In this comparison, I’ll dissect two popular bike models; the Giant Propel Advanced vs Scott Foil RC.
I’ll compare their lineups, bike specifications, and suggested retail prices in USD, then discuss the carbon fiber technology (Giant Advanced Composite and Scott High Modulus Carbon) and frameset technologies.
The goal is to give you a better understanding of Giant Propel Advanced and Scott Foil RC to help in your decision-making.
| Giant Propel Advanced | Scott Foil RC | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | Aero | Aero |
| Frame material | Advanced-SL carbon Advanced carbon | HMX-SL carbon HMX carbon |
| Frame sizes | XS, S, M, ML, L, XL | 47, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61 |
| Groupset | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Cabling | Internal | Internal |
| Price (USD) | $6,000 to $12,500 | $4,799 to $15,999 |
Giant Propel Advanced
The Giant Propel Advanced is an aero road bike designed for speed.
At first glance, it’s evident that this bike is fast and stiff with its slim frontal end and deep-dish wheels. All Giant Propel models are disc-only and have hidden cables for a clean aero profile.
The Giant Propel Advanced SL is the lightest among them, with an integrated seat post, and uses Giant’s highest-grade carbon fiber, the Advanced SL. The Advanced is one step down and heavier due to the different carbon fiber used and non-integrated seat posts.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giant Propel Advanced SL | Advanced SL carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | CADEX 50 | $12,500 |
| Giant Propel Advanced Pro 0 | Advanced carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Giant SLR 1 50 | $8,000 |
| Giant Propel Advanced Pro 0 AXS | Advanced carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Giant SLR 1 50 | $8,000 |
| Giant Propel Advanced 1 | Advanced carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Giant SLR 2 50 | $6,000 |
Giant Propel Advanced vs others
Scott Foil RC
The Scott Foil RC was refreshed in mid-2022, just in time to debut at the Tour de France. Scott worked with aerodynamics expert Simon Smart, the founder of Drag2Zero. Simon is also the man behind the design of Enve wheels.
According to wind tunnel testing, the new Scott Foil RC is 9% lighter than its predecessor, thanks to the HMX-SL Carbon fiber layup, and 10% more aerodynamically efficient.
There are five models available in disc and electronic shifting only.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scott Foil RC Ultimate | Carbon (HMX-SL) | SRAM Red eTap AXS | Zipp 454 NSW | $15,999 |
| Scott Foil RC Pro | Carbon (HMX) | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | Shimano Dura-Ace C50 | $10,999 |
| Scott Foil RC 10 | Carbon (HMX) | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Syncros Capital 1.0 50 | $6,999 |
| Scott Foil RC 20 | Carbon (HMX) | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Syncros Capital 1.0 50 | $6,299 |
| Scott Foil RC 30 | Carbon (HMX) | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Syncros RR2.0 | $4,799 |
Scott Foil RC vs others
Giant vs Scott carbon fiber
Giant Advanced Composite Carbon
Giant’s Advanced Composite Carbon is a proprietary carbon fiber technology used in constructing bicycle frames. It’s a high-quality composite material with carbon fibers embedded in a resin matrix.
Using Advanced Composite Carbon, Giant can design frames with specific performance characteristics tailored to different riding disciplines. The material offers excellent vibration-damping properties, enhancing comfort and reducing fatigue on long rides. It also provides efficient power transfer, enabling riders to maximize their pedaling efficiency and accelerate easily.
The Giant Advanced Composite Carbon is available in standard and SL (Super Light) versions.
- Advanced SL represents the pinnacle of Giant’s carbon fiber engineering and construction. Advanced SL frames undergo additional optimization, utilizing a higher grade of carbon fiber and meticulous layup techniques. It’s found in Giant’s top-of-the-line bikes.
- Advanced is a step down from the top-tier Advanced SL carbon fiber, but it still offers an impressive balance of performance and value for money.
Scott High Modulus Carbon
Scott implements two primary types of carbon fiber technology in their bicycle frame construction; HMX-SL, HMX, and HMF carbon.
- HMX-SL (High Modulus Xtreme, Super Light) carbon is the pinnacle of Scott’s carbon fiber technology. This innovative blend of carbon fiber is designed for ultimate stiffness and minimal weight. Scott uses HMX-SL Carbon in their highest-end models, such as the premium version of the Scott Addict RC Ultimate and Foil RC Ultimate road bike. These bikes, with HMX-SL Carbon frames, are the go-to choice for professional cyclists competing in world-class races.
- HMX carbon is a level below the HMX-SL, and is still a top-tier carbon material offering a fantastic blend of stiffness and lightweight construction, albeit not as light or rigid as the HMX-SL. It’s an excellent choice for serious and experienced cyclists looking for a high-performance bike without the additional premium.
- HMF (High Modulus Fiber) carbon, may not be as light or stiff as HMX carbon, but it’s still a superior material that contributes to a robust, light, and efficient ride. Scott uses HMF carbon in their bikes that strike a balance between affordability and performance.
Frameset technologies and innovations
Giant Propel Advanced and Scott Foil RC framesets incorporate advanced technologies to enhance their bikes’ performance and ride characteristics.
Here’s an overview of the technologies used in each bike model.
Giant Propel Advanced
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Advanced Composite Technology | Utilizes Giant’s High Performance Grade raw carbon material and Modified Monocoque Construction technique to create a custom frame material. This carbon composite offers a high stiffness-to-weight ratio, balancing lightweight performance and strength. |
| OverDrive Aero | Incorporates a D-shaped fork steerer tube and internal cable routing for an extremely aerodynamic system. The design reduces air drag and provides an efficient, sleek profile. The internal cable routing enhances the bike’s overall aesthetics and ease of maintenance. |
| Vector Integrated Seatpost | Features an integrated seatpost design that saves weight compared to standard composite posts. This aerodynamic seatpost adds compliance, improving rider comfort and reducing road vibrations for a smoother ride. |
| PowerCore | Incorporates a massively oversized bottom bracket/chainstay area with a fully integrated 86mm wide bottom bracket design (92mm wide for off-road bikes). The asymmetrical chainstays provide additional stiffness on the drive side and stability on the non-drive side, ensuring efficient power transfer and precise handling. |
| AeroSystem Shaping Technology | Utilizes Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and wind-tunnel data to optimize each tube shape for superior aerodynamic performance. The precise shaping reduces air drag and increases the bike’s efficiency, allowing riders to achieve higher speeds with less effort. |
Scott Foil RC
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| F01 Airfoil Technology | Scott’s proprietary F01 Airfoil Technology ensures that each tube and junction on the Scott Foil RC is optimized for the best aerodynamic performance. This technology, backed by extensive computer simulations and wind tunnel testing, allows the Scott Foil RC to claim the title of the fastest road bike Scott has ever produced. |
| Oversize Bottom Bracket | The Scott Foil RC features an oversized down tube and bottom bracket intersection, among the widest on the current road bike market. This extensive cross-section and smooth transition handle loads effectively, reducing unwanted frame flex and ensuring efficient power transfer to the drivetrain. |
| Hollow Frame Structure | The entire frame set of Scott Foil RC is built with a hollow structure and has an immaculately clean inside, which significantly reduces the overall weight. |
| Oversized Head Tube | The Scott Foil RC sports an oversized head tube. Besides allowing for fully integrated cabling for both mechanical and electronic shifting systems, it functions as an airfoil, splitting oncoming air to reduce aerodynamic drag as you speed forward. |
| One-Piece Handlebar | The Syncros Creston IC SL Aero handlebar and stem combo is an integral feature of the Foil RC’s aerodynamic design. This combo, which was taken from the popular Scott Addict RC, has undergone wind-tunnel testing and slimmed down to cut through the wind and improve the bike’s overall aerodynamic efficiency. Interestingly, it adapts to load changes, providing more compliance under light loads and stiffening up for power delivery when you’re in full race mode. |
| Aero Seatpost | The Syncros Duncan SL Aero CFT is a patented, innovative seatpost designed for comfort and power efficiency. Its unique two-part construction, featuring a carbon fiber load-bearing piece, flexes on rough surfaces to keep you comfortably seated and capable of delivering maximum power. It can also accommodate the separately sold Syncros Campbell 20 Aero iL Rear Light, which provides 20 lumens of output for safe rides in all conditions. |
| Dropped Seatstays | The Scott Foil RC features dropped seat stays for rider comfort and improved aerodynamics. Angled at 10º, these seat stays channel the passing air into the spinning spokes, resulting in substantial aerodynamic benefits. This design also cleverly hides the disc brake calipers, reducing aero drag and contributing to a cleaner aesthetic. |
| Evo-Lap Technology | Scott applies Evo-Lap technology in designing the Scott Foil RC, using Finite Element Analysis (FEA) software to simulate different forces on the frame and optimize the carbon lay-up. By modeling the frame and testing stress distribution in different areas, Scott has optimized carbon layers throughout the frame, creating a lightweight yet resilient structure. |
Where to buy
Giant retailers
- Giant retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Giant retailers.
Scott retailers
- Scott retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Scott retailers.
- Scott distributors. Use this tool to find your local Scott distributors.
Bernard Lu has 7+ years of experience working in a bicycle shop, overseeing the retail and workshop operations. He’s a qualified bicycle mechanic who understands a cyclist’s needs and speaks the same cycling lingo.
If you meet him at the cafe, he will happily talk to you for hours about all the intricacies of bikes and cycling tech. Just buy him a coffee next time you see him.