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.

Outlines

00:00

🚴‍♂️ 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.

05:00

🏁 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.

10:01

🔢 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.

Keywords

💡Suspension

Suspension in the context of bicycles refers to the system of springs, shock absorbers, and linkages that connects a wheel to the frame, allowing the wheel to move relative to the frame. In the video, the host compares the performance of gravel bikes with and without suspension. The main theme revolves around whether suspension enhances or detracts from the riding experience on rough terrains, as seen in the test between the Giant Revolt X with a suspension fork and seat post versus the Specialized Crux with no suspension.

💡Gravel Bikes

Gravel bikes are a type of bicycle designed for riding on a variety of surfaces, including paved roads, dirt paths, and gravel. They are characterized by their drop-bar handlebars and wider tires, offering more comfort and control than road bikes on uneven terrain. The video focuses on the performance of two different gravel bikes, one with suspension and one without, to determine which is faster and provides better ride quality on a set course.

💡Ride Quality

Ride quality is a subjective measure of how comfortable and enjoyable it is to ride a bicycle. It can be influenced by factors such as the bike's frame, tires, and suspension system. In the video, the host evaluates the ride quality of the two bikes by riding them on a rocky descent and a flat gravel section, noting the differences in feedback and comfort provided by the suspension system.

💡Handling

Handling refers to the way a bicycle responds to the rider's inputs, such as steering, braking, and accelerating. Good handling is crucial for controlling the bike, especially on off-road terrains. The video script discusses the handling of the two bikes, noting that the suspension on the Giant Revolt X provides a more planted and stable feel, allowing for more confident line choices on rough sections.

💡Confidence

Confidence, in the context of cycling, relates to the rider's sense of security and assurance in their ability to control the bike, especially in challenging conditions. The video explores how the presence of suspension on the Giant Revolt X affects the rider's confidence when navigating rough terrains, suggesting that it allows for higher speeds and more control.

💡Timed Testing

Timed testing is a method used to measure and compare the performance of different bicycles by recording the time taken to complete a set course. In the video, the host uses timed testing to determine which bike, with or without suspension, is faster on a specific route involving rocky descents, road climbs, and flat gravel sections.

💡Specialized Crux

The Specialized Crux is a model of gravel bike known for its lightweight design and performance in cyclocross racing. In the video, the Crux is used as a comparison bike without suspension to the Giant Revolt X. The host notes its light weight of 7.5 kilograms, which contributes to its speed and responsiveness on the road and gravel.

💡Giant Revolt X

The Giant Revolt X is a gravel bike designed with a focus on suspension, featuring a suspension fork and a suspension seat post. The video discusses the unique design of the Revolt X and its performance on various terrains, highlighting how the suspension system affects the bike's speed, comfort, and control.

💡Squarespace

Squarespace is a website building platform mentioned in the video as the sponsor. It is an all-in-one solution that allows users to create websites without needing technical skills, offering features like drag-and-drop interfaces, online galleries, blogging, and e-commerce capabilities. The mention of Squarespace serves as a promotional aspect of the video, unrelated to the main theme of bicycle testing.

💡Rocky Descent

A rocky descent refers to a section of a cycling route that involves going downhill over rough, rocky terrain. In the video, the host starts the timed test with a rocky descent to immediately test the bikes' performance on challenging surfaces. The script notes that the Revolt X with suspension was faster in this section, providing a smoother and more controlled ride.

💡Road Climb

A road climb is a section of a cycling route that involves riding uphill on a paved road. The video script mentions a road climb as part of the timed test, where the Specialized Crux, being lighter, was faster than the Giant Revolt X, showcasing the advantages of a lighter bike on such terrain.

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

sponsored by Squarespace if you need a

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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