The Giant road bikes are very streamlined and are divided into three models; the TCR (all-rounder), Propel (aero), and Defy (endurance).
Within each model is the top-of-the-line Advanced SL, followed by mid-range Advanced Pro and the Advanced carbon frames. Here are some salient differences between each Giant bike frame.
- Advanced SL frames use Giant’s highest-grade carbon and have an integrated seat post. The top-of-line groupsets (SRAM Red eTap AXS and Shimano Dura-Ace Di2) are only available in the Advanced SL models.
- Advanced Pro and Advanced frames have a lower grade carbon than the SL and have a non-integrated seat post.
| Giant model | Type of Giant bike | Price range (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Giant TCR Advanced | All-rounder race bike | $6,500 to $12,200 |
| Giant Propel Advanced | Aero race bike | $6,000 to $12,500 |
| Giant Defy Advanced | Endurance bike | $2,800 to $6,500 |
Giant TCR Advanced
The Giant TCR Advanced is an all-rounder road bike designed to be lightweight and climb and descend equally well. It would suit most cyclists because it’s versatile and can handle various terrains well (although not as fast as a Propel on the flats).
The top-tiered Giant TCR Advanced SL uses the super light Advanced-SL carbon, has an integrated seat post, and is specced with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) or SRAM Force eTap AXS. The Giant TCR Advanced Pro sits in the mid-range, uses a lower-grade carbon fiber (Advanced carbon), and is slightly heavier.
The framesets are available in the Advanced SL and Advanced Pro versions for those looking to custom-build their bikes.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giant TCR Advanced SL 0 | Advanced SL carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | CADEX 36 | $12,200 |
| Giant TCR Advanced SL 1 | Advanced SL carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Giant SLR 1 36 | $9,200 |
| Giant TCR Advanced Pro 0 AR | Advanced carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Giant SLR 1 36 | $6,700 |
| Giant TCR Advanced Pro 0 | Advanced carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Giant SLR 1 36 | $6,500 |
More reading : SRAM Red eTap AXS vs Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 Review
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 |
More reading : Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) vs SRAM Force eTap AXS Groupsets List of Bikes with Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100)
Giant Defy Advanced
The Giant Defy Advanced is an endurance bike.
Unlike the Giant Propel Advanced and TCR Advanced, the Giant Defy is designed for you to go longer distances and be comfortable. To achieve this, the Giant Defy has a more relaxed geometry with a shorter reach and higher stack than a similar size Giant TCR Advanced. The frame can take up to 700x35c tires.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giant Defy Advanced Pro 1 | Advanced carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Giant SLR 1 36 | $6,500 |
| Giant Defy Advanced Pro 2 AXS | Advanced carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Giant SLR 2 36 | $5,200 |
| Giant Defy Advanced Pro Di2 | Advanced carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Giant SLR 2 36 | $4,800 |
| Giant Defy Advanced 0 | Advanced carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Giant P-R2 | $4,100 |
| Giant Defy Advanced 1 | Advanced carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Giant P-R2 | $3,900 |
| Giant Defy Advanced 2 | Advanced carbon | Shimano 105 (R7000) | Giant P-R2 | $2,800 |
More reading : SRAM Rival eTap AXS vs Shimano 105 Di2 Comparison List of Bikes with Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100)
Giant road bikes in professional cycling
In recent years, the World Tour teams such as Team Sunweb (formerly Giant-Shimano) and CCC Team raced on Giant bikes. Team Jayco Alula is riding Giant bikes for the 2023 season.
Tom Dumoulin rode to his Giro d’Italia victory in 2017 on board a Giant TCR Addvanced SL. This was followed by Warren Barguil winning the polka dot jersey at the Tour de France the same year.
More reading : Bikes at the 2022 Tour de France
Giant Bikes FAQ
What is the difference between Giant TCR and Defy?
The Giant TCR is better suited if you’re seeking a versatile bike that can handle various terrains and conditions. The Giant Defy is ideal if you prioritize comfort, stability, and endurance for long-distance rides.
| Attributes | Giant TCR | Giant Defy |
|---|---|---|
| Type of riding | All-around, versatile road riding | Endurance, long-distance riding |
| Riding position | Slightly more upright, relaxed | More upright, focused on comfort |
| Bike handling | Responsive, nimble, easy cornering | Stable, smooth, less responsive in corners |
| Comfort | Balanced, more compliance for long rides | Greater compliance, more comfort on rough roads |
| Power transfer | Efficient, good power transfer | Efficient, but more emphasis on comfort |
| Aerodynamics | Moderate aerodynamic performance | Less focus on aerodynamics, prioritizes comfort |
What is the difference between Giant TCR and Propel?
The Giant TCR is a versatile bike that can handle various terrains and conditions, while the Giant Propel is ideal for racers and performance-oriented cyclists who prioritize speed and aerodynamics.
| Attributes | Giant TCR | Giant Propel |
|---|---|---|
| Type of riding | All-around, versatile road riding | Racing, flat and rolling terrains |
| Riding position | Slightly more upright, relaxed | Aggressive, aerodynamic position |
| Bike handling | Responsive, nimble, easy cornering | Stable, less agile at high speeds |
| Comfort | Balanced, more compliance for long rides | Stiffer, less compliance |
| Power transfer | Efficient, good power transfer | Extremely efficient, stiffer frame |
| Aerodynamics | Moderate aerodynamic performance | Designed for aerodynamic efficiency, less drag |
What is the difference between Giant Propel and Defy?
The Giant Propel is an aerodynamic racing bike, focused on maximizing speed and efficiency in flat and rolling terrains. In contrast, the Giant Defy is an endurance road bike designed for long-distance riding, prioritizing comfort and stability over aggressive performance.
| Attributes | Giant Propel | Giant Defy |
|---|---|---|
| Type of riding | Racing, flat and rolling terrains | Endurance, long-distance riding |
| Riding position | Aggressive, aerodynamic position | More upright, focused on comfort |
| Bike handling | Stable, less agile at high speeds | Stable, smooth, less responsive in corners |
| Comfort | Stiffer, less compliance | Greater compliance, more comfort on rough roads |
| Power transfer | Extremely efficient, stiffer frame | Efficient, but more emphasis on comfort |
| Aerodynamics | Designed for aerodynamic efficiency, less drag | Less focus on aerodynamics, prioritizes comfort |
How long is Giant’s warranty?
Giant bikes come with a lifetime warranty on the frame and fork for the original purchaser. More about Giant’s warranty policy.
What is Giant Overdrive?
The Overdrive is Giant’s fork steerer-tube technology. Now in its second iteration, the oversized headset bearings (1 ¼” top and 1 ½” bottom) provide 30% more torsional steering stiffness compared to a standard 1 ⅛” headset bearing. This also means that the standard stems with a 1 ⅛” steerer diameter will not fit onto a Giant bike.
Does Giant have a women-specific bike range?
Giant’s women-specific bikes are branded Liv Cycling. They have a complete range of bikes from road to gravel, triathlon, city, and electric.