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I'm musing about getting a gravel/endurance bike to replace my Specialized Diverge.
Must haves:
- Want to loose a few lbs so I'm assuming carbon frame/fork and willing to spend some $$$ for decent components
- Want clearance for, at least 47mm but pref 50mm+ tyres
- Fancy electric gears (I'm a tart). Pref Di2 rather than SRAM
- Pref 2x rather than 1x
- Must be able to take a dropper post
Giant Revolt Advanced Pro seems to tick these boxes but Giants bike range (and website) is confusing and I can't find a Di2 build but they do have Force and Rival 2x AXS builds (and a 1x Revolt X build with suspension that I'm not interested in)
These builds include Giant carbon rims but my experience with Giant carbon rims isn't good (I have a TCR which seem to be slightly oversize and any tyre I've tried so far has been impossible to fit without a trip to the LBS...)
I'm not interested in proprietary suspension like Specialized FutureShock
Any suggestions for what else I should be looking for? No specific budget in mind but I'm benchmarking against the Revolt prices so I probably won't be going for boutique brands or self builds...
I think the Canyon Grizl comes in a 2x Di2 build, and Cube also offer a 2x GRX build with carbon wheels but I forget if it's mech or electric gears.
They were the three standout choices when I did a similar search.
Checkpoint SL? The downside is they're all in on SRAM, which means 1x, but 50mm clearance, dropper routing, mounts galore, similar "competetive big-brand" pricing.
I have a Revolt X Advanced Pro 1, and a Diverge Expert carbon. Both carbon frames, both with carbon rims, both SRAM AXS 1x. The Giant has the Rudy XPLR and an AXS reverb, the Spesh has a Futureshock. I have the Spesh set up with fast rolling 42c tyres, the Giant with more rugged 45c Mezcals.
I like them both, the Revolt X has preplaced MTBs for me and is more suited to light trail use that the Diverge for my needs, whilst teh Diverge is my goto for mixed rides, touring and the like.
Well, SRAM have thrown a curve ball into the mix as they've just released 1x13 Force & Rival AXS XPLR (which can only be used on UDH frames)
So, I guess there's gonna be a migration to UDH on the road/gravel side (and I don't really want to be caught on the "wrong side" of a new standard).
Anyway, just musing but I'll have to wander into (several) on my LBS to have a look as the new group sets...
Not had any issues with the CXR2 carbon rims on my Revolt, but then I've only used the Cadex AR 40 tyres, which are the OE spec and snap the bead with a track pump.
On Sunday's SE bridleway outing, my mate on Sram Apex 1x was spinning out on the road sections.
I've a Revolt and love it, it's a great cheeky trail bike and is super comfy on the road. Only issue I've had is the Cadex tyres only lasted a week, ditched them for some Schwalbe Overlands and not looked back.
Giants come with all the g'tee risk, but not many adventure bikes I know of some close to the Revolt's clearance, some low end variant with hydraulic brakes was ~£1200 at Tredz last year and I was telling myself to be sensible (not buy it).
What controls to you use for the Reverb on the Revolt? I'm assuming the shifter "bonus buttons" would work though I'm not sure how practical that would be, or do you have the wireless blip thingys?
^^ it’s a 1x setup, so both shifters at same time activate the reverb
The new Mondraker Arids look OK, clearance for 50mm tyres, aluminium or carbon, a choice of SRAM or Shimano (but 1x only...). Haven't checked prices right enough.
I'm still leaning towards building up a Tripster AT Plus, just slap a GRX groupset on it, some JRA carbon wheels, various bits and pieces of finishing kit I already own. Think it would run to £3,500 if done nicely, under £3k if I settled for aluminium wheels.
I can't really bring myself to buy complete builds any more, there's always some sort of compromise and I'd immediately be swapping out cranks, bars gears etc...