The 2020 Giant Revolt Advanced Pro Force wants you to get off the beaten track and ride away from tarmac, concrete and air pollution. But how does this € 4,499 gravel bike feel out in the wild?

Click here for an overview of the best gravel bike 2020 group test.

Giant Revolt Advanced Pro Force | 8.24 kg (size M/L) | € 4,499

Our first reaction to the Giant Revolt Advance Pro Force can be summarised as “pleasantly surprised”. The subtle, understated colours come across as modern and up to date. Indeed, the gravel category in Giant’s lineup relatively recent, with the Revolt only having become a part of the range in 2018. But riding off road isn’t new for Giant: the TCX Advanced SX cyclocrosser already made a very good impression when we tested it. The off-road concept of the TCX is based on a stiff, UCI compliant frameset paired with vibration damping D-Fuse components – and has now been modified for a more comfort-oriented long-distance setup in the form of the Revolt. For € 4,999 you get a bike equipped with a 2×12 SRAM Force eTap AXS drivetrain with 46/33 t chainrings and a 10-33 t cassette. The large 700 x 40C MAXXIS Velocita AR tires provide additional comfort and are fitted on Giant’s own SLR 1 Disc carbon wheels. Comfort is also the keyword of the proprietary Contact SLR D-Fuse components: the carbon bars and seatpost are designed to take the sting out of bumps, vibrations and uneven terrain. Last but not least, the “Smart Mount” mounts on the fork allow you to fit a rack, while at the rear, mounting points are hidden under neatly concealed covers. Our size M/L test bike weighed in at 8.24 kg, making it the second lightest bike in our group test.

Helmet HJC VALECO | Glasses Oakley Trillbe | Jersey Second Hand | Shorts Rapha Cotton Shorts | Socks VOID Sock 16 | Shoes Giro Privateer Lace

The Giant Revolt Advanced Pro Force in detail

Drivetrain SRAM Force eTap AXS
Gearing 46/33 t and 10-33 t, 2×12
Brakes SRAM Force HRD, 160/160 mm
Handlebar Giant Contact SLR D-Fuse Carbon, 400 mm
Stem Giant Contact SL, 100 mm
Seatpost Giant D-Fuse SL Carbon, 20 mm offset
Wheels Giant SLR 1 Disc Carbon
Tires MAXXIS Velocita AR 700 x 40C

Smarts as standard
The “Smart Mount” bosses on the fork let you fit a rack.
Space for more
The fork will happily take wider tires.
Nothing left
At the rear, the 700x40C MAXXIS Velocita AR tires are the biggest you’ll be able to fit. That’s not because of the frame, but the clearance between the tire and SRAM Force eTap AXS drivetrain.
Too much of a good thing
With lots of seatpost exposed, you’ll start to bob up and down when pedalling hard.
Size S M ML L XL
Seat tube 450 mm 470 mm 490 mm 510 mm 530 mm
Top tube 540 mm 550 mm 565 mm 575 mm 590 mm
Head tube 135 mm 150 mm 165 mm 180 mm 195 mm
Head angle 70.5° 70.5° 71.0 71.0° 71.0°
Seat angle 73.5° 73.5° 73.0° 73.0° 73.0°
Chainstays 425 mm 425 mm 425 mm 425 mm 425 mm
Wheelbase 1,020 mm 1,020 mm 1,020 mm 1,046 mm 1,062 mm
Reach 375 mm 381 mm 385 mm 391 mm 402 mm
Stack 558 mm 572 mm 588 mm 602 mm 616 mm

The Giant Revolt Advanced Pro Force in review

After the first few metres, it becomes immediately clear that this bike wasn’t just designed for pootling. The stiff bottom bracket and efficient propulsion of the bike combine seamlessly with excellent comfort and long-distance geometry. The compact position and effective damping of the bars provide yet more comfort, but you will still feel the sting of potholes if you hit them. It’s totally different at the rear. The large amount of exposed D-Fuse seatpost takes the sting out of anything and scores highly in terms of compliance. But that high level of flex doesn’t only swallow impacts, it also results in some bobbing when you start pedalling hard.

Tuning tip
Tires with more pronounced tread for better off-road performance.

The biggest bike manufacturer in the world adds a versatile bike with lots of comfort to its portfolio – with lots of seatpost exposed, it might even be a little too compliant at the rear.

The Giant scores with its good straight-line stability and is good-natured through the corners, though it requires significant input to not run wide through tight corners. Overall, the Revolt Advanced Pro Force inspires a lot of confidence, making it suited to off road newbies who want to try their hand at more technical terrain. The natural environment for the Giant and where it feels happiest is no doubt blasting along forest roads and tracks. That said, the Giant also handles tarmac with aplomb. Put a bit more pressure in the tires and it will happily go out for longer road rides making it an all-rounder capable of a bit of everything.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a good-natured and comfortable all-rounder that can find its feet on nearly any terrain, then the Giant Revolt Advanced Pro Force could be a great choice! At € 4,499 and a weight of 8.24 kg, the Giant is a solid but sporty proposition that will be a great companion for beginners. But if you’re looking for a direct and precise handling gravel bike, the Revolt Advanced Pro Force could be a bit too relaxed for you.

Tops

  • stable ride
  • D-Fuse components generate lots of comfort
  • clever mounting points for versatile luggage options

Flops

  • handles a little vaguely through corners
  • seatpost can bob when lots of it is showing

Riding Characteristics

4

Agility

  1. cumbersome
  2. playful

Stability

  1. nervous
  2. confident

Handling

  1. demanding
  2. balanced

Fun factor

  1. boring
  2. lively

Value for money

  1. terrible
  2. very good

Technical Data

Giant
Revolt Advanced Pro Force

Size: S M ML L XL
Weight: 8.24 kg
Price: € 4,499

Indended Use

Smooth tarmac 1
Allroad/Gravel 2
Everyday/Commuting 3

For more info: giant-bicycles.com

Click here for an overview of the best gravel bike 2020 group test.

All bikes in test: Argon 18 Dark Matter | Cannondale Topstone Carbon Ultegra RX | Canyon Grail AL 7.0 | Cervélo Áspero | Giant Revolt Advanced Pro Force | Kona Libre AL | Liteville 4-ONE MK1 | OPEN WI.DE. | Pivot Vault Team Force | ROSE BACKROAD GRX RX810 Di2 | Santa Cruz Stigmata CC | Specialized Turbo Creo SL Expert EVO | Standert Pfadfinder | Trek Domane SLR 9 eTap


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Words: Photos: GRAN FONDO-Team