Giant Unveils Their 4th Generation Revolt, and It's Cheaper, Better, Faster Than Ever

Okay, so whenever we talk about a carbon fiber bicycle, we can expect to be dishing out tens of thousands of dollars. However, Giant has been making great strides to break away from this trend; after all, if you want to get as many of your products into as many hands as possible, you need to make them acquirable, and so far, the 4th Generation Revolt comes in with a starting price tag of $3,000. That's for the Revolt Advanced 2, and at the opposite end of the spectrum is the Revolt Advanced Pro 0, selling for an MSRP of $7,000.

Now, kicking things off for this lineup, allow me to point out that carbon fiber is the material chosen for the frameset, and depending on the version you ultimately choose - there are a few others in between the Advanced 2 and Pro 2 that fulfill a range of budgets - the carbon fiber composition and lay-up will differ.

However, a few essential traits are present in all the models, and those are the features that really give this new class its kick. First and foremost, take a nice long look at the frame and all the tubing. Notice the warped top tube and how it's nice and thick at the front where it meets the head tube and then runs nearly flat toward the seat tube. Be sure to note that a little kink is created as the seat tube extends above the top tube. Think about how that zone is going to flex as you ride, dampening vibrations sent up from the road.

The same effect is sought after and achieved at the rear triangle, present because of the dropped and "small-diameter" tubing. Couple that with composite seat posts and carbon fiber or aluminum handlebars (dependent on the version chosen), and we're looking at one shock-dampening ride. Oh, and up to 53 mm cross-section tires can be dropped on these beauties, so even plusher rides still.

Be sure to also take in all the other tubing and how they're shaped, and beyond that, the overall look the bikes offer. Purposeful lay-up or not, these babies look sweet. Internal wire routing and a storage compartment in the top tube complete the frame's magic, or does it? Clearly, it doesn't. What blew me away is that Giant adapted the seat tube to also handle a dropper post, so there's that; stunning, if you ask me.

Like most other gravel bikes or any bicycle designed for the longest of rides, the Revolt lineup includes mounts all over so that you can add panniers, fork, frame, and handlebar bags and ride further than ever before. Once you've reached the end of your lunch-provided energy, why not camp out overnight and ride back into town the next day? Yes, fenders can be added, too; it is a gravel bike, after all. The downtube has protection on the underside, too, helping to prevent microscopic or downright visible fissures in your carbon.

One last trick the frame has up its sleeve is found at the rear of the bike. Here, Giant threw in a flip-chip that allows riders to adjust their wheelbase. You can ride short wheelbases for quick and choppy handling or go for the longer wheelbase for stability and the ability to rock those 53 mm tires I mentioned.

Now, if you're interested in the $3,000 hunk of carbon you have before you, no one but Shimano will be handling your drivetrain. It offers up its GRX RX-610 with a 2x12-speed setup. The brakes are also GRX, as you'd expect. At the opposite end, SRAM brings its know-how with a Force eTap AXS setup with 2x12 speeds. Personally, I was surprised not to find Campagnolo anywhere in the spec sheets, but that's a change you can make on your own if component sizing corresponds.

Okay, so maybe I've been holding out on you with a bit of information that may just have you rushing to Giant's website as soon as we're done here: there's an aluminum Revolt in the new lineup, too, and that one is going for no more than an MSRP of $1,400. So, if you're a fan of aluminum or just want the most basic Revolt Giant offers, this may be the one for you.

Speaking of what's for you, I understand that it may be rather difficult to feel what the fresh lineup has to offer from your couch or office chair, so it's best you find one in a dealership in your area and go from there. Just bring your checkbook along, as you might be leaving with a new gravel-crushing machine.