Is Gravel Bike Suspension the Future? (Or a Gimmick?)

Summary

This 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.