GIANT PROPEL 2025 test review pros cons problems performance opinions reviews everything you need to know (really)

GIANT PROPEL 2025 test review pros cons problems performance opinions reviews everything you need to know (really)

Giant Propel 2025 test review Build quality

The Giant Propel 2025 has a good overall build quality, it is not cheap but the frame is well made, good size availability, while it is a shame that the color range is really limited.

In the assembly, extensive use is made of components made by Giant, which are excellent anyway.

It is worth noting the notable difference in price, weight and performance between the top of the range and the entry level: same name, same aesthetics, but two completely different bikes.

Marketing teaches, I propose the top of the range with all the best of the best, then I sell the entry level which is a very normal racing bike, even a bit heavy ...

Giant Propel 2025 test review Frame

The Giant Propel 2025 is a clear evolution compared to the previous model.

Everything is very well made, like the new aerobar, the internal cable routing.

The weight of the frame, with the top of the range assembly is competitive, about 6.9 kg, but increases in the other versions.

The integrated seat post is only available on the top of the range version, the one that will be sold in a couple of units.

In the other models, there is the more practical traditional seat post.

The high construction quality and the availability of sizes are combined with a competitive list price.

Even if it is not exactly a bargain, but the quality/price ratio is still good.

Giant Propel 2025 test review Assemblies

The range of assemblies is complete and allows everyone, or almost everyone, to access the Giant Propel 2025.

The construction and assembly quality, in every version, is good.

Except for the price of the top of the range version, in the other cases the prices are good and competitive.

A comparison between the entry level of the range and the top of the range is however merciless.

They are two different bicycles not even comparable.

Giant Propel 2025 test review Comfort

Together with the reduced weight, the ride comfort is one of the aspects in which the Giant Propel 2025 has improved.

It is not a granfondo bike, but compared to the past it is now a bike on which you can pedal for a long time without major problems.

It is clearly still a rigid and uncomfortable bike in absolute terms, but compared to the past it is a decisive step forward.

One reason why this bike should be purchased with a certain awareness is that it remains a bike intended for the competitor, not very suitable for the amateur.

Giant Propel 2025 test review Guide

The Giant Propel 2025 is a high-performance bike, lightweight in the top-of-the-range configuration.

The improved ride comfort makes it easier to appreciate the greater rigidity of the frame and its greater aerodynamic performance.

But these are details, for those who race at a competitive level, those watts saved are precious moments that can turn into a victory, but for the simple amateur they are nothing.

Lighter, more comfortable, it is also easier to ride, less nervous, always manageable, but more precise, easier to ride on rough terrain and downhill.

Even easier to manage when braking.

In short, the new frame is much easier to use, in all conditions, in this a real step forward.

Giant Propel 2025 test review Performance

The new Giant Propel 2025 is undoubtedly a high-performance bike in its top-of-the-range version, light, rigid, aerodynamic.

Excellent performance on the plains and hills.

Very good also uphill.

It is clearly not a pure climbing bike, but it holds its own well.

As an aero bike it is less rigid than other competitors, but more versatile, even if it does not reach the balance of the Giant TCR.

Without a doubt it is not a frame and a bicycle for simple amateurs of the group outing on Sunday, but a racing bike intended for professional or semi-professional athletes, triathletes and lovers of circuit races.

We do not see it as ideal as a frame for a granfondo made by an enthusiast.

Downhill, nothing to say, it goes very fast.

A slightly different aero bike from its main competitors, less rigid, but lighter.

It loses something on the flat, but gains it on the climbs.

It can be an ideal choice in races with a lot of flat and some difficult climbs, on these routes it is the best.

Otherwise the competitors do better.

Giant Propel 2025 test review Strengths and weaknesses

The Giant Propel 2025 has proven to be a competitive aero racing bike with a good intended use.

It goes very well in long races, with a lot of flat, even with some nice climbs.

On these routes it is a very competitive racing bike, it combines excellent performance on the flat with good performance on the climbs.

Good, for the type of bike, the ride comfort.

Valid versatility of use, it is not just a flat bike.

The flaw? everything expressed applies to the top of the range, but the cheaper versions remain the classic aero racing bikes, heavy and only good on the flat.

At least now the ride comfort has improved.

Very good value for money for all models in the range.

In the end, however, it is not the fastest aero bike, nor the lightest overall.

A compromise that may satisfy many, but be a disappointment for many others.

NDR: the photo does not refer to the specific bike being tested