Why New Giant Propel Advanced Excels Cannondale SystemSix Aero Racing Bike?

Weight, wheels and even more importantly - the price kills Cannondale SystemSix in this comparison. What do you think of these aero bikes?

[@edwardtang1977]

Here in Taiwan, Giant is at least US$1000 cheaper than the listed price. Even though Cannondale frames are also made in Taiwan, foreign brands are just more expensive

[@bartvv1770]

But did you rode them?

Hey, what do you think about PROPEL ADVANCED 2 - regular rim brakes, Giant P-A2 wheelset and 105 gropset. An aero bike for around 1600 Euro.

[@deanheylen]

I have the bike you are talking about and I love it. Its great for smooth roads but if you have bumpy roads, its very stiff and bumpy.

[@superferrisbueller]

I rode the rim brake model for a few years. Great bike, but I wasn't at all impressed with the stock PA2 wheel set. Once I'd upgraded those it was superb. Even upgrading with a £300 wheel set will improve the bike no end.

[@mindofmission]

Propel. Pro-pel (like “bell”). Propel

[@HouseClubTube]

The focus is to much on the weight. While cannondale is more aero and is comfortable then the giant. If you only go for a fast 2h ride. The giant is better for 5h+ rides I should go for the cannondale.

[@hernendezsanchez7646]

Looks like cannondale just slapped those wheels on to get the cost down and complete with giant. I bet it was designed with better wheels in my mind but was changed out when the $$ started adding up

[@chrisgilligan8662]

The SystemSix ultegra model now comes with Vision 55mm aero wheels and aero flat top bars. I'm sure that the Propel is a great bike (Giant is a solid manufacturer). I went with the SystemSix largely due to availability at my LBS. I've had it for a week and love it.

[@hernendezsanchez7646]

@@chrisgilligan8662 great. I hope you like it. Glad cannondale put some better wheels on it to suit.

[@chrisgilligan8662]

@@hernendezsanchez7646 Thanks. Definitely would not have bought it without the aero wheels. These Vision wheels are very good, they are very aero, the weight is right in the mix with top deep section wheels, and the hubs/bearings are excellent....and they are tubeless ready. I assumed that I would be using these as training wheels and getting another set when I start racing again. But instead I can probably save that cost and either get a set of shallower rim wheels for really windy days, or put the money into upgrading to Di2.

[@dariuszj7813]

Cheapest Cannondale is the worst choice but top Canonndale is better to me than Propel.

[@ORBEX]

Meaningless review of aero bikes focussing purely on weight per $.