Is Gravel Bike Suspension the Future? (Or a Gimmick?)
Summary
TLDRThis video explores the impact of suspension on gravel bikes through a comparative test between a Giant Revolt X with a suspension fork and seat post, and a Specialized Crux with no suspension. The test includes timed trials on a set course to determine which bike offers better speed, ride quality, handling, and confidence off-road. Sponsored by Squarespace, the video also discusses the bikes' specifications and differences, revealing that the lighter Crux was faster overall, but the Revolt provided a smoother, more controlled ride on rough terrain.
Takeaways
- 🚴 The video compares the performance of two gravel bikes: a Giant Revolt X with suspension and a Specialized Crux without suspension.
- 🔍 The test includes timed trials on a set course to determine which bike is faster and provides better ride quality, handling, and confidence off-road.
- 🎥 The video is sponsored by Squarespace, offering a platform for building websites without needing technical skills.
- 🏁 The Specialized Crux, being lighter at 7.5 kilograms, offers a significant advantage in speed and handling on the road.
- 📊 The Crux was one minute faster than the Revolt X over a 7-kilometer course, highlighting the impact of weight on performance.
- 📉 Despite feeling faster and more controlled on rough terrain, the Revolt X with suspension was outperformed by the lighter Crux on the road and final gravel section.
- 🌟 The Revolt X features a unique combination of a suspension fork and a dropper seat post, designed to enhance off-road riding experience.
- 🛤️ On the rocky descent, the Revolt X was 8 seconds faster than the Crux, showing the benefits of suspension in rough conditions.
- 🛣️ However, on the road sections and the final gravel, the Crux demonstrated superior speed, averaging 32 km/h compared to 30 km/h for the Revolt X.
- 🤔 The video suggests that suspension on gravel bikes may not be necessary for all riders, and the choice depends on the type of terrain and personal preference.
- 🌈 The presenter concludes that there may be a future for gravel bikes with suspension for those who desire it, alongside traditional gravel bikes without.
Q & A
What is the main topic of the video?
-The main topic of the video is a comparison between a gravel bike with suspension (Giant Revolt X) and one without (Specialized Crux) to determine which is faster and provides better ride quality, handling, and confidence off-road.
What is the purpose of the timed testing in the video?
-The purpose of the timed testing is to objectively compare the speed and performance of the two bikes, the Giant Revolt X with suspension and the Specialized Crux without suspension, on a set course.
What are the subjective aspects the video aims to evaluate besides speed?
-The video aims to evaluate subjective aspects such as ride quality, handling, and the confidence a bike gives the rider when riding off-road.
What is the role of Squarespace in the video?
-Squarespace is the sponsor of the video, providing an all-in-one platform for building websites, and offering a free trial and discount for viewers using a special code provided in the video description.
What was the benchmark time set on which bike?
-The benchmark time was set on the Specialized Crux, the bike without suspension.
How does the Specialized Crux's weight compare to many road bikes?
-The Specialized Crux weighs 7.5 kilograms, which is lighter than many road bikes.
What modifications have been made to the Specialized Crux for gravel riding?
-The Specialized Crux, originally a cyclocross race bike, has been modified for gravel riding with wider tire clearance up to 47mm, modified geometry, and other details.
What is unique about the Giant Revolt X's design?
-The Giant Revolt X is designed around a suspension fork, with geometry modified to account for the suspension, and it features a combined dropper and suspension seat post, which is a novel feature in gravel bikes.
How does the Giant Revolt X perform on the road?
-The Giant Revolt X feels a bit sluggish on the road due to its extra weight and is not as quick to accelerate as the Specialized Crux.
What was the outcome of the timed test comparing the two bikes?
-The Specialized Crux was one minute faster than the Giant Revolt X over the seven-kilometer course, indicating that the lighter bike was faster than the one with suspension.
What does the video suggest about the future of gravel bikes?
-The video suggests that there might be a future where there are gravel bikes with suspension for those who want it, and conventional gravel bikes without suspension for those who prefer a lighter option.
Outlines
🚴♂️ Gravel Bike Suspension Test
This paragraph introduces a comparison test between two gravel bikes: the Giant Revolt X with a suspension fork and seat post, and the Specialized Crux with no suspension. The test aims to determine which bike offers better speed, ride quality, handling, and confidence off-road. The video is sponsored by Squarespace, which is highlighted as an easy-to-use platform for creating websites. The narrator sets up a timed test on a rocky course to evaluate the performance of both bikes.
🏁 Benchmark Time and Bike Comparison
The narrator begins the test with the Specialized Crux, noting its lightweight and the roughness of the rocky descent. The Crux, being a modified cyclocross bike, is praised for its handling on the road and its ability to maintain speed. The paragraph also discusses the differences in weight and specifications between the two bikes, with the Crux being significantly lighter. The test continues with the Giant Revolt X, which feels faster and more stable due to its suspension, allowing for a more aggressive line choice without worrying about picking a smooth path.
🔢 Results and Insights from the Test
The results show that the Specialized Crux was one minute faster than the Giant Revolt X over a 7-kilometer course. The Revolt X was faster on the rocky descent, providing a smoother and more controlled ride, but the Crux outperformed it on the road section and the final gravel section. The narrator reflects on the comfort and control offered by suspension on rougher trails and the benefits of a lighter bike on smoother terrain. The video concludes with the idea that suspension may not be necessary for all gravel biking scenarios but could be beneficial for those seeking extra comfort and control.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Suspension
💡Gravel Bikes
💡Ride Quality
💡Handling
💡Confidence
💡Timed Testing
💡Specialized Crux
💡Giant Revolt X
💡Squarespace
💡Rocky Descent
💡Road Climb
Highlights
Suspension on gravel bikes is tested for its effectiveness in comparison to rigid bikes.
A Giant Revolt X with suspension fork and seat post is compared against a Specialized Crux with no suspension.
The test includes timed trials to determine which bike is faster on a set course.
The Specialized Crux is noted for its light weight of 7.5 kilograms, which is lighter than many road bikes.
The Crux is a modified cyclocross bike adapted for gravel with wider tires and altered geometry.
The Giant Revolt X weighs 9.7 kilograms and is designed with a suspension fork in mind.
The Revolt X features a unique combined dropper and suspension seat post.
On a rocky descent, the Revolt X with suspension felt faster and more controlled than the Crux.
The Crux's lighter weight gave it an advantage on road sections and climbs.
The final gravel section of the test showed the Crux to be faster than the Revolt X, contrary to expectations.
The Revolt X was 8 seconds faster on the rocky descent, offering a smoother and more controlled ride.
The Crux was 23 seconds faster on the road section, highlighting its efficiency on paved surfaces.
The final gravel section saw the Crux 16 seconds faster than the Revolt X, despite the latter's smooth ride.
The video concludes that suspension may not be necessary for all gravel riding, but it has its place for rougher terrain.
The Revolt X's suspension design is noted for offering more comfort and control on rough sections.
The video suggests a future where gravel bikes may be available with or without suspension to cater to different preferences.
The video is sponsored by Squarespace, offering a platform for building websites without the need for tech skills.
Transcripts
suspension on gravel bikes is a bit
pointless isn't it or is it to help me
find out in this video either same with
two bikes to do some timed testing this
is a brand new giant Revolt x with a
suspension fork and suspension seat post
while over here in my specialized Crux
with no suspension at all
but which is faster when it comes to
riding on a set course but today we will
find out and also find out more
subjectively which is better when it
comes to ride quality handling and a
confidence a bike gives you when riding
off-road now I do know that many of you
will have a strong opinion on this topic
already and be letting me know by
leaving a comment down below and that's
fine
but I genuinely have an open mind to new
technology if it can enhance my
experience of riding bikes or maybe
faster because I need all the help I can
get these days but I have no agenda here
I'm not being paid to promote suspension
and neither black brand is sponsoring
this video because this video is
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description right let's start with the
Crux and set a benchmark time on their
bike in three two one go
so I picked a rocky descent to start
with
and we'll see how we get on with the
rigid gravel bike first
and straight away it's quite rough a lot
of feedback coming through the
handlebars
answering pedals
they're quite tricky see where you're
riding on is dappled lights
quite Rocky down here
a lot of branches
big boulders
hit the rim then
the little tripod left here
a bit of single track
it's just feels rough and bumpy
sort of acid you'd expect really and
back onto the rock gravel
and get it as fast as I there you go
ready
are you Safety First of course
try and pick a smooth line
that's it
not uh the roughest or the most
technical descent in the world
but a good enough length to get a feel
how the bikes compare hopefully
now I've got a short road climb up to
the next gravel section
so while I get my head down
get the power down
let's talk about your two bikes and the
difference is a bit more now aside from
the obvious difference of the suspension
on a Revolt there is a big difference on
the scales
that's a Crux over there is 7.5
kilograms which is lighter than many
road bikes and that is insane all thanks
to a frame that weighs
725 Grand which is just bonkers the Crux
is of course originally a CX slightly
cross race bike but a new version has
been modified and moved into a gravel
space with space with wide tires up to
47 modified drometry so better away from
the CX circuit and some other cool
details as well this Revolt X meanwhile
is 9.7 kilograms both weighed without
pedals and both essentially the same
size but a lot of differences and
specification wheels and so on so not
quite a absolutely light for light
comparison but the two bikes I have
available the Crux really is an
incredible bike because here on a road
even with 40 ml white eyes that low
weight and a geometry
means it feels really good
and look at that 40K an hour
so it's definitely no slouch
and now for the final gravel sector
mostly flat
they're quite a fastest section
thankfully dried out
nice and Dusty
I could have hammer down
the Crux feels good
on this gravel track it's not too bumpy
Rhino tires quite low
there's still quite a lot of feedback
through the main contact points
definitely not a Magic Carpet experience
you know you're riding off-road
but there is a question to be asked
about how much comfort do you want
from a bike like this
because of its maximum comfort you see a
full suspension Mass bike they can offer
way more Comfort less moviness
and there we are
seven kilometers
right bike swap get a Revolt out and
repeat
righty ho time for lap two on a giant
with suspension so they crack on in
three two one and go
so giant should be much quicker down
here got suspension fork and a drop of
seatpost
and straight away it feels faster
might as well planted more stable
it's not about feedback through the
hammer bars and the pedals
feels so much quicker
off in the same track
wow it feels amazing
feel I can take much more limited to the
line choice and not worry about picking
a smooth line Choice as much as the Crux
whoa
so giant felt insane down that rough
track just much smoother I was in more
control
and having more fun
but now a bit of row section
so I'm getting my head down and crack on
and let me give you a closer look at his
new Revolt X so this is the Revolt X and
one of the few gravel bikes available
right now designed around a suspension
Fork so we have a rock shot Rudy
delivering 40 millimeters of travel up
front and the head tube is shorter and a
geometry modified to account for the
suspension Fork because if you put a
fork on my cruxet I'm gonna raise a
front and slack in the head angle where
giant had considered that as part of the
design process of his new bike
then we have a combined dropper and
suspension seat post which is very novel
normally you get either a suspension
seat post or a dropper not combined in
the same unit the rockshot rear
suspension can be adjusted for body
weight with an airspring on the left
side of the fork and it's a lockout
lever on the front here as well so on
the road you can lock it out and
off-road you can open it up or you can
do as I do and leave it open all the
time because it's not really losing much
on the road unless you're re-sprinting
and who really Sprints a gravel bike
unless you're racing on the road a giant
does feel a bit more sluggish
you feel extra weight
doesn't feel quite as uh willing to get
out of speed
but we'll find out later
we'll see what a clock says which are
faster
feels faster than a mountain bike that's
for sure
and it feels way better at 90's mountain
bike
all right so back off road
open up their suspension mustn't forget
a handlebar dial will be quite useful
for that
and let's get a power down
uh straight away
you can feel the suspension
through a seat pace and a forks and
handlebar
it's just so much smoother and calmer
it may feel slur but I think that might
be psychological
I'm able to focus on getting the power
out really focusing on pedaling as hard
as I can
not being bounced around so much
the giant just feels so much more at
home
off-road
so smooth amazing what a difference it
makes
yeah now it feels really fast
it feels good
clearly what it's like designed for
I'll take the same line
over the letters deal with the Crux
even here though it feels so much
smoother
oh my goodness me so hot so sweaty after
two runs so I need a cold shower go home
do that and then dive into results and
my observations and findings from riding
both of bikes and so I'm quite
interesting differences so I can't wait
to uh dive into that okay the results
are in and time to crunch some numbers
and the headline news is that the
specialized Crux behind me was an entire
one minute faster than a giant Revolt X
over my seven kilometer course so quite
a clear margin of difference between the
two bikes the lighter bike was faster
than a bike with suspension but dive
into more detail or the data show some
interesting comparisons and insights my
route as you remember started with a
rocky descent measuring about 500 meters
so not super long but here the Revolt
was eight seconds faster than the Crux
it definitely felt faster and the
stopwatch shows it was indeed faster and
if you extended that distance or went
down some really rough and Rocky Trails
I think the Revolt X would put an even
bigger lead than the Crux it definitely
felt faster and smoother and I was in
more control and had more confidence to
carry more speed so quite a significant
difference between the two bikes on that
one section but perhaps unsurprisingly
on the road section and the road climb
of this route the Crux pulled out a
bigger lead 23 seconds faster than a
Revolt X and an average speed of 32k an
hour versus 30 for the Revolt so both
bikes actually quite fast on that road
session and but the Crux was a bit
faster but then perhaps surprisingly on
the final Grabber section which are
quite flat flat to start with and then
dip down and a gentle drag back to the
Finish Line I thought the Revolt would
be quicker because it felt smoother and
therefore faster but the Crux actually
pulled out a lead here completing that
section of gravel 16 seconds faster than
a joint and that really surprised me so
against the clock in my admittedly quite
short test the lighter weight gravel
bike was faster than the bike with
suspension so air suspension a fad
well in a test perhaps it's not
absolutely needed but away from the time
differences I felt more comfortable
riding the revolt on a rougher sections
on a flat gravel they're more comfort
and it felt smoother and I reckon I
could ride that sort of Trail all day in
more Comfort than the Crux which
definitely gave you lots of feedback
through the contact point and on that
very rough section and I know the rough
is in the world the Revolt was Head and
Shoulders better than the Crux the
suspension fork and a dropper seat post
made a big difference down there I had
more confidence to carrying my speed and
I felt less dangerous and sketchy than
the Crux
so it all comes down to sort of writing
you're doing if you're doing Road and
smooth gravel then the lighter weight
option clear the way to go but if you're
trying to ride at very rough sections of
Trail and you want extra speed and more
control then I think suspension
definitely has a place and a Revolt is a
really interesting package because as I
said earlier it's actually designed
around a suspension fork with geometry
modified for that suspension
so I don't know if suspension is the
future for all gravel bikes but I do see
a future where there are gravel bikes
with suspension for those of us who
might want it and then more regular
conventional bikes like this that don't
have suspension and that means everybody
can be happy have suspension if you want
it or don't have it if you don't anyway
hopefully you found this video mildly
interesting and entertaining and you've
got any feedback questions put them down
below in the comment section as I'm sure
you already have and if you'll see a
video comparing a gravel bike with nubby
tires and slick tires as a roadblock
then do watch your video right here and
don't forget to subscribe by hitting
this button right here but that's all
today thank you so much for watching
I'll see you again very soon
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