Rupert2016

I think I’ve finally narrowed my search down between the GT Grade Sora and a 2016 Giant Revolt 3. I’ve ready plenty about the Grade but not as much about the Revolt. Revolt owners what are your thoughts on the Revolt….I’m big on ride quality and comfort. Thanks

2wheelCambria

I bought a 2016 Revolt 1 late last year and have about 350 miles on it so far--I like it a lot for mixed conditions! While shopping, I considered a GT Grade Tiagra but ultimately went with the Revolt due to increased tire clearance, cost factors and ease of test/purchase (called 5 shops in a 150 mile radius, none had a Grade for me to try; would've had to order in). IMO the Revolt is a nice confident ride without feeling sluggish or cumbersome. Do be aware as far as wheel considerations go, the 2016 Revolt 1 is listed as having a thru-axle front wheel, but (mine, at least) is actually QR. Interestingly, I don't think it's the same as the 2015 QR--the fork seems to have less twist/flex when ridden back-to-back with the 2015 model--but it is not the typical 15mm TA that is marketed. I don't see the TA reference on the Revolt 3 so maybe you weren't expecting TA anyway. I believe the 2016 (1) seems to ride a touch harsher than the 2015 (1), but nothing that padded tape and good tires haven't alleviated for me. Also, it will accommodate a huge range of tires up to 50c to suit your needs/conditions.

Good luck with your shopping!!

jmls1994

2wheel,

How does the revolt ride on the road? Looking to ride road & rail trail type stuff.

Thanks!

2wheelCambria

IME the Revolt is well-mannered and predictable both on pavement and on hardpack trails--a stable climber and confident descender. I've spent up to 7 hours on mine at a stretch (well...maybe 5 hours of riding time, 2 or so hours was slogging on foot through mud ) and have no complaints on the handling. Do you have a shop close enough to you to try one out?

jmls1994

I've ridden the Diverge A1 Sport, GT Grade Alloy 105, a Felt F65X, and the Jamis Renegade Expat. The Jamis was hands down my favorite but I can't find one my size. I'll have to wait till the 2017's come out to get one. There is a Revolt my size on CL I was thinking about checking out. Just thought it was more off road than I'm looking for. I'm not going to ride any single track stuff or race it. Just looking for a do it all bike that is comfortable. Thanks for you help.

Seattle Forrest

I got a GT Grade in January, and have 818 miles on it so far. Mine is the carbon frame with SRAM Rival. It rides pretty well. The handling improved when I lowered the bars compared to where the shop had them.

studum

I've just got myself a '15 Revolt 3 this year. I wanted a "do it all" bike and wasn't initially looking for drop bars but coaxed myself into this as a local bike shop had one left in my size.

I can't compare it to any other road bike as this is my first set of drop bars and I've got this to relent my XC hardtail back to trail only duty, but here's what I'll say.

The more I ride it, the more comfortable I'm getting on it. I'm 5'8" 240lbs and I'm on a M frame. I've shortened up the stem a little and swapped the rubber from stock to something smoother for more road oriented use, they're 40 wide. I've also fitted a rack to the rear that I throw a bag on for commuting / touring around duty. That was all a part of the deal when buying the bike.

I can certainly go further and faster than before but that's rather obvious when I'm comparing it to my XC hardtail. Where I gwas really impressed was when I took it off the paved path - it worked, and worked well. I was much more confident on it than I had expected to be. I dare say on one section of path that went from paved to unpaved (but relatively smooth through the woods) I had so much fun I actually had to stop and think about it.

If you only want to ride road or paved you can get away with a more road oriented bike. But if you're a "ooh, what's over there" kind of guy like me when you're roaming around and don't want to have to worry about being on pavement all the time, or want something a little more rugged (also what I wanted) it's great.

The only thing I'm looking at right now is swapping out the cassette as I'm finding the steps between some of the gears a little more drastic than I would prefer. That's the price to pay for an 8spd drivetrain though I think.