(Last updated on March 6th, 2023)
The world’s largest bike manufacturer, Giant Bicycles, has some of the most exciting road bikes for sale in 2023. Whether you are a dedicated racer, weekend warrior, or just looking to upgrade your setup, the renowned brand has got you covered.
Read about the top 5 Giant road bikes you can buy right now and a helpful guide to ensure you find your perfect match below.
- How Did I Pick the Best Giant Road Bikes?
- The Best Giant Road Bikes in 2023 at a Glance
- Best Overall Road Bike
- Best Endurance Road Bike
- Best Aero Road Bike
- Best Budget Road Bike
- Best Electric Road Bike
- How to Choose the Best Giant Road Bike?
- Which Style of Road Bike Is Right for Me?
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions
How Did I Pick the Best Giant Road Bikes?
I researched Giant’s entire road bike catalog for the best models in 2023. I also included the latest products; each model below received an update this year.
My research spanned manufacturer’s specs, user reviews, and expert opinions to select the top 5 best Giant road bikes. I included a representative bike from each of the main categories as well as bestowed an overall rating.
The rating and sub-category scores were based on the following criteria:
Efficiency
Road bikes are designed to convert as much of your pedal power as possible into pure speed. Elements like aggressive frame geometry, carbon fiber parts, and aerodynamic designs help achieve the highest efficiency.
Specs
Top-notch components can save weight and improve performance on the road. They come at a premium, but electronic shifting, hydraulic brakes, and carbon wheels can be critical for climbing to the podium’s top step.
Comfort
This criterion may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about fast-paced road bikes, but it’s an important distinction between modern road bike categories.
Note: Aero, triathlon, and time-trial models sacrifice comfort for efficiency gains, whereas endurance road bikes use a more relaxed frame designed for long days in the saddle or races that can be several hours long. Depending on your riding style, the right amount of comfort can keep you pedaling harder for longer.
Price
The Giant brand is known for its competitive prices and value. I’ve picked models at various price points to match your budget.
The Best Giant Road Bikes in 2023 at a Glance
| Takeaway | Frame | Drivetrain | Tires | Rating | Price |
| Best Overall Road Bike | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra | Giant Gavia Course 1, tubeless, 700x25c | 9/10 | From $5,200 |
| Best Endurance Road Bike | Carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 | Giant Gavia Fondo 1, tubeless, 700x32c | 8.5/10 | $3,900 |
| Best Aero Road Bike | Carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Giant Gavia Course 1, tubeless,700x25c | 9/10 | $6,000 |
| Best Budget Road Bike | Aluminum | Shimano 105 | Giant Gavia Fondo 2, tubeless, 700x32c | 7/10 | $1,950 |
| Best Electric Road Bike | Aluminum SL | Shimano Ultegra | Giant P-R2 Disc with Maxxis Re-Fuse 700x32c tires | 8/10 | $5,000 |
Best Overall Road Bike
1. Giant TCR Advanced Pro Disc 1
Our Rating
9/10
$5,200
KEY SPECS
| Frame | Advanced-Grade Composite carbon fiber |
| Drivetrain | Shimano Ultegra |
| Brakes | Shimano Ultegra hydraulic, Shimano rotors [F]160mm, [R]140mm |
| Rims | Giant SLR 1 42 Carbon Disc WheelSystem |
| Tires | Giant Gavia Course 1, tubeless, 700x25c |
| Weight | 7.4 kg |
PROS
- Tons of models within the TCR Advanced range to match your needs
- Deep 42mm carbon rims for an aero advantage
- High-quality Shimano Ultegra 11-speed groupset
CONS
- No electronic shifting
The Giant TCR Advanced is the go-to choice for racing and all-around speedy riding. This racing model packs a 1-2 punch of lightweight stats and efficiency to attack any route.
Moreover, there are tons of versions to choose from, depending on your specific preferences and budget.
I’ve selected the Giant TCR Advanced Pro Disc 1 that received a facelift and a few updates in 2023. Priced at around $5,200, it sits squarely in the middle of the TCR range with a high-end yet mechanical Shimano Ultegra groupset, disc brakes, and a light carbon frame.
It’s an excellent value and a great jumping-off point if you want to check out the fancier SL models or more affordable TCR Advanced road bikes.
The Pro Disc 1 rocks a set of Giant carbon wheels that are 42mm deep, which is deeper than the 36mm rims on more expensive models with electronic shifting, giving you some additional aero gains.
The bike comes with the latest Giant Gavia Course 1 tubeless tires that roll fast on pavement and Ultegra hydraulic disc brakes. The only downside is that there’s no electronic shifting, given the relatively elite price level, knocking my rating down a point.
Unless you participate in specific events like hill climbs or time trials, the TCR Advanced Pro is a sure bet for chasing after podiums.
RATINGS
| Efficiency | 4/5 | |||
| Specs | 5/5 | |||
| Comfort | 5/5 | |||
| Price | 3/5 |
OUR VERDICT
All-around race bike with a lightweight carbon frame and 42mm-deep rims.
Best Endurance Road Bike
2. Giant Defy Advanced 1
Our Rating
8.5/10
$3,900
KEY SPECS
| Frame | Advanced-Grade Composite carbon fiber |
| Drivetrain | Shimano 105 Di2 |
| Brakes | Shimano 105 Di2 hydraulic, Giant MPH rotors [F]160mm, [R]140mm |
| Rims | Giant P-R2 Disc wheelset, alloy |
| Tires | Giant Gavia Fondo 1, tubeless, 700x32c |
PROS
- Completely hidden cable routing with easy access
- Several truncated airfoil tube shapes in important aero areas
- SRAM Rival eTap AXS electronic shifting
CONS
- Reserved aero design compared to other brands’ aero models
The redesigned 2023 Giant Propel Advanced 1 delivers more aero gains than ever, so you can maximize your pace in breakaways and close races.
This aero road bike cuts quickly through the wind thanks to Giant’s AeroSystem Shaping technology which perfects tube shapes and surface edges. Riders will notice the clean profile with no exposed cables— which are now easier to access— and the all-new Contact SL Aero cockpit at the front.
The Propel’s impressive aerodynamics make a big difference on flatter courses, and it’s still light enough to provide gains on hilly days, too.
Many pros and amateur riders increasingly reach for the Propel as their go-to race bike on various routes. There are 50mm mid-section carbon wheels and Giant Gavia Course 1 tubeless tires. The drivetrain is SRAM Rival eTap AXS for top-notch electronic shifting performance.
Additional design touches include the Vector composite seat post and customized fork that further reduce drag in important areas.
I would have liked to see the more innovative frame and fork shapes, but the setup rings true for Giant’s typical philosophy. 60mm deep wheels instead of 50mm would have been a great choice, so I’ll lower my rating slightly for the reserved aero approach compared to rival brands like Trek and Cervelo.
RATINGS
| Efficiency | 3/5 | ||
| Specs | 4/5 | ||
| Comfort | 5/5 | ||
| Price | 4/5 |
OUR VERDICT
Purebred aero road bike with updated cockpit and cable routing for an even sleeker profile.
Best Aero Road Bike
3. Giant Propel Advanced 1
Our Rating
9/10
$6,000
KEY SPECS
| Frame | Advanced-Grade Composite with AeroSystem Shaping technology |
| Drivetrain | SRAM Rival eTap AXS |
| Brakes | SRAM Rival eTap AXS hydraulic, SRAM PaceLine rotors [F]160mm, [R]140mm |
| Rims | Giant SLR 2 50 Carbon Disc WheelSystem |
| Tires | Giant Gavia Course 1, tubeless,700x25c |
PROS
- Completely hidden cable routing with easy access
- Several truncated airfoil tube shapes in important aero areas
- SRAM Rival eTap AXS electronic shifting
CONS
- Reserved aero design compared to other brands’ aero models
The redesigned 2023 Giant Propel Advanced 1 delivers more aero gains than ever, so you can maximize your pace in breakaways and close races.
This aero road bike cuts quickly through the wind thanks to Giant’s AeroSystem Shaping technology which perfects tube shapes and surface edges. Riders will notice the clean profile with no exposed cables— which are now easier to access— and the all-new Contact SL Aero cockpit at the front.
The Propel’s impressive aerodynamics make a big difference on flatter courses, and it’s still light enough to provide gains on hilly days, too.
Many pros and amateur riders increasingly reach for the Propel as their go-to race bike on various routes. There are 50mm mid-section carbon wheels and Giant Gavia Course 1 tubeless tires. The drivetrain is SRAM Rival eTap AXS for top-notch electronic shifting performance.
Additional design touches include the Vector composite seat post and customized fork that further reduce drag in important areas.
I would have liked to see the more innovative frame and fork shapes, but the setup rings true for Giant’s typical philosophy. 60mm deep wheels instead of 50mm would have been a great choice, so I’ll lower my rating slightly for the reserved aero approach compared to rival brands like Trek and Cervelo.
RATINGS
| Efficiency | 5/5 | ||
| Specs | 5/5 | ||
| Comfort | 3/5 | ||
| Price | 3/5 |
OUR VERDICT
Purebred aero road bike with updated cockpit and cable routing for an even sleeker profile.
Best Budget Road Bike
4. Giant Contend AR 1
Our Rating
7/10
$1,950
KEY SPECS
| Frame | ALUXX-Grade Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | Shimano 105 |
| Brakes | Shimano 105 hydraulic, Giant MPH rotors [F]160mm, [R]160mm |
| Rims | Giant P-R2 Disc wheelset |
| Tires | Giant Gavia Fondo 2, tubeless, 700x32c |
PROS
- Reliable and fan-favorite Shimano 105 groupset
- Wide 32c tires are versatile and more comfortable
- Great value for a disc brake-equipped road bike
CONS
- Slightly heavy wheelset
- Less aggressive geometry
The Giant Contend AR 1 is an entry-level road bike with many modern touches that’ll stay within your budget. The Contend is a popular choice among price-conscious roadies because of its durable ALUXX aluminum frame, hydraulic disc brakes, and competitive Shimano 105 groupset.
The AR 1 I’ve selected here is the highest-spec model in the range, so riders can choose from even more affordable models if they wish.
One can’t go wrong with the Shimano 105 drivetrain and hydraulic disc brakes. It’s a groupset I’ve run on my road bikes for years, enjoying precise shifting, low maintenance, and a price tag that’s significantly cheaper than Ultegra or Dura-Ace.
The AR 1 comes with 32c tires, but there’s clearance for up to 38mm rubber so that you can swap for some cushier (or even gravel!) tires.
Giant leverages its status as a global manufacturer and equips this bike with modern tech at a competitive price. Features like flat-mount disc brakes, thru-axles, and a compliant seat post junction enhance the ride feel of this affordable road bike. This model, however, misses out on the highest marks due to a heavy alloy wheelset and less aggressive geometry. This model is a definite contender if you’re looking for a quality road machine that won’t break the bank.
RATINGS
| Efficiency | 3/5 | ||
| Specs | 4/5 | ||
| Comfort | 4/5 | ||
| Price | 5/5 |
OUR VERDICT
Entry-level road bike with hydraulic disc brakes and Shimano 105 groupset at a competitive price.
Best Electric Road Bike
5. Giant Road E+ Pro
Our Rating
8/10
$5,000
KEY SPECS
| Frame | ALUXX SL aluminum |
| Drivetrain | Giant SyncDrive Pro |
| Brakes | Giant EnergyPak 500Wh Smart Compact |
| Rims | Shimano Ultegra |
| Tires | Giant P-R2 Disc with Maxxis Re-Fuse 700x32c tires |
PROS
- Reliable Giant SyncDrive mid-drive motor
- Range Extender compatibility for longer rides
- Shimano Ultegra groupset provides precise shifting
CONS
- Oversized bottom bracket and downtube mess with the aesthetics
- Aluminum frame rather than carbon
Looking for an extra boost to climb hills or keep up with stronger riders?
The Giant Road E+ Pro is an electric road bike that lets you power along the pavement and enjoys its lively ride feel. The E+ Pro is equipped with a SyncDrive Pro motor developed specifically for Giant with 80 Nm of torque to conquer tough climbs easily.
The drive unit connects to the EnergyPak Smart Compact 500Wh battery that’s compatible with a range extender (additional battery) for extra-long rides.
While the performance is excellent, I’m not a big fan of the aesthetics along the bottom bracket and downtube areas that house the motor and battery. I lowered my rating because it is significantly bulkier than other electric road bikes on the market, but plenty of riders don’t mind the look.
The e-bike boasts a higher-end ALUXX SL aluminum frame and a mechanical Shimano Ultegra groupset with hydraulic disc brakes. The alloy rims are outfitted with Maxxis Re-Fuse 700x32c tubeless-ready tires that come with a puncture protection layer.
For $5,000, I think the E+ Pro is priced fairly competitively considering the high-quality drive unit and fancier-than-most Shimano Ultegra groupset. Join the e-bike movement and go faster and farther than ever!
RATINGS
| Efficiency | 4/5 | |
| Specs | 4/5 | |
| Comfort | 4/5 | |
| Price | 3/5 |
OUR VERDICT
Well-priced electric road bike with a quality drive unit and Shimano Ultegra groupset.
How to Choose the Best Giant Road Bike?
Giant’s extensive range of road bikes means there are plenty of options to choose from, but deciding on the perfect model can be a tough task. Below, I’ve included tips and tricks specific to the Giant brand to help you narrow your search. If you are picking out your very first road bike, Giant has posted a comprehensive guide to selecting the best one for you.
Which Style of Road Bike Is Right for Me?
The easiest way to narrow your search is to decide which type of road bike fits your needs. Giant offers a wide selection of road bikes to choose from which belong to the following categories:
Race
Road bikes designed for racing are both lightweight and efficient. They opt for the lightest drivetrains and rims to cut down on grams and have some aerodynamic shaping. The frame geometry is aggressive to increase pedal power and reduce drag. The high-end models are made of carbon fiber and utilize electronic groupsets with hydraulic disc brakes.
Endurance
This kind of road bike has a more relaxed geometry that’s more comfortable on day-long rides or extended training sessions. Additional touches typically include slightly wider tires between 30-32mm and a higher front end.
Aero
Built for outright speed, aero road bikes use innovative tube shapes and angles to reduce drag. Deep section wheels and hidden cables further this effect, and while these bikes can weigh more than other race bikes, they are the most efficient machines on flat to moderate terrain.
Entry-level
Road biking is for everyone, and entry-level models offer quality components at an affordable price. These bikes opt for aluminum rather than expensive carbon, and most have switched over to disc brakes by now. Expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000.
Electric road bike
Ebikes for road riding are designed to be relatively lightweight, even with the addition of a motor and battery. They offer pedal assistance to climb steep hills or keep up with stronger riders.
Most people still consider a gravel bike their top pick. Although Giant has those too, but I didn’t include them in this article. The same goes for the best performance Mountain bikes.
Giant’s Model Hierarchy
The names of each model in Giant’s extensive range aren’t the easiest to understand, so I’ll drop some pointers. You’ll see the word “Advanced” tacked onto many models, meaning the bike has a carbon fiber frame rather than aluminum.
Another suffix is “SL,” which stands for “super light” and marks a higher spec frame material than the standard alloy or carbon Giant uses. “Pro” signifies some additional higher-end touches, such as a carbon fork, for example.
Giant also uses a podium-style numbering system to represent where each model ranks in the range. 0 means the highest spec model, and 3 is the most basic option in the specific lineup. Giant provides their own guide to choosing the best bike for your style.
Groupset Choices
Beyond riding style and frame material, the next biggest decision is based on which groupset you want. Giant outfits their bikes with either Shimano or SRAM parts. The options run the gamut from entry-level sets to Di2 and eTAP AXS electronic shifting. Groupsets increase significantly in price as you move up the range. The performance differences are mainly that more expensive groupsets are lower weight and more precise.
Accessories and Upgrades
The small touches on a road bike can still greatly impact how you ride. Pay attention to things like tire choice, brakes, and wheels to see if these are items you’ll want to upgrade in the future. Other common additions include installing a GPS or power meter to track your rides and metrics for training purposes.
Road bikes are an investment— especially with their higher costs— so it’s worth considering your riding future and wishlist of parts! Remember to select the right size frame for your height— you can calculate the correct size with this helpful chart that’s tailored to the Giant brand.
Final Thoughts
Giant road bikes are popular choices in the pro peloton and your local club rides, so you can trust that they are fast, dependable machines. The Giant brand is my go-to option for riders searching for an excellent value with great components.
I’ve selected my favorite model in each distinct road category in the list above, but remember the Giant catalog is, well… giant! Take your time exploring various options and find the perfect Giant road bike for you that’s sure to stand out wherever you ride.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Giant Defy is an endurance road bike designed for long rides and training sessions, whereas the TCR and Propel are race models. The Propel is an aero road machine, and the TCR is the brand’s flagship lightweight race bike.
All the world’s largest bike manufacturers, Giant, can leverage their in-house production and contacts with big component brands to offer more competitive pricing on their bikes. Trek bikes generally feature more innovative designs and the latest tech.
The TCR frame has aggressive geometry designed for racing, but that doesn’t mean it will be uncomfortable. Riders unaccustomed to the riding position can adjust over time or choose the Giant Defy, which features a more relaxed frame shape.
Giant bikes are known for their great value. Giant has huge contracts with manufacturers like Shimano and SRAM, as well as designing frames and e-bike motors in-house, which can cut down on costs for the consumer.
Yes, Giant offers a wide range of bikes of all types, including pro-tier models seen in the Tour de France and entry-level bikes available at accessible prices. It is the world’s largest volume bike brand with great availability in stores and online.
The Giant TCR— a versatile road bike for racing— stands for Total Compact Road. The name comes from the smaller front end and sloping top tube— this move was a geometry and stiffness improvement over traditional road bikes with horizontal top tubes.
Giant bikes feature high-quality frames that are produced in-house and reliable parts from major componentry brands such as Shimano and SRAM. Giant even fabricates frames for other large bike brands to use.
Do you own a Giant road bike? Let us know your personal experience down below!
I’m Robbie Ferri, a writer from Norfolk in the UK. I love cycling, the gym, and have a huge passion for sharing my stories and knowledge to anyone with the time to read them. My main passion is cycling. I started eight years ago. In that time I have broken world records, cycled all over the world in Ultra Bikepacking races, and am lucky enough to have enjoyed some incredible times on two wheels with some incredible people. I have also worked in a bike shop and with some of the industries leading brands, not just promoting products but designing them too.
Under it all I am just someone very passionate about exploration and living a healthy lifestyle. Everything I do I put 100% into it and feel that life is for living. Never should you have a dull day.
