ColtJ

Hello,

Got a chance to ride a Giant Propel Advanced for the first time this morning.

For the past year i've been riding a Giant TCR and really like it but i've been drooling over the Propel for some time.

Only rode ~30 miles this morning but thought I would share my first impressions for those that may be interested.

Its pretty windy and flat in Miami and I noticed the "Aero" properties immediately. Riding over 20 mph felt easier almost, just took less effort. Compared to my TCR it also carries speed better, riding along feels smoother.

I was surprised to find it quite comfortable. Looking forward to getting some more miles in, will post more over the next few days.

Not sure how many other members are into cars but it feels like driving a big turbo supra (insert favorite high horsepower big turbo make and model).

** doubt this info is useful to anyone but here is the strava activity from this morning. link: https://www.strava.com/activities/mia...w7ND0xNTMzMDUz

Pic of TCR:


Pictures of Propel:


Sorry for edits but recently learned a new trick in photoshop.

zx9rmal

Nice TCR! I recently got a Propel Advanced 2 and love the bike. I agree with your observations. You gonna pull the trigger? What shop gave you the test ride, or is it a buddy's bike?

hifidelity

I'm wondering how much of this was psychological.

ovoleg

99.5%

ColtJ

Thanks. I got them both from Cycle World on Bird in Miami.

Nice, how are you liking it?

Was planning on getting rid of the TCR later on; although, its too early to tell which i prefer, gonna ride it remainder of week and through the weekend. Im sure i'll have an idea by then.

Maybe some, maybe none, dunno. Just my opinion after one ride. Ill be happy to share more thoughts (opinions) after i put some more miles on it if you're interested.

zx9rmal

So you bought it? I love mine. After riding it for a while and doing a lot of reading, I've come to agree with many that the aero thing is much over hyped for the bottom 95% of riders. That being said, it would not have changed my decision because it was lust at first sight. But I will agree with you that going into a headwind, where the "air" speed (wind speed + bike speed) is 25-30 mph, less effort is needed or perceived. Either way, it's a plus.

Yankeetowner

I suspect there is a psychological component to anything new...particularly a great looking bike, and that seems to me to be a big part of the fun. Whether the aero effects are real or imagined, the Propel is still a great bike. I am enjoying mine, and, particularly with the Di2, I think Giant and Shimano make a great team.

ColtJ

Sorry, I was not clear. I haven't purchased it (yet), i was given an awesome opportunity to test ride it for two weeks, i just out fitted it with my wheels.

Very true. The one pictured above is also Di2.

zx9rmal

That's a hell of a test ride. Lucky you. Looks like they built that bike on a Propel Advanced frame because that color is only on the Advanced 3, which comes with 105, not Ultegra Di2. Very nice looking Propel. You need to buy it.

TexMac

I've had one since Nov 13'. I agree it's very COMFORTABLE and best against the wind. The brakes are also very strong and aerodynamic I need to change the stock tyres like yours.
I did a 80 mile charity and i could barely feel the saddle. Nice color too. Congrats.

TexMac

Maybe but that was also the first thing i noticed. Same road i ride/rode my cannodale supersix, felt f5, spec sworks, with this bike i can cruise 2+mphr for long.

TexMac

what kind of tyres are those?

ColtJ

Continental 4000 S II transparent

dstrong 

What part of Florida do you live in that everything is black and white?

ColtJ

Haha, it was freezing that day, i think it was 65 degrees outside.

fried bake

was just in miami this week. seems to have an insane cycling culture, with a big focus on aero and speed. for that type of riding, i say--YES--you should definitely buy the propel (as if you need another reason).

ColtJ

Thanks. Hope you enjoyed it, some of the guys down here flat out fly.

TexMac

is this how you felt?

Giant Propel Advanced 3 review - BikeRadar

ColtJ

Article talks more about components and design but i'd say these parts seem to correlate with what i felt.

dingo24

Hi,

I've test ridden a Propel Advanced 2 for a couple of weeks and am about to pull the trigger on either an advanced 2 or sl1. But I'm a little worried against hill performance and weight. The test one weighs in at 7.75kg. Stick with the propel or go with the tcr?

SirHustlerEsq

How much weight can you stand to lose?

ColtJ

Thats a hard question, they're different bikes with different characteristics. Have you ridden a TCR?

dingo24

I own a 2011 TCR SL... but I haven't ridden this years model.

ColtJ

Well, i rode the Propel pictured above for ~70 miles and ended up buying a TCR Advanced SL 3.

Reason being is, I was really looking for a TCR ++ (if that makes sense) in the Propel over my 2013 TCR Composite 2.

I found the Propel to be an awesome bike but I personally knew after riding it that I wanted a better TCR not a Propel.

I think only you'll know what you really want.

They're different but I don't think you can go wrong with either.

My new TCR:

cafzali

I thought Giant discontinued the SL3 once the Propel came out, consolidating to just two models in that line. I have a 2011 TCR Advanced SL3 and love it, but I don't see that name marketed anymore. Am I wrong in regard to them discontinuing it?