Giant Propel Advanced Pro 0
One of the first things that you have to bear in mind when ordering or purchasing a Giant Propel is the difference in frame size compared to other models. These were the words of wisdom that Will Curtin in the Cork Giant Store imparted when I was choosing the next bike to test out.
I always ride a size Large TCR or Defy but with the Propel the Medium/Large was the size that suited best. You almost always go down a size with the Propel.
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The first impression of the bike is that it looks fast. The aero profile frame and fork combined with the deep section Giant SLR 1 Aero carbon wheels give off that impression of speed, and once you climb aboard the bike does not disappoint.
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Stiff aero bikes with deep section wheels have a tendency to transmit the imperfections of the road surfaces and whilst the Propel did feel stiff and less forgiving than a TCR or especially a Defy, it was not uncomfortable. Even on long spins of over 160k I never felt that the stiffness of the bike was having much of an effect when it came to fatigue. Neither was there any soreness in my lower back.
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One concern that I had was how good the brakes were going to be. The Giant Speed Control SL aero brakes on full carbon deep section wheels were never going to be as good as the Ultegra Hydraulic Disc brakes on the TCR Advanced Pro 0 that I had previously. However, having used the bike in all conditions including snow, ice, thunder, lightening, gale force winds and a little sunshine I can honestly say that they turned out to be the best carbon braking surface wheels that I have ever used. The gray Giant brake pads work better that any other offering that I have tried including all models of Swiss Stop. The Speed Control SL calipers do need a little extra cleaning and lubricating to keep them releasing freely but the braking feel was much the same as aluminium rim braking both wet and dry.
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It’s always good to have a bike that rides well but if you are spending some hard earned cash on a new machine you also want something that looks nice, and the Propel is definitely a bike that gets a lot of admiring looks.
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Overall the Giant Propel Advanced 0 is a bike that handles predictably even descending in crosswinds, accelerates very quickly and rolls along in its element at speeds in excess of 40kph. It does this whilst giving enough road feedback to let you know exactly what type of surface you are on but without shaking out your false teeth. It is a great bike for a fast Sportive rider or even better for anyone who likes to pin a number on their back and go as hard as they can to get across a white finish line first ahead of a chasing pack.
Barry
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