The first generation of Giant’s Propel aero road frame was launched in 2013, and has remained in the brand’s line largely unchanged. For a top end race frame from a major brand – with a Pro Tour race team – that’s a very long time. But Giant have now officially unveiled the first major revision to the Propel – first spotted at the 2017 Tour de France with disc brakes under Australian sprinter Michael Matthews.
Photograph by Matt Phillips
The most obvious addition to the Propel: disc brakes. The first generation Propel was launched before disc brakes on road bikes were a thing, and used integrated side-pull brakes. By using disc brakes, Giant’s frame design team was able to clean up and minimise the shape of the fork, and the seat stays, potentially reducing drag in those areas. The Propel Disc is designed for flat mount brake calipers. Which is good, because team sponsor Shimano’s new Dura Ace calipers are only offered for flat mount.
Photograph by Matt Phillips
The Propel disc appears too have good tyre clearance for an aero road racing bike. Matthews’s bike is equipped with 25mm Vittoria Corsa tubulars, and it appears there is clearance for at least a 28, and possibly a 30mm tyre.
Photograph by Matt Phillips
Copyright © 2016 Rodale Inc.