Do Gravel Bikes Need Suspension? Giant Revolt X FIRST RIDE

Summary

The video introduces the new Giant Revolt X, a versatile bike designed for both gravel and mountain trails. It features a redesigned frame with suspension at both the front and rear, a flip chip for adjustable wheelbase, and a unique dropper suspension seat post. The bike comes with a wide range of gears and chunky tires for enhanced grip. The reviewer, David from Just Ride Bikes, shares his first impressions after a quick ride, highlighting the bike's impressive performance, comfort, and aesthetics. He also notes some initial concerns about the seat post's operation, promising more in-depth reviews in the future.

Takeaways

• 🚴 The Revolt X is a new addition to Giant's lineup of gravel and adventure bikes, offering a blend of gravel and mountain bike capabilities.
• 🔄 The bike features a completely redesigned frame, available in both carbon and aluminum, with a focus on suspension performance.
• 📏 Key frame geometry changes include a shorter head tube, altered head tube and seat tube angles, a lowered bottom bracket, and shorter chain stays for improved handling.
• 🔧 The Revolt X includes features borrowed from the standard Revolt, such as flip chips for adjusting wheelbase and tire clearance.
• 🪜 A notable feature is the dual-purpose dropper suspension seatpost, offering both a drop function and a small amount of suspension travel for comfort.
• 🛠 Riders can swap out the suspension seatpost for a regular round 30.9mm seatpost or a d-shaped version for maximum comfort.
• 💰 The Revolt X will be offered in four builds, starting at £3,000 in the UK, with the model reviewed featuring a SRAM Rival 1x setup and retailing for £5,500.
• 📏 The bike is available in a size ML, suitable for a rider who is 181 cm tall, and weighs 10 kilos without pedals, which is considered heavy but doesn't ride as such.
• 🌲 The bike is equipped with Giant's own super lightweight and wide carbon fiber wheels and Cross-Cut 45 mm wide tires for excellent grip.
• 🎨 Aesthetically, the Revolt X features minimal graphics and a two-tone paint job, which the reviewer finds appealing and stylish.
• 🏞️ The reviewer's initial impressions after a short ride are positive, noting the bike's performance, comfort, and suitability for a wide range of trails from road to deep woods.

Q & A

What is the Revolt X and what is its main feature?

The Revolt X is a new addition to Giant's lineup of gravel and adventure bikes. Its main feature is the suspension at both the front and the back, which gives it the 'X Factor' and enhances its capability for riders who enjoy the blend between gravel and mountain biking.

How does the Revolt X differ from the regular Revolt in terms of frame design?

The Revolt X has a completely redesigned frame, available in both carbon and aluminum, optimized around the suspension fork. Notable changes include a shorter head tube, different head tube and c-tube angles, a lowered bottom bracket, and shorter chain stays.

What are the angles of the head tube and c-tube on the Revolt X?

The head tube angle of the Revolt X is 71 degrees, and the c-tube angle is 73 degrees.

What features have been borrowed from the normal Revolt for the Revolt X?

The Revolt X has borrowed features such as the flip chips in the rear dropout to adjust the wheelbase for shorter or longer handling, as well as tire clearance.

What is special about the dropper seat post on the Revolt X?

The Revolt X features a dropper seat post with a unique dual-purpose design, offering between 75 and 100 millimeters of drop from the handlebar lever, and an additional 25 millimeters of suspension action, which is a clever trick not commonly found in most dropper seat posts.

What are the different configurations and prices for the Revolt X?

The Revolt X will be offered in four builds, starting at three thousand pounds in the UK. The model featured in the script is a Pro One with a SRAM Rival 1x setup and an Eagle GX rear mech, retailing for five thousand five hundred pounds in the UK.

What is the weight of the Revolt X in the video, and how does it feel when riding?

The Revolt X in the video, without pedals, weighs 10 kilos. Despite being heavy on paper, it doesn't ride heavier and feels lighter, which is partly due to the super lightweight and wide carbon fiber wheels.

What are the tire specifications and brand used on the Revolt X?

The Revolt X is equipped with Cross-Cut tires that are 45 millimeters wide, featuring a chunky tread pattern for good grip.

What is the reviewer's opinion on the aesthetics of the Revolt X?

The reviewer finds the Revolt X to be a fabulous-looking bike, appreciating the minimal graphics, the two-tone paint job, and the color combination that matches the fork to the front half of the frame.

What are the components of the SRAM gear system on the Revolt X?

The Revolt X features a SRAM Rival 1x setup with an Eagle GX rear mech and a massive 10-52 dinner plate cassette, providing a wide range of gears.

What is the reviewer's initial impression of the Revolt X's performance on trails?

The reviewer's initial impression is positive, noting that the Revolt X maintains the sprightliness and performance of the regular Revolt, with the addition of the suspension fork and seat post enhancing comfort and handling on various trails.

What potential issue did the reviewer notice with the Revolt X's seat post during the first ride?

The reviewer noticed the seat post clunking as it topped out and hit the stops, which is something they plan to monitor over the coming weeks and months to determine if it's a problem or just a teething issue with a new component.

Outlines

00:00

🚴‍♂️ Revolt X Bike Introduction and Features

The script introduces the new Revolt X bike, highlighting its suspension system at both the front and back. The bike is designed for riders who enjoy the crossover between gravel and mountain biking. It features a redesigned frame available in carbon or aluminum, optimized around the suspension fork. Key changes include a shorter head tube, altered head tube and seat tube angles, a lowered bottom bracket, and shorter chain stays. Borrowed features from the standard Revolt include flip chips for adjusting wheelbase and tire clearance, a suspension fork, and a dual-purpose dropper seat post with 25mm of suspension action. The bike is offered in four sizes, with the model featured being a Pro One with a SRAM Rival 1x setup and an Eagle GX rear mech, priced at £5,500 in the UK. The bike's weight is noted as 10 kilos, but it doesn't feel heavy when ridden, thanks to its lightweight carbon fiber wheels and wide tires. The aesthetics of the bike are praised, with minimal graphics and a two-tone paint job.

05:02

🌲 First Ride Experience and Performance Review

The script details the first ride experience with the Revolt X, emphasizing its performance on trails and the effectiveness of its suspension system. The bike's SRAM gearing, particularly the 10-52 cassette, makes climbing easy and the bike is described as not needing a motor for its performance. The combination of the suspension fork, suspension seat post, and dropper seat post provides a smooth ride over tree roots and bumps. The bike's geometry is praised for allowing for pushing limits on a variety of trails. The script also mentions the bike's suitability for a wide range of riding disciplines, from road to deep woods, and notes that while it may not excel in each, it performs at a high level across all. The rider also comments on the bike's components, including lightweight carbon fiber wheels, chunky tires for grip, a wide flat handlebar, and a short stem. Some initial concerns about the seat post clunking are mentioned, which will be monitored over time. The script ends with a promise of more in-depth reviews and ride impressions in the future.

10:04

🔗 Additional Resources and Upcoming Content

The final paragraph provides a call to action for viewers interested in the Revolt X bike, encouraging them to subscribe to the channel for more content and upcoming ride impressions on more challenging trails. It also directs viewers to check out a video for a review of the regular Revolt bike for comparison.

Keywords

💡Revolt X

The Revolt X is a new model of bike introduced in the video. It is part of the Revolt series of bikes, known for their versatility and performance in various terrains. The 'X' in its name suggests it has additional features or capabilities, such as suspension, which is a key upgrade discussed in the video.

💡Suspension

Suspension in the context of bicycles refers to the system that absorbs shocks and supports the bike's structure, improving comfort and control. In the video, the Revolt X features suspension at the front and back, enhancing its performance on trails and uneven terrains.

💡X Factor

The term 'X Factor' is often used to describe a unique or special quality that sets something apart. In the video, it is used to pique interest in whether the new Revolt X has that special something that makes it stand out among other bikes.

💡Gravel Bike

A gravel bike is a type of bicycle designed for riding on a variety of surfaces, including pavement, gravel, and dirt trails. The video discusses the Revolt X as an addition to the lineup of Revolt gravel and adventure bikes, indicating its suitability for such diverse terrains.

💡Mountain Bike

A mountain bike is a type of bicycle designed for off-road cycling on rough terrain. The script mentions the Revolt X's ability to 'flirt that thin line between gravel and mountain bike,' suggesting it has attributes of both types of bikes, offering versatility for different riding conditions.

💡Frame

The frame of a bicycle is the main structure that supports the other components. The video mentions that the Revolt X has a 'totally resigned frame,' meaning it has been completely redesigned, and is available in carbon or aluminum, which affects its weight and performance.

💡Head Tube

The head tube is the part of a bicycle frame that holds the fork and allows for steering. The script notes that the Revolt X has a 'much shorter than normal' head tube, which affects the bike's handling and geometry.

💡Bottom Bracket

The bottom bracket is the part of a bicycle that connects the pedals to the rest of the bike. The video mentions that the bottom bracket on the Revolt X has been lowered, which can improve stability and handling.

💡Dropper Seat Post

A dropper seat post is a type of seat post that allows the rider to lower the saddle for better control on descents. The video describes a 'clever trick' of the Revolt X's dropper seat post, which offers suspension action, enhancing comfort and versatility.

💡SRAM

SRAM is a brand known for its bicycle components, particularly gears and drivetrains. The video mentions a 'SRAM rival one by setup' on the Revolt X, indicating a high-quality gear system that contributes to the bike's performance.

💡Cassette

A cassette is the part of a bicycle's gear system that contains multiple sprockets of varying sizes. The script mentions a 'massive dinner plate 10 52 cassette,' referring to a large range of gears that allow the bike to tackle various terrains and inclines.

💡Tire Clearance

Tire clearance refers to the amount of space between the tire and the frame, allowing for different tire sizes and types. The video discusses the Revolt X's adjustable tire clearance, which is an important feature for adapting to different riding conditions and terrains.

💡Geometry

Bicycle geometry refers to the angles and lengths of various parts of the bike, affecting its handling and performance. The video mentions a modified geometry on the Revolt X, including a shorter stem and wider handlebars, which contribute to its handling characteristics.

💡Cross-Cut Tires

Cross-Cut Tires are a specific brand of bicycle tires known for their performance and durability. The video describes these tires as '45 mil wide' with a 'chunky tread pattern,' indicating they are designed for grip and versatility on various surfaces.

💡Two-Tone Paint Job

A two-tone paint job refers to a color scheme that uses two distinct colors, often for aesthetic appeal. The video mentions the Revolt X's 'two-tone paint job' and 'minimal graphics,' which are design elements that contribute to the bike's visual appeal.

Highlights

Introduction of the new Giant Revolt X bike with front and rear suspension.

The Revolt X is an addition to the Revolt gravel and adventure bike lineup, known for their popularity and quality.

The bike is designed for riders who enjoy the crossover between gravel and mountain biking.

Features a completely redesigned frame available in carbon or aluminum, optimized for suspension.

Head tube and bottom bracket angles adjusted for better handling and performance.

Innovative flip chips in the rear dropout allow for wheelbase adjustment and tire clearance changes.

Equipped with a dropper seat post that also has suspension action for added comfort.

The seat post can be swapped for a regular one for maximum comfort.

Available in four sizes with a range of prices starting at £3000 in the UK.

The model reviewed features a SRAM Rival 1x setup and an Eagle GX rear mech.

The bike's weight is 10 kilos, which is heavy on paper but doesn't feel heavy when riding.

Comes with super lightweight and wide carbon fiber wheels and Cross-Cut tires for excellent grip.

Aesthetically pleasing with minimal graphics and a two-tone paint job.

First ride impressions confirm the bike's performance and comfort on various trails.

The bike's suspension and gearing work well together for a smooth and fast ride.

The Revolt X offers a versatile riding experience suitable for a wide range of trails.

Potential issue with the seat post clunking noticed during the first ride.

The bike's components are top-notch, including the lightweight wheels and wide handlebars.

The two-tone paint job and understated graphics contribute to the bike's attractive appearance.

More in-depth reviews and challenging trail tests are planned for the future.

Transcripts

this is a brand new giant Revolt X and

it has suspension at the front

and at the back so does the new Revolt X

have the X Factor we'll find out go

through all the details talk about a

price specification and even better go

for a first ride hear my look of wood

and see how it performs so I'm David

you're watching just ride bikes let's

Dive In

this brand new bike is an addition to

the current lineup of Revolt gravel and

Adventure bikes which have been around

for about 10 years I've reviewed several

over the last few years here at just

ride bikes and very good bikes they are

indeed and very popular too the x is an

addition to that range with extra

capacity and capability for the rider he

likes to flirt that thin line between

gravel and mountain bike wishing me to a

T I love pushing your bikes to there and

my limits on Trails where a mountain

bike might be the better choice but you

still have a bunch of fun on a bike like

this

so we have a totally resigned frame

available in carbon or aluminum all

optimized around that suspension Fork

the main change is the head tube much

shorter than a normal revolt

the head tube angle and a c-tube angle

are 71 at the front and 73 at the back

and the bottom bracket has actually been

lowered over at normal revolt and the

chain stays are actually a bit shorter

and there are a few features borrowed

from the normal Revolt namely the flip

chips in the rear drop out to adjust the

wheelbase for shorter a longer the

change of handling and also the tire

clearance as well as a suspension Fork

our front we also have a dropper seat

post but one with a very clever trick of

its sleeve so it offers between 75 and

100 Mil of drop from a handlebar amount

of lever but the clever trick you have

about 25 millimeters of suspension

action most dropper seat posts really

compromise Comfort because there's no

suspension and there's no flex like a

carbon seat post so Dual Purpose dropper

suspension seatpost you can swap out

this seat post for a regular round 30.9

seat post or the company's own defuse

d-shaped seat pose if you want a maximum

comfort and never change as well as a

geometry on a shorter stems and a wider

handlebars fitted to revolt X compared

to the regular revolt the new bike will

be offered in four bills and I put all

the prices down below in the description

but the range starts here in the UK at

three thousand pounds the model I have

here is a pro one with a SRAM rival one

by setup and an eagle GX rear Mech and a

massive dinner plate 10 52 cassette and

it retails here in the UK for five

thousand five hundred pounds or sixty

two hundred dollars if you're watching

the US this is a size ml I'm 181

centimeters tall and that's my size in

giant lineup and on a scales without

these pedals fitted it weighs 10 kilos

which are quite heavy on paper but as I

found when I rode it just now it doesn't

ride heavier at all and in fact rise

like a bike that feels it should be half

the weight which is probably in part

thanks to their own super lightweight

and super wide carbon fiber Wheels with

some really nice tires a cross-cut not

I've seen these before 45 mil wide nice

chunky tread pattern so thankfully we'd

have a slick tire but you get on the

normal revolt

and personally speaking and let me know

if you agree or disagree I think it's a

fabulous looking bike I love the minimal

graphics on this and the two-tone paint

job I like the combination of colors as

well I think it looks really cool

they match the the fork to the front

half of the frame and add a bit of bling

out back giant still aren't as sexy or

perceived to be as desirable as a

Specialized or a trek or a candle but I

think with that bike that might change

[Music]

right let's get in the woods and see

what the bike is all about

as Macy will know I'm a big fan that's a

result platform great performance

save money just works I'm also a big fan

of the rock shot Rudy suspension Fork

reviewed it last year or year before

so two thing combined the revolt and a

Rooney suspension Fork should be a match

made in heaven

and so far that does seem to be the case

so very quick first ride today in Manuka

Woods at my trail dog Ally

don't have enough time for anything more

adventurous or long distance

so stay tuned to the channel for more

riding bikes with dogs it's Ace

with the exception

there's three damn fit and fast

and that you're really slow and I'll fit

oh

I've had a breath ready

and so far it doesn't feel like the the

sprightliness and the performance and

speed of the normal Revolt has been

compromised with a duration the x is

tighten it in

the SRAM Geary for that massive 10 52

dinner plate on the back me and Steve

climbs are easy

you don't need a motor with the gearing

setup that's for sure

and because if you're riding the sort of

trails where suspension Fork

it's kind of needed

you're probably gonna need that gearing

to get it back up the outside

the two things go hand in hand

massive gearing super low gears

and the suspension and drop a seat post

got that great geometry the suspension

fork and a suspension seat post

smoothing out the bumps from the tree

roots which are hidden by the leaves and

riding right now to make a gravel bike

but smoother

another Ridgid setup smoother than a

normal revolt

so the Comfort it takes that box

my comfort and it's only one half of the

story

I like pushing these bikes at a limit

at my limits and this bike so far

let's give me a bigger kind of bandwidth

to do precisely that

[Music]

[Music]

foreign

[Music]

just buy a mountain bike

but I love riding a grab a bike on a

wide variety of trails from Road

to smooth gravel and then deep in the

woods like I'm now and a bike that does

all that so well and maybe it's not as

good in each discipline that's a road to

grab a race by and then a mountain bike

it does each to a very high level indeed

and means you can have one bike

[ __ ] uh shine in every situation

and when you are exploring Trails like I

am today

you have a bike

that lets you have more fun

and go faster

and who doesn't love going faster

suspension it's been well proven on

mountain bikes over the last two or

three decades and guess what it works

here

but I know it won't be for everybody and

that's why the normal revolts for lots

of people they're probably a smarter

choice

okay just some quick thoughts based on

admittedly a very short ride on the new

bike I will be riding a lot more over

coming weeks and months so stay tuned

for more content and more writing

presents on this brand new bike

firstly I think it's a big Improvement

for the riding I do on a gravel bike

like this the addition of that

suspension Fork the suspension seat post

and drop a seat post big chunky tires

that wide range SRAM gearing and a

modified tweak geometry means the bike

that doesn't hold you back in most

situations but I have noticed the seat

post clunking I guess as it's topping

out and then hitting the stops

and that's happened a few times on a

short first ride so that's something

I'll keep a close eye on over the next

few weeks and months and whether it's a

problem or whether it's just teething

issues with a brand new component

but that aside the rest of the kit is

top draw as you expect on a top end

model like this super lightweight carbon

fiber Wheels they spin up really quickly

nice chunky tire so loads of grip in

what are quite dry condition today

nice wide flat handlebar nice short stem

nice grippy tactile bar tape as well I

love the wide range surround gearing

with a battery protector on there well

it's a real neat feature that is and I

think it looks good as well I like a

two-tone paint job I'm a sucker for a

two-tone paint job and I like the color

of the bike for a understated graphics

for sure let me know what you think down

below but like I said more ride

Impressions on his bike are more

challenging Trails coming very soon so

make sure you subscribe the channel if

you want to see that and if you want to

see a review of the regular Revolt just

to refresh your mind on that bike then

do check out the video right up here