Al Tour of Italy It was one of the most admired bikes of the group, especially from the Italian public. The very special one Filippo Zana He couldn't go unnoticed in that tricolor livery. The Italian champion showed off a dreamy total look, including jersey and bike.
In this article Filippo himself talks to us about his Giant Propel Advanced (that we had already tested). But first, allow us a little extra about the jersey. Finally, like last year when he was racing for Bardiani, there is a clear tricolour on the shoulders and chest of the rider and for this the credit also goes to the team, the Jayco-AlUla, which did not diminish the Italian flag for the sponsors…
But back to the Giant by Zana. This is the new Propel model that the Taiwanese giant presented a few months ago. Aesthetically, the clean lines are highlighted. The new Propel is Giant's aero bike. It features rounded shapes at the front and elongated rear sections, as aerodynamics dictate. And aerodynamics is one of the aspects that Zana himself has most admired.
Filippo, what's one thing your bike absolutely must have? I don't know, light, clean, aerodynamic, stiff...
Let's just say I'm not a very "delicate" guy in that sense. I take it as it's given to me, after all, it takes legs! Jokes aside, I really like this bike and I discovered it at the Giro d'Italia.
That?
They gave me the new Propel when I arrived at the Giro, in Abruzzo, on the Wednesday before the start. And since we were starting with a time trial, I only used that bike for one day. But I got it and immediately felt really good. Stiff and aerodynamic, a very important aspect that really impressed me. So far, it's the best bike I've tested because it really rides like a god.
Well, we're talking about a giant like Giant…
The history and technical features are all top notch.
An aesthetic consideration: when you saw it with that tricolor livery, what did you think?
So much stuff! It's beautiful and, I repeat, it was a surprise.
It's the new Propel: what differences have you noticed compared to the previous model?
It must be said that I also used the TCR, which is a different bike, more for climbers, more for climbing and with external cables. I know that the new model of that one will be coming soon too. And then there's this new Propel, which is more for sprinters. This one Compared to the previous bike, it retains the aero features but is lighter and overall better performing. Perhaps, at least for me, it's a little less rigid, but I bought it directly at the Giro and immediately found a good riding feel...
And also a certain comfort, we imagine at this point…
Exactly. It can be used on practically any terrain. Giant has found a middle ground with the TCR and this bike, In my opinion, it's really good for both sprinters and climbers like me.
Did you also use it on the uphill stages?
I have always used it and I noticed that my companions who have tried it have also always used this bike.
You're from another brand, MCipollini. Have you changed anything about the positions and angles? We noticed you use a 140mm stem, which is quite long...
No, I haven't changed anything. I've always pedaled like this, I've found it comfortable, and as long as I'm comfortable with it, I'll use that position. A position quite far forward with the saddle.
Speaking of saddles, how did you choose the ones offered by Giant?
I figured out which model was right for me, tried it on, felt good, and never took it off again. But now maybe I'll try a new model. A saddle that De Marchi and Matthews had at the Giro.
Advanced position, therefore modern, but the handlebars didn't seem that narrow to us...
It is 42 centimeters center-to-center. I preferred to keep this size that I've been using since I was a junior. I feel good with it and... above all, I ride well with it.
You were using an MCipollini, did you have to change size to bring the measurements back?
No, that was an "L" and so is this one. But as I said, the odds were the same, even the setback.
Filippo, what about more variable setups like tire pressure or gear ratios?
The pressures were based on the weather and so could vary a little, but I think that the the maximum I inflated during the Giro was 5 atmospheres with tubeless… At Jayco-AlUla we can choose everything: clincher, tubular, tubeless but we are happy with tubeless. I only used tubular tires for the time trial because they're lighter. But we're talking about a few grams.
What's your favorite wheelset?
I have always used those with a 50 mm profile - the Cadex 50 Ultra – which are also new. I see that both the guys and I are really comfortable on all terrains. And for me, they're the best performing ones, both in terms of lightness and smoothness: in short, they work well everywhere.
And the relationships?
I had the new set of Shimano Dura Ace Di2: 54-40 front and 11-34 ladder at the rear.
Even 11.30, we imagine…
No, no… 11-34 from start to finish. Even for the flat stages. So, it was my choice. I didn't want to overwork the mechanics by constantly changing gears. They were working fine anyway.
