In the world of professional cycling, every gram counts, and the latest bike from Giant, the Propel Advanced SL, is a testament to that. With a weight of just 7.1kg, it's a sleek and lightweight machine, ready to take on the challenges of the Tour de France. But what makes this bike truly remarkable is not just its weight, but also the innovative features that set it apart from its competitors.
Personally, I think the Propel Advanced SL is a game-changer in the world of aero bikes. With a weight that's comparable to some of the most advanced bikes on the market, it's a serious contender for any rider looking to shave off those precious seconds. What makes this particularly fascinating is the combination of cutting-edge technology and traditional design elements that come together to create a bike that's both fast and efficient.
One thing that immediately stands out is the use of a seat mast rather than a separate seatpost. While this design choice may seem minor, it actually has a significant impact on the bike's overall weight and compliance. In my opinion, this is a smart move by Giant, as it allows them to keep the weight down while still providing a comfortable ride for the rider.
The bike's weight is also impressive, coming in at just 7.1kg, which is only 100g more than the Specialized Tarmac SL9. This is a testament to the bike's advanced engineering and attention to detail, as every gram has been carefully considered to create a bike that's both fast and lightweight.
What many people don't realize is that the Propel Advanced SL is not just a lightweight bike, but also a highly efficient one. With a claimed 18.4 watts faster than the previous generation, it's clear that Giant has made significant strides in aerodynamics. This is thanks to a combination of design changes, including a reduced frontal area, a one-piece cockpit, and the development of the Cadex Max 50 wheel/tyre system.
The Cadex Max 50 wheels are a standout feature of the Propel Advanced SL. With carbon spokes fused to the hub flanges and internal nipples, they provide a stiff and efficient ride. The 22.4mm internal-width hookless rim is paired with Cadex Aero tyres, which come in a nominal width of 30mm, following the pro trend for wider tyres. This not only provides a smoother ride but also helps to keep the bike's weight down.
Plapp's bike also features a narrow bar, with a width of 360mm across the tops and 395mm across the drops, and a 130mm equivalent stem length. This not only provides a more aggressive riding position but also helps to reduce drag and improve aerodynamics. The narrow tops and slightly in-turned levers also place the hoods just outside the minimum 280mm set by the UCI, providing a neat and efficient riding position.
In terms of components, the Propel Advanced SL is equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace groupsets, including a 54-40t power meter crankset and an 11-34t Dura-Ace cassette. The only non-Giant parts are the 13g Elite Leggero Carbon bottle cages and the 3D-printed Cadex Amp saddle, which weighs in at just 147g. This attention to detail and focus on weight savings is what sets the Propel Advanced SL apart from its competitors.
In conclusion, the Propel Advanced SL is a remarkable bike that showcases Giant's commitment to innovation and performance. With a weight of just 7.1kg and a host of advanced features, it's a bike that's ready to take on the challenges of the Tour de France and beyond. From my perspective, it's clear that Giant has created a bike that's not just fast and lightweight, but also highly efficient and well-engineered. This is a bike that any serious rider would be proud to ride.
