The Giant Revolt gravel bike is an old acquaintance in our editorial fleet. We have already put various versions through the test system. We have praised the comfortable characteristics of the gravel bike from Taiwan on every occasion so far. In the case of the carbon version, low-set seat stays with a small diameter are designed to protect the rider from tiring vibrations.
However, the bikes with the X suffix go one step further. In addition to a suspension fork, there is also a mechanical dropper post in the frame, which in turn has up to 25 millimetres of suspension travel and is therefore intended to increase riding comfort. So is this the recipe for a gravel bike that is also fun off the beaten track?
The Giant Revolt X Advanced Pro 2 in detail
- Price: 4299 Euro
- Field of applicationGravelbike
- Wheel size: 700C/28"
- Tyre width (installed / maximum): 45 / 53 mm
- Weight complete bike10.3 kg (size XL)
- Number of bottle cage holders: 3
- Special features: Dropper post with 25 mm travel, fork with 40 mm travel, flip chip, carbon wheels, tubeless as standard
Equipment
Giant offers the Revolt in five versions with rigid forks, three versions with suspension forks and five different frame sizes (XS / S / M / L / XL). You will have to invest between 4299 and 6999 euros for the carbon gravel bike with suspension. Our test bike bears the model name Giant Revolt X Advanced Pro 2, is the entry-level model in the X family and is characterised by the following features:
- Suspension fork: Rockshox Rudy
- CircuitSram Apex / X1 Eagle AXS, 1 x 12
- CassetteSram NX Eagle, 11-50 t.
- Crank / chainring sizeSram Apex 1 / 40T
- Brakes / disc sizeSram Apex / 160/160 mm
- ImpellersGiant CXR X1
- TyresMaxxis Rambler Slik Shild TR 45 mm
- Seat postGiant Post Modern dropper post, 100 mm
- Cockpit / length / width (upper/lower link)90 mm / 510/550 mm
Data from the BIKE test lab
At BIKE, we go to unprecedented lengths to test bikes. We are the only trade magazine in the world to operate its own test laboratory. The data obtained supports our impressions from the practical test. When it comes to geometry data, we don't just rely on the manufacturer's specifications, but also use the laser measuring device ourselves.
- Complete weight10.32 kg (size XL, without pedals)
- Impeller weight3858 g (incl. tyres, tubeless milk and valves, cassette, brake discs, thru axles)
- Impeller acceleration2487 kg x cm² (the lower the value, the better the acceleration)
How the gravel bike from Giant rides in practice
Small part, big effect: The suspension seatpost makes up a large part of the perceived character when sitting on the Giant Revolt X and overshadows even the most sophisticated frame construction. In contrast to the competitor Rockshox Reverb XPLR AXS (for example in the Propain Terrel CF), the Giant Vario seatpost yields eagerly even when fully extended. The Revolt rolls over small potholes and edges as if nothing had happened.
The suspension fork and seatpost simply soak up impacts. This is absolutely brilliant in the forest. Where other bikes buck and force the rider to actively intervene, on the Giant you can simply pedal on sitting down. The fact that the industry giant delivers its wheels tubeless as standard adds to the Revolt X's strengths. Traction and comfort are unrivalled.
None of the test antagonists can handle rough terrain more smoothly than the Giant Revolt X Advanced Pro 2. When things get steep towards the valley, the ingenious combination of the short seat tube and the saddle lowered by 100 millimetres helps with control. Even on root trails, the concept shines with a high level of riding safety. For a gravel bike, the Giant is surprisingly capable off-road.
Thanks to its own-brand carbon wheels, the handling is uncomplicated and the bike feels lighter than it actually is. It can be steered into the ideal line without much effort and responds dynamically to commands on the handlebars. Fun! If you like it even more playful, you have the option of shortening the chainstay length by a whole ten millimetres using a flip chip in the dropout at the rear.
Rocking horse
The price you pay for the high level of comfort on the Revolt X is where the forest ends. When the pedalling input is high, the dropper post always crumples slightly in its stroke. On tarmac, you look down in amazement. Is the rear tyre flat? No, the up and down rocking of the saddle just doesn't provide the usual defined support for the rear end. If the obstacle ridden over while seated is of a larger nature, the Vario support snaps back into its starting position with a loud "clonk" after rebounding.
With a question mark over our foreheads, we switch to pedalling in the cradle. Now the inexpensive Rockshox fork without a lockout function goes to its knees. None of the suspension elements offer an option to vary the damping under pressure. As a result, the Giant bobs both sitting and standing. Gravel bikers looking for the most efficient propulsion on roads and simple gravel motorways should therefore steer clear of the X models and opt for a conventional Revolt.
The Giant Revolt gravel bike is a great tourer per se. The balanced riding position is pleasing and is still comfortable even after 100 kilometres. The Pro 2 model has to make do with economy measures when it comes to the wearing parts of the drive.
Although the gear range is still okay even in changeable terrain, the favourable cassette with eleven to 50 teeth is inferior to the suspension bikes from Propain and Santa Cruz inferior at both ends of the spectrum.
The simple AXS drivetrain does not shift gears as precisely under load as the new rear derailleur options with direct mounting. Speaking of direct mounting: the mount for a pannier rack is beautifully integrated into the carbon chassis.
Conclusion
The Giant Revolt X earns the BIKE tip for off-road riding with both comfortable and fun riding characteristics. Above all, the suspension Vario seatpost gives it a big advantage in technical terrain. Touring riders will appreciate the balanced riding position. You are unlikely to win a race on tarmac or on the forest motorway on the bobbing gravel bike. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Pro
- Best seating comfort
- fun handling
- High level of safety on the trail
- Lightweight tubeless wheels ex works
Contra
- Rocks when standing and sitting
- Favourable drive components
- with all-terrain equipment not for lightweight fans
Jan Timmermann
Editor
