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TOTAL RESISTANCE

This analysis quantifies the performance leap of the new Propel by comparing its total system resistance against the previous generation. By evaluating every component as a unified system, integrated engineering translates into significant real-world gains.

Grischa 2.0

Leading into the development of the new Propel range, an all-new dynamic mannequin was created. The new body form is much more accurate to the rider’s true body shape. This was made possible by a new 3D printing process versus the extremely expensive and time- consuming carbon fiber molding used for the original Grischa.

Grischa 2.0 features a more accurate leg reproduction, especially overall leg length and thigh shaping. And the new foot form is an exact replication of the foot and shoe combination, so an actual shoe is no longer required.

The head is now interchangeable and the neck angle highly adjustable, making it easier to test airflow over and through a helmet and down the back. The head form can also be swapped out for a different form using integrated temperature sensors to measure heat dissipation for helmet designs. And Grischa’s new modular construction (3D printing versus carbon molding) makes it easier to change different riding kits.

WIND TUNNEL RESULTS

Setup

To ensure scientific accuracy, both generations were tested in a medium frame size with optimized component configurations:

COMPONENTPREVIOUS PROPEL ADVANCED SLNEW PROPEL ADVANCED SL
COCKPITPrevious Contact SLR 0 (two-piece bar, 420mm straight)New Contact SLR 0 (Integrated bar, 400/ 370mm flare)
TIRECADEX Aero 25cCADEX Aero 28c
WHEELSETCADEX Ultra 50CADEX Max 50
MANNEQUINGrischa 2.0Grischa 2.0
CONFIGURATIONFrame size M; Integrated aero cage; standard water bottle; Giant aero jerseyFrame size M; Integrated aero cage; standard water bottle; Giant aero jersey

METHODOLOGY

We utilized three distinct protocols to capture a complete picture of total resistance:

  1. Linear Aero Drag: Measuring with Grischa 2.0 and its articulating legs evaluates linear aero drag at 40 kph across yaw angles from -20° to +20°.
  2. Rotational Drag: Measurements taken at 40 kph across yaw angles from -20° to +20° isolate the force difference between wind-on and wind-off states.
  3. Rolling Resistance: Testing at 40 kph under a 42 kg load per tire simulates an 84 kg total system to calculate power efficiency.

RESULTS

The synergy of these advancements results in a Propel that is significantly faster across every metric:

The Watts Savings | Complete Bike
Units: Watts

METRICPREVIOUS PROPEL ADVANCED SLNEW PROPEL ADVANCED SL
LINEAR DRAG (+/- 20º YAW)234.9222.48
WHEEL ROTATING DRAG (FRONT & REAR)5.465.04
TIRE ROLLING RESISTANCE (FRONT & REAR)27.421.8
TOTAL RESISTANCE267.76249.32

TOTAL ENERGY SAVINGS: -18.44 W

The new Propel Advanced SL delivers a definitive performance leap, slashing total system resistance from 267.76 watts to 249.32 watts. This 18.44-watt breakthrough ensures that every watt you produce is converted into pure speed.

WEIGHT COMPARISON

Frame weight can be a subjective variable, depending on what is considered a frame. For this comparison, we define a frame as follows:

Size medium, unpainted production frame and fork, including headset and top cap, rear derailleur hardware, and all production hardware (water bottle bolts, etc.).

Units: All weights are measured in grams (g).

FRAMESET COMPONENTS

COMPONENTPROPEL ADVANCED SL (PREVIOUS)PROPEL ADVANCED SL (NEW)PROPEL ADVANCED PRO (NEW)PROPEL ADVANCED (NEW)
FRAME845800863863
FORK360360360410
SEATPOST / ISP CLAMP109111.3173.6173.6
FRONT DERAILLEUR HANGER15.114.914.914.9
REAR DERAILLEUR HANGER13.325.325.325.3
EXPANDER41.440.140.140.1
TOP CAP88.28.28.2
CONE8.96.36.36.3
SPACERS26.423.623.623.6
STEM SPACERS6.23.63.63.6
BEARINGS / RING49.8249.849.849.8
TOTAL FRAMESET WEIGHT1483.11443.15 (-39.9 g)1568.5 (+85.4 g)1618.5 (+135.4 g)

COMPLETE SYSTEM COMPONENTS (FOR COMPLETE BIKE EVALUATION)

COMPONENTPROPEL ADVANCED SL (PREVIOUS)PROPEL ADVANCED SL (NEW)PROPEL ADVANCED PRO (NEW)PROPEL ADVANCED (NEW)
AXLE9798.598.598.5
COCKPIT360283283535
WHEELS1350125013801690
TIRES580440440626
TRANSMISSION SYSTEM WEIGHT3870.13514.6 (-355.5 g)3770 (-100.1 g)4568 (+697.9 g)

SUMMARY

Overall, the fourth-generation Propel Advanced SL frameset is 39.9 grams lighter than its predecessor. When assessing the complete bike, the drivetrain system accounts for an additional 355.5-gram savings. These weight improvements stem largely from refined frame engineering, an integrated seatpost design, and holistic system-level component optimization.

STIFFNESS COMPARISON

Frameset stiffness was assessed using industry-standard protocols, with size medium framesets. We tested both steering and pedaling stiffness with a steel dummy fork installed. Our testing determined how much the complete frameset flexed under load.

FRAMESET STIFFNESS

TEST METHODOLOGY

Steering (Torsional) Stiffness
For torsional stiffness, each frame was locked at the rear dropouts with lateral force applied to the fork. More frame stiffness means better cornering and response to rider input.

Pedaling Stiffness
For pedaling stiffness testing, both the rear dropouts and a dummy fork were fixed, with the frame inclined at 10° and a vertical force applied to the pedal eye of the crank arm. Higher stiffness in this area means efficient power transfer and minimal energy loss.

PROPEL ADVANCED SL | FRAME STIFFNESS PROGRESSION

Baseline: Previous-generation Propel Advanced SL

FEATUREPROPEL ADVANCED SL (PREVIOUS)PROPEL ADVANCED SL (NEW)CHANGE
FRAME PEDALING STIFFNESS (N/mm)8284+2.4%
FRAME TORSIONAL STIFFNESS (N/°)120124+3.3%
FORK STIFFNESS (N/mm)5860+3.4%

WHAT IT MEANS

The new Propel Advanced SL delivers a significant gain in pedaling efficiency while maintaining proven torsional stiffness and improving front-end control.

NEW PROPEL RANGE | FRAME STIFFNESS BY MODEL

Relative to Propel Advanced SL (NEW = Baseline)

FEATUREPROPEL ADVANCED SLPROPEL ADVANCED PROPROPEL ADVANCED
FRAME PEDALING STIFFNESS (N/mm)8477 (-11%)74 (-15%)
FRAME TORSIONAL STIFFNESS (N/°)124110 (-11.9%)108 (-13.7%)
FORK STIFFNESS (N/mm)6060 (0%)56 (-6.8%)

WHAT IT MEANS

Propel Advanced SL sets the benchmark for stiffness and race-level power transfer, while Advanced Pro and Advanced balance stiffness with accessibility and ride compliance.

PROPEL ADVANCED SL | SYSTEM STIFFNESS PROGRESSION

Unlike conventional frame stiffness tests that focus on isolated components, our methodology evaluates the complete power transmission system—from the pedals through the drivetrain to the rear wheel; from the handlebar through frameset to the front wheel. This holistic approach ensures that test results accurately reflect real-world riding performance and system-level efficiency.

By testing the bicycle as an integrated system, the data directly corresponds to how rider input power is transferred during actual pedaling and handling.

FEATUREPROPEL ADVANCED SL (PREVIOUS)PROPEL ADVANCED SL (NEW)PROPEL ADVANCED PRO (NEW)PROPEL ADVANCED PRO (NEW)
FRAMESET TRANSMISSION (N/mm) (PEDALING + FORK)140144 (+2.9%)137 (-2.1%)133 (-5%)
SYSTEM PEDALING STIFFNESS (N/mm)4749 (+4.3%)47 (+0%)44 (-6.4%)
SYSTEM CONTROLLING STIFFNESS (N/mm)88.3 (+3.8%)7.9 (-1.3%)7.6 (-5%)

WHAT IT MEANS

The new Propel Advanced SL delivers measurable gains in whole-system efficiency, translating rider effort into forward motion with greater immediacy and control.

EFFICIENCY COMPARISON

Increased frame stiffness means better power transmission, helping the rider reach and maintain higher speeds with less effort. The combination of lower weight and higher stiffness adds up to superior overall efficiency.

PROPEL ADVANCED SL | EFFICIENCY PROGRESSION

Baseline: Previous-generation Propel Advanced SL

FEATUREPROPEL ADVANCED SL (PREVIOUS)PROPEL ADVANCED SL (NEW)PROPEL ADVANCED PRO (NEW)PROPEL ADVANCED (NEW)
FRAMESET STIFFNESS-TO-WEIGHT RATIO9499.8 (+5.7%)87.3 (-7.5%)82.7 (-12.4%)
SYSTEM PEDALING STIFFNESS STIFFNESS-TO-WEIGHT RATIO12.113.9 (+14.8%)12.5 (+2.7%)9.6 (-20.7%)
SYSTEM CONTROLLING STIFFNESS-TO-WEIGHT RATIO2.12.4 (+14.2%)2.1 (+1.4%)1.7 (-19.5%)

WHY IT MATTERS

The fourth-generation Propel Advanced SL delivers a substantial efficiency gain across both frameset and system measurements, converting rider effort into forward momentum with greater immediacy and less wasted energy.

SHOP THE GEAR TESTED ON GRISCHA 2.0