Great bike. I was in and out of the Giant store recently and was very close to buying this exact model. However, I went with a second hand 2022 Propel SL0 instead for a little bit cheaper than a new Pro 0. Main reason being I have an old TCR SL0 and the feeling of the SL frame has broken me. Any other bike I ride feels like it's made of wood compared to the SL frame. As you said you love your bike and I absolutely adore my SL 😅, and I think that's the most important thing. Would highly recommend the SL though to anyone else 🤪
Love this bike and thank you for the great review! The only thing that's holding me back are the hookless rims... Reading some nasty stuff about them. What is your experience on them so far?
Had same bike and model, bought in end of 2023. The only thing Im not happy with, is how thin and delicate the paint is. Was able to scratch the bottom bracket just by removing the chain and touching the frame, second time when removing protective tape, it came off with the clear coat. Had small 1mm chip in the sit post tube. My 2021 TCR had better paint quality. In regards of rid quality is really good, surprisingly better than TCR. Is also bit faster, I improved all my strava records.
the propel is a great bike. I have a factor ostro as well and idk what it is but the propel is such a more smoother ride. Might be the different group sets (sram force on ostro, ultegra on propel) but switching gears and ride quality is a lot better on the prople, but factor looks prettier.
I like the look of the Scott Foil more, but for that price, they're basically offering a brick. So, the Giant is really great in terms of price and what we get for it.
Yes, it is a lovely bike, I change my opinion on the look from time to time. I think maybe a better paint colour would be better (something more obvious) but yes the price of the giant for what you get can’t be beaten really!!
Yes the prime bars were the first thing I changed when I got the bike. Tape was fine, a bit tough to wrap round the corners. It isn’t stretchy enough in my opinion but it’s super grippy 👍
Good review. How much do you weigh, anyway? Those tires IMO are good on high speed corners, much like my Pirelli P Zero Race TLR. Saddle is very individual. I swapped it with Repente Prime and significantly more comfy. Keep up the good work, lad 👌
Thanks mate, 76kg so 70psi is pretty much the limit unless I am doing crits. Yeah tyres are pretty decent. Yes, defo going to swap the saddle soon, not too sure what to get without spending too much. Means a lot 👍
So the propel is a much better all round bike. The madone is a really good fast bike but it does feel a bit heavy. Not much but may be annoying if racing on very hilly courses. It is very comfy to ride due to the iso speed (if going with the older gen)
Thanks! I have never experienced an aeroad but from what I know, both bikes are fantastic. obviously the propel is a bit of a better allrounder, and the aeroad will be slightly faster on the flat. either one you decide to go for will be a choice you will not regret!
I have found the seat post quite hard to move myself. I found that it is because the di2 cables are getting in the way. If it is able to be pulled out but not pushed in that will be why. If you pull the cables where they come out at the front and rear derailleur whilst pushing the saddle down, that should help. Bit fiddly
Hello, I am 5ft9 with a medium size bike. I have had a bike fit done and this fits me perfectly. I would say that the size M/L is perfect for you as I am debating whether or not to get a 10mm longer stem myself as I prefer to be in a more aero position. I would also add, don’t compare how you look on a bike to how other people look as people’s positions and geometry are all different. I hope that helps.
so the sl carbon is layered differently, I think they use less pieces of carbon. This makes the sl lighter than the propel and despite it being lighter, it is stiffer meaning more power is being put through the drivetrain and not lost though flexing in the frame etc. Finally, if you look at the two bikes side by side, you will see that the seat posts look different due to more advanced tech. hope this answered your question :-)
Sorry for the late response, I agree however, you will want to buy the bike that you will enjoy the most whilst owning it. Don’t worry too much about the resale price as there will most likely be people your size too. If you get the Pro then you can have some money left over to either enjoy yourself with or upgrade the bike further. If you go for the SL then you will spend more money but get a slightly lighter and faster bike. Paint colours are also something to consider. There is too much choice these days. I hope I wasn’t too late replying to you.
Amazing review. Fairly new to cycling. I got me a giant propel advanced sl 1 with a sram force groupset and I'm loving it!! Can't believe I could get my hands on such a good quality bike and pay half as much for the performance af other top bike brands. This bike is such a good all rounder.
Thanks! Sounds like you have picked the perfect bike, and I totally agree, you don’t need to spend your whole bank on a bike that performs just as well!
