s Advanced grade composite carbon fiber frame flexibly responds to my every movement. The road under the front wheels is flat and wide, but it hides subtle undulations. The handling of Propel Advanced 1 allows me to easily maintain straight driving even during high-speed cruising.

Climbing

Not long after driving out of Half Moon Bay, the road began to meander upwards. This is the famous coastal mountain range, with gradually increasing road slopes, but my Propel Advanced 1 did not hesitate at all. The Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic transmission system shifts smoothly and accurately. I just need a gentle flick to find the right gear ratio. As the pedaling frequency increases, I feel the additional rigidity brought by the PowerCore vacuum integrated handlebars and front forks. They transmit my power directly to the rear wheels, pushing me steadily upwards.

Along the way, the sea breeze brushes gently, carrying the salty taste of the seawater. I walked through lush pine forests. The tree shadows sway as if cheering me on. When the downhill road approached, my heart rate accelerated and my adrenaline surged. The disc brake system of Propel Advanced 1 responds quickly with a gentle pinch. The strong braking force allows me to control the speed steadily. Even on steep bends, one can maintain an elegant posture.

Descending

The smoothness of going downhill is unparalleled, as I gallop down the winding mountain road. Every contact between the wheels and the road surface is like a musical note in a symphony, harmonious and powerful. The wheels made a slight rustling sound as they ran over the asphalt that shone brightly in the sunlight. Interwoven with the roar of distant waves crashing against the shore, it forms a wonderful symphony.

After an hour of speeding, I finally arrived at Carmel Valley. This is a peaceful paradise, with flowers blooming and lush green grass. I slowly rode on the streets of the small town, enjoying the pleasant breeze brushing my face. The comfort of Propel Advanced 1 is particularly prominent at this time, with spacious seat cushions and carefully tuned suspension system. Even after long-distance cycling, my buttocks and back remain comfortable.

Specifications

1、 Frame and Materials

Giant Propel Advanced 1 uses Advanced grade composite materials to make the frame. This material combines the lightweight and high strength of carbon fiber. Ensure that the frame maintains sufficient rigidity while reducing weight. The frame adopts ultra-low drag pipe technology (AeroSystem Shaping). Through streamlined design and optimized pipe shape, air resistance during cycling is effectively reduced. Improve cycling efficiency. This design is not limited to the frame itself. It also includes key components such as the front fork and wheelset, which together form a complete aerodynamic system.

2、 Braking system

Giant Propel Advanced 1 introduces full disc brake integration technology. This braking system provides sensitive and powerful braking force, ensuring stable braking performance in various weather and road conditions. The advantages of the disc brake system are its good heat dissipation, linear braking force, and easy maintenance.

3、 Wheel set and tires

The wheelset has undergone wind tunnel testing and adopts a frame height configuration of front 42mm and rear 65mm. This configuration aims to balance aerodynamics and handling performance. A lower frame height for the front wheels helps reduce the impact of crosswinds, while a higher frame height for the rear wheels can minimize air resistance to the greatest extent possible. Paired with Giant Gavia AC 1 Tubeless vacuum tires with a specification of 700×25. This type of tire not only reduces weight, but also provides better grip and rolling efficiency.

4、 Transmission system

Giant Propel Advanced 1 is equipped with Shimano Ultegra transmission system. This transmission system is known for its precision, smoothness, and durability. It provides a wide range of gear ratios. Ensure that riders can find the appropriate gear ratio in various road conditions.

Video

Other Versions

The Trinity Advanced Pro 2 is designed to provide maximum aerodynamic efficiency and performance. This bicycle is designed specifically for triathlon competitions. Adopting a lightweight carbon fiber frame and front fork to reduce resistance and increase speed.

The Giant Trinity Advanced Pro 2 is designed to perform well in various terrains, including flat roads and hilly terrain. Thanks to its lightweight design and advanced aerodynamics. This bicycle can easily achieve high-speed driving, making it a popular choice for triathletes seeking competitive advantages.

Benefits of the it

• Lightweight: Advanced carbon fiber frame paired with lightweight components. Effectively controlling the weight of the entire vehicle and improving riding agility.
• Aerodynamic performance: Excellent aerodynamic design. Effectively reduce air resistance during cycling and improve speed performance.
• Braking performance: The integrated technology of full disc brakes provides powerful braking force. Ensure safety in various road conditions.
• Handling: The rigid design of the chassis and precise steering control. Enable riders to maintain stable handling during high-speed driving or complex road conditions.
• Comfort: Lightweight and easily adjustable Vector seat tube design.

What don’t we like about it?

• Tire width limitation: Although aerodynamic design optimizes tire configuration. But relatively narrow tires may sacrifice some grip and comfort in certain road conditions.

FAQ

• I see that on the 2024 giant propel the max tire clearance is listed as 32mm. However on my 2023 model it’s labeled as 30mm. Is there a difference in the frame size? Can I also fit 32mm on the 2023 giant propel?

ALL current generation Propel’s (23,24,25+) Max tire clearance is 32mm.

• Is this a good bike for long distance endurance riding?

The Giant Propel is primarily designed as an aerodynamic road bike, ideal for racing and high-speed efforts. For long-distance or endurance rides, there are a few factors to consider: The aerodynamic design reduces drag, which can help conserve energy over long distances. The carbon frame offers a good balance of stiffness and comfort, which can be beneficial on longer rides.

		S	M	ML	L
A	Seat Tube Length (inch)	19.7	20.5	21.5	22.6
B	Seat Tube Angle	74.0°	73.5°	73.0°	73.0°
C	Top Tube Length (inch)	21.1	21.7	22.2	22.8
D	Head Tube Length (inch)	5.1	5.7	6.5	7.3
E	Head Tube Angle	72.3°	73.0°	73.0°	73.0°
F	Fork Rake (inch)	1.8	1.8	1.8	1.8
G	Trail (inch)	2.4	2.2	2.2	2.2
H	Wheelbase (inch)	38.5	38.6	39	39.6
I	Chain Stay Length (inch)	15.9	15.9	15.9	15.9
J	Bottom Bracket Drop (inch)	2.8	2.8	2.6	2.6
K	Stack (inch)	20.8	21.5	22.1	22.9
L	Reach (inch)	15.1	15.3	15.5	15.8
M	Stand Over Height (inch)	29.6	30.3	31.3	32.3
N	Handlebar Width (inch)	15.7	16.5	16.5	17.3
O	Stem Length (inch)	3.5	3.9	4.3	4.3
P	Crank Length (inch)	6.7	6.8	6.8	6.9
Q	Wheel Size	700C	700C	700C	700C

Specs

• Sizes：XS, S, M, M/L, L, XL
• Colors：Aerospace Blue/Chrome
• Frame：Advanced-grade composite, disc
• Fork：Advanced-grade composite, full-composite OverDrive Aero steerer, disc
• Shock：N/A
• Handlebar：Giant Contact SL Aero XS:40cm, S:40cm, M:42cm, M/L:42cm, L:44cm, XL:44cm
• Grips：Stratus Lite 2.0
• Stem：Giant Contact SL Aero XS:80mm, S:90mm, M:100mm, M/L:110mm, L:110mm, XL:120mm
• Seatpost：Giant Vector, composite, -5/+15mm offset
• Saddle：Giant Fleet SL
• Pedals：N/A
• Shifters：SRAM Rival eTap AXS
• Front Derailleur：SRAM Rival eTap AXS
• Rear Derailleur：SRAM Rival eTap AXS
• Brakes：SRAM Rival eTap AXS hydraulic, SRAM PaceLine rotors [F]160mm, [R]140mm
• Brake Levers：SRAM Rival eTap AXS hydraulic
• Cassette：SRAM Rival, 12-speed, 10×30
• Chain：SRAM Rival D1
• Crankset：SRAM Rival D1 DUB, 35/48 XS:170mm, S:170mm, M:172.5mm, M/L:172.5mm, L:175mm, XL:175mm
• Bottom Bracket：SRAM DUB, press fit
• Rims：Giant SLR 2 50 Carbon Disc WheelSystem, [F]50mm, [R]50mm
• Hubs：[F] Giant alloy, CenterLock, 12mm thru-axle, [R] Giant alloy, 3-pawl 30t driver, CenterLock, 12mm thru-axle
• Spokes：SAPIM Sprint
• Tires：Giant Gavia Course 1, tubeless,700x25c (28mm), folding
• Extras：computer mount, water bottle cages, tubeless prepared, 32mm max tire size
• Max Tire Clearance：32mm
• Weight：8.37kg (18lbs 07oz) – Size (ML)

Comparison table

Bicycles	Price	Drivetrain	Frame material	Components	Click view
BMC Timemachine ONE	$3299	2×11	Carbon Fiber	SHIMANO 105, Dura-Ace	Click View
Canyon Speedmax CF 8 Disc	$4599	2×11	Carbon Fiber	Shimano Ultegra, Dura-Ace	Click View
Cervelo P-Series Ultegra	$4400	2×11	Carbon Fiber	Shimano Ultegra, microSHIFT	Click View

Comparison

Giant Propel Advanced 1 VS BMC Timemachine ONE

In terms of aerodynamic performance, BMC Timemachine ROAD 01 THREE demonstrates its unique design advantages. The car adopts the ultimate aerodynamic design. Such as a flat top pipe and a downward moving rear fork design, as well as an air fairing designed for the front wind tunnel. The pursuit of these details makes it highly favored among speed seeking riders. Compared to it, the Giant Propel Advanced 1 also has excellent aerodynamic performance. But it may focus more on the comprehensive riding experience and be slightly conservative in pure pneumatic design. The overall design of BMC Timemachine ROAD 01 THREE is more radical. More suitable for cycling scenes that pursue ultimate speed, such as flat road cycling and competitions.

In terms of riding experience and component configuration, Giant Propel Advanced 1 may place more emphasis on riding comfort and handling. Although BMC Timemachine ROAD 01 THREE performs well during high-speed cycling. And equipped with high-end components such as SRAM RIVAL eTap AXS electronic transmission system. Provides a precise and responsive shifting experience. In addition, Giant Propel Advanced 1 may place more emphasis on cost-effectiveness. Provide riders with more configuration options and adjustment space. BMC Timemachine ROAD 01 THREE, on the other hand, boasts its unique aerodynamic design and high-end configuration. Becoming the first choice for riders pursuing ultimate speed.

Learn More: Is BMC Timemachine ROAD 01 THREE Worth Buying? [BMC Timemachine ROAD 01 THREE Review]

Giant Propel Advanced 1 VS Canyon Speedmax CF 8 Disc

Canyon Speedmax CF SLX 8 WMN is designed specifically for women. Having a more optimized aerodynamic geometry structure. Combined with its carbon fiber frame and advanced electronic transmission system. Ensuring extremely low air resistance and efficient energy transfer. Its specially designed TT stance and extreme aerodynamic riding posture. Make riders more adept at pursuing speed. In addition, the comfort of Canyon Speedmax CF SLX during long-term cycling should not be underestimated. It provides stable handling and excellent shock absorption performance. Although Giant Propel Advanced 1 also emphasizes comfort. However, in comparison, their performance in long-distance cycling and competitions may be slightly inferior.

Learn More: Is Canyon Speedmax CF SLX 8 WMN Disc Di2 Worth Buying? [Canyon Speedmax CF SLX 8 Review]

Giant Propel Advanced 1 VS Cervelo P-Series Ultegra

Cervero P5 has undergone comprehensive aerodynamic optimization. The customized tubular shape not only improves aerodynamics, but also enhances stiffness and weight efficiency. The geometric design of Cervero P5 is more aggressive, specifically designed to increase road speed. Its internal alignment design and hidden cable layout further enhance aerodynamic performance. This may give Cervero P5 Ultegra Di2 an advantage in aerodynamics. Especially suitable for riders who pursue ultimate speed.

Cervero P5 also uses Vittoria Corsa Speed TLR tires designed specifically for time testing. Further improved grip and rolling efficiency.

Learn More: Is Cervelo P5 Ultegra Di2 Worth Buying? [Cervelo P5 Ultegra Di2 Review]

Summary

After a series of rigorous and meticulous evaluations, we cannot help but be impressed by the outstanding performance of this bicycle. It achieves a perfect balance between comfort and design aesthetics. Whether for cycling enthusiasts who pursue ultimate speed or urban residents who value daily commuting experience. This bicycle is undoubtedly a worthwhile choice to consider.

Finally, we sincerely invite you to personally experience the charm of this bicycle and feel every heartbeat acceleration and exhilarating ride it brings. Because the true riding experience requires you to personally experience and feel it. Let’s embark on this cycling journey full of infinite possibilities together!