Discussion
I've got a Canyon Endurace 8.0 Aero on order, endurance biased with aero bits and bobs.
But as its not available for a few months, I keep looking, as you do.............
I am always drawn to aero bikes due to the designs, wheels and clean look. Scott Foil, Aeroad etc, yum.
But I'm 49, not too flexible, 2 stone overweight (working on that), would these bikes be a nightmare for me? I've ridden a relaxed Cube Attain for a few years now.
I tend to do 15-40 miles rides, I know I will never get the best out of an aero bike but I just like them!!!
What are your thoughts?
But as its not available for a few months, I keep looking, as you do.............
I am always drawn to aero bikes due to the designs, wheels and clean look. Scott Foil, Aeroad etc, yum.
But I'm 49, not too flexible, 2 stone overweight (working on that), would these bikes be a nightmare for me? I've ridden a relaxed Cube Attain for a few years now.
I tend to do 15-40 miles rides, I know I will never get the best out of an aero bike but I just like them!!!
What are your thoughts?
Buy what you like the look of, far more likely to ride what you like and enjoy than what you don't 
Having said that Aero might be lower bar position, to get that racy position, which could result in you finding in more uncomfortable and not wanting to ride as much because twinges or this or that hurts due to age and flexibility.
Not an answer just more food for thought, watching with interest as similar age and having same thoughts but find myself looking at gravel bikes for the slightly cushier ride from wider tyres and the bars and seat post giving some additional flex.
Having said that Aero might be lower bar position, to get that racy position, which could result in you finding in more uncomfortable and not wanting to ride as much because twinges or this or that hurts due to age and flexibility.
Not an answer just more food for thought, watching with interest as similar age and having same thoughts but find myself looking at gravel bikes for the slightly cushier ride from wider tyres and the bars and seat post giving some additional flex.
You can raise the stem but that’s starting to slowly counter the aero benefits of the frame as you’re liable to increase your frontal area…. Most bikes have a few spacers under and over the stem to adjust position.
I could do 200kms on my Cervelo S3 quite easily but that was after a fair bit of trial and error with stem length, angle, seat height, position etc. So whilst aero bikes are comfy, it’s unlikely you’ll get a perfect fit straight out of the box. You’ll only need to spend a bit on second hand stems to find the best fit, same for bar width, most manufacturers stick stupidly wide bars on aero bikes whereas changing to 40/42 cm is a quick, albeit very marginal, gain.
Head tubes are getting longer as the rider is now considered as part of the overall aero package, so the low bar position isn’t necessarily the ideal, better they’ve realised is as flat a back as possible than the old school “head down, arse up” approach.
I could do 200kms on my Cervelo S3 quite easily but that was after a fair bit of trial and error with stem length, angle, seat height, position etc. So whilst aero bikes are comfy, it’s unlikely you’ll get a perfect fit straight out of the box. You’ll only need to spend a bit on second hand stems to find the best fit, same for bar width, most manufacturers stick stupidly wide bars on aero bikes whereas changing to 40/42 cm is a quick, albeit very marginal, gain.
Head tubes are getting longer as the rider is now considered as part of the overall aero package, so the low bar position isn’t necessarily the ideal, better they’ve realised is as flat a back as possible than the old school “head down, arse up” approach.
Edited by anonymous-user on Wednesday 18th August 11:09
I used to have a Giant Propel, just like you posted - the forks on a new bike is quite long with many spacers (however they are part plastic and part rubber and prone to snapping) so you can have the bars set quite high on the bike. When I bought mine I didn't cut the steerer tube for a while and it was perfectly comfortable riding it with higher bars. If you like aero bikes get one, just make sure you get the right size.
With 15 - 40 mile rides I don't think they are really long enough distances to cause any major discomfort. You could always have a bike fit.
With 15 - 40 mile rides I don't think they are really long enough distances to cause any major discomfort. You could always have a bike fit.
Beware though that the Canyon integrated stem/bars are not cheap to play around with different sizing, eg £350 when I looked a year ago. (Not sure if this applies to the OP's purchase.) Also unclear whether the Canyon 30-day (?) return policy would allow an exchange stem/bars at minimal cost.
I think the general consensus is that an aero frame is the most expensive upgrade that you can make to improve aerodynamics and provides one of the smallest gains
The items that make the biggest difference for aero have nothing directly to do with the bike - clothing, helmet, shoes & covers, position. Even on the bike deep wheels will make a bigger difference than an aero frame
They do look better for sure, but you won't get a noticeable gain from switching to an aero frame at an amateur level
The items that make the biggest difference for aero have nothing directly to do with the bike - clothing, helmet, shoes & covers, position. Even on the bike deep wheels will make a bigger difference than an aero frame
They do look better for sure, but you won't get a noticeable gain from switching to an aero frame at an amateur level
I picked up a GIANT Propel last year in a big sale that GIANT St Pauls in London did last year and have done 1,300 miles on it according to Strava. It's far, far comfier to ride than my old ally roadie which was a proper budget bike. Yes, the frame is really stiff, but I find it way nicer to ride. I was quite surprised. The saddle that it comes with is 'aggressive' and I'm thinking of changing it soon for something that's not attempting to insert itself into places it shouldn't, but ride position and bar comfort for me is spot on.
millen said:
Beware though that the Canyon integrated stem/bars are not cheap to play around with different sizing, eg £350 when I looked a year ago. (Not sure if this applies to the OP's purchase.) Also unclear whether the Canyon 30-day (?) return policy would allow an exchange stem/bars at minimal cost.
That was my thought as well - the cost of tweaking a position could soon add up if you have a very nice looking but bike specific stem/bar combo. I just looked up the Cannondale Hollowgram stem that comes on the SystemSix - they are £90 each. Contrast that with a bog-standard stems starting at £15 from Merlin.MOBB - last year I went from a Bianchi Via Nirone 105 (2011, alloy frame, carbon forks, Mavic Aksium) to a new Orbea Orca Aero (Di2, MyO, Vision SC40 carbon wheels).
Much like yourself, I'm late 40's, carrying a few extra pounds and typically cycle 25-35 miles at a time.
The Bianchi was supposedly a more 'relaxed' geometry. I too was a little wary of the more Aero type bikes. Anyway, I had a proper bike fit before ordering and the bike arrived last July. It is way more comfortable than my old bike. Running the same size profile tyres (28). The new bike seems to absorb the road in a way the old bike never did - almost like having mild suspension.
My shoulder pain was no more, saddle area was way more comfortable, I feel I can put more power down more comfortably and general recovery is much enhanced. The bike 'balance' feels just right.
My best advice would be to get a good bike fitting. A good fitting should entail the bike shop setting up the jig/horse to exact dimensions of the bike (s) you are thinking about. My LBS weren't too sure about my flexibility until I got on the jig and they were actually quite surprised that despite being more mature I was still flexible enough for the Aero type geometry. I would add that during the fitting I was measured first and we had the opportunity of adjusting the stem length, saddle height (obvs) and crank length, all of which can be tailored (at no extra cost) from Orbea.
Although the fitting process took over 2 hours I think it was time really well spent, given the level of investment required and the costs of getting it wrong. It was also 2 hours of quality bike chat and getting to know your LBS a lot better!
FWIW, my LBS do not charge for bike fits if you go on to purchase from them.
Much like yourself, I'm late 40's, carrying a few extra pounds and typically cycle 25-35 miles at a time.
The Bianchi was supposedly a more 'relaxed' geometry. I too was a little wary of the more Aero type bikes. Anyway, I had a proper bike fit before ordering and the bike arrived last July. It is way more comfortable than my old bike. Running the same size profile tyres (28). The new bike seems to absorb the road in a way the old bike never did - almost like having mild suspension.
My shoulder pain was no more, saddle area was way more comfortable, I feel I can put more power down more comfortably and general recovery is much enhanced. The bike 'balance' feels just right.
My best advice would be to get a good bike fitting. A good fitting should entail the bike shop setting up the jig/horse to exact dimensions of the bike (s) you are thinking about. My LBS weren't too sure about my flexibility until I got on the jig and they were actually quite surprised that despite being more mature I was still flexible enough for the Aero type geometry. I would add that during the fitting I was measured first and we had the opportunity of adjusting the stem length, saddle height (obvs) and crank length, all of which can be tailored (at no extra cost) from Orbea.
Although the fitting process took over 2 hours I think it was time really well spent, given the level of investment required and the costs of getting it wrong. It was also 2 hours of quality bike chat and getting to know your LBS a lot better!
FWIW, my LBS do not charge for bike fits if you go on to purchase from them.
Harpoon said:
That was my thought as well - the cost of tweaking a position could soon add up if you have a very nice looking but bike specific stem/bar combo. I just looked up the Cannondale Hollowgram stem that comes on the SystemSix - they are £90 each. Contrast that with a bog-standard stems starting at £15 from Merlin.
A Most Talon integrated bar / stem combo will set you back an eye watering £750 
I have a Madone SLR (disc brake) and an Emonda SLR (rim brake) ... both bikes feel very different to ride, although I wouldn't say one is more comfortable than the other. The Madone is h1.5 fit and the Emonda h1 so more aggressive but they both have the same 120mm stem, stack height etc. Its probably the weight difference which makes them feel apart ... the Emonda is 6.3kg with DA9000 mechanical and Aeolous 3 wheels, the Madone is 8.2kg with SRAM Red AXS and Aeolus6 XXX wheels .
Also running 28mm Schwalbes on the Madone ... the bike has more 'mass' which you would expect.
Contrary to what others will tell you including the bike marketeers, I am not notably quicker on the Madone. I don't dispute the aero benefits but my guess is that they are so minimal and have so many variables its almost impossible to prove/dispel. I do not ride 100% flat or 100% in the hills and my riding are generally anything from 40 - 1 hour crit races, 2-3 hour race races plus training and club rides from 2 hours to 6 hours. Neither bike is less comfortable than the other ...
Personally speaking, if you really want an aero bike and have a none aero bike already, then go for it but if you want a bike that will do 'everything', something like the new Emonda SLR is the perfect compromise between the two bikes I have. Hence Trek are usually riding these in WT tour races ...
Also running 28mm Schwalbes on the Madone ... the bike has more 'mass' which you would expect.
Contrary to what others will tell you including the bike marketeers, I am not notably quicker on the Madone. I don't dispute the aero benefits but my guess is that they are so minimal and have so many variables its almost impossible to prove/dispel. I do not ride 100% flat or 100% in the hills and my riding are generally anything from 40 - 1 hour crit races, 2-3 hour race races plus training and club rides from 2 hours to 6 hours. Neither bike is less comfortable than the other ...
Personally speaking, if you really want an aero bike and have a none aero bike already, then go for it but if you want a bike that will do 'everything', something like the new Emonda SLR is the perfect compromise between the two bikes I have. Hence Trek are usually riding these in WT tour races ...
It seems from the Emonda, Tarmac , Factor etc. marketing materials, that the 'boxy' look is no longer necessary for actual aero gains. I still love the look, though probably would by one of the 'do everything' race bikes now.
Like others have said, went from an endurance focussed Ribble to a Venge Aero bike a few years ago, barely noticed any difference comfort wise, but love the racier nature of it. Havent got on with a gravel/commuter Ti bike that i bought last year, find that pretty dull even when equipped with road wheelset.
Good bit of advice at the time was to look at stack/reach differences and consider sizing up, if you're not looking for an ultra aggressive fit its easier /prettier to have a larger headtube and shorter stem. I was only getting semi-integrated front end though.
I've got the exact bike Giant Propel you posted.
Its my first Aero Bike and its an awesome machine.
I've done a 100 miler on it and it was super comfortable (compared to my old Planet X RT-90).
I use it mostly for 20-40 mile rides in the hills of Rossendale. Climbing is not an issue thanks to the 11/30 rear cassette, the only thing that takes a bit of adapting to its behaviour on crosswinds due to the deep dish wheels...
It's comfortable, fast, smooth (Di-2 etc) and it looks ace. I got this in ML Size a few weeks back and there was only another 1 in the country available at the time. The power meters were a nice to have rather than a must have for me, but provide a lot of data. Also make sure you add the bluetooth connector for the Di-2 so you can wirelessly integrate your hood buttons to your Garmin/Wahoo Etc.
Its my first Aero Bike and its an awesome machine.
I've done a 100 miler on it and it was super comfortable (compared to my old Planet X RT-90).
I use it mostly for 20-40 mile rides in the hills of Rossendale. Climbing is not an issue thanks to the 11/30 rear cassette, the only thing that takes a bit of adapting to its behaviour on crosswinds due to the deep dish wheels...
It's comfortable, fast, smooth (Di-2 etc) and it looks ace. I got this in ML Size a few weeks back and there was only another 1 in the country available at the time. The power meters were a nice to have rather than a must have for me, but provide a lot of data. Also make sure you add the bluetooth connector for the Di-2 so you can wirelessly integrate your hood buttons to your Garmin/Wahoo Etc.
JEA1K said:
Jeeze that Madone is a thing. I wanted one but living where I do, I couldn’t accept something that weighed that much so went for an XR4 instead. I’ll add one to the stable at some point though, they’re iconic.OP - things have moved on a lot over the last few years. I went from a 2012 Bianchi Via Nirone - their ‘all day’ bike at the time, to a 2015 Felt AR. The AR was noticeably faster to ride in terms of stiffness and the way it flowed on a fast road. I did several long rides on it (160-400 miles non-stop type long) but it did sap the energy because it was quite jittery.
I moved to a 2019 Bianchi Oltre XR4 which really has turned out to be the best of both. It’s faster than the Felt and more supple than the Via Nirone. Of course, not exactly comparing apples to apples - the XR4 cost 3x the felt, which cost 3x the Via Nirone.
What I’m getting at is - technology has moved on and as long as you get one that fits, I don’t think you’ll find any new Aero bike uncomfortable- certainly if you’re only ever riding it for 2-3hrs at a time.
Do get a bike fit though. My one regret with the XR4 is that I bought a 57cm, having never even seen one (Bianchi fanboy). I probably should have gone for the 55 as when I’m on the tops my natural position is about 15mm behind the hoods - not an issue on a bike with separate bar and stem, but the integrated Vision Metron is what it is.
Having said that, putting a shorter stem on will affect the handling of a bike so it may not be the right thing to do anyway.
Get a fit. An experienced fitter will be able to tell you which manufacturers geometry will best suit you and whether there are any to avoid.
And I agree wholeheartedly, aero bikes look rad.
On a previous thread about this subject, Ribble's bikes were brought up, and their lack of a true aero bike in the range. I see today they must have been reading PH as they have launched a new aero bike today:
https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ribble-ultra-sl-ent...
Looks competitive spec wise to the Giant Propel
https://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/ribble-ultra-sl-ent...
Looks competitive spec wise to the Giant Propel
I've got a Cervelo S3 from 2019, with internally routed everything, and bespoke all the bits. I'm finding it causes a bit of a tight lower back after about 60-90 mins which can be eased by stopping for a couple of minutes, but I'd prefer not to have to do this.
I may need to change the seatpost for a 0 offset one, and have a different stem, subject to a bike fit, and they're going to be a ballache to find.
But it's gorgeous, and fast as f
k, so probably worth the effort. I've taken plenty of longer local Strava KoMs on it. (Not very popular ones, admittedly, but averaging 23 mph over 25 miles in Devon is pretty reasonable, and I'm 41, so leave me alone!)
I did the Dartmoor Classic on it in June, and stopping for food at the rest areas at 35 and 75 miles was enough to make sure I didn't get the back ache, although I did stop for a couple of minutes after about an hour to take a windproof jacket off.
Whether they're the right bike for you? Who knows. Buy one that makes you want to ride it, and adjust the fit as required to get what you want.
I may need to change the seatpost for a 0 offset one, and have a different stem, subject to a bike fit, and they're going to be a ballache to find.
But it's gorgeous, and fast as f
k, so probably worth the effort. I've taken plenty of longer local Strava KoMs on it. (Not very popular ones, admittedly, but averaging 23 mph over 25 miles in Devon is pretty reasonable, and I'm 41, so leave me alone!)I did the Dartmoor Classic on it in June, and stopping for food at the rest areas at 35 and 75 miles was enough to make sure I didn't get the back ache, although I did stop for a couple of minutes after about an hour to take a windproof jacket off.
Whether they're the right bike for you? Who knows. Buy one that makes you want to ride it, and adjust the fit as required to get what you want.
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