uppis wrote: ↑Wed Nov 30, 2022 7:42 pm
HBike wrote: ↑Sun Nov 27, 2022 4:22 pm
Nickldn wrote: ↑Sun Nov 27, 2022 3:26 pm
HBike wrote: ↑Sun Nov 27, 2022 2:45 pm
It is not simply possible to update certain parts. The steerer tube is now d-shaped in addition to being 1 1/4" -> you need to use the two new stems designed for the propel, no other options exist.
Seatposts similarly.
I find the Propel intriguing. But in Germany only the top model and the Rival builds are sold, no Ultegra or Force. I would need to drive to the Netherlands.
So far I didn't find enough reports to judge riding comfort etc., too.
I bought an earlier Propel Advanced SL as frameset and that was fine, as the bike is pretty standard apart from the od2 steerer and v-brakes.
Many of the new bikes can only used with proprietary components, so a frameset purchase makes much less sense. You can't just swap over the stuff from your old bike. You're restricted to groupset, a new seat and perhaps wheels, but in many cases the wheels may not be as good for aero as the standard ones.
I'm allergic to hookless, so the new Propel is a no-no for me. Giant saying using Cadex tyres is necessary for optimum aero just reinforces this.
I use hookless rims with inner tubes (Aerothan), works fine so far. I think the new SL R 50 wheels are quite good and great value- 30mm outer diameter, 126,5kg system weight, rigorous testing protokoll, so 25 to 28mm tires are fine. Are there affordable alternatives to the 303 Firecrest or these SL R 50 with >30mm outer diameter?
Light Bicycle WR50? 25mm ID, 32mm OD, can choose hooked or hookless. Have been training and racing both road and gravel with WR50, no complaints.
Sure WR50s are good rims, but the fact remains that 25mm ID and 32mm OD is not necessarily beneficial for racing wheels running 25mm tyres.
It IS beneficial for HOOKLESS rims, which NEED the extra width to make running the 72psi maximum tyre pressure workable with 25mm tyres. Wider ID makes it possible to run low pressures, especially for riders heavier than 70kg. For rims with a narrower ID 85-90psi may be the right pressure.
On the other hand running HOOKED rims and 25mm tyres means 19mm ID and 27mm OD is sufficient for some, but not all 25mm tyres.
What is more aero? Hard to say, but most racers will not run 32mm OD rims for 25mm tyres.
So as far as I can see the Propel has light hookless wheels, which need to be wider and so less areo than required.
The big question is if TOUR test the new Propel with Cadex and Zipp wheels, which ones will be more aero?