New models have been trickling out from Giant over the past few weeks, and now it’s time for gravel. After a season of testing prototypes in events like the Dirty Kanza and Lost and Found Gravel Grinder, the all new Revolt Advanced is ready for its debut.
Starting with the Advanced Composite carbon frame, the Revolt sees an attempt to create added compliance with flattened chainstays, and a compact frame design with a lower seat stay junction. That also allows for more exposed seat post, which Giant takes advantage of with their D-Fuse proprietary seat post that is shaped like a D – with a flat back and rounded front. Initially developed for their TCX cyclocross bikes, the D-Fuse post made its way to the Defy endurance road bikes, and now gravel with the Revolt. Giant claims the design is worth 12mm of “travel” or added compliance at the seat for a more comfortable ride.
D-Fuse technology has also been added at the front of the bike with the new Contact XR D-Fuse handlebar which uses similar shaping. The idea is that it has 10% more downward compliance while offering up to 20% more upwards stiffness. The bar itself is flared at 8° at the drops and has a 5° backsweep to keep things comfort. As an added bonus, it’s 5% lighter than Giant’s Contact SL bar.
Designed with clearance for up to 700c x 45mm tires, the frame and fork are also said to be 650b compatible. Additional frame dtails include an X-Defender downtube protector, three bottle mounts (one on the bottom of the downtube), and an additional smart mounting system for accessories like racks, fenders, and more. The frame also includes a 1 1/4 to 1 1/8″ tapered steerer, 86mm PF bottom bracket, and internal cable routing.
Giant says that the Revolt has a slightly taller stack height in comparison to the TCX CX bike line, and you’ll find a slightly different fork geometry with a 50mm rake and 74mm trail figure to keep things calm on sketchy gravel descents.
Complete bikes start at the top with the Revolt Advanced 0 which offers a Shimano Ultegra hydraulic 2×11 drivetrain with a Praxis Zayante 32/48 crankset, and tubeless wheels and tires.
The Advanced 1 instead goes with a 1×11 SRAM Apex drivetrain for $2,500.
The Advanced 2 brings up the rear with a $2000 build that includes a Shimano 105 2×11 drivetrain, Praxis Alba 2D crankset, and Giant’s tubeless wheels and tires.
