Hot off the back of two stage wins at the 2022 Tour de France, Giant has launched the latest iteration of the Propel, its dedicated aero road bike.
The 2023 Giant Propel is claimed to be lighter, stiffer, more compliant and more aerodynamically efficient than its predecessor, the Giant Propel that launched in 2018.
On top of this, Giant says its new OverDrive Aero cable routing system makes the new Propel easier to adjust, while still effectively hiding any cables from the wind.
Although we first got our hands on it at the Grand Depart of the 2022 Tour de France, we unfortunately weren’t allowed to weigh the new Propel at the time.
That’s all changed now, though, because we’ve got a top-spec model in to test and can confirm it weighs 6.91kg for a size ML, making it one of the lightest disc brake aero road bikes currently available.
2023 Giant Propel key stats
- The claimed weight for a size medium 2023 Propel Advanced SL frameset is 1,429.5g, with complete bike weights from less than 7kg
- The new Propel is claimed to be 2.6 per cent more aerodynamic and 9.2 per cent stiffer than the previous version
- A slimmed-down rear-end is claimed to offer an enormous 85 per cent improvement in compliance compared to the old Propel
- Frame and fork clearance has been upped to accommodate tyres up to 30mm wide
The best stiffness-to-weight ratio of any aero bike?
Professional riders from Team BikeExchange-Jayco (the WorldTour team Giant sponsors) are said to have “played a key role in the development of this new Propel”, so it’s perhaps no surprise to see reducing weight and increasing stiffness were key design goals.
According to Giant, testing torsional frame and pedalling stiffness offers “the most accurate measure of how the bike performs in real-world conditions”, and Giant claims frameset stiffness has been improved by 9.9 per cent, while pedalling stiffness is up by 7.2 per cent.
This equates to an overall improvement of 9.2 per cent versus the 2018 Propel Advanced SL.
Combined with a 255.5g reduction in weight, Giant says this gives the new Propel frameset a 26.4 per cent improvement in stiffness to weight.
In total, our size ML test bike – which is the most expensive, Propel Advanced SL 0 model with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 and the new Cadex 50 Ultra Disc wheelsystem – weighs an impressive 6.91kg on our scales, with bottle cages, a power meter and an out-front computer mount.
2.61 per cent more aerodynamic
Despite the reduction in overall weight, Giant claims the new Propel doesn’t just match the old version in terms of aerodynamics but actually surpasses it.
As with the 2018 model, Giant says its aerodynamic development process involves three steps; an initial CFD (computational fluid dynamics) design process, followed by wind tunnel testing and, finally, road testing of samples by professional athletes.
Giant was also keen to emphasise its wind tunnel testing is performed using a dynamic mannequin (as opposed to a static one). This has moving legs to simulate a rider pedalling, while still maintaining a “a precise, repeatable position and leg movements”.
Changes to the leading edge of the frameset – where, Giant says, “aerodynamics matter most” – feature “sculpted lines” and “truncated ellipse” tube shapes to minimise drag.
The new Contact SLR Aero cockpit, recently launched Cadex 50 Ultra Disc wheelsystem and Cadex Aero tyres are also said to improve the new Propel’s aerodynamic performance.
In total, Giant says the new Propel (complete with the new cockpit and wheel system) is 2.6 per cent more aerodynamically efficient than the previous version, which equates to 6.21 watts at 40kph, or 27 seconds over 40km.
OverDrive Aero system
While hiding the gear cables and hydraulic hoses from the wind is de rigueur for a modern aero road bike, most systems designed to do this still bring challenges when it comes to maintenance or fit adjustments.
Giant, though, says the new two-piece Contact SLR Aero handlebar and stem “has been completely redesigned” to make it easier for riders to “change components and dial in a precise fit”.
Giant has confirmed it should be possible to swap the stem for a different-length model without disconnecting any cables, for example (provided there is enough cable length available).
The new cockpit is also claimed to shave off 102.5g of weight compared to the cockpit on the 2018 Propel.
The somewhat ungainly over-the-top-of-the-stem cable routing is now gone, along with the bolt-on cover and flexible headset spacers.
In its place, Giant has developed a new cable-routing system called OverDrive Aero. This sees all cables and hoses routed internally through the Contact SLR Aero handlebar before running underneath the stem and into the frame in front of the steerer tube.
At first glance, it appears similar in concept to FSA’s SMR smart cable routing system (as seen on bikes such as the Merida Reacto 6000), although Giant says a D-shaped fork steerer is used to create additional space at the front for cables to enter the frame (FSA’s SMR system is compatible with standard round steerers).
85 per cent more rear-end compliance
Despite its focus on improving the frame's pedalling and torsional stiffness, Giant still acknowledges that “just making a frameset ultra-stiff doesn’t necessarily make it faster”, and that in the real world, “compliance and control also play a role”.
Because of this, Giant has significantly slimmed down the rear end of the 2023 Propel.
As well as helping to reduce weight, Giant claims this has improved compliance by 85 per cent compared to the previous version.
This is coupled with an increase in frame and fork clearance to accommodate tyres up to 30mm wide (measured width).
The new Propel is perhaps intended to address criticisms that the old one wasn’t a particularly comfortable bike on rough roads (our tester, Warren Rossiter, said the 2018 Propel Advanced Pro Disc was “firmer than most”, for example).
2023 Giant Propel geometry
Giant has also tweaked the geometry, shortening the reach and wheelbase slightly. This brings the bike in line with the current version of the TCR, which launched in 2021.
On paper, these changes don't represent a major departure from the old Propel, but given the TCR is often praised for its excellent handling characteristics, it's likely to be welcome news to many.
| Frame size | XS | S | M | ML | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube length (mm) | 680 | 710 | 740 | 770 | 800 | 830 |
| Seat tube angle (degrees) | 74.5 | 74 | 73.5 | 73 | 73 | 72.5 |
| Top tube length (mm) | 520 | 535 | 550 | 565 | 580 | 600 |
| Head tube length (mm) | 120 | 130 | 145 | 165 | 185 | 200 |
| Head tube angle (degrees) | 71 | 72.25 | 73 | 73 | 73 | 73 |
| Fork rake (mm) | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 |
| Trail (mm) | 71 | 63 | 58 | 58 | 58 | 58 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 976 | 976.6 | 980 | 991 | 1,006 | 1,020 |
| Chainstay length (mm) | 405 | 405 | 405 | 405 | 405 | 405 |
| Bottom bracket drop (mm) | 72 | 69.5 | 69.5 | 67 | 67 | 67 |
| Stack (mm) | 517 | 528 | 545 | 562 | 581 | 596 |
| Reach (mm) | 376 | 383 | 388 | 393 | 402 | 412 |
| Stand over height (mm) | 722 | 753 | 770 | 794 | 821 | 834 |
| Handlebar width (mm) | 400 | 400 | 420 | 420 | 440 | 440 |
| Stem length (mm) | 80 | 90 | 100 | 110 | 110 | 120 |
| Crank length (mm) | 170 | 170 | 172.5 | 172.5 | 175 | 175 |
2023 Giant Propel models, specifications and pricing
There are seven models in the 2023 Giant Propel range – two at the Advanced SL tier, three at the Advanced Pro tier and two at the Advanced tier.
The 2023 Giant Propel Advanced SL features Giant’s Advanced SL carbon layup, which is its lightest, stiffest and most expensive grade of carbon fibre, and an integrated seatpost design.
The Advanced SL builds also have Cadex carbon wheels and Cadex tubeless tyres.
The Advanced Pro and Advanced tiers have cheaper and heavier Advanced-grade carbon layups on the frame, and a telescoping aero seatpost, which is similar (if not identical) to that seen on the Giant TCR Advanced Pro Disc.
These builds all feature Giant carbon wheels and either Cadex or Giant tubeless tyres.
All models in the new 2023 Giant Propel range come with aero water bottle cages and an integrated out-front bike computer mount.
At the time of writing, Giant has only confirmed pricing for the Benelux and Australian markets.
For the three models available in that Australia, prices are as follows:
- Giant Propel Advanced SL 0: AU$13,999
- Giant Propel Advanced Pro 0 AXS: AU$8,499
- Giant Propel Advanced Pro 0 Di2: AU$7,799
For context, the outgoing Giant Propel Advanced Pro 0 AXS (which has a SRAM Force eTap AXS groupset and Giant carbon wheels) is currently listed at AU$8,199, so it appears there have been some price rises for this latest generation.
It’s fair to say we’ve seen this across the bike industry in recent times, though, so it’s perhaps not unexpected.
Giant says the UK and US will confirm pricing closer to delivery, which is currently scheduled for November.
2023 Giant Propel Advanced SL 0
- Price: AU$13,999 / €12,000
- Frame: Advanced SL-grade composite
- Fork: Advanced SL-grade composite
- Drivetrain: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 with Shimano FC-9200P power meter
- Wheelset: Cadex 50 Ultra Disc
- Tyres: Cadex Aero, 700x25c
- Seatpost: Advanced SL-grade composite, integrated design
- Handlebar: Giant Contact SLR Aero
- Saddle: Giant Fleet SLR
- Actual weight: 6.91kg
2023 Giant Propel Advanced SL 1
- Price: €9,200
- Frameset: Advanced SL-grade composite
- Fork: Advanced SL-grade composite
- Drivetrain: SRAM Force eTap AXS with Giant Halo power meter
- Wheelset: Cadex 50 Ultra Disc
- Tyres: Cadex Aero, 700x25c
- Seatpost: Advanced SL-grade composite, integrated design
- Handlebar: Giant Contact SLR Aero
- Saddle: Giant Fleet SLR
2023 Giant Propel Advanced Pro 0 AXS
- Price: AU$8,499 / €6,900
- Frameset: Advanced-grade composite
- Fork: Advanced SL-grade composite
- Drivetrain: SRAM Force eTap AXS with Giant Halo power meter
- Wheelset: Giant SLR 1 50 Carbon Disc WheelSystem
- Tyres: Cadex Race, 700x25c
- Seatpost: Giant Vector
- Handlebar: Giant Contact SLR Aero
- Saddle: Giant Fleet SL
2023 Giant Propel Advanced Pro 0 Di2
- Price: AU$7,799 / €6,500
- Frameset: Advanced-grade composite
- Fork: Advanced SL-grade composite
- Drivetrain: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8170
- Wheelset: Giant SLR 1 50 Carbon Disc WheelSystem
- Tyres: Cadex Race, 700x25c
- Seatpost: Giant Vector
- Handlebar: Giant Contact SLR Aero
- Saddle: Giant Fleet SL
2023 Giant Propel Advanced Pro 1
- Price: €5,600
- Frameset: Advanced-grade composite
- Fork: Advanced SL-grade composite
- Drivetrain: SRAM Rival eTap AXS with Giant Halo power meter
- Wheelset: Giant SLR 1 50 Carbon Disc WheelSystem
- Tyres: Giant Gavia Course 1, 700 x 25c
- Seatpost: Giant Vector
- Handlebar: Giant Contact SL Aero
- Saddle: Giant Fleet SL
2023 Giant Propel Advanced 1
- Price: €4,700
- Frameset: Advanced-grade composite
- Fork: Advanced-grade composite
- Drivetrain: SRAM Rival eTap AXS with Giant Halo power meter
- Wheelset: Giant SLR 1 50 Carbon Disc WheelSystem
- Tyres: Giant Gavia Course 1, 700 x 25c
- Seatpost: Giant Vector
- Handlebar: Giant Contact SL Aero
- Saddle: Giant Fleet SL
2023 Giant Propel Advanced 2
- Price: €3,000
- Frameset: Advanced-grade composite
- Fork: Advanced-grade composite
- Drivetrain: Shimano 105 R7000
- Wheelset: Giant P-A2 Disc
- Tyres: Giant Gavia Course 1, 700 x 25c
- Seatpost: Giant Vector
- Handlebar: Giant Contact SL Aero
- Saddle: Giant Fleet SL
