In the Cycling Weekly’s 2023 bike of the year awards, the Propel Advanced Pro was crowned the winner for best value.
Cycling Weekly tester and editor Stefan Abram writes that if you are on a tighter budget and wish to reap the improvements in handling, the Propel Advanced Pro is your best option by far. “Giant has managed to combine an excellent bike with that exceptional price.”
When comparing the Propel to the previous generation, Abram highlights that “Giant has now pivoted to a much slimmer design, one which ascribes a greater priority to both weight and comfort.”
In terms of pace, Abram claims the Propel is quick and reliable when maintaining speed. “It does certainly feel fast. Tucked up on the flatter sections of the testing loop, I was really able to motor along, holding my speed without any issues.”
Abram also suggests similarities between the Propel and Giant’s TCR. He claims the Propel has been brought closer to the TCR with its climbing ability from the shortened wheelbase and increased trail. “The result of this is a bike that feels playful but controlled.”
After being crowned the winner of the best value bike, Cycling Weekly tester and editor, Simon Smyth was next to get his hands on the Propel, scoring the bike a near perfect 9/10.
When discussing the ride quality, he describes the Propel as fast and stable. He felt there was “much better vibration damping from the front end of the bike, the Propel felt smoother and therefore faster than the Canyon.”
Smyth also stated that he would be happy if the Propel was his only road bike. “I definitely did notice higher average speeds on my regular loops while I was riding the Propel and that’s what really makes me happy.”
Smyth’s summary of the Propel Advanced Pro aligns perfectly with Abram’s award-winning review. He writes “If your focus is on going fast and you don't want to pay five figures, the Propel Advanced Pro 1 has pretty much all of it covered with very few compromises.”