Giant Propel Advanced 2

[Get Karter]

Anyone on here got this, or ridden one? (105 equipped)

Looking for some informed opinions, thanks!

Edited by Get Karter on Tuesday 21st April 20:15

[tjdixon911]

Wanted one but couldn't find one in my size, most places were quoting quite long waiting times (at the time I was looking at least)

Was also looking at the Merida Reacto (sp?), I actually think the Merida was a better looking bike but their 105 spec bike was another £3-400...

I ended up with a non Aero Bike, just because every time I visited a bike shop my budget just kept getting bigger, I had to stop

[Daveyraveygravey]

Is this the £2.5k one? Had a test ride a month ago, fantastic thing. There's a video of it on Bikeradar from Cycling Plus bike of the year.
I rode it on a very blustery day and found the wheels a bit prone to being caught and pushing you across the road. The only other issue I had was I could get some brake rub if I was out of the saddle but that could have been because it was a demo bike and needed a bit of setting up. Otherwise it was fast and felt comfortable enough for the 45 mins or so I had it.
I've gone for the Propel Advanced 1 at 900 quid less, pick it up at the weekend, can't waitB-)

[Get Karter]

Thanks guys.

The one I am looking at is the entry level one at £1,400.
http://www.edinburghbicycle.com/products/giant-pro...

It is not the 'Pro' version (£2500), which has the better wheels and chainset.
http://www.tswcycles.co.uk/giant-propel-advanced-p...

[en6jwrs]

I have this bike and have been very pleased with it. Admittedly have only done a few rides (as recovering from a bad off) but one was a 120k ride at the weekend. Bike was very comfortable.

Was considering the cannondale synapse and giant defy as alternatives but am pleased with my choice. A good compromise between speed and comfort.

[Sandersports]

Ive had 3 of them over the last 3 years ... last year i had the SL . No1 rule of the Propel make sure you get the frame just slightly smaller then a standard frame. I always ride a M/L with Giant, however it was a mistake with the Propel and i now only ride Med, as the M/L rode like a farm gate round the corners, Fantastic at general riding but full chat round corners in crits and road races it was poor. Being on a Med now i dont have this issue.

[Daveyraveygravey]

en6jwrs said:

I have this bike and have been very pleased with it. Admittedly have only done a few rides (as recovering from a bad off) but one was a 120k ride at the weekend. Bike was very comfortable.

Was considering the cannondale synapse and giant defy as alternatives but am pleased with my choice. A good compromise between speed and comfort.

I looked at the Supersix and loads of others, but once you start looking at an aero bike, anything that isn't seems either old school or conventional or dull. Everything I've read says they are the most comfy aero bike. Hopefully picking mine up on Saturday will let you know how I get on; it's the one up from yours but the only difference as far as I know is Ultegra.

Have you got the stock saddle still en6jwrs?

[en6jwrs]

Yes - still got the stock saddle and find it very comfortable.

The only upgrade I did pre purchase was to swap the wheels for Mavic Cosmics.

Very happy with it and feels very responsive and quick compared to my winter bike (Giant SCR 2.0 from a few years back).

[Get Karter]

Sandersports said:

Ive had 3 of them over the last 3 years ... last year i had the SL . No1 rule of the Propel make sure you get the frame just slightly smaller then a standard frame. I always ride a M/L with Giant, however it was a mistake with the Propel and i now only ride Med, as the M/L rode like a farm gate round the corners, Fantastic at general riding but full chat round corners in crits and road races it was poor. Being on a Med now i dont have this issue.

Interesting re sizing.
On the 'size chart' for the Propel I come up as requiring size M/L. Top tube length of the M/L is the same as my other (non Giant) bikes.

Out of interest Sandersports, what height are you?

[Magic919]

I've got one. It has Ultegra rather than 105, but can't see that making much difference. Got it cheap earlier this year. Seems like a nice bike and makes a change from the Defy I usually ride. Geometry wasn't vastly difference, which surprised me. Bought it because it looked pretty.

[Shuttle Cock]

I have the advanced 2, purchased it in March, and it's fantastic, both fast and comfy.

[Shuttle Cock]

I have the advanced 2, purchased it in March, and it's fantastic, both fast and comfy.

[2ky]

I'm considering the same bike! I'm not sure whether to go for the Giant propel advanced 2, this:

http://www.cube.eu/uk/bikes/road-race/agree/cube-a...

or this:

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/tc...

Got to be honest but I'm tempted by the Cube, any opinions?

[Get Karter]

2ky said:

I'm considering the same bike! I'm not sure whether to go for the Giant propel advanced 2, this:

http://www.cube.eu/uk/bikes/road-race/agree/cube-a...

or this:

http://www.giant-bicycles.com/en-gb/bikes/model/tc...

Got to be honest but I'm tempted by the Cube, any opinions?

Yes, that Cube looks good value. Same price as the Giant but with better wheels and Ultegra.
The bicycle consumer has too many choices!

[bakerstreet]

Worth looking at the Ultegra version, which is only £300 more. Nicer colour scheme IMO. Its also a gloss finish, which is slightly easier to keep clean than the matt 105 version.

The Propel is a great looking bike. I'm hoping to buy one next year. Can't do it this year as I need a Brompton for riding to work

[Get Karter]

bakerstreet said:

Worth looking at the Ultegra version, which is only £300 more. Nicer colour scheme IMO. Its also a gloss finish, which is slightly easier to keep clean than the matt 105 version.

The Propel is a great looking bike. I'm hoping to buy one next year. Can't do it this year as I need a Brompton for riding to work

Yeah. Just had a look at the Ultegra version "2015 Propel Advanced 1" at £1,650. Definitely worth the extra as you get the Ultegra chainset, whereas the 105 version has a non-series compact chainset.

[Daveyraveygravey]

[url]
Will ride it tomorrow, happy to look at it with a beer in my hand for now

[Shuttle Cock]

That looks very nice, although there appears to be a cat stuck in your front wheel!

[Get Karter]

Daveyraveygravey][url said:

Will ride it tomorrow, happy to look at it with a beer in my hand for now

Lovely. I think I might go for one of those.

(NB. It looks like your stem is on upside down. An easy 7 bolt undo/redo switch)

Edited by Get Karter on Friday 24th April 20:58

[Daveyraveygravey]

Shuttle Cock said:

That looks very nice, although there appears to be a cat stuck in your front wheel!

Yeah, adds about 2 kilos!

Get Karter - I see what you mean, will check that out.
Edit - stem ok, is reversible. I gave them my old measurements which were more upright so they have tried to get as close to Thomas they could; there's a bunwof spacers in there too. Bet they think I'm some daft old sod having a mid life crisis!

Edited by Daveyraveygravey on Saturday 25th April 09:35