Giant Group Mourns Founder King Liu, Launches New Propel and EnviLiv Bikes
The cycling world is in mourning following the passing of King Liu, founder of Giant Group, who died peacefully on February 16, 2026, at the age of 93.1, 2, 4 Simultaneously, Giant Group has unveiled its latest advancements in aerodynamic technology with the fourth-generation Propel and the EnviLiv bikes, alongside new CADEX components.
A Legacy of Innovation: Remembering King Liu
King Liu founded Giant in Taiwan in 1972, initially manufacturing bikes for overseas brands before establishing the Giant brand in 1981.2, 4 He transformed the company into one of the world’s largest bicycle manufacturers, with over 10,000 employees, 9 factories, and a production of 3.95 million bikes in 2025.4 Liu was a dedicated advocate for cycling culture and a visionary leader who helped establish Taiwan as a prominent force in the global bicycle industry.1 He believed bicycles represented more than just a business, but a meaningful way of life.1, 2
The New Giant Propel Advanced SL: Aero Performance Redefined
The fourth-generation Propel is positioned as Giant’s premier aerodynamic race machine, evolving from a sprinter’s bike to a versatile aero platform. Giant claims the new Propel, as a complete system, saves 18.44 watts of resistance at 40 kph, translating to approximately 72 seconds over 40 kilometers. This improvement is attributed to a combination of factors:
- 12.42 watts saved from the redesigned frame’s reduced aerodynamic drag.
- 0.42 watts saved from the new CADEX Max 50 wheels’ lower rotational drag.
- 5.6 watts saved from the CADEX Aero 28c tires’ reduced rolling resistance.
The Propel Advanced SL features a new one-piece integrated cockpit, saving 77g, and the CADEX Max 50 wheels save 100g over previous models. The total system weight savings reach 355 grams. The frame utilizes a one-piece monocoque construction with cold-blade cutting and CNT resin, resulting in a lighter and stiffer frameset. Stiffness has increased in key areas, including pedaling (+2.4%), torsional (+3.3%), and fork stiffness (+3.4%).
The Propel range includes three tiers:
- Propel Advanced SL: Top-tier model with Advanced SL composite, one-piece mold, and CADEX Max 50 wheels. Priced at $13,000 with a SRAM RED AXS build.
- Propel Advanced Pro: Advanced-grade frame with a modified monocoque construction.
- Propel Advanced: Advanced-grade throughout, offering the most accessible entry point to the platform.
The Liv EnviLiv Advanced SL: Women-First Aero Design
The EnviLiv Advanced SL is designed specifically for women, building upon Liv’s commitment to women’s-specific bicycle design. It saves 8.62 watts of total system resistance over its predecessor at 40 kph. The design process incorporated a 3D-printed female-reference mannequin, Georgia, to optimize aerodynamics and geometry for the female form.
Key differences between the EnviLiv and Propel include:
- Fork rake: 49mm (EnviLiv) vs. 45mm (Propel)
- Reach: Shorter on the EnviLiv at every shared size.
- Seat tube angle: Steeper on the EnviLiv (74° vs. 73.5°)
- Handlebar width: Narrower on the EnviLiv (370mm vs. 400mm at size M).
The EnviLiv range similarly includes three tiers:
- EnviLiv Advanced SL: Top-tier model with Advanced SL composite, one-piece mold, and CADEX Max 50 wheels.
- EnviLiv Advanced Pro: Advanced-grade frame with an Advanced SL fork.
- EnviLiv Advanced: Advanced-grade throughout, offering an accessible entry point.
CADEX Components: Wheels and Tires
Both the Propel and EnviLiv Advanced SL models feature the new CADEX Max 50 WheelSystem and redesigned CADEX Aero tubeless tires. The CADEX Max 50 wheels save 2.18 watts of aerodynamic drag per wheelset at 40 kph and are 59 grams lighter than the previous Ultra 50 model. The new CADEX Aero 28c tires are 55 grams lighter per tire than the previous 25c version, with a 2.8-watt reduction in rolling resistance per wheel.
1 Giant Group Mourns the Passing of Founder Mr. King Liu
2 Giant Group founder King Liu passes away at age 93
4 Taiwan’s Giant Group confirms death of founder King Liu