Giant claims that ‘over half the world’s roads are unpaved’, and if that’s true, you could be missing out if you haven’t got a bike capable of exploring that terrain. In that spirit, Giant has just added three new bikes to its Revolt range of gravel bikes.
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The new bikes all share the same aluminium frame and full carbon fork, but differ in terms of groupset, with the three bikes in the range sporting Shimano Sora, Tiagra and 105 groupsets.
The frame is essentially an aluminium version of the Revolt Advanced, which is no bad thing. We gave the £2,999 ($3,465 / AU$4,299) Revolt Advanced 0, with a carbon frame and Shimano Ultegra, 4.5 stars when we reviewed it in April.
The more affordable aluminium frame retains Giant’s recognisable compact frame design, a smattering of comfort-enhancing technology, and a gravel-specific geometry.
D-Fuse the tension (in your upper body)
The Revolt inherits some of the D-Fuse technology from its carbon sibling. D-Fuse is Giant’s term for its D-shaped components - in this case, the aluminium seatpost and handlebars.
Giant says its D-Fuse components ‘help absorb shock without sacrificing stiffness’. The handlebars also feature flared drops, for increased comfort and control when riding off-road, according to Giant.
All three models in the range come with Giant’s own S-X2 disc wheels and 38mm Giant Crosscut AT 1 tubeless tyres. Tubeless makes sense for gravel riding (where grip, comfort and puncture resistance are so important), so it’s great to see it present at all levels.
There’s also clearance for up to 45mm tyres, so if you want to go wider with your gravel tyres you won’t have any issues.
The most expensive bike, the Revolt 0, gets Shimano 105 hydraulic disc brakes, while the mid-range Revolt 1 and entry-level Revolt 2 use Giant's Conduct system: hydraulic calipers with a cable-actuated master cylinder, paired with mechanical levers
Gearing comes from Shimano across the range, but there’s no 1X option, or any sign of Shimano’s gravel-specific GRX components on these price-conscious bikes.
Gearing up for a big ride
The only deviation from Shimano gearing comes at the cranksets - as 105, Tiagra and Sora aren’t technically gravel groupsets, the smallest chainring Shimano offers is 34t. The 48/32t gearing Giant specs instead (with a Praxis or FSA chainset, depending on the bike) is a little more forgiving, especially if you want to run the bike loaded up with luggage.
Neatly integrated mudguard and luggage mounts — Giant calls it a ‘smart-mount system’ — further increase the Revolt’s versatility, but are subtle enough not to impact on the bikes’ looks if you choose to go without.
For the UK, there are three colour options in total, but only one for each model. The Revolt 2 is an understated, but tasteful metallic grey, and the Revolt 1 a rather pleasant glossy teal. The Revolt 0 comes in ‘matte grey beige’ which, whilst not offensive by any means, feels a little dull.
In Australia, only the Revolt 1 and 2 models are available, with the Revolt 1 coming in ‘gunmetal black’. Meanwhile, the US just gets the Revolt 2 option, but Giant does offer an extra ‘biking red’ colourway.
2020 Giant Revolt range
Giant Revolt 2
Price: £1,049 / $1,000 / AU$1,499 Frame: Aluxx Grade Aluminium, disc Fork: Full composite, OverDrive steerer Groupset: Shimano Sora Crankset: FSA Vero Pro, 32/48 Brakes: Giant Contend, cable-actuated hydraulic brakes Colour: Gloss Metallic Grey / Biking Red (US only)
Giant Revolt 1
Price: £1,149 / AU$1,899 (not available in the US) Frame: Aluxx Grade Aluminium, disc Fork: Full composite, OverDrive steerer Groupset: Shimano Tiagra Crankset: FSA Omega Adventure, 32/48 Brakes: Giant Contend, cable-actuated hydraulic brakes Colour: Gloss Teal Grey / Gunmetal Black (Australia only)
Giant Revolt 0
Price: £1,499 (UK only) Frame: Aluxx Grade Aluminium, disc Fork: Full composite, OverDrive steerer Groupset: Shimano 105 Crankset: Praxis Albe 2D, 32/48 Brakes: Shimano 105 hydraulic disc Colour: Matte Grey Beige
Are you missing out on all of the unpaved roads and trails in your local area, or are you on board the gravel train already? As always, let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
