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

David Arthur - Just Ride Bikes
18 Jun 202313:57

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.

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相关标签
Gravel BikesSuspension TestCycling GearRiding ComfortPerformance ReviewBike ComparisonOff-Road RidingSpecialized CruxGiant Revolt XCycling Tech
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