Alongside e-bikes, gravel bikes have been the boom sector in the cycling world in recent years. The range has exploded to such an extent that there are already sub-categories that differentiate between particularly sporty competition bikes and models suitable for travelling (see alternatives below). The world's largest bicycle manufacturer does not (yet) differentiate that far. Giant offers the Revolt as a classic gravel bike, which is designed for comfort and has average width tyres for this type of bike with 40 mm tyres. This does not mean that our chosen representative is somehow uninspired - on the contrary. With the Revolt, the company also wants to fulfil its role as a technology leader and has given the bike a few gimmicks that could become standard on gravel bikes in the future.

How does the gravel bike stand out in comparison?

The geometry concept, which differs greatly from racing and cross bikes, is almost established and has been adapted by many other manufacturers: A fairly long top tube and a short stub stem cancel each other out in the seat length, but change the steering behaviour. This means that the bike can still be steered neutrally around bends despite the very slack steering angle and long wheelbase. The result is a particularly smooth ride straight ahead, even on bumpy tracks and very soft ground, which also gives less experienced riders a feeling of confidence. The Giant ironed through root fields and potholes more unimpressed than any other bike in our trio (gravel, all-road and cyclocross).

If you switch from a road racer to the Giant, you might miss the liveliness, fast direction changes require a bit of emphasis. On long tours, however, for which the Revolt is designed, the stoic smoothness is usually a blessing because it requires less concentration and riding technique. With a special dropout - the rear wheel can be mounted in a front and rear position - the riding behaviour can be adjusted to be more agile or smoother within narrow limits. However, the Giant is less suited to tight trails with lots of acceleration, but it is all the more suited to gliding along smoothly on straight gravel tracks.

Weaknesses and conclusion of the Giant Revolt Advanced

With the low-profile tyres, it also performs well on asphalt. Worries about missing gears are unfounded, as the double crankset has everything on board, from extremely small mountain gears to speed ratios. The many eyelets for bottles, luggage and mudguards are common for gravel bikes; other manufacturers also offer a storage compartment integrated into the frame for the most necessary tools. Rather unusual is a dropper post that can be adjusted in height at the touch of a button, for which the Revolt is at least prepared. It improves the feeling of safety on steep descents, but is still rarely found in combination with racing handlebars.

The standard carbon seat post offers considerable suspension capacity, which is the bike's second major strength alongside its good-natured handling. Heavier riders might find this too much, as the seat post tends to bob at higher cadences. However, it can easily be replaced with a stiffer, round seat post. Unfortunately, the thin, hard handlebars somewhat counteract the concept. Beyond that, there are hardly any weaknesses to be found on the bike, regardless of the terrain. All in all, the Giant offers the widest range of use in our comparison.

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>> The most important information about gravel bikes

>> The Giant Revolt Advanced 2: Well-equipped top all-rounder on test

Gravel bike type: The Giant Revolt Advanced 0 in detail

• Price: 4499 Euro
• Weight of complete wheel: 8.9 kilos
• Frame sizes: S, M, M/L, L, XL (test size greased)
• TOUR grade: 2,1

Geometry

• Seat/top/head tube: 475/550/151 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 590/375 millimetres/1.57
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 637/565 millimetres/1.13
• Wheelbase/caster: 1000/64 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX 820 (2x12; 48/31, 11-36 t.) | Grade: 2.0
• Brakes: Shimano GRX 820 (160/160 mm) | Grade: 1.5
• Tyres: Cadex GX TR 40 mm (eff.: 42 mm) | Grade: 1.0
• Impellers: Giant CXR 2 Disc
• Impeller weights: 1405/1997 grams (front/rear)

Measured values

• Driving stability: 7.74 N/mm | Grade: 2.0
• Rear comfort: 95 N/mm | Grade: 1.3
• Comfort front: 91 N/mm | Grade: 2.7
• Ride/ bottom bracket stiffness: 46 N/mm | Grade: 3.3

Advantages and disadvantages of the gravel bike

• Plus: Extremely comfortable, good-natured handling, wide gear ratio
• Minus: Comparatively heavy

Gravel bike alternatives to the Giant Revolt Advanced

Rose Backroad FF

With a stretched seating position, integrated carbon cockpit, aero features and performance measurement, the Backroad FF elements of professional racing bikes off-road. Such competition gravel bikes are still few and far between, and the Rose is one of the most affordable: starting at 3499 euros >> available here.

Trek Checkpoint AL

The riding position on inexpensive gravel bikes is rarely sporty. With robust aluminium frames, most of them are relatively heavy. Trek makes a special effort with its aluminium gravel bike. If you want higher quality equipment, you can also buy the frame set separately. From 1299 euros.

With an upright riding position, geometry close to that of a hardtail MTB, 54-millimetre tyres and a payload of up to 35 kilograms, the Wilier takes the concept of the adventure and bikepacking gravel bike to the extreme. The bike for adventurers can be fitted with two pannier racks and costs from 3700 euros >> available here.