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-   -   Giant Propel Advanced | First ride (https://www.bikeforums.net/road-cycling/933924-giant-propel-advanced-first-ride.html)

ColtJ 02-12-14 10:36 AM

Giant Propel Advanced | First ride
 
Hello,

Got a chance to ride a Giant Propel Advanced for the first time this morning. :)

For the past year i've been riding a Giant TCR and really like it but i've been drooling over the Propel for some time.

Only rode ~30 miles this morning but thought I would share my first impressions for those that may be interested.

Its pretty windy and flat in Miami and I noticed the "Aero" properties immediately. Riding over 20 mph felt easier almost, just took less effort. Compared to my TCR it also carries speed better, riding along feels smoother.

I was surprised to find it quite comfortable. Looking forward to getting some more miles in, will post more over the next few days.

Not sure how many other members are into cars but it feels like driving a big turbo supra (insert favorite high horsepower big turbo make and model). :)

** doubt this info is useful to anyone but here is the strava activity from this morning. link: http://www.strava.com/activities/mia...w7ND0xNTMzMDUz

Pic of TCR:
http://distilleryimage1.ak.instagram...f35b2d71_8.jpg

Pictures of Propel:
http://distilleryimage4.ak.instagram...393e4454_8.jpg

Sorry for edits but recently learned a new trick in photoshop.

zx9rmal 02-12-14 11:13 AM

Nice TCR! I recently got a Propel Advanced 2 and love the bike. I agree with your observations. You gonna pull the trigger? What shop gave you the test ride, or is it a buddy's bike?

hifidelity 02-12-14 12:25 PM


Originally Posted by ColtJ (Post 16489682)
Its pretty windy and flat in Miami and I noticed the "Aero" properties immediately. Riding over 20 mph felt easier almost, just took less effort.

I'm wondering how much of this was psychological.

ovoleg 02-12-14 12:48 PM


Originally Posted by hifidelity (Post 16490097)
I'm wondering how much of this was psychological.

99.5%

ColtJ 02-12-14 12:51 PM


Originally Posted by zx9rmal (Post 16489838)
Nice TCR! I recently got a Propel Advanced 2 and love the bike. I agree with your observations. You gonna pull the trigger? What shop gave you the test ride, or is it a buddy's bike?

Thanks. I got them both from Cycle World on Bird in Miami.

Nice, how are you liking it?

Was planning on getting rid of the TCR later on; although, its too early to tell which i prefer, gonna ride it remainder of week and through the weekend. Im sure i'll have an idea by then.


Originally Posted by hifidelity (Post 16490097)
I'm wondering how much of this was psychological.

Maybe some, maybe none, dunno. Just my opinion after one ride. Ill be happy to share more thoughts (opinions) after i put some more miles on it if you're interested.

zx9rmal 02-12-14 01:37 PM


Originally Posted by ColtJ (Post 16490189)
Thanks. I got them both from Cycle World on Bird in Miami.

Nice, how are you liking it?

Was planning on getting rid of the TCR later on; although, its too early to tell which i prefer, gonna ride it remainder of week and through the weekend. Im sure i'll have an idea by then.



Maybe some, maybe none, dunno. Just my opinion after one ride. Ill be happy to share more thoughts (opinions) after i put some more miles on it if you're interested.

So you bought it? I love mine. After riding it for a while and doing a lot of reading, I've come to agree with many that the aero thing is much over hyped for the bottom 95% of riders. That being said, it would not have changed my decision because it was lust at first sight. But I will agree with you that going into a headwind, where the "air" speed (wind speed + bike speed) is 25-30 mph, less effort is needed or perceived. Either way, it's a plus.

Yankeetowner 02-12-14 01:38 PM


Originally Posted by ovoleg (Post 16490176)
99.5%

I suspect there is a psychological component to anything new...particularly a great looking bike, and that seems to me to be a big part of the fun. Whether the aero effects are real or imagined, the Propel is still a great bike. I am enjoying mine, and, particularly with the Di2, I think Giant and Shimano make a great team.

ColtJ 02-12-14 02:07 PM


Originally Posted by zx9rmal (Post 16490357)
So you bought it? I love mine. After riding it for a while and doing a lot of reading, I've come to agree with many that the aero thing is much over hyped for the bottom 95% of riders. That being said, it would not have changed my decision because it was lust at first sight. But I will agree with you that going into a headwind, where the "air" speed (wind speed + bike speed) is 25-30 mph, less effort is needed or perceived. Either way, it's a plus.

Sorry, I was not clear. I haven't purchased it (yet), i was given an awesome opportunity to test ride it for two weeks, i just out fitted it with my wheels.


Originally Posted by Yankeetowner (Post 16490359)
I suspect there is a psychological component to anything new...particularly a great looking bike, and that seems to me to be a big part of the fun. Whether the aero effects are real or imagined, the Propel is still a great bike. I am enjoying mine, and, particularly with the Di2, I think Giant and Shimano make a great team.

Very true. The one pictured above is also Di2.

zx9rmal 02-12-14 03:28 PM

That's a hell of a test ride. Lucky you. Looks like they built that bike on a Propel Advanced frame because that color is only on the Advanced 3, which comes with 105, not Ultegra Di2. Very nice looking Propel. You need to buy it. :)

TexMac 02-12-14 04:26 PM


Originally Posted by ColtJ (Post 16489682)
Hello,

Got a chance to ride a Giant Propel Advanced for the first time this morning. :)

For the past year i've been riding a Giant TCR and really like it but i've been drooling over the Propel for some time.

Only rode ~30 miles this morning but thought I would share my first impressions for those that may be interested.

Its pretty windy and flat in Miami and I noticed the "Aero" properties immediately. Riding over 20 mph felt easier almost, just took less effort. Compared to my TCR it also carries speed better, riding along feels smoother.

I was surprised to find it quite comfortable. Looking forward to getting some more miles in, will post more over the next few days.

Not sure how many other members are into cars but it feels like driving a big turbo supra (insert favorite high horsepower big turbo make and model). :)

** doubt this info is useful to anyone but here is the strava activity from this morning. link: http://www.strava.com/activities/mia...w7ND0xNTMzMDUz

Pic of TCR:
http://distilleryimage1.ak.instagram...f35b2d71_8.jpg

Pictures of Propel:
http://distilleryimage4.ak.instagram...393e4454_8.jpg

Sorry for edits but recently learned a new trick in photoshop.

I've had one since Nov 13'. I agree it's very COMFORTABLE and best against the wind. The brakes are also very strong and aerodynamic :) I need to change the stock tyres like yours.
I did a 80 mile charity and i could barely feel the saddle. Nice color too. Congrats.

TexMac 02-12-14 04:29 PM


Originally Posted by hifidelity (Post 16490097)
I'm wondering how much of this was psychological.

Maybe but that was also the first thing i noticed. Same road i ride/rode my cannodale supersix, felt f5, spec sworks, with this bike i can cruise 2+mphr for long.

TexMac 02-12-14 04:32 PM

what kind of tyres are those?

ColtJ 02-12-14 04:36 PM


Originally Posted by TexMac (Post 16490919)
what kind of tyres are those?

Continental 4000 S II transparent

dstrong 02-13-14 02:38 PM

What part of Florida do you live in that everything is black and white?

ColtJ 02-13-14 05:04 PM


Originally Posted by dstrong (Post 16493378)
What part of Florida do you live in that everything is black and white?

Haha, it was freezing that day, i think it was 65 degrees outside.

fried bake 02-13-14 08:11 PM

was just in miami this week. seems to have an insane cycling culture, with a big focus on aero and speed. for that type of riding, i say--YES--you should definitely buy the propel (as if you need another reason). :p

ColtJ 02-14-14 11:29 AM


Originally Posted by fried bake (Post 16494277)
was just in miami this week. seems to have an insane cycling culture, with a big focus on aero and speed. for that type of riding, i say--YES--you should definitely buy the propel (as if you need another reason). :p

Thanks. Hope you enjoyed it, some of the guys down here flat out fly.

TexMac 03-10-14 01:56 PM

is this how you felt?

Giant Propel Advanced 3 review - BikeRadar

ColtJ 03-10-14 03:37 PM


Originally Posted by TexMac (Post 16565600)

Article talks more about components and design but i'd say these parts seem to correlate with what i felt.

...This results in a fast-handling bike that keeps things exciting without being twitchy or nervous...
...The ride quality is easily as good as the excellent TCR's, the frame and fork soak up enough high frequency vibrations to keep fatigue at bay. It can’t quite match the Defy for absolute comfort...
...
Giant has created much more than an aero race machine. It’s a brilliant all-rounder with a boundless enthusiasm for speed...


dingo24 03-13-14 05:18 AM

Propel Options
 
Hi,

I've test ridden a Propel Advanced 2 for a couple of weeks and am about to pull the trigger on either an advanced 2 or sl1. But I'm a little worried against hill performance and weight. The test one weighs in at 7.75kg. Stick with the propel or go with the tcr?

SirHustlerEsq 03-13-14 08:13 AM


Originally Posted by dingo24 (Post 16573491)
Hi,

I've test ridden a Propel Advanced 2 for a couple of weeks and am about to pull the trigger on either an advanced 2 or sl1. But I'm a little worried against hill performance and weight. The test one weighs in at 7.75kg. Stick with the propel or go with the tcr?

How much weight can you stand to lose?

ColtJ 03-13-14 12:35 PM


Originally Posted by dingo24 (Post 16573491)
Hi,

I've test ridden a Propel Advanced 2 for a couple of weeks and am about to pull the trigger on either an advanced 2 or sl1. But I'm a little worried against hill performance and weight. The test one weighs in at 7.75kg. Stick with the propel or go with the tcr?

Thats a hard question, they're different bikes with different characteristics. Have you ridden a TCR?

dingo24 03-13-14 02:15 PM

I own a 2011 TCR SL... but I haven't ridden this years model.

ColtJ 03-13-14 03:36 PM


Originally Posted by dingo24 (Post 16575066)
I own a 2011 TCR SL... but I haven't ridden this years model.


Well, i rode the Propel pictured above for ~70 miles and ended up buying a TCR Advanced SL 3.

Reason being is, I was really looking for a TCR ++ (if that makes sense) in the Propel over my 2013 TCR Composite 2.

I found the Propel to be an awesome bike but I personally knew after riding it that I wanted a better TCR not a Propel.

I think only you'll know what you really want.

They're different but I don't think you can go wrong with either.

My new TCR:
http://distilleryimage0.ak.instagram...da5cd7b0_8.jpg

cafzali 03-14-14 12:06 PM


Originally Posted by ColtJ (Post 16574696)
Thats a hard question, they're different bikes with different characteristics. Have you ridden a TCR?

I thought Giant discontinued the SL3 once the Propel came out, consolidating to just two models in that line. I have a 2011 TCR Advanced SL3 and love it, but I don't see that name marketed anymore. Am I wrong in regard to them discontinuing it?

ColtJ 03-14-14 12:16 PM


Originally Posted by cafzali (Post 16577701)
I thought Giant discontinued the SL3 once the Propel came out, consolidating to just two models in that line. I have a 2011 TCR Advanced SL3 and love it, but I don't see that name marketed anymore. Am I wrong in regard to them discontinuing it?

You're correct, the Propel Advanced SL 3 (Ultegra non Di2) was available in 2013 and not in 2014. The TCR line still carries the 'Advanced SL 3' model but not the Propel.

I just bought a 2014 TCR Advanced SL 3 w/ Ultegra 11 speed. (pictured above)

*In the United States anyway.

OldTryGuy 03-14-14 01:20 PM


Originally Posted by ColtJ (Post 16577728)
You're correct, the Propel Advanced SL 3 (Ultegra non Di2) was available in 2013 and not in 2014. The TCR line still carries the 'Advanced SL 3' model but not the Propel.

I just bought a 2014 TCR Advanced SL 3 w/ Ultegra 11 speed. (pictured above)

Actually, Giant Canada shows Propel Advanced SL3 as a 2014 model $4,899 Can.

Propel Advanced SL 0 (2014) - Bikes | Giant Bicycles | Canada

I feel fortunate to have bought a 2013 Propel Advanced SL3 at a GREAT price.

ColtJ 03-14-14 02:07 PM


Originally Posted by OldTryGuy (Post 16577922)
Actually, Giant Canada shows Propel Advanced SL3 as a 2014 model $4,899 Can.

Propel Advanced SL 0 (2014) - Bikes | Giant Bicycles | Canada

I feel fortunate to have bought a 2013 Propel Advanced SL3 at a GREAT price.

Good to know, wish they continued them here in the US.

Thanks.

Slackerprince 03-14-14 03:24 PM

The latest Road Bike Action Magazine is an aero issue.
Some interesting articles in it, if you're interested.
Nice Giant. Enjoy.

S

Phillyfan 03-15-14 05:17 AM

What taillight were you using on you're old TCR? I'm trying to find one that fits the aero Giant seat post.


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