Giant first entered the aero road bike game in 2013 with the launch of their Propel Advanced SL. Tests showed that, at 40 kph, the Propel Advanced SL saves 12-36 seconds over 40 kilometres. Third-party wind-tunnel tests showed that the Propel Advanced SL is more aerodynamic from every yaw angle tested when compared to other leading aero road bikes.
Other than the lack of an integrated seatpost, the fundamentals of the Advanced 2 are the same as the SL: the frame geometry is identical and they share aero profiled tubes, oversized head tube and bearings, hidden brakes and profiled bars. For the ladies, looking for an aero road bike, Giant has added an Envie Advanced to their Liv range.
There is no excess on the frame with lots of attention to detail and, in keeping with the aero nature of the frame, everything is neatly tucked away behind or under a sculptured tube. The only oddity seems to be the loop the rear derailleur outer makes from the handlebar to where it disappears into the top tube behind the steerer tube. In terms of aero gain that’s the place to do it as it’s already in “dirty” air, but I’ll try to see if I can get it a bit less unsightly.
Powering the Advanced 2 is Shimano’s excellent 11-speed 105 groupset. Except for the KMC chain and Sapim spokes, the rest of the kit all comes from Giant’s own range of gear. On first inspection nothing looks or feels out of place.
I will be riding the Prop Advanced 2 over the next couple of months and will report back on it’s ride, specifically on-road feel. It has already passed the looks test with flying colours.
RRP: R 27,495.00
Weight: 8.42kg (Actual weight including 2 bottle cages and pedals)
Specification
SizesXS, S, M, ML, L, XLColoursComp (Matte/Gloss), Blue (Matte/Gloss)FrameAdvanced-Grade CompositeForkAdvanced-Grade Composite, Hybrid OverDrive SteererHandlebarGiant ConnectStemGiant Connect, ±8-degree riseSeatpostGiant Vector CompositeSaddleGiant Performance Men’s, Manganese railsShiftersShimano 105, 11-speedFront DerailleurShimano 105, 11-speedRear DerailleurShimano 105, 11-speedBrakesGiant SpeedControl SLBrake LeversShimano 105CassetteShimano 105 11-28, 11sChainKMC X11LCranksetShimano RS500, 34/50Bottom BracketShimano, Press FitRimsGiant P-A2HubsGiant Performance Tracker Road, Sealed BearingSpokesSapim RaceTyresGiant P-R3, Flat Guard, front and rear specific, 700×23
From the Manufacturer:
Escape from the pack, its just you against the wind. Sprints, attacks or solo rides find your edge with this class-leading aero road bike.
- Stiff enough to transfer power to the pedals, forgiving enough to keep you comfortable during long training efforts. A class-leading aerodynamic road frame module based on extensive wind tunnel testing-that’s Propel Advanced.
- Lightweight Advanced-grade composite frameset
- Aerodynamic shaping throughout including headtube, downtube, seatstays, fork and seattube
- Aerodynamic composite seatpost for maximum aero’ advantage
- Internal cable routing and aero brake system-no detail overlooked
Thanks Iwan. Sound advice. [emoji106]