Giant road bike comparison

Feb 24, 2024 10 min

Let's find out which Giant is truly best for you

Giant's got a special place in the road bike scene: Their range of bikes contains some of the most excellent models out there. You're always good to go with one of their road bikes. But it does not necessarily mean that deciding on the right model for you is easy.

To ease your pain of choice, Nic compared Giant's three major road bike models in his latest YouTube video. Propel, the TCR or the Defy? Let's find out and get right to it!

👋

Do you know buycycle? We are the leading marketplace for buying and selling pre-owned bikes. Not just any bikes - only beautiful performance bikes. Come and take a ride!

1. Overview

Before we dive into the details of each bike, you might have noticed that each model has three different series. The so-called Advanced line is the Advanced Pro, followed by the Advanced SL (SL stands for Super Light).

"The main differences are that the SL version uses a much lighter, stiffer, and more expensive carbon blend, will only feature components, and in some cases, will differ slightly in frame build. Apart from that, though, the geometry of each bike remains the same." - Anja Benson @buycycle

The Advanced Pro and Advanced on the other hand, have the exact same frame but the Pro version will feature either the lighter SL fork or a fully carbon steerer setup. And, while the Advanced model has a mix of a carbon fork and aluminum handlebar built in, the Pro will always rock a fully carbon setup. Further differences might include the groupset and possibly the wheelset. Now that we've cleared that – on to the first model line!

2. Giant Defy

Starting with the Giant Defy, the manufacturer's endurance bike. It is built for long days on the saddle without compromising performance and speed.

"It features a more relaxed geometry with the shortest reach and longest stack, allowing you to sit upright and providing a more comfortable riding position." - Anja Benson @buycycle

It also has the most extended wheelbase and longest chain stays of the three, riding at faster speeds slightly less direct and precise in turns. The bike's components and other qualities further support this comfort aspect.

After all, the Defy features Giant's latest defuse saddle and handlebar, which together with the dropped seat stays significantly reduce vibrations from the road. climbing It also features a pretty wide tire clearance of 38 mm. This will once again increase comfort, especially when running tubeless, will increase the versatility and even allow you to take on mild gravel roads.

Speaking of versatility: Unlike the other two, the Defy allows you to mount mudguards. It also features the revolutionary compact road design, with just the downward sloping top tube creating a smaller front and rear triangle for increased stiffness and lighter weight. Making it still very efficient in climbing, just not quite as efficient as the other two. In terms of gearing, as it is an endurance bike, it will feature a wider range of gears to aid in various situations and assist in climbing, though limiting top speed.

Now, even though it was made for long distance rides and comes with the respective setup, the Defy is still an efficient and performance orientated road bike. It features the same D-shaped head tube as the Propel and has entirely internal cable routing for improved aerodynamics.

Compared to other endurance models, it is also pretty light, considering that the flagship model in size M comes in at 7,11 kg. Compared to the TCR and Propel, though, it is the heaviest. So, how much does it chime in at? Well, the Defy models range from 2.999 euros up to the flagship model that costs 11.999 euros – meaning that there's a Defy for almost every budget.

3. Giant TCR

Next up, we have the Giant TCR, which is marketed as Giants allrounder in the road bike category and is hence built to excel on various terrain. You can see it as the bridge between the Defy and the Propel.

It features racier geometry than the Defy, with a more extended reach and shorter stack. This puts you in a more stretched-out and aerodynamic position that's not too aggressive.

"The shorter wheelbase and chain stays make the bike more nimble, direct, and precise when handling." - Alice Huot @buycycle

This might take some time to get used to if you're still a beginner, but once you get the hang of it, it elevates your riding experience, especially when pinning downhill and in corners.

Looking at the frame set, we find that everything is fine-tuned so that the TCR can be as efficient and fast as possible on the flats and uphill. Like the Defy, it also features the compact road design for increased stiffness and improved weight, but it does not have the same dropped seat stays.

It is the lightest of the three, reaching 6.51 kg in size M for the SL model. It is insanely good, partially due to the integrated seat post on the SL model and the carbon laser-cutting methods and robotic assembly implemented by Giant. It is also more aerodynamic than the Defy, as it adopts some learnings from the Propel (that we'll discuss soon) in a lighter package.

It has truncated, ellipse-shaped tubing, seamless transitions, the disc brake mounts are integrated into the frame, and the downtube completely protects even the most traditional water bottles from the wind.

"It doesn't have fully integrated cable routing, but that does make the bike more user-friendly when it comes to maintenance and customisation." - Anja Benson @buycycle

Then, in terms of stiffness, it is a step up from the Defy especially in the bottom bracket area that provides improved efficiency and power transfer when pedaling for more speed. Tire clearance is capped at 32 mm, which, for a race bike is more than enough. Price wise, the TCR starts a little higher than the Defy, with models ranging from 3.299 all the way up to the flagship model at 11.599 euros.

4. Giant Propel

Last but not least, the Giant Propel is an aero bike designed for those looking to pursue maximum speed on flats. The geometry is almost exactly the same as the TCR in terms of reach, stack, wheelbase, and so on, and the handling will be just as sweet, precise, and nimble, but also stable in those long corners.

The main differences between the two have faded over time, but the tube shapes and components of the Propel still differ a little from the TCR. With the help of computational fluid dynamics and extensive wind tunnel testing, the deep elliptically truncated profile tubes have been optimised to provide excellent aerodynamics even with head-on wind coming in at different angles.

All in all, this will drastically reduce drag, save watts and make you go faster. To push aerodynamics even further, the Propel also features the contact aero cockpit and aero stem and fully integrated cable routing.

Except for the 38mm deep wheelset on the Advanced 2, all models have a 50mm deep wheelset.

However, these aerodynamic improvements and deep profiles on the frame and wheelset lead to a slight weight increase over the TCR, as there is more material. The Propel weighs 6,68 kg in size M for the SL, so it's around 150 g heavier than the TCR.

On very windy days, the Propel can be a little troublesome, though, as there are more contact points. But let's be honest: Who is riding on very windy days?

It will also be a little less comfortable than the other two in the sense that it is somewhat stiffer than the TCR: Providing, of course, better power transfer for sprints and faster finishes, but feeling a little tougher on rough sections too.

It also has a maximum tire clearance of 30 mm, which is okay considering it is a race bike. However, there won't be much room to improve comfort significantly. In terms of price, the Propel range, like the Defy one, costs between 2.999 euros and 11.999 euros.

5. Which one fits you best?

Alright, you're somewhat an expert on Giant road bikes now. But which one should that expert choose? Well, there's a pretty straightforward answer for that:

If you're looking for a bike that prioritises comfort over all and can be ridden for long distances without sacrificing performance, then get the Defy.

It is a great option and won't disappoint you in various situations.

If you're looking for a great all-round package that excels in climbing, sprints, longer rides and descents, then get the TCR. This one also suits all those, who are super conscious about weight, even though differences are minimal.

And lastly, if you're just looking for a pure speed machine that will dominate on the flats but still be light enough for climbs then go with the Propel.

Moving forward

All bikes are great value for money compared to many other brands. Each provides a wide range of options, with the TCR and Defy offering slightly more. However, they all cost the same and have the same components. The best news, though? You can get all of the models above on buycycle for less! Pre-owned and in premium condition.

So check out buycycle.com for your perfect Giant deal, to sell your old bike or stay on the blog a little longer, if you want to learn more about road bikes or all things cycling. Our team's always got your back whenever a question pops up, but until then, we wish you, as always: Happy browsing, happy cycling!

Check out buycycle!

Road bike buying guides

Road bike reviews

Top road bikes

Road bike sizing guides

History & brands

Road bike gear guides

Road bike selling guide

How to sell your old road bike?

Road bike winter cycling

Buying guide

Brands guide

Where to buy a bike?

Sizing guide