Mountain Biking - First Ride on 2013 Giant Revel

Wanted a mountain bike that was competent but not one of the super expensive models. Nor am I into the bone breaking adventure I see on demo videos. Did some research and came up with some potential candidates. Stopped in the Giant store. Greeted by a knowledgable and customer focused staff member. He listened and then presented two different models for me to examine and decide on. Took the 2013 Revel for a short test ride. It just "fit" so I bought it. I had looked at some other brands and models and this just felt much better. And, to me, fit is the most important criteria separating makes and models that are otherwise suitable.

Today took it for its' first ride. Could not be more satisfied. Shifts very smoothly. Low center of graviity makes it stable but very responsive, changes direction at a thought. No need for horsing around. Brakes are smooth and very effective. Smooths out ruts, pavement breaks, etc.

Only downside is that frame design prevents mounting more than one water bottle. Very minor and can be worked around.

If you want a fairly inexpensive fun bike for general use give it a look.

I bought a Revel 29er about two months ago and am loving it. I thought the same thing about the water bottles, but quickly realized that a camelbak will be the best bet for carrying fluids. Congrats and enjoy.

Interesting, the website shows two mounts for water bottles on both the 29er and the 26er. Must be a misprint.
The Stumpjumper dually has two water bottle mounts, but one of them is on the underside of the downtube which is next to worthless as a water bottle mount. As has been said, a camelback provides all the water needed. I take one bottle along for insurance, but have yet to use it.
Anyhow, good luck with the Revel. My roadie is a Giant and I think they make some really fine bikes.

Not a misprint. There are two sets of mounting screws. But, there is not enough room to actually mount two water bottle cages. Not sure what to do with the mounts on the vertical tube. I tried to mount a small Topeak air pump but that interferes either with the drive train or the off-side crank. Looking for proven ideas.

For water I'm not a fan of backpack bladders unless I really must. Maybe a seat mount?

There are center mount frame pumps, but the pumps that go in them are generally at least as long as a water bottle. So it does sound to me like you have a truly useless second bottle mount.

I never liked Camelbaks much until I got my Charge LR a few months ago. Carrying the water far lower in a lumbar reservoir has made a world of difference to me. It's much cooler and easier to balance than a big 100L traditiional reservoir I had a while back.

Have put a few more miles on the Revel 29 and covered a bit more varied terrain. It developed a drive train chatter for a few miles. I stopped but couldn't be sure where the noise was originating. After a few more miles the chatter stopped. I think it was a bit of conflict between the chain and the derailleur. Also, the mechanical disc brakes have developed a squeal at very slow speeds.

Both of these items are very minor and will be addressed at its' first maintenance.

Still a very comfortable, capable machine. I'm happy I bought it.

Giant is a good name and for the price point, your bike is as good as they come. Its a huge plus to find a customer focused LBS.

I have grown very accustomed to my bladder back pack. I have two. Shorter trips and then for day long trekking or hot summer days. One plus I have experienced is having some padding on the back if you go down. Its not armour nor should you ever think it replaces body protection. But there are several endo's where I was grateful for the cushion. Plus, the bladder took the fall and my 225 pounds landing on it with no leaks.

Its not armour nor should you ever think it replaces body protection.Quoted for truth. It will not cushion your tailbone when you loop a wheelie over backwards while clipped in :notamused:.

Quoted for truth. It will not cushion your tailbone when you loop a wheelie over backwards while clipped in :notamused:.

Is there video for this? :lol:

Another reason to keep my pinned platforms. Dang that sounds "HURTFUL!"