Giant’s New Propel Gets Lighter and More Aero

Now in its fourth generation, Giant’s new Propel is both lighter and more aero, tipping the scales as feathery as 6.56kg for the top-spec model, resulting in a claimed 18.4-watt advantage at 40kph over its predecessor

“Speed is a sensation. It’s a feeling that varies from ride to ride in countless different ways. Flat roads or mountains. Solo rides or in the group. Competition or fun. That’s the idea behind the new Propel range. Every model in this wide-ranging collection is engineered to deliver not just speed, but every type of speed. It’s a bike with pro pedigree and undeniable aerodynamic data, but the next-generation Propel isn’t built only for the wind tunnel or the Tour de France. It’s engineered for the roads you ride. Up long climbs, where you feel it’s lighter weight. On the flats, where efficiency is everything. Down twisty descents, through fast corners, on long days over less-than-perfect roads. This is an aero bike that’s not just fast on paper. It’s fast when it counts. It’s ultimate speed that shows up on the road, where and when you want it most,” boasts Giant. 

How?

According to Giant, the brand was successful in shaving 350 grams from the frame, while the Propel’s aerodynamic signature was also vastly improved courtesy of revamped tube profiles, as well as a new one-piece, integrated cockpit, bolstering the bike’s overall wind-cheating capabilities, vertical compliance and stiffness.

“The reengineered frameset and integrated cockpit help you slice through the wind. New aero WheelSystems and tires reduce rolling resistance. It all adds up to an 18.4-watt advantage over the previous generation, which equals 72 seconds at 40 kph over 40 km,” explains Giant.

“Our latest Propel sees a 2.4% increase in pedalling stiffness, 3.3% in frame torsional stiffness and 3.4% increase in fork stiffness. Combined with a lighter frameset, that equates to a 5.7% improvement in stiffness-to-weight ratio, delivering instantaneous reaction when you put power into the pedals,” adds Giant. 

“One of the key innovations on the new Propel is its one-piece integrated handlebar/stem design. The Contact SLR Aero Integrated and Contact SL Aero Integrated handlebars are shaped with a flat back and narrow top to help slice through the wind. The bars have a new geometry with reduced width at the tops and drops to make the rider’s shoulder and frontal area narrower,” Giant points out.

Elsewhere, the Propel is treated to a Universal Derailleur Hanger rear dropout for compatibility with SRAM’s recently launched direct-mount rear derailleurs, while the flagship SL version gets Giant’s Vector integrated seatpost.

“A reengineered seat tube, chainstays and seatpost work together to improve vertical compliance by up to 25% compared to the previous generation Propel. This significantly reduces road shocks and vibrations at the rear end of the bike, giving you a smooth, efficient ride with less fatigue, so you can stay fresh during long days in the saddle,” mentions Giant. 

Clearance has also been increased, which can now accommodate tires up to a hefty 32mm.

“With expanded tire clearance up to 32mm, riders can choose higher-volume tires and run lower pressures. That means reduced rolling resistance and smooth momentum over imperfect road surfaces. The new CADEX Aero tires and Giant Course tires also deliver improved grip and stability, helping you carry speed through corners and over rough pavement in variable conditions,” ensures Giant.

Regarding geometry, Giant decided to leave most of the angles intact, such as reach, wheelbase, chainstay length, stack and head tube angle, while increasing the seat tube angle by 0.5° across all sizes.  

The new Propel is offered in several guises, with build options that span a Shimano mechanical 105 groupset to the top-tier SRAM Red AXS and Shimano Dura Ace Di2-equipped models, with prices ranging from $3,500 to $13,500.

Here’s how the models break down:

Giant Propel Advanced SL 0 $13,500

• Groupset SRAM Red AXS
• Wheels Cadex 50 Max WheelSystem

Giant Propel Advanced SL 0 $13,500

• Groupset Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
• Wheels Cadex 50 Max WheelSystem

Giant Propel Advanced Pro $7,800

• Groupset Shimano Dura-Ace Di2
• Wheels Giant SLR 0 50 WheelSystem

Giant Propel Advanced Pro 0 $5,800

• Groupset SRAM Force AXS
• Wheels Giant SLR 0 50 WheelSystem

Giant Propel Advanced Pro 0 $5,800

• Groupset Shimano Ultegra Di2
• Wheels Giant SLR 0 50 WheelSystem

Giant Propel Advanced Pro 1 $5,300

• Groupset Shimano 105 Di2
• Wheels Giant SLR 1 50 WheelSystem

Giant Propel Advanced 0 $6,400

• Groupset Shimano Ultegra Di2
• Wheels Giant SLR 2 50 WheelSystem

Giant Propel Advanced 1 $4,300

• Groupset Shimano 105 Di2
• Wheels Giant SLR 2 50 WheelSystem

Giant Propel Advanced 2 $3,500

• Groupset Shimano 105
• Wheels Giant P-A1 wheelset 38mm deep

Giant