Giant Propel road test ride review all you need to know (really)
Giant Propel Road test review Build quality
The Giant Propel, has a valid general build quality, it is not cheap but the frame is well made, the availability of sizes is good, while it is a pity that the color range is really limited.
In the assembly, extensive use is made of components made by Giant, however excellent.
Worth noting is the significant difference in price, weight and performance between the top range and the entry level: same name, same aesthetics, but two completely different bikes.
Marketing teaches, I propose the top range with all the best of the best, then I sell the entry level which is a very normal racing bicycle, even weighing one ...
Giant Propel Road Test Review Frame
The Giant Propel is a completely new frame.
A decisive evolution compared to the previous model.
Everything is very well done, like the new aerobar, the internal cable routing.
The weight of the frame, with the top-of-the-range assembly is competitive, about 6.9 kg, but goes up in the other versions.
The integrated seatpost is available only on the top-of-the-range version, the one that will be sold in a couple of specimens.
In the other models, there is the more practical traditional seatpost.
The high build quality and the availability of sizes are combined with a competitive price list.
Although it is not really a bargain, but the value for money is still good.
Giant Propel Road Test Assemblies Review
The range of assemblies is complete and allows everyone, or almost everyone, to have access to the Giant Propel.
The build and assembly quality, in each version, is good.
Except for the price of the top-of-the-range version, in other cases the prices are good and competitive.
A comparison between the entry level of the range and the top of the range is however merciless.
They are two different bicycles that are not even comparable.
Giant Propel Road test Comfort review
Together with the low weight the ride comofrt is one of the aspects in which the Giant Propel has improved.
It is not a cross country bike, but compared to the past it is now a bike that can be pedaled for a long time without major problems.
It clearly remains a rigid and uncomfortable bicycle in absolute terms, but compared to the past it is a decisive step forward.
One reason why this bicycle should be purchased with a certain conscience is that it remains a bike intended for the agonist, not very suitable for the amateur.
Giant Propel Road Test Review Guide
The Giant Propel is a high performance bike, light in the top of the range configuration.
The improved ride comfort makes you better appreciate the increased stiffness of the frame and its greater aerodynamic performance.
But these are details, for those who run at a competitive level, those watts saved are precious moments that can turn into a victory, but for the simple amateur they are nothing.
Lighter, more comfortable, it is also easier to drive, less nervous, always manageable, but more precise, easier to drive on bumpy and downhill roads.
Even easier to manage under braking.
In short, the new frame is much easier to exploit, in all conditions, in this a real step forward.
Giant Propel Road test review Performance
The new Giant Propel is undoubtedly a high-performance bike in its top-of-the-range version, light, rigid, aerodynamic.
Excellent performance on the plains and hills.
Very valid also uphill.
It's clearly not a pure climbing bike, but it defends itself well.
As an aero bike it is less stiff than other competitors, but more versatile, even if it does not reach the balance of the Giant TCR.
Without any doubt it is not a frame and a bicycle for simple amateurs of group outings on Sunday, but a racing bike intended for professional or semi-professional athletes, triathletes and lovers of circuit races.
We do not see it ideal as a talaio for a great fund made by a passionate.
Downhill, nothing to say, it goes very fast.
A slightly different aero bike from the main competitors, less stiff, but lighter.
He loses something on the plain, but he gains it uphill.
It can be an ideal choice in races with a lot of plains and some difficult climbs, in these routes it is the top.
Otherwise the competitors do better.
Giant Propel Road test review Pros and cons
The Giant Propel proved to be a competitive aero racing bike with a well-intended use.
It goes very well in long races, with a lot of plains, but also with some nice climbs.
In these routes it is a very competitive racing bike, it combines excellent performance in the plains with those valid uphill.
Good ride comfort for the type of bike.
Valid versatility of use, it is not just a flat bike.
The defect? everything expressed is valid for the top range, but the cheaper versions remain the classic aero racing bikes, heavy and valid only on the plains.
At least now the ride comfort has improved.
The quality / price ratio of all the models in the range is very good.
In the end, however, it is not the fastest aero bike, nor the most lightweight of all.
A complex that will satisfy many, but be a disappointment for many others.
NDR: the photo does not refer to the specific bike being tested
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