Giant Propel Advanced SL 0
£11,499 Speedy, light, aero and easy to live with
Weight 6.91kg (ML) Frameset and integrated seatpost Advanced SL-grade composite Gears Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (52/36, 11-30) Brakes Shimano Dura-Ace hydraulic disc Wheels Cadex Ultra 50 Wheelsystem Finishing kit Cadex Aero Tubeless 25c tyres, Giant Contact SLR Aero bar and stem, Giant Fleet SLR saddle
THE GIANT PROPEL ADVANCED
SL 0 is the latest flagship aero road bike from the Taiwanese behemoth. While the previous (2018) Propel went all in on aerodynamic efficiency at the expense of some added weight, this latest version tries to offer the best of both worlds.
Weighing just 6.91kg, this Propel is on a par weight-wise with some of the best climbing bikes, yet sacrifices little speed on the flats. Add bigger tyre clearance, an overhauled cable-routing system and a new two-piece aero cockpit, and the latest Propel is easier to live with. As for aero optimisation, Giant claims it surpasses that of the previous version by 6.21 watts at 40kph, or 27 seconds over 40km.
Make the cut
The integrated seatpost may help slightly with weight and compliance, plus the flippable head allows you to switch between -5 and +15mm of offset, but you have to cut the frame down to set your saddle height (it can be adjusted back up a little using spacers: the bike comes with two seatpost toppers, which allow you to run up to 20 or 45mm of spacers each). Be aware that changing to shoes or pedals with a lower stack height might require more seatpost cutting and you can’t remove the post to fit the frame inside a bike box or bag when travelling. Resale could also be harder as the buyer would need to have a similar or lower saddle height.
Out on the road, the Propel’s impressive. On flat or rolling roads and descents, it doesn’t feel quite as rapid as the fastest aero road bikes I’ve tested, but it’s around a kilogram lighter, helping you attack climbs.
The geometry’s been tweaked to mirror that of the TCR, making the Propel feel nimble and responsive. With its relatively small frame tubes, it’s also little trouble on windy days. Frame and fork clearance now allows tyres up to 30mm, and despite its fairly slim 700 x 25c tyres (27.3mm wide at 75 PSI) and impressive pedalling stiffness, it was a surprisingly comfortable ride. The svelte rear end and carbon handlebar do a great job of dissipating road buzz and preventing fatigue on rough roads.
Finishing up
The finishing kit is excellent, but it’s surprising the lighter, more premium Cadex Boost saddle isn’t used. However, the Giant Fleet SLR perch was extremely comfortable and performed well. Likewise, the new Contact SLR Aero cockpit and OverDrive Aero cable-routing system strike a great balance between performance and practicality. Gear cables (if present) and hydraulic brake hoses run internally through the handlebar and then under the stem and into the frame through the upper headset bearing.
The stock Contact SLR Aero carbon handlebar is great, but it’s only available in widths from 400mm to 440mm. As the new Propel uses a D-shaped steerer (to make room for cables), you’ll have to stick with the Contact SLR Aero stem. However, it looks good and is plenty stiff enough. It’s only available in a -10° angle (it can’t be flipped for a +10° rise because of the cable system), but it comes in sizes from 70 to 130mm. The subtly aero-optimised composite bottle cages are a nice touch, as is the highly adjustable, out-front bike computer mount.
The Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9270 groupset is one of the lightest of its type, and shifts are quiet, fast and crisp at both ends. The updated lever hood ergonomics and wider standard gearing ranges have made it even better, while the updated hydraulic disc brakes also rub less often. It does push the price up, though, for little gain beyond weight savings, but Giant does include the latest Shimano Dura-Ace power meter crankset as standard.
The Cadex 50 Ultra Disc wheelset, with its 50mm-deep, aerodynamically optimised hookless rims (which are wider than before) has a claimed weight of just 1,349g and the new Cadex Aero Tubeless tyres slice through the air too. I’d prefer wider 28c tyres for UK riding though.
All in, it’s exceptionally competitive in practically all areas.
“The geometry’s been tweaked to mirror that of the TCR, making the Propel feel responsive”
Verdict Ticks all the boxes for a top-end road bike and should keep up with the competition