TCR Advanced SL1 or 2013 Propel SL1

[g-boaf]

I'm at the unfortunate time to look at replacement options for my previous Giant when the paperwork is sorted out.

I'm not even sure if I'll go another one, but I suspect I might because my last one was good. The options are Propel Advanced SL1 (2013) or the TCR Advanced SL1, both of them with Dura-Ace 11 speed mechanical, which I'm tempted by - not having to bother with a battery, but I also liked the Di2.

I've not tried a Propel so I'm not sure how they are, but I'm fond of the TCR Advanced SL.

I'm also looking at a few other brands, but as far, only looking.

[Carrots]

Is there an option C - Both?!

[Cmm]

What happened to the sl3?

[Duck!]

The Propel is the same geometry as the TCR, with the exception of the levelled top tube, so you'll be able to set it up the same quite easily. The difference is that it's built with aero entirely in mind, so there are funky things like the internal seatpost clamp, ovalised handlebar..... and those bloody v-brakes.

[g-boaf]

SL3 was in an accident - it's got frame damage. I'm getting it back - I know carbon can be repaired (and I've seen it done before), but I doubt I'll chance it. I know a few skilled people who could take a look at it and give an honest opinion.

The groupset is coming off it and going on the Trek 4.5 (so it will be Ultegra Di2), and the new bike is a TCR Advanced SL1 with DA9000 11 speed.

I did look at the Propel but figured it wasn't worth the bother with those aero bars and the brakes. My front lights wouldn't work with those bars.

I'm very grateful for Giant Australia and what they've done.

[Cmm]

Nice to hear your sticking with the giant camp! Sad to hear the sl3 may not see the road any more was a great looking bike! If it can't be repaired and u don't want it send it my way for some wall art

[g-boaf]

We'll see how it goes. I looked at other brands, and I kept thinking - hmm, unknown quantity.

Specialized would have been okay - a Tarmac SL4 S-works, but expensive, Cervelo even more so. I also looked at Storck, but it seemed like a left-of-field choice. Prefer to stay with bigger brands. Giant I knew, and this will be very similar - just a lot lighter (nearly a kilo lighter).

Is there an option C - Both?!

If you are paying, yes. I'm not racing the Giant, yet. But I may get into that at a later stage. I've got a racing license, but track is enough for now.

[Lukeyboy]

I'd get the Propel. The brakes suck but you can buy the same aftermarket brakes that all the pro teams use.

[g-boaf]

Ended up going the TCR SL1. I didn't really like the Propel. The SL1 is very light and very fast.

I got lucky with the pricing of the SL1 (2014 model).

I ended up weighing it with Garmin 800, K-edge, two Giant carbon bidon holders and a saddle bag, it was 7.3kg. That shocked me. Without the saddle bag it is 6.84kg.