We take a look at the new 2020 Giant Revolt 1 gravel and adventure bike ahead of the review. This alloy framed bike gets a carbon fork, Tiagra drivetrain and heaps of style for a small price tag. With the carbon Revolt Advanced 2 and the aluminium Revolt 0 already on test, we’re looking forward to riding this bike soon!
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The Giant Revolt range is pretty big and with the carbon Revolt Advanced models also taken into account, there is a bike to suit almost any budget. Here, we are taking a first look at the Revolt 1, this is a bike at the more budget end of the spectrum. Coming in at £1,149 there is actually only one bike that is cheaper in the range and that is the Revolt 2 priced at just £100 less.
For a smidgen under £1,200 the Revolt 1 gives you an alloy frame with a full carbon fork with an Overdrive steerer and thru axles front and rear. Overdrive 2 is the oversized steerer (1 1/2” lower, 1 1/4” upper) that Giant use in order to provide stiffer and more direct steering, whereas just plain Overdrive uses 1 1/4” lower and 1 1/8” upper for road bikes.
Elsewhere there is a Shimano Tiagra drivetrain comprising of a 23/48 FSA crankset and a 11-34T cassette.
The brakes on the Revolt 1 (and on the bottom of the range bike). To brake the bike uses Giant’s Conduct system, this is hydraulic calipers with a cable-actuated master cylinder, paired with mechanical levers. Essentially the cable from the lever activates the hydraulic system which is attached to the stem rather than in the lever/hood, to activate the brake. It is an odd looking system, integrated into the stem, see photos below.
The spec list is finished with Giant alloy wheels, Giant Crosscut AT 2 tyres (700x38c) and an own brand saddle. Tyres and wheels are tubeless ready too which is a nice feature and not always seen on bikes at this price point.
The bike borrows D-Fuse technology from the brand’s endurance road bikes. This tech amounts to a D-shaped alloy seatpost that offers a claimed 12mm of flex to provide more seated comfort when pounding over rough roads and tracks. The D-shaped seat post also gets an integrated seat clamp lending itself to the sleek looks of the bike.
The Contact XF D-Fuse handlebar works with the post in also using D-shaped profile tubing to provide a bit more compliance to absorb shocks. It’s also flared and swept back to bring the hoods closer for easier reach.
Giant has used an endurance bike as a starting point for the bikes geometry, featuring slacker angles and a longer wheelbase. The result according to Giant is “ precise handling, agility and control in all situations, from out-of-the-saddle road climbs to fast and rugged dirt road descents.” This bike (small) gets a 70.5 degree headangle and a wheelbase of 1025mm.
We’ll be putting this bike through its paces soon and get back to you with a full review soon!
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