With both the Tour and Eurobike done and dusted for another year, the world's largest bicycle companies are beginning to lift the lid on what they have up their sleeves for the coming year. Like clockwork, Giant has unveiled their 2019 road range, stacked with new tech, refined specifications, a few new models and, of course, sleek new colourways.
Arguably the biggest talking points for the 2019 model year are the introduction of an all-new Defy endurance road platform and the self-designed Power Pro powermeter. The latter being a dual-sided unit which finds its way onto a handful of mid-to-high end performance road bikes. So without further adieu, join us as we take you through the 2019 Australian performance road range from Giant.
Propel Disc Range
After scoring a complete overhaul in 2018, Giant has left the new Propel Disc aero road platform much the same for 2019, save for some slick new paint schemes and a few of specification tweaks. Flat mount disc brakes remain standard across the board, with the Propel retaining all the stiffness, reduced weight and aero efficiency gains made over its predecessor.
Looking to the rolling stock and the entire range retains the staggered 42mm/65mm depth wheelset in the form of Giant’s own tubeless ready SLR WheelSystem. Every model in the Propel Disc range is also setup tubeless straight out of the box, shod with Gavia Race 25c tubeless tyres. For more information on the Propel Disc range, check out our Ten things to know article
The 2019 Propel Disc range includes:
Propel Advanced SL 0 DISC - AU $10,999
Sitting atop the Propel hierarchy, the Propel Advanced SL 0 scores a top-end build kit to match. A Shimano Dura Ace Di2 groupset with Shimano Dura Ace powermeter cranks are fitted as standard, whilst 140mm flat mount hydraulic disc brakes take care of the stopping.
Rolling stock is Giant’s own SLR 0 Disc Composite Centerlock DBL 42/65 WheelSystem with DT Swiss internals, and Giant Gavia Race 0 tubeless 25c tyres provide the grip. The Advanced SL grade composite frame at the heart of the bike features a RideSense integrated wireless data transmitter, integrated seat post and is finished with Giant's two piece integrated bar and stem combination.
Propel Advanced SL 1 Disc - AU $7,999
The Advanced SL 1 Disc uses the same Advanced SL grade composite material for the frame with integrated seatpost as the SL 0, however, is finished in what we think is the slickest colour scheme in the entire 2019 product line-up. The build kit features a Shimano Ultegra R8070 Di2 groupset with Giant’s own soon to be released PowerPro powermeter fitted as standard. Ultegra-level 140mm flat mount disc brakes round out the groupset.
Thru-axle technology and Gavia Race 0 tubeless 25c tyres are given too but with the slightly heavier SLR 1 42/65 WheelSystem used instead of the SLR 0.
Propel Advanced Pro Disc - AU $6,799
Making use of Giant’s Advanced grade composite for the frame, the Propel Advanced Pro Disc is finished in a fiery black and orange colour scheme. Shimano’s slick shifting Ultegra R8070 Di2 groupset takes care of the going, whilst flat mount 140mm hydraulic disc brakes provide the stopping power. A carbon fibre two-piece bar and stem, adjustable composite seatpost, and Giant SLR 1 Disc Composite 42/65 wheels round out the specification.
Propel Advanced 1 Disc - AU $4,999
The Advanced Disc features the same Advanced grade composite frame as above, however, is finished with slightly heavier alloy components. Shifting comes courtesy of Shimano's Ultegra R8020 mechanical groupset with flat mount 140mm hydraulic disc brakes bringing the bike to a stop. The integrated two-piece bar and stem combination remains, however, the carbon stem and bars are swapped out for an aluminium version.
TCR & TCR Disc Range
Giant’s all-round road racer, the TCR is a popular choice for anyone seeking a lightweight and versatile road bike, whether for racing or weekend pedal stomping.
As is the case across the road bike industry, disc brakes continue to emerge as the stopping power of choice. For 2019, disc brakes largely replace rim brake options altogether, with six out of the nine TCR models now disc equipped. The TCR Disc range is available across three series: TCR Advanced SL Disc, TCR Advanced Pro Disc and TCR Advanced Disc.
Specifications and componentry remain largely the same for 2019, save for a splash of new paint across the range. The TCR Advanced SL Disc and TCR Advanced Pro Disc models also come equipped with Giant’s updated carbon SLR Disc 42mm WheelSystem and score Gavia Race tubeless rubber throughout the range, boosting efficiency, comfort, and control.
The range includes:
TCR Advanced SL 0 Disc – AU$10,499
Sitting as the flagship TCR option, the Advanced SL 0 Disc features a full Shimano 9170 Dura Ace Di2 groupset with Shimano powermeter cranks as standard, 140mm flat mount hydraulic disc brakes front and rear, Giant SLR 0 42mm WheelSystem with DT Swiss internals, and Giant Gavia AC 0 tubeless 25c tyres. At the heart, the Advanced SL grade composite frame features an integrated seatpost, a RideSense integrated wireless data transmitter and is finished in a brilliant white and rainbow black (sparkling black) colour scheme.
TCR Advanced SL 0 RED – AU$8,999
Wanting the lightest bike in Giant’s road range? This is it. The rim-brake equipped SL 0 Red features Giant’s top-tier Advanced SL grade composite frame and fork, a SRAM Red Etap groupset with a modern 52/36 front and 11-28 rear gear set-up, and Giant's SLR 0 42mm Composite DBL WheelSystem wrapped in Gavia AC 0 tubeless rubber.
TCR Advanced SL 1 Disc – AU$6,999
Using the same Advanced SL grade composite material for the frame with integrated seatpost as the SL 0, The Advanced SL 1 Disc is finished in the same stunning rainbow black colour scheme as the Propel Disc SL 1. Specification for the SL 1 Disc is toned down from its range topping sibling, using a Shimano Ultegra R8070 Di2 groupset and Giant Power Pro powermeter. A slightly heavier SLR 1 Wheelsystem is used instead of the SLR 0.
TCR Advanced Pro 0 Disc – AU$6,299
Using Giant’s Advanced grade composite frame, the Advanced Pro 0 Disc is finished in a metallic blue colour scheme with chrome highlights. The build kit features an Ultegra R8070 Di2 groupset, Giant Power Pro powermeter and Giant SLR 1 Disc Composite 42mm WheelSystem.
TCR Advanced Pro 1 Disc – AU$4,499
One of Giant’s most popular models for 2018 returns largely unchanged for 2019, save for a slick new glacier silver colour scheme. The Advanced Pro 1 Disc features the Ultegra R8020 mechanical groupset, flat mount 140mm hydraulic disc brakes and Giant SLR 1 Disc Composite WheelSystem wrapped with Gavia AC 1 tubeless 25c tyres.
TCR Advanced Pro 1 – AU$3,999
The second rim-brake TCR in Giant’s 2019 range, the TCR Advanced Pro 1 continues to represent one the best value performance road bikes on the market. Complete with a full R8000 Ultegra mechanical groupset, Giant SLR 1 42mm deep carbon wheels and a frame manufactured from Giant’s own advanced grade composite material, this is one bike that needs nothing more than a willing rider on its saddle.
TCR Advanced 1 Disc – AU$3,299
The Advanced 1 Disc shares the same frame as the Advanced Pro but with a heavier hybrid alloy/carbon OverDrive fork. Shimano R8050 Ultegra mechanical sits in place of Di2 and braking comes courtesy of the Giant’s own semi-hydraulic Conduct SL braking system. Rolling stock is Giant's PR-2 disc wheelset with tubeless Giant Gavia AC 1 25c tyres. For sure the Advanced Pro 1 Disc is a sizeable step up in price, but the value it offers in its lighter fork, full hydraulic disc brakes, carbon wheels and Di2 shifting is obvious.
TCR Advanced 2 Disc – AU$2,699
Using the same Advanced Pro frame as above, the base-model TCR Advanced 2 Disc uses [Shimano’s new R7000 105 mechanical disc groupset]. Stopping power comes courtesy of Giant’s own Conduct semi-hydraulic brake system and rolling stock is Giant's aluminium rimmed PR-2 disc wheelset with tubeless Giant Gavia AC 1 25c tyres.
Advanced 3 – AU$1,999
Sharing the same Advanced grade composite frame save for a hybrid alloy/carbon fork, the rim-braked TCR Advanced 3 represents great value for riders wanting a great frame that’s easily upgradeable as your riding interest and skills increase. The stock build kit features a Shimano Tiagra groupset and alloy rimmed, tubeless-ready Giant P-R2 wheelset.
Liv Langma
Unveiled in 2018, the Liv Langma range of female-specific road bikes from Giant’s sister company has been expanded for 2019. Named after Mount Everest, the Langma is positioned as Liv’s lightweight all-rounder road bike and is used extensively by the Giant–Sunweb women's WorldTour squad. As such, the Langma range boasts some strong claims, including the lightest frame ever produced by Giant. There’s a number of new mid-range models added for the coming year in both disc and rim-braked models.
Langma Advanced SL 0 – AU$9,999
Boasting the lightest frame ever manufactured by parent company Giant, the Langma Advanced SL 0 remains largely unchanged for 2019, save for a switch from SRAM to Shimano shifting. The build kit includes a full Shimano Dura Ace 9120 Di2 groupset, Shimano Dura Ace Powermeter, Contact SLR Flux stem, and a tubeless ready Giant SLR 0 30mm carbon clincher wheelset.
Langma Advanced Pro 0 Disc – AU$6,299
Making use of Giant’s second-tier Advanced composite material for the frame, the Advanced Pro 0 Disc represents the flagship disc-equipped Langma. As such it has an impressive specification list to boot, including a Shimano Ultegra R8070 Di2 disc brake groupset, Giant Power Pro powermeter and a lightweight Giant SLR 1 WheelSystem.
Langma Advanced Pro 2 Disc – AU$3,799
The specification for the Advanced Pro 2 Disc largely mirrors that of its more expensive sibling, save for a mechanical Shimano 105 disc-brake groupset, the Giant Power Pro powermeter has also been removed in order to hit its modest price point.
Langma Advanced Pro 1 – AU$3,999
As is the case with the TCR Advanced Pro 1, the Langma Advanced Pro 1 represents one of the best value mid-range traditional road bikes available on the market. Complete with a full Shimano R8000 mechanical groupset and Giant’s SLR 1 30mm deep carbon clincher wheelset, the Advanced Pro 1 is lightweight and ready for action.
Langma Advanced 1 Disc – AU$3,299
Sharing the same Advanced composite frame, the Advanced 1 Disc offers riders a solid frame save for a slightly heavier composite/alloy fork as the Advanced Pro series. Braking power also shifts to Giant's own Conduct SL semi-hydraulic disc brakes.
Langma Advanced 1 – AU$3,199
The Langma Advanced 1 shares largely the same specification as the Advanced Pro, save for a hybrid alloy/composite steerer, alloy stem and handlebars, and a slightly heavier aluminium tubeless ready wheelset
Langma Advanced 3 – AU$2,199
Sitting as the entry-level option in the Langma range, the Advanced 3 saves as a fantastic starting point for beginners, or those simply seeking a bike the represents fantastic value for money. Specification includes a 10-Speed Shimano Tiagra groupset, a lightweight Giant SR2 wheelset and tubeless 25c tyres.
Defy
Revamped for 2019, the all-new Defy has evolved from a toned down racer to a solid high-performance endurance road bike. Featuring an all-new fork, flat mount disc brakes, tubeless ready wheels across the range and geometry tweaks to make for a more lively ride, the new Defy looks set to continue its reign as Giant’s most popular range of road bikes. Learn more about Giant’s newest bike in our [ten things to know about the 2019 Defy] article.
Defy Advanced Pro 0 – AUD$6,499
Sitting as the top-end option in the new Defy range, the Defy Advanced Pro 0 is outfitted with a Shimano Ultegra Di2 disc brake groupset, Giant Power Pro powermeter and Giant SLR 0 30mm carbon tubeless wheels. Also included as standard is the all-new Stealth Contact SLR stem, SLR D-Fuse handlebar and D-Fuser seatpost. Finished in a sleek black/rainbow black paint job, this is one bike that sure to impress in person.
Defy Advanced Pro 1 – AUD$4,999
The specification on the Advanced Pro 1 largely mirrors that of its more expensive stablemate, save for a standard mechanical shifting Ultegra groupset and slightly heavier SLR 1 30mm tubeless ready carbon clinchers. The Advanced Pro also misses out on the Power Pro powermeter, however, is sharply priced as a result.
Defy Advanced 2 – AUD$2,999
The entry-level Defy features a value-packed build kit comprised of a Shimano R7000 105 groupset and Giant Conduct SL semi-hydraulic disc brakes. The SL D-Fuse handlebar is aluminium where the models above feature a carbon model, while the tubeless ready, alloy rimmed Giant PR 2 wheelset is shod with a heavier version of Giant’s 28c Gavia tubeless tyres.
Contend
The all-rounder Contend range remains a value-packed option for entry level and recreational riders. Specification remains largely the same for 2019, with tubeless compatible wheelsets included on all SL-level bikes. Tyre width has increased, and now 28c wide tyres are fitted across the entire range to provide a more comfortable and confident ride. It's otherwise much the same Contend Disc we reviewed early last year.
Contend SL 1 Disc – AU$1,999
Priced t under two grand, the Content SL 1 Disc features an ALUXX SL grade aluminium frame with an Advanced grade composite fork with alloy steerer. Shimano takes care of the drivetrain with a partial 105 groupset and Giant’s own Conduct SL semi-hydraulic disc brakes taking care of stopping. Giant’s PR2 Disc is the wheelset, and it comes shod with Gavia AC 2 tubeless 28c tyres.
Contend SL 2 Disc – AU$1,699
The SL 2 Disc shares the same frame and fork combo, but features a Shimano Tiagra Groupset and Giant SR2 disc wheelset.
Contend 1 - AU$1,099
Two rim brake options remain on the entry-level Contend 1 and Contend 2 offerings, with the Contend 1 featuring the ALUXX grade aluminium frame with an Advance level composite fork with alloy steerer, Shimano Sora groupset, and Giant SR3 alloy wheels.
Contend 2 - AU$899
The Contend 2 is almost identical in specification to the Content 1, save for a Shimano Claris groupset. Still, it remains a strong choice if you’re seeking a bike under the one grand mark!
ToughRoad SLR GX
Released in 2018, the ToughRoad SLR GX range is Giant’s adventure/gravel bike offering and features a number of tweaks over the standard ToughRoad series to make it worthy of any rider's n+1 list. The GX range features a drop bar design on a rugged frame, there’s tyre clearance for up to 50c rubber, mounting points for racks and fenders and space for a downtube mudguard. Want to know more? We’ve took a look at the 2018 version of the ToughRoad GX previously.
ToughRoad SLR GX 0 - AU$1,999
The SLR GX 0 features an ALUXX SLR aluminium frame with an Advanced grade composite fork with alloy steerer. Shifting and braking come courtesy of Shimano’s Tiagra 10sp groupset, 11-34t cassette out back and features 160mm semi-hydraulic disc brakes front and rear. The wheelset is Giant’s SX 2 Disc hoops shod with Giant CrossCut Gravel 2 40c tubeless tyres.
ToughRoad SLR GX 2 - AU$1,699
The SLR GX2 scores the same frame and fork, with a Shimano Sora groupset, Giant Conduct 160mm semi-hydraulic Disc brakes with Giant’s SX2 disc wheelset wrapped in Giant CrossCut AT 2 38c tubeless tyres.
In the market for a new ride and don’t know where to begin? Our ultimate road bike buyers guide is a great place to start your search.
