Giant Propel Review: The Best Value Aero Bike in 2023?

[@MikeBaloga]

I own this bike and it’s comfortable and a rocket. This is actually more comfortable than my Canyon Ultimate w/ a deep carbon wheel setup as well. It’s really a great bike, good for climbing, and super fast on the flats and downhills too. It’s by far the best bike I’ve ever owned.

[@MikeBaloga]

@@leslie7922 I’ve got a set of Hunt hookless and Giants, zero issues. Just did a 62 mile urban ride through nothing but neighborhoods with pot holes and manhole covers, never have had an issue with either set. Probably 8,000 miles between the two bikes/wheels.

[@thomasglaser291]

I got hookless too and i love them

[@MikeBaloga]

@@thomasglaser291 IMO, most of the opinions on YT are from people who have no idea what they are talking about, are bought by the industry, or are bots/spam.

[@MikeBaloga]

@@kubackjeee 90+ % of people buying this bike are not going to race pro peloton, those folks are taking the top dog with the Cadex wheel setup. I’ve put down plenty of power through these and zero issues. People create their own perspective of issues that are likely to occur in the real world less than .0001% of the time.

[@MikeBaloga]

@@kubackjeee to each his own, again, you're creating a problem scenario that very few folks will need to worry about.

[@nibelungvalestiii]

I owned TCR Pro 2021, but switched to Propel 2023 Pro since last week. I am, again, impressed with how good value for money Giant did, not only on TCR, but also on Propel 2023. I live in hilly town where there are a lot of climbing section compare to flat. I can say I love more when climbing with Propel. TCR was good, its design allow the center gravity a bit lower, thus a perfect climbing weapon. I thought Propel would be “Aero only” type as people around labeled it as it is. But when you see it, Giant never state Propel 2023 as Aero bike instead of all-rounder. Surprisingly, I got smoother feeling when climbing with Propel 2023, got a lot PR in climbing segments with Propel 2023. The impact against cross-wind is not as high with TCR. I just switch the frameset only and I got reduction around 1 kg. That is why compare to the other competitor, Giant is cheaper on its class. Yes there may better bike brand compare to Propel, but it comes with waay expensive. Love it very much!

[@robertkehl9034]

Giant has the best warranty available. I had the 2014 propel and cracked it hitting a pothole hard. They gave me a 2022 frame replacement after 6 years and disk also. 😅

[@MiataBRG]

Nearly bought one of these today in the shop but wasn't quite sure. Came home and saw your video, so excellent timing and good to get another point of view! Thank you.

[@magnusschroeder9806]

Advanced Pro 0 Ultegra version here. I literally love the bike. ❤

[@Jihadz227]

What is its weight ?

[@jimblock3372]

I recently purchased the 2023 Propel Advanced 1 with Sram’s Rival etap and wow what an amazing bike and value for the money compared to other manufacturers!

[@kalman7107]

how much the bicycle is in your country?😯

[@brentcharlton1065]

This bike is AWESOME! Upgraded to this exact model this summer from an 11 year old Ridley Noah RS. It’s like a spaceship! Having a lot of fun. Also picked up the new clip on aerobars for some triathlons and TTs. Amazing value from my standpoint. Cheers!

[@peterbosworth5048]

Did you buy the Giant clip on aero bars by chance?

[@brentcharlton1065]

@@peterbosworth5048 yes sir. I’m just using the mount though. I didn’t like how short the actual u shaped bar was.

[@shanegreen2583]

I got a new propel and I got them to put a 11-32 rear on. Also changed my wheels for some hunt 50 and it’s deffo faster than my normal bike at average flat road speed

[@BurgerTime7441]

Great review, thanks. Its very useful to hear about the differences in ride feel, stiffness, etc. Im a bit surprised that Giant havent updated the wheels to be a few mm wider.

[@charlesgraham-dixon2637]

They're 22.5mm internally

[@steadster6572]

What is the weight difference with your TCR (using same wheels)?

[@raphaelriemann2918]

really great content. just bought a new giant propel advanced pro 1 based on all your reviews on the channel about bikes and components (ex: supersix 2019). loved your holistic and objective view. please keep up the good work 💪👌

[@davidarthur]

Thanks so much :)

[@lethargic_cow]

How do you find the bike so far? I’m currently between Merida Reacto and this one :)

[@raphaelriemann2918]

@@lethargic_cow has been great. very happy. just needed to change the sattle which did not fit me

[@jmurphy3350]

Looks amazing. Gonna wait and see what the new emonda looks like next month.

[@scottwatson7844]

I test rode one of these recently and loved the clean look with the cables hidden. It’s a shame Giant don’t do the same with the Defy and TCR.

[@Lemond75]

A new Defy is coming out next year, so it may well see the changes you’re looking for.

[@tonyg3091]

I love everything about my TCR. Except for the cables.

[@holdenc1006]

Not a huge fan of the propel unless it’s advanced sl. Just wondering if you might get your hands on a 2023 or new tcr advanced sl and how you’d compare it against advanced pro. Again, there doesn’t seem to be a single review of it from recent years!! Thanks for your honest review as always.

[@benhardwick1970]

Can’t imagine there’s a massive difference between the TCR and the Propel. My TCR has a one piece 38cm wide handlebar and I’ve got DT Swiss 1100 50mm wheels and dura ace gearing and I’d put against the propel any day. My bike is 7.5kg with pedals, bottle cages and garmin mount.

[@almic5334]

What ist better buy? Propel or cube litening aero?

[@muratmustafa4532]

Thanks for the helpful video. Is propel as comfortable as the TCR? Also, would you please compare the propel to the aeroroad. Aeroroad offers better package and features for the same price but it would be good to know how they compare in handling and comfort departments.

[@TheITNerd]

Giant loves to stick narrow tires on their bikes. On my Propel from 2017 which came with 700x23's I couldn't swap them out fast enough after trying to ride them for a couple of months after I got it.

[@charlesgraham-dixon2637]

Anything to say about the performance of the wheels? 50mm deep, 22.5mm internally, hookless, 1500g- a high end wheelset. I own a pair and enjoy them but would be keen to hear your views

[@SNS1212]

I’d be curious to see the difference between the two in the wind tunnel.

[@Music-pq8cm]

I’ve been watching videos of all the new bikes and am beginning to wonder … are the new frames actually better performing than frames built 10+ years ago? I gotta wonder, are they designed to be less expensive to build allowing for higher profits for bike manufacturers? I ride a 1st-year Pinarello Dogma 60.1 with an aging SRAM Red eTap group and non aero wheels. I regularly pass by riders on the newer frames sets with new components. Shouldn’t they be passing me? Why should I retire my 15 year old frameset and pay over $6000 for a new frameset ($14,000+ for the complete bike)?

[@Music-pq8cm]

@@leslie7922 yes most likely.

[@odarge]

merci David. Very instructive.

[@gregkane8635]

Lovely bike but was surprised how the factor was faster. I’d say a tcr with aero narrowish bars wouldn’t be any slower at normal rider speeds

[@benhardwick1970]

That what I have on my set up. It’s fast… don’t know how it would compare to the speed of the propel but I’d imagine there isn’t much difference

[@gregkane8635]

@@benhardwick1970 I’ve a stock giant slr round bar but I May sell and go with an aero bar of some sort and see if I can feel much diff

[@andrewbaggett8664]

For the 9.2% stiffness improvement and the 85% compliance improvement could you provide the raw data from which they’ve calculated these percentages?

[@ESR66]

Ya 100% marketing BS.

[@hectorkidds9840]

The compliance will all be in the seat post

[@jarrodfife242]

10:33 isn’t tiny! It’s the biggest cassette anyone would ever want for hills. I use 50/37 and 10:33 and it’s perfect for hills.

[@a.jesusnietoherrera4920]

Hello, I have a question. Can I put a 31.8 triathlon coupling on the handlebar? I don't know if, since the handlebar is flat, there is space between the stem and the round area of ​​the handlebar. greetings, thank you

[@BlackyBrownDestruction9337]

That's a cool bottle cage, I'm buying that

[@rajarizal4739]

I would really like to know how the Propel climbs as opposed to the TCR. Havent seen or read anything on how the Propel as a climbing bike. Hope someone does it.

[@Ghøst_cod7720]

TCR will climb better any how but in a downhill or in flat propel will be faster

[@stugallop4561]

@@leslie7922 I have a TCR SL1 and this Propel Pro 0 in Ultegra and I can definitely say the Propel wins going downhill. Feels way more planted even on the stock tyres. My SL is running Durace C24's on GP5000s as a wheelset.

[@Ghøst_cod7720]

@@leslie7922 gcn has already done videos on climbing bike vs aero bike & winner is aero so propel wins everytime unless you're going only uphill in mountains that time TCR is better combined with deep wheels TCR will give similar performance that to propel

[@ingtoningtonington149]

Ben Norby has been severely injured by a Giant Propel. Apparently his forks broke due to faulty manufacturing. Cycling Weekly have reported this.

[@berndrocker161]

Really nice bike but due to neck problems and my long legs (90cm / 180cm), I’m interested in more relaxed bikes. Could you review the Basso Astra 2023?

[@MRrandory]

How is the comfort compared to your TCR?

[@Smoky078]

привет ,тоже обновил модель 2021 ,на 2023 года и заметил что он стал очень жёстким по сравнением с старым ,руль очень понравился и теперь можно поставить любой лежак ,цвет кстати у меня Orion Nebula ,очень понравился этот обгрейд велосипеда ,уже поставил новые покры 30 Konti Str .

[@glennicol1361]

I recently visited the Giant factory and museum in Tai Zhong... Was very good. Would be a good video if you went to Taiwan.

[@morrisizing]

Not sure I agree that race bikes should be given Sportive gearing. You answered the question ourself by saying the TCR is a better fit for your riding style. Conversely I find it annoying that bikes built for crits often come with gearing made of mountain sportives - it makes no sense as these bikes would often literally be a pain in events over 3 or 4 hours and weigh a fair wack to use for Everesting adventures. I understand the Propel is on the more versatile spectrum of aero race bikes, but Giant has plenty of better options for longer slower riding TCR, Revolt, Defy etc.

[@alvisedoneda7944]

Thanks for the thorough review..sorry to ask but what size did you try on and how tall are you??”

[@ItimDave]

I think he said he's 180cm in one of his vids, and he rides an ML.

[@duffyrides]

Is this the same “New “ propel that was released last year ? Or have they made more updates and literally just released this one ??

[@scharnley12]

Hi mate , how tall are you plesse . I see your bike is M/L , woukd a medium not have been better?? Cheers

[@kpsig]

How do you compare this to the Orbea Orca? Considering that the Orcas are about 0,5kg heavier.

[@michaelnrbygaard3227]

Thinking to buy this bike, 4 years with XC mountinbike i have to try new think :D

[@knightdark5484]

hi David, what size is this bike?

[@andrewhayes7055]

I don't understand the comment about the cassette being tiny 33 big cog is far from tiny!

[@colincanyon2519]

How does it compare to the Merida Reacto?

[@davidcole6893]

The new Propel is excellent but I still ordered a lovely TCR 0 at a great price. Approx 7.3 kg.

[@grzegorzzienkiewicz7581]

I've built that frame with zipp 303 in June. Did almost 3.5k km so far and I love it for the speed/comfort ratio. 5 hrs in a saddle- no problem. Also optimized cockpit with 40cm carbon aero bar.

[@tombola4046]

Sold my tcr advanced pro 0 after owning for two years and 7k miles and bought the Propel. It does everything the TCR does but better, yes slightly misses out on the climbs but faster and just as comfortable everywhere else. It’s a far more complete bike than the TCR. The new propel has somewhat left the old TCR with nowhere to go, I can see a radical change coming to the TCR maybe lightweight style climbing bike as that seems to be the current fad. If you are certain you want a TCR maybe hold on for a while and see where it goes.

[@duffyrides]

Hi David. Would be good to know how this compares to the new Scott Foil. Any plans to review that as well ?

[@SzymonSzewczykPL]

I'm 182,5cm and struggling to choose M or ML, bike fitter said that he would take M, but size guide and Giant fit calculator in bike shop said ML. You at 181 ridding on ML?

[@davidarthur]

I'm 181 on an ML yes

[@SzymonSzewczykPL]

@@davidarthur In theory you can ride M (up to 181 according to Giant sizr guide). Any particular reason why ML?

[@scharnley12]

What ia the difference from this 23 to 24 pro ??

[@MultiEski]

David , how you doing this ? you always have great weather :)

[@Mike0]

Lovely morning yesterday (mostly), torrential rain after lunch

[@stevocanuck]

giant propel or factor ostro? At this point i have to go for factor ostro because giant is no longer available

[@BurgerTime7441]

Do those bottle cages also match the tube sizes of the TCR?

[@tyagrajtirkey]

Yes, it matches fully. And the cages are made of composites, so it is very light

[@leemarsden4520]

Hi David what tyres would you recommend I fit to the standard giant rims that come on the bike? Thanx lee

[@tonyg3091]

The best recommendation is this: ditch them asap and get a pair of hooked wheels and then you could fit any tires you want.😅

[@magnusschroeder9806]

Cadex tyres are the best for hookless Giant wheels.

[@adamsibbald1163]

I love my Continental GP5000S TR 28C with my Giant SLR 1 hookless rims

[@MikeBaloga]

I have this exact bike, got a puncture on the Cadex tires that came on it within the first 500 miles. I ditched them and put on 30C GP5000 tubeless and love the setup.

[@leemarsden4520]

@@tonyg3091 I didn’t ask for your opinion !!the standard tyres are excellent I just thought about some slightly wider ones for even more confort. I bet you still ride with inner tubes in cos your stuck in the dark ages 🤦‍♂️

[@fraserthomson349]

Nice bike but at that price I would want a better looking integrated bar/stem

[@miguelpeonescudero8675]

really, what are the best compatible tires for those slr1 wheels? not sure if the new continental grand prix 5000 S TR are compatible with those rims. thank you

[@gregkane8635]

They are. The newer contis are as are schwalbe pro one and the Pirelli tlr giant has it all on their website

[@MRrandory]

I want one so bad !!

[@joannadoyle-mellor1542]

From leaked pics the new Defy will have the same handlebar set up

[@dpgrenfree]

10-33t is now tiny? Hah.. I just bought the 105 version for racing and swapped the bars for Prime 38cm, the wheels for Hunt 48 Limitless, power meter pedals and an 11-28 cassette.

[@davidarthur]

Did I say 10-33? My mistake, meant to say 10-30 which it's fitted with

[@WhatTheFlipOfficial]

Put the same tires on the Propel and you'd pick the Propel.

[@matcharlie2379]

10-33 cassette doesn’t sound tiny??

[@jb49401]

what kind of bottel cages are on the bike?

[@davidarthur]

Giant branded ones that come with the bike

[@adamsolomon9353]

@8:40 you can see both the wheels being labeled as hookless and the tire pressure range of 85-125 psi...hookless maxes at 73psi. This is ridiculous

[@guyboycecam1636]

So wow, £6.5k mid range is good value now......boy have bikes got expensive

[@n22pdf]

Looks much nicer with the tan wall tyres 😊😃👍🚴🏻Pete

[@mabozza85]

7.8kg thats a proper tank

[@Po-YuanChen-lp6gq]

Is it for that money?

[@kpsig]

For a 65-75kg driver, probably yes. For a 85-95kg, makes no difference.

[@MikeBaloga]

People talk about weight of bikes like it’s something critically important, it’s not. It’s a bike industry marketing gimmick. Most folks go up/down in body mass more in a given day than the difference in modern bike weights. Unless your a very very light rider, it doesn’t make much of a difference.

[@fabioqueiros9322]

Unless you’re Evenepoel, it doesn’t matter that much

[@Gianniz27]

New Trek Madone is not faster then the Aeroad, Tour Mag tested it. The Propel is behind both of them, 4-5 watts.

[@bitgeist21]

Love the bike. But compared to other 'aero' bikes; I think the Canyon Aeroad may still edge this one out. And Giant doesn't make many options available like Canyon (like CFR, CF SLX, CF SL, etc.) so they don't have the range of options and price points that some others may have. But still; the new Propel is a massive step in the right direction for Giant.

[@jonasha8712]

giant has three different frame versions, like canyon....

[@jianhuichua1154]

Giant literally has too much different price point and combination of frame X groupset X wheelset available LOL.

[@MikeBaloga]

I compared those two bikes heavily when considering going aero from a climbing frame, I went from a CF SL Ultimate to the higher grade carbon layup on the Giant and its a LOT more comfortable, despite being aero. You get what you pay for at the end of the day. Canyon also had a bunch of quality control issues on the Aeroad and it’s about due for a replacement (due to it’s age), so those were considerations for me.

[@hankschrader2353]

Also you have to live with the stem length preinstalled on the Aeroad because you can’t switch that.

[@charlesblithfield6182]

I think the bike looks great but the stem looks a bit clunky. I like the look of the rear half if the bike - slim.

[@TCphotographer]

not much difference then my "Once" model Giant TCR 1999 Tour Champ bike Cosmic frames I have got with aero steering reels composite mix of carbon and ala and totally very good for long 100-200K rides. I live in Rotterdam so perfect for me for the last 6 years. Giant TCR is revolutionary

[@Ra-rr9nz]

Stiffer and more comfortable seem to be contradictory

[@MisterCOM]

Shame they dont have a frameset

[@tonyg3091]

I get an allergic reaction at the mere sight of “hookless” sign. 😅

[@GlennCarton]

Most mtb rims are hookless. A lot less scarier than you would think. You just have to adjust your pressure.

[@tonyg3091]

@@GlennCarton Most MTB tires are not ridden at 5.5 bars, try again

[@GlennCarton]

@@tonyg3091 unless you're 100+kg, I don't see a need to ride 5.5 bars. If you are, take wider tires

[@tonyg3091]

@@GlennCarton Silca tyre pressure calculator seems to disagree with you. And even then tyre pressure should be dictated by the tyre manufacturer, not the wheels.

[@jk-hj6ub]

👏👏👏

[@ForzaJonesy]

Love it apart from the boring colour

[@Tjamp]

It is brand snobbery. Put Pinarello or S-Works on that and people would buy and pay 50% more.

[@comedyman112]

@4:16 did he really say "blue" ? damn... which one of us should get their eyes checked?

[@hddd1502]

lighter, stiffer, more aero, more comfortable copy and paste

[@josorzo11]

Not sure about hookless rims

[@Omeiden]

I will NEVER in my life buy a hookless wheelset. And if i see a guy with hookless in my group, i just continue on my own or i will keep in front of the person. Looks like im not gonna buy giant for my next bike, before they make the change back to hooked rims. Shame cause I've been on a TCR for 5 years and i used to tell others to buy giant, not anymore.

[@zaqmailify]

Распаковка. Удачи всем

[@BladeBarn]

yeah but its a Giant. so all the girls at Starbucks will think your riding a discount store bike

[@schoebelski6602]

😂 true. ....but I don't mind.

[@MikeBaloga]

I make sure i tell all the guys i ride with that the money i saved by not buying a Trek, Specialized, or Pinarello was invested into the market for my next bike….lol

[@dominickfrancis9808]

Hookless rims are definitely faster then hooked I’ve have them both !

[@ESR66]

I will wait two years until they have have perfected their marketing oh sorry the bike.

[@MarcraM82]

7.8kg wow......

[@sarahtoustra7127]

Hookless rims. No go.

[@jarrodfife242]

Just don’t run over 72 psi

[@KN-vl7nk]

@@jarrodfife242the rims on this bike can go to 125 psi as long as you use compatible tires

[@thomasglaser291]

I got hookless rims. Love them

[@jamsxr]

Agreed

[@charlesgraham-dixon2637]

I’ve used hookless Giant rims for the last 3 years with no issues. I’ve used compatible tubeless tyres and run them at 60PSI. What’s the problem?

[@Kittyjesus503]

Hookless rims. Nope. Giant power meters nope. I’m out….

[@yonglingng5640]

If I'm not mistaken, the Propel Advanced Pro has a frameset option.

[@gregkane8635]

The power meter is fine. Have used one for about a year. Zero issues and the numbers match what I’d expect from previous quark and the tacx turbo trainer. Hookless is a different matter lol. I don’t mind it as I use gp 5000 s tl but if you want options not so good

[@garyoneill8868]

Giant Power meter is very good and reliable. The first series of it on my 2019 TCR was rubbish and they replaced it under warranty with the Series 2 version which is very good.

[@davidbentley4731]

Stupid comment warning. Is it just me or does Giant really struggle with bike aesthetics. The paint colours and the decals always just make them look a bit rubbish. I can’t quite put my finger on it but they have almost never got it right. Maybe it’s partly the fault of their clunky logo. Aside from that, they do build a damn good bike these days.

[@stevocanuck]

I like the simplistic look of it.

[@lightofheaven134]

Many hated Giant just for the reason the brand is "Asian" even though it outperforms and has better engineering and quality compared to other western bike brands who lies a lot about quality and aesthetics but turns out to be marketing shits giving out high prices for a lower quality bikes.

[@OralMaster]

first!

[@bakboord3954]

Its lighter, and stiffer, and more aero 🥱 🥱

[@davidarthur]

Heavier, slower and softer aren’t traits most people want from new bikes though

[@mfcycles7551]

Presumably a faster bike means you can ride with your friends and use less energy….although you’ll probably end up getting less fit until it feels just as hard as your old bike 🤔. Or get new faster friends 😀