The Revolt model is an old acquaintance in our editorial fleet. We have already put various versions through the test system. We have praised the comfortable characteristics of the Taiwanese bike on every occasion so far. In the case of the carbon version, low-set seat stays with a small diameter are designed to protect the rider from tiring vibrations. However, the bike with the X suffix goes one better. In addition to a suspension fork, the frame also features a mechanical dropper post, which in turn has up to 25 millimetres of suspension travel and is designed to increase comfort.
Pretty soft
Small part, big effect: The suspension seatpost makes up a large part of the perceived character when sitting on the Revolt X and overshadows even the most sophisticated frame construction. In contrast to the competitor product from Rockshox in the Propain, the Giant seatpost yields eagerly even when fully extended. The Revolt rolls over small potholes and edges as if nothing had happened. The suspension fork and seatpost simply soak up the bumps. This is absolutely brilliant in the forest. Where other bikes buck and force their riders to actively intervene, on the Giant you can simply pedal on sitting down. The fact that the industry giant delivers its wheels tubeless as standard adds to the Revolt X's strengths. Traction and comfort are unrivalled. None of the test rivals are smoother on rough terrain. When things get steep towards the valley, the ingenious combination of the short seat tube and the saddle lowered by 100 millimetres helps with control. Even on root trails, the concept shines with a high level of riding safety. For a gravel bike, the Giant is surprisingly capable off-road.
Thanks to its own-brand carbon wheels, the handling is uncomplicated and the bike feels lighter than it actually is. It can be steered into the ideal line without much effort and responds dynamically to commands on the handlebars. Fun! If you like it even more playful, you have the option of shortening the chainstay length by a whole ten millimetres using a flip chip.
Tarmac? Better not!
The price you pay for the high level of comfort on the Revolt X is where the forest ends. When you pedal hard, the dropper post always crumples slightly in its travel. On tarmac, you look down in amazement. Is the rear tyre flat? No, the up and down of the saddle just doesn't provide the usual defined support for the rear tyre. If the obstacle ridden over while seated is of a larger nature, the Vario support snaps back into its starting position with a loud "clonk" after cushioning. With a question mark over our foreheads, we switch to the pedalling position. Now the Rockshox fork without the lockout function goes to its knees. None of the suspension elements offer an option to vary the damping under pressure. As a result, the Giant bobs both sitting and standing. Gravel bikers looking for the most efficient propulsion on roads and simple gravel motorways should therefore steer clear of the X models and opt for a conventional Revolt.
The Giant is a great tourer per se. The balanced riding position is pleasing and is still comfortable even after 100 kilometres. The Pro 2 model has to make do with cost-cutting measures when it comes to the wear parts of the drivetrain. Although the range of gear ratios is still acceptable even on varied terrain, the inexpensive cassette with 11 to 50 teeth is inferior to the bikes from Propain and Santa Cruz at both ends of the spectrum. The simple AXS drivetrain doesn't shift gears as precisely under load as the new direct mount rear derailleur options. Speaking of direct mount: the mount for a pannier rack is nicely integrated into the carbon chassis.
Giant Revolt X Advanced Pro 2Price, geometry, equipment, measured values, advantages and disadvantages
- Price: 4299 Euro
- Weight of complete wheel: 10.3 kilos
- Frame sizes: S, M, ML, L, XL
Geometry
- STR/STR+: 1,55/1,18
- Stack+/Reach+: 677/574 mm
Equipment
- Fork: Rockshox Rudy XPLR, 40 mm
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Apex / X1 Eagle AXS (1x12; 40, 11-50 t.)
- Brakes: SRAM Apex (160/160 mm)
- Tyres: Maxxis Rambler Slik Shild TR 45 mm (eff. 45 mm)
- Impellers: Giant CXR X1 Disc Carbon
Measured values
- Weight of complete wheel: 10.320 g
- Weight of wheels: 3858 g
- Impeller inertia: 2487 kg x cm²
Giant Revolt X Advanced Pro 2Advantages and disadvantages
Advantages
best seating comfort, fun handling, high safety on the trail, lightweight tubeless wheels ex works
Disadvantages
Rocks when standing and sitting, favourable drive components
Jan Timmermann
Editor
