Arguably the Best Beginner Gravel Road Bike on-sale Today.
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- Опубліковано 20 жов 2024
- When looking for a beginner gravel road bike you have lots of options but in my opinion, this might just be the best beginner gravel bike on sale today. The 2022 Giant Revolt 2 is a great bike with adjustable geometry, large tire clearance, and a comfortable fit for long rides. So what do you think, is this the best beginner gravel road bike?
Price and more info: bit.ly/3LBEUmf
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Giant always gives a lot of bang for the buck! No cut corners, great construction, and awesome ride!
They ain't the King for nothing. 👍
According to GCN, they’re not that great.
Giant manufactures all high ends carbon and aluminum bikes for Trek, Scott, Colnago and many others…
Just got one today. So excited for all the adventures awaiting.
I just picked up mine today based on your video! Excited to go on my first ride Wednesday. This is my first bike since I was a teenager!
How’s it treating you? I’m looking at getting one
Giant really do offer the best bikes IMO. You only compromise on style as their bikes are seldom the flashiest things on the road, but they're always top notch in terms of build quality and smart geometry.
Agreed
It's crazy that a $1500 bike is considered entry level.
That's a down payment on a bicycle these days. That might buy a nice set of wheels.
Entry level for decent bikes
How much should “entry level” cost? I paid $1100 for a Fuji Cross 3.0 back in 2011, when it was new.
As of this writing, I think entry level should be 1100 max, mid up to 2500, & up to 5k+ for serious enthusiasts or those who have the $ to throw around
@@jpd3070 honestly maybe if SHOULD be but it's not
Look at trek for example, a fuel ex8 is £3200 (mid range full suspension)
Then you got the carbon framed, high end drivetrain/wireless shifter which are Minimum £5000
Well, I just picked up my Revolt 2 today , the same Blue you reviewed and love its look. I have to say that I'm very happy with the purchase. Paid $1300, out the door. As you mentioned, this bike will be getting upgraded slowly and have to say I'm very happy with its characteristic with nothing done. If there is something that I'm not impressed with is the brakes, maybe I've gotten too used to hydraulic disc, these are less then my standard brakes on my Bianchi.
I have the same thoughts on the brakes. Ran my bike hard today and the brakes are the weak link.
I bought the 2020 model. I love it but there are things that are really annoying. The FSA crankset is hopeless and failed after a few thousand miles, so got swapped out for Shimano Hollowtech. The Sora Groupset is really bottom of the range and needs constant tinkering. When it works, it’s fine (but a bit clunky) but it really does need adjusting annoyingly often. Mine has the weird “mechanical/hydraulic” adapter on the handlebar - I’ve had no problems with the brakes. The cable routing puts the open end of the rear mech gear cables right where the front wheel throws up any schmoo from the road so they rust out really frequently - this causes dire gear changes both up and down, but just changing out the cable housing on the rear stay and cable (every 4-6 months!!) solves this. The headset is badly protected and needs servicing and changing out annoyingly frequently. It’s a great way into gravel biking but I really wish I’d paid the little bit extra for 105!
I’m glad I read this prior to buying. Do you have any experience with the Microshift advent X? Or do you know the least expensive decent gravel bike with a Shimano 105 set?
@@DrunkDrynastysorry but I’m afraid not, other than watching videos on them! I’m starting to think the best value is from looking at recent second hand models - but the Triban from Decathlon also looks to be pretty much the best value 105 - the whole bike is cheaper than the groupset rrp!
Great review. Thanks James.
This bike is actually expensive for such build. You can get canyon grizl 6 for such price with GRX groupset and hydraulic disc brakes. I just ordered new cannondale topstone 4 for 800$. Now thats a steal
Up until I noticed the Landry's logos and links I didn't realize we were neighbors! I'm just a couple towns over judging from the channel page.
Currently looking to replace my beloved old steelie I lost in a crash yesterday in Worcester- the budget road bike reviews are certainly helpful in this situation. I was thinking Landry's could at least check out my old bike for the insurance claims assessment but seeing some new bikes in person might give me a better impression of them. Was also considering some stores closer to Boston as they carry some more exotic (Bianchi, Ridley, Scott, Pinarello) and even halo level (Time, Look) brands. The Ridley Fenix SL Disc you looked at I like quite a bit with the 105 groupset and the snazzy paint lines but it's more than a little out of reach for me.
With Giant however I know they do their own manufacturing and have very good QC compared to the industry on average. What I'd also like to say is that the weight figures in the videos are very appreciated, especially when I'm able to see the size label (or its given in the graphics) of the exact bike being weighed. A nice lightweight frame I can maybe build up later even if I can't get the high end components to begin with is what I think I'm after. I was comfortable with and enjoyed the process of wrenching on my old bike. My other thoughts are perhaps I'll learn to love a new bike in a similar way if I do the same again.
I've got this revolt 2. It's great and very comfy for my ride. You can fit slimmer tyres and it becomes purely road bike, or fatter 48mm and you don't need to get trek dual sport or Giant Talon if ever thougt about hybrid and long cross country bike packing trips. It's really good, very soft. I agree with someone commenting.. the original seat is too narrow :)
Nice review! I picked up a 2021 recently and really love it. I've had it on pavement, gravel, and even an easy mountain bike trail and it handled all very well. As one other person mentioned, the Sora shifter has needed some adjustments, but so far I think it is just normal cable stretch on mine. The 2022 does have some nice features mine doesn't which would make bikepacking a little easier.
This wasn't a review in any sense of the word. All he did was read marketing material from Giant.
Bought mine from Landry's after 160 miles the bottom bracket began to creek, I took it back for it's 30 day free checkup, there was no or little grease, Landry's took the cranks and BB apart and regreased.
Hopefully that took care of the noise.
@@Jamesthebikeguy yes it did!
I want the TREK DOMANE AL3 but thanks to supply chain problems Ill settle for a Giant Revolt 2
It will fit a 30.9mm seatpost. Also dropper compatible.
I can say that its wheelset is really. I bought them from a Revolt owner and put it in my Mosso. They roll very well..
I bought one recently. I first went for a Cube Neurod Pro that comes with GRX and tiagra for about the same money. There was no clue when local dealer could deliver so i chose the Revolt finally. It feels sturdy and reliable. However, havent managed to adjust the derailer yet. I hope its my skill and not the sora group set. Regreting a bit now for not waiting for the Cube.
I really hate that entry level bikes are still spec’d with square taper bottom brackets and 9 rear cogs. Literally a couple bucks more for Shimano Hollowtech and at least a 10 speed for that kind of money.
I got this bike yesterday and I put 6miles on it. I had been researching bikes for a while and they had this one in a bike shop near me. Am I going to spend a few days in the dog house bc I dropped $1500 on a new bike(first adult bike ever) Sure but she will get over it.
Its 30.9 round or d-fuse, not 27.2, but lets you run a dropper post!
A bike around 1.5k come with mechanical disc brake 😬
It sounds great!
I'm not sure how good the price is, as I've been bitten by the build-your-own bike bug, which can let you get higher specs for less money (so my price gauge is a bit skewed)... but for a Giant with these specs, I think that's a good price.
How are you buying a frame and each part coming out cheaper. If it's true ground up starting from the beginning with new parts/frame it's quite literally impossible.
@@Jamesthebikeguy I buy used, where I can. Got a sweet deal on an ‘09 Fuji CrossComp. Threw on a Tiagra group set, and still spent less $1000.
@@Jamesthebikeguy the frame i get used from ebay, and it takes a lot of shopping around to find the right fit (and the best price for parts)...
I recently finished a build that was a mix of Tiagra and GRX that cost ~$1500 with new parts (with hydraulic disc brakes).
Previously did similar with cheaper parts (some used and some just cheaper) for ~$1200, but that was pre-pandemic, so may not apply anymore...
I have to say, though, shopping for the frame is a total pain when looking for used, it's so hard to find the right frame in the right size... that pre-pandemic build I actually bought an entire used bike, stripped it and sold the parts and did the rebuild with the frame
I really enjoying building the bike that it's more of a hobby than just an attempt to save money (which means i'm probably biased!)
Jesus, this guys knows more about bikes than anyone I have ever met.
Very nice. I get entry point pricing now. But I am still cheap. Pretty bike
good work James
`i went for a specialized diverge elite over this in the end, the giant bike above this seems good though and worth the extra
Got one yesterday, I've put road clipless on it as I do like to put the power down , is this a good idea ? Should I put mtbs on or leave it .
Can the shifter cable entry points on the head tube be plugged up in case one upgrades to wireless shifting in future?
Would a large frame on that bike be good for me because im 5 foot 10 and im still growing and I'll probably be a little taller than 6 foot when I'm done growing.
Hmm here in PH, i bought a less than $300 trinx climber 1.1 , claris groupset, disc brakes, alloy frame. So far around 4OOOkms. Usually you can get a 105 Groupset gravel bike for around $800.
Love you reviews. I just got this bike after 25 plus years of riding hardtail. I hate to make a snap judgement as I just did my first ride and I haven't been on a drop bar in 30 years. However I just did the exact ride that I had done on my giant fathom 1 hardtail two days ago. Impressions the mechanical disk brakes are very lacking, and as for the speed I was hoping to get? My top speed was only 4 mph faster and I only averaged 1 mph faster. Kind of disappointing I just wished I had waited and spent the money on a high end lighter hardtail. I would have certainly gained at least that much speed and still had the fork. Don't get me wrong I think I will learn to like it and the extra hand positions but for my all around I will stick with hardtails.
Twice the price of the Polygon Bend R2, but you get tubeless ready wheels/tires.
lol, twice the price? It's 36% different or in straight dollars $400. For that $400 you get a much better frame, geo, capability and lower weight. You also get tubeless wheels and tires. You get a much better warranty and dealer support. You also get assembly and maintenance done by the dealer you purchased it from. That's a load of extra benefits for $400.
Is the frame capable of towing a Thule Chariot?
What’s the difference in weight compared to the advanced(carbon)?
What kind/make of bike stand is that please?
I am getting the revolt advanced 1
I got one. It's fun but that seat is murder on my junk, I had to buy a gel cushion pullover seat
How much does a cm of chain stay length make a difference? for a pro?
Ordered the same bike on 2021 of september. Still waiting for it. Local dealer told me that it would come in august. 😑
How did you get it faster than me? Living in EU.
I wish they made this in a flat bar version. 😁
Luck for you since giant released their new Fastroad Ar series, which seems to be almost the same as the revolt but with flat bars.
Thank you. Would this bike be good for bike packing?
It would do pretty well at that. For regular bike packing check out the Giant Tough Road.
hey man, how did you install that seat post clamp?
Honest question. Can someone explain why this costs so much? I feel like the Trek Dual Sport has better equipment and features and even the most expensive Dual Sport costs less than this one. Why is that?
Because probably this guy is getting some renumeration in some way for this video, he is not in the real world or taking some substance or even possibly all three lol
Trek Dual Sport is an entirely different category - lower tier..
I've got this revolt 2. It great and very comfy for my ride. You can fit slimmer tyres and it becomes purely road bike, or fatter 48mm and you don't need to get trek dual sport or Giant Talon if ever thougt about hybrid and long cross country bike packing trips. It's really good, very soft. I agree with someone commenting.. the original seat is too narrow :)
It’s giant revolt F2?
Hi! Just want to ask if I upgrade the groupset of the revolt two to shimano grx will I replace the existing hubs? What hubs would you suggest? Thank you!
No need to replace hubs
@@Jamesthebikeguy thanks for the advise. Appreciate it a lot.
@@Jamesthebikeguy I have the Giant Revolt 2 - If I want to upgrade to the Shimano 2x11 gear set what will I need to upgrade? The cassettes, the derailiures, the FSA pedal cranks? How much
Nice video I realy like this bike alot! Too much for me though I need too find all that bike for 500
Poseidons are close to that on sale, 650-750. That's about as close to this as your gonna get. Anything less than that your gonna be getting features similar to a Walmart bike.
Maybe if Giant adds models with better components. 11 speed, hydraulic brakes. Contend Ar1 has some of those goodies.
Personally, I would avoid a hydraulic brake set. Brake cables have worked for over a hundred years and take minimal skill/tools to adjust.
Check out the Revolt 0 2022: 11-speed with GRX components.
That adapter that allows for standard seat posts... could that be attached to a giant contend ar?
No, The adapter converts a round seat post hole to the d-fuse shape. It does not take that d-fuse shape and make it round.
Does anyone know what brand that bike stand is?
I test rode one but seems be heavy to accelerate to me. Anyone else have the issue vs other gravel bikes in similar price
I have the 2021 model revolt 1 , and i agree with you. When you want go faster or accelerate… you can’t. I think that if you want to enjoy this type of bike you have to buy the carbon frame model.
This looks amazing to me.
Agreed, very cool looking bike
What brand/model floor stand are you using in the video?
Its a stand made by Specialized. I don't believe they are sold. My favorite that is shown in other videos is actually made by Giant, check it out here: www.landrys.com/product/giant-adjustable-height-1-bike-floor-stand-397983-1.htm
Very similar to the trek Domane AL3 . apart from the max tire width.
Yep. In fact I might wager get this and a 32c tire then you have the best all around option.
Any update on making a video on the best value womens all around road bike.. the liv avail 3.?
Seems quite similar to the Fuji jari shown last month. Depends on which is in stock at the store.
Similar, but the geo is a bit better, and I Really Really like the adjustable thru-axle. The Fuji is nicer than the 2021 Revolt, but I truly think the sum of this 2022 version is the winner right now.
jari's are heavier
How does this compare to a Poseidon X or Redwood? Those are a lot cheaper.
The Redwood is a totally different flavor of "gravel" bike, but the X is a really really budget built way to do this type of riding. I am sure they work well for many people, I'd just expect a bit more out of my bike and maybe that skews my perspectives.
Its hilarious that you can buy an enduro dirtbike for the cost of a good mountain bike. They are trolling all of us.
I tend to agree. We see these prices so much that they start to seem normal. That said, some competition has stepped in but you usually give up quality to save money on these bikes.
This bike is 49 o 54?
My Favorite Bike!!! :)
Is the 53mm clearance with 700c wheels?
yes
Great bike, but I prefer the Toughroad
The Toughroad is a pretty sick bike too!
This is not much different than my Giant Escape 2 that I paid $410 for new in 2019.. and it has hydraulic brakes.
I mean once you get passed that they both have wheels, tires, a handlebar and a frame. That's where the similarities end. The escape's a great bike, but it's a totally different riding experience and machine
@@Jamesthebikeguy I'm actually looking to sell/trade-in my 2019 Escape 2 and purchase a 2022 Revolt 2. I purchased the Escape as a city commuter and find it very average... I'm hoping that the Revolt is a significant upgrade from the Escape, which also gives me the option of going gravel if desired (I also have a 2022 Trance 2 for my mtb fix). What's your opinion?
Liked your review
Glad you enjoyed it
bummer this bike does not have atleast an 11 gear casette
Entry level at this price?!! How much did they pay you or are you taking some kind of substance?
$1,500 is very much still entry level. About the "cheapest" gravel bike from a direct to consumer brand is $1,000. The most expensive gravel bike from premier brand would be in the $12-15,000 range. Mid level is about $3,500/4,000. So yes, this is very clearly a entry level gravel bike. There are plenty of less expensive non-gravel bikes, but then those wouldn't be considered.
As far as pay... the only one paying me for videos is you and your engagement. So thank you for the comment to help boost my engagement numbers and get me more UA-cam Adsense payments. Thanks bro!
@@Jamesthebikeguy People don't know what the hell they are talking about. I just was in the market for a gravel bike with a budget of $1500.00 US dollars. I ended up buying the Giant Revolt 2. It might be a 2023 model. Got it in June for 1350.00 an exact duplicate to what you show here except the seat clamp. I researched a ton of bike manufactures and the Giant was the cheapest and readily available in my location. Not sure where people are getting something better for less. Two distinguishing factors were the Giant was the only bike with road components (Sora) and 9 speed cassette. All other had some mix of Shimano GRX 400-800. and varied from 10 to 11 sp. cassettes. the next cheapest in line would be the Cannon Grail 6. with cable disc brakes at $1699.00. I think its a great bike for what it is. I don't like the Tektro brakes I can't really get any stopping power out of the rear and the cranks are creaky (which is most likely it was not greased well enough). I think you can't beat the price.
This bike vs the trek checkpoint ALR …oh decisions…
Terrible parts for 1500 bucks. Mechanical breaks, FSA, Sora, 11,1kg. In 5 years you have to pay 2000 $ that stuff, but nice frame.
Not many options out there with this capability at or less expensive. Seems like a good deal to me especially in 2022.
@@Jamesthebikeguy Take a look at the Marin DSX series.. then you'lll see value :) and Life time warrantee on the frame - well.. its is in Australia anyway. I like this Giant and was on my list to consider.. but I'm 161cm tall - which = small and sometimes XS frames for me - The Giant was unobtainium. I settled for the Marin DSX1 - no regrets!
An entry level gravel bike for $1,450!!! Bike manufacturers are having a laugh. An aluminium frame! Sora??? FSA crank at probably close to a Kg in weight and a load of aluminium junk finishing kit. Realistically, that bike should be around $700! I pity people new to cycling if this what you get for that money! Giant should be embarrassed!
Sadly $700 bikes with Sora haven't existed since the mid 2010s. Though back then a Truck cost $25k and houses were 1/2 the price. Not sure we will ever get back to those days.
@@Jamesthebikeguy Expertly said!😏
Hello, is there possibility to lift the seatpost to higher length than this from the video.
Yes not even close to minimum insertion
I wonder if this bike could lose those 4 lbs to get around 20 lbs within a reasonable budget (less than 1.5k)
I’m guessing you’d have to reach for cheap Chinese carbon components?
A set of nice alloy or carbon wheels and a better crank would go a long way to reducing weight on this bike.
That's a serious stretch. Better off starting with a carbon fiber Revolt Advanced (new or old model). Definitely can reach sub 19 lb for a top spec Revolt but it won't be cheap.
Too bad their next to unobtainable in the most common sizes.
It's a d shaped seat post!
how is this a beginner gravel bike 1400 is a lot of money
I understand the sentiment but the gravel category is nicer bikes.
Think about how is a Miata a "beginner" sports car but cost 40k? Because that's where sports cars start.
You can buy something like a Giant Roam for half the price of this bike and do much of the same terrain/riding but it's not a "gravel bike"
@@Jamesthebikeguy giant roam is superior to this bike
It has mountain bike gearing with clutch technology and hydraulic disc brakes and suspension
I would say giant roam would be nicer than this bike
Totally agree that the Giant Roam has some awesome features. But in our car analogy that's like choosing a Mazda CX-3 vs. the Miata. Totally different experiences, but still nice vehicles in their own right.
@@Jamesthebikeguy no the giant roam would feel nicer than the revolt
The main reason the revolt is expensive is because it has drop bars
I feel all you want is affirmation that one bike is "better" than the other. I don't feel that way so sadly I can't validate your claim.
Two different bikes, two different experiences, and it's ok for both to exist in the world
I prefer Marin
Can we take a moment to acknowledge that people are calling ~$1,500 an entry level bike?
Because it is. An entry level car is $25k in 2024, while back in 2014 it would have been $18k. This is just how inflation and time work.
@@Jamesthebikeguy You literally cannot but a new car for under $20,000 though. You can buy a brand new road bike from a big box retailer right now for $200-300. I think it's just a different interpretation of the term. I agree this is entry level for people already established in the hobby, but not for the general public.
Doesn’t even have hydraulic brakes…
about 6 more pounds than the advanced 2
just buy a japan giant escape and convert it to gravel lol
I bought an escape last year. Built a dt Swiss wheelset for it since drive train upgrades are out of stock. Still cost less than the revolt by a couple hundred bucks AND I got hydro disc brakes
@@coopersimons1706 was yours international or japan version? got myself a used japan 2020 version the frame has that gravel geometry i agree it's cheap and durable. it's really weird how the international and japan versions are completely different from each other.
Sorry pal but this is an ad.
Praising mechanical disk breaks like what...
Edit: ok better to maintain on the road
Wouldn't it be an add to tell people that they always have to spend more rather than that there are good quality mechanical disc brakes out there?
I'm sorry there's other people in the world with different price points, and different value structures in what they need.
We shall all try to be like you
@@Jamesthebikeguy Although I agree that everyone shall be like me (though slightly less attractive) I've learned in the mean time that there is a reason why mechanical ones are so popular: On the road maintainence. For backpacking I can see now that there is a usecase for good(!) disc brakes.
The mechanical groupsets! 🤮🤮🤮
The frame is pretty, though, except maybe for the laterally bulging at the front dropped seats.
Terrible breaks, seatpost stem their own, can’t fit a normal one, 1000 cables in front
betta halfmoon only cost about 150, that is the best beginner for me..
That is a curious looking bike. We don't get those here in the states but if you like it get one and enjoy it!
Just bought one..came 2034 dollars canadian..worth every penny..bike is great in every way
If you have to spend 1400 dollars on a bicycle, and consider making up grades!? The illness of capitalism. Absolutely ridiculous.