Giant's Propel Advanced Pro platform is (like all the Advanced Pro ranges) on balance, probably the best value option for the non-elite cyclist. The 2018 Propel Advanced Pro 2 is the entry point of the PRO range and features all the hallmarks of a quality ride: SLR 1 deep section carbon clincher tubeless wheels - found on the SL models as well - are produced in conjunction with DT Swiss and offer serious aero advantage at this price. The provision of tubeless valves and sealants married to the fact that Giant's Gavia Race 1 tubeless tyres can be fitted by hand without tools, ensuring that it will be little bother to take advantage of the lower rolling resistance, greater comfort and reduced puncture risk of the tubeless system.
Shimano's excellent 105 groupset handles all the shifting duties and while it clearly isn't Ultegra, it is mechanically and functionally the same, only the materials for it's construction differ (and we're talking a handful of grams) and this makes the Advanced Pro 2 a very serious contender for those looking for an excellent value Aero bike package. The ride quality is closer to that of the SL than the Advanced range thanks largely to the OD2, carbon steerer and front end that lends a precise handling that you may find lacking on it's competitors at the price.
There is no doubt that the Aero Road bike has been around for some time - it had it's genesis in the form of the Felt AR back in 2007. That said, 2014 saw a huge increase in the take-up of the Aero Road platform by more of the major bike brands and one of the stand-out machines from the last 2 seasons was the Propel: already a winner of 'Aero Road Bike of the Year'.
For 2018, seeing the Propel as the ideal one-bike solution for many riders looking to a multi-sport machine, suitable for both road riding and Triathlon / Time Trialing; Giant have increased their offerings and have also produced a dedicated Propel Disc platform.
Giant only uses the finest quality Japanese Torayca carbon fibre in all their frames: the ‘Advanced’ a T700 and the ‘Advanced SL’ a T800 fibre. The difference is found in the rate at which the fibre is produced. A lengthier process produces a stronger fibre which means that less can be used for the same stiffness and strength. The production cost increases dramatically as the quality increases, which is reflected in the price you pay for the final product. However as with everything, the effort that is required to make a fibre as good as the T700 that little bit stronger for the T800 is relatively large compared to the benefit inherent in the jump from Aluminium to the T700 carbon.
Previous years have seen Giant use a T600, T700 and T800 fibre to produce 3 ranges of carbon bikes. For 2018, Giant continue to produce the Propel Advanced and Advanced Pro with the same T700 fibre and the distinctions between the ranges come down to the finishing kit, steerer tube material on the fork (Aluminium on the Advanced and Carbon on the Advanced Pro / SL) and wheels. The Propel Advanced Pro range offers the rider a ready-to-go package that delivers lower weights, more responsive handling and a much reduced upgrade path - all the while maintaining the value for money and top drawer quality, synonymous with the Giant brand.
The Giant Propel Advanced Pro frameset is aerodynamic, light, astoundingly stiff under load, smooth and incredibly precise in the corners. Although it is not Giant’s flagship frame it punches well above its weight and happily competes with many top-of-the-line frames produced by other companies. This of course is reflected in the honours bestowed upon it.
In this case why is it relatively cheap? This is largely down to the fact that Giant are an enormous company, producing frames for many of the other major players in the industry. This is indicative of several facts; firstly Giant are in control of production from the ground up as they purchase the raw fibre from Torayca and manufacture it themselves, producing every carbon frame by hand. As such the quality control is impeccable and although Giant give a lifetime warranty on all their frames we would be surprised if you ever had to use it. Secondly Giant’s manufacturing costs per frame are far lower than all their competitors as they are not having to outsource. As such they can push more resources into research and development and produce a higher performing, higher quality frame at a lower price. In addition, they now produce their own high quality wheels and finishing kit which again helps to reduce end-user costs but without sacrificing on quality and performance.
Giant are building their brand on creating some of the highest performing bicycles on the planet. There are many of us who ride Giant and are now hard pressed to even consider something else given the immense value that they represent. The Propel Advanced Pro is a perfect example of this, a versatile platform that is equally at home on club runs, mid week criterium races and Triathlons - a superb bike that performs at a level that belies its price tag.
Giant's AeroSystem Shaping Technology and SpeedControl SL brake system are the result of countless hours in the wind tunnel and deliver quantifiable aerodynamic gains. The Advanced-grade composite frame delivers optimal stiffness and light weight while the Vector seatpost offers wide-ranging adjustability while minimising drag. Race-proven frame technologies, including the OverDrive 2 steerer tube and PowerCore bottom bracket, make it a well-rounded performer that shines in sprints and solo flyers alike.
The Propel Advanced Pro 2 features a refreshed graphic for 2018. Produced digitally, the new designs add depth to the frames for a stunning finish. The bikes are supplied with Giant's RideSense ANT+ / Bluetooth frame mounted speed and cadence sensors for integration with countless cycle computers, GPS and Smart indoor trainers, as well as tubeless tyre sealant.