any others before i bite the bullet

chatlow

Was almost set on getting the propel advanced pro 2 but because bike to work is taking longer than expected it's got me looking at other competitors for around 2600 and would really appreciate any suggestions before I get this certificate given to me

Giant TCR Advanced Pro 1
Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 8 (bit of a jump in price)
Focus Izalco/Cayo

Will be using this as my weekend/sportive and eventually triathlon bike when I get better at the running

Thanks

Matthewfalle

Nothing Cervelo based gets your attention? Boardman?

londoncommuter

A bit off topic but which shop is letting you buy a £2,600 bike with a ride to work voucher? Not sure a Propel would be my first choice for commuting on.....

navrig2

londoncommuter wrote:

A bit off topic but which shop is letting you buy a £2,600 bike with a ride to work voucher? Not sure a Propel would be my first choice for commuting on.....

Some schemes have limits above the usual £1000. It requires the company to be a registered credit broker (or something similar). Our company did it for one year and I managed to secure a voucher for £2500 and bagged myself a nice titanium bike.

joey54321

If you are seriously considering tri then presumably something aero focussed would be a benefit?

S2/3
Boardman Air
Giant Propel
Aeroroad

chatlow

thanks all. So yeah Cervelo I absolutely adore - gonna check out the S3 but I would ideally love the S5, which is out of budget

Yeah, lots saying the TCR is a better all-rounder and I also hear the Focus is quite harsh - then again, I've heard the same about the Propel being harsh too.

Ha, this bike WON'T be used for commuting - I have my cube for commutes, this is purely to help get some discount of an expensive bike! I asked about paying over the 1000 and my work are fine with it as are most bike shops I've asked, including Giant directly.

Looks wise, the propel is mint. Not sure the added kg is worth it for the aero benefits over say 20mph.

decisions, decisions.

Matthewfalle

chatlow wrote:

thanks all. So yeah Cervelo I absolutely adore - gonna check out the S3 but I would ideally love the S5, which is out of budget

Yeah, lots saying the TCR is a better all-rounder and I also hear the Focus is quite harsh - then again, I've heard the same about the Propel being harsh too.

Ha, this bike WON'T be used for commuting - I have my cube for commutes, this is purely to help get some discount of an expensive bike! I asked about paying over the 1000 and my work are fine with it as are most bike shops I've asked, including Giant directly.

Looks wise, the propel is mint. Not sure the added kg is worth it for the aero benefits over say 20mph.

decisions, decisions.

Tricky .....

bristolpete

Had a propel in 2015 for a few months but I personally, and only personally, found the bike incredibly stiff and to me, to harsh at the front end. The head tube area super stiff and really brought on neck fatigue. I currently ride a Giant TCR Adv Pro 1 which I find a super little bike and very versatile and no less fast than a propel on 'fast tuesday / chaingang / pace line rides. TCR is a stunning climbing bike and descends wonderfully well, as do all Giant bikes.

chatlow

bristolpete wrote:

Had a propel in 2015 for a few months but I personally, and only personally, found the bike incredibly stiff and to me, to harsh at the front end. The head tube area super stiff and really brought on neck fatigue. I currently ride a Giant TCR Adv Pro 1 which I find a super little bike and very versatile and no less fast than a propel on 'fast tuesday / chaingang / pace line rides. TCR is a stunning climbing bike and descends wonderfully well, as do all Giant bikes.

thanks for this. echoes what some others have said. I love the look of the propel, really do, but having second thoughts on if a very stiff, slightly heavier ride is really what I need - when I am not a sprinter that will benefit hugely from it.

found out my bike to work is delayed until the 17th June, so I have a little more time look around for others

vinnymarsden

I have a TCR Advanced Pro built up myself with etap and Racing Zeros, excellent ride, went from a Scott Foil to the TCR and it's a far better ride, easier but still fast... go with what feels best

chatlow

Got very temped by Canyon and Cervelo but I'm going for the propel. Trying to decide between 2 offers below:

Advanced 1 (non pro - with ultergra) + SLR1 wheelset (+750) or
advanced pro 2 (105 with SLR1 already)

both pretty much same price ~£2500

What you think..

StillGoing

Merida Reacto, ideal Triathlon bike.

https://www.motocard.com/en/bike/road/m ... oCtkvw_wcB

chatlow

philthy3 wrote:

Merida Reacto, ideal Triathlon bike.

https://www.motocard.com/en/bike/road/m ... oCtkvw_wcB

nice bike to be fair. but the fulcrum wheels let it down. plus I've already got a set of them on my training bike.

for my budget I would want a very nice pair of aero wheels such as the SLR1's

thanks anyway but I think I am set on the propel - just need convincing on which one!

e17blade

My Aeroad was stolen last weekend. Took out a TCR and a Propel for test rides to compare .... and now buying a TCR.

Superb bike and GREAT FUN.

chatlow

^^ more comfortable? How harsh a ride was the propel when you rode it? Felt okay for me.

e17blade

chatlow wrote:

^^ more comfortable? How harsh a ride was the propel when you rode it? Felt okay for me.

Just more fun. I'd put it down to the handling when descending mostly.

I wouldn't say that either Giant was particularly harsh though - and both Giant's felt more stable and handled better than my Aeroad.

chatlow

Thanks for the feedback. Was a very close call between the TCR and Propel. Came down to looks and sizing if i'm honest. Reach on the medium TCR frame was a bit much.. small felt great, but being compact, the seatpost was at the limit. Didn't want to try and make a big bike smaller so decided on the small propel which is perfect.

e17blade

chatlow wrote:

Thanks for the feedback. Was a very close call between the TCR and Propel. Came down to looks and sizing if i'm honest. Reach on the medium TCR frame was a bit much.. small felt great, but being compact, the seatpost was at the limit. Didn't want to try and make a big bike smaller so decided on the small propel which is perfect.

I agree - the Propel looks great.

dormer88

Hi Chatlow,

Which Propel did you go for the end and how is it?

chatlow

dormer88 wrote:

Hi Chatlow,

Which Propel did you go for the end and how is it?

BTW voucher arriving this week. Been very delayed but the shop have held a propel advanced pro 2 for me :-D

what are you going for?

dormer88

I'm thinking the same and upgrading a couple of components.

Are you paying the extra cash? I'm looking to use the BTW and then pay the extra.

chatlow

dormer88 wrote:

I'm thinking the same and upgrading a couple of components.

Are you paying the extra cash? I'm looking to use the BTW and then pay the extra.

Yes, 1000 BTW then I pay the rest. Shop and work are fine with that

Also want to upgrade group in future even though I hear new 11 speed 105 is a lot closer in comparison to Ultegra than it used to be.