By Simon von Bromley

Published: Friday, 26 August 2022 at 12:00 am

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It’s hard to believe, but this time next week it will be September and we’ll be well on the way to the end of another summer here in the UK.

In some ways, I’m quite looking forward to it, even if it does mean the eventual return of persistent cold weather and wet roads.

This summer has been unusually hot and dry here, and us Brits, well, let’s just say we’re typically not the best at cycling in hot weather.

The prospect of cooler temperatures and, dare I say it, even a bit of rain, doesn’t feel so bad right now.

Before we get there though, let’s have a look back at some of the content highlights from the week just gone.

Our review of the Garmin Edge 1040 bike computer was published early on in the week, with our tester giving the ​​device a near-perfect score. It sounds as though it could be the ideal companion for long-distance rides, especially if you live somewhere sunny.

Perhaps looking ahead to the winter, BikeRadar’s technical writer, Oscar Huckle, offered us his top tips for silencing noisy disc brakes.

It’s an issue anyone with a disc-brake bike will almost certainly be familiar with, and while we can’t promise our tips will shut them up forever, our hints and tricks should at least reduce the number of annoying squeals and ticks.

Our guide to the best gravel tyres was also updated this week, adding in the high-scoring Schwalbe G-One RS.

It’s another top-performing tyre from the German brand. Our tester found its small knobs and minimalist tread were best suited to dry, hard-packed gravel, though, rather than wet and muddy conditions. Perhaps not one for a typical British winter, then.

Lastly, before we jump into some new tasty tech, did you know we’re hiring? BikeRadar is expanding its video team, and there are six new positions to fill, so if you’ve ever dreamed of working here then now could be your chance.

Giant Propel Advanced SL 0

The new Giant Propel may have launched only last week, but we’ve already got our hands on a top-of-the-range model, the Propel Advanced SL 0.

At a feathery 6.91kg for our size ML (which is roughly equivalent to a size 56cm bike from other brands), it’s incredibly light for a bike described by Giant as an aero road bike.

Despite the low weight, Giant claims this latest version of the Propel is 2.6 per cent more aerodynamically efficient than the previous one (which launched in 2018).

Costing AU$13,999 (UK and US pricing is still TBC), this halo-spec build features a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 groupset, the new Cadex 50 Ultra Disc Aero WheelSystem, Cadex Aero tubeless tyres and a slew of posh carbon fibre components from Giant.

Up front, Giant has redesigned the cockpit and cable-routing system. The new OverDrive Aero system sees cables route internally through the handlebar, before running under the stem and into the frame through the upper-headset bearing.

The carbon steerer tube is D-shaped in order to create space for the hydraulic brake hoses and any gear cables (if present).

As with previous generations of the Propel (and the Giant TCR), the top-spec Advanced SL framesets use an integrated seatpost design.

This means the seatpost is integrated into the frameset, and rather than adjusting a separate seatpost up or down to set your saddle height, it comes with enough length for you (or your bike shop) to cut it down to size for your preferred saddle height.

It may also be worth considering a professional bike fit before making any decisions, because it’s very much a measure twice (or maybe even three or four times), cut once, type of thing.

Simon von Bromley / Our Media

At the time of writing, Giant has only confirmed pricing for the Australian market, with this model costing AU$13,999.

UK and US pricing will be confirmed closer to delivery, which is currently slated for November 2022.

I’m fortunate enough to have been selected to test this latest superbike, so look out for a full review in the coming weeks. Will it perform well enough to earn a coveted spot on our list of the best aero road bikes? Time will tell…