00:00Winner of our Gravel Bike of the Year test, the Giant Revolt stands to be a fantastic
00:09option for riders who really do want a bike with a split personality.
00:14The Revolt stands out thanks to its ability to cater to a wide range of preferences.
00:19It boasts unique features such as the versatile seatpost setup, compatibility with both proprietary
00:25and round seatposts, meaning it offers increased options for suspension seatposts.
00:30The adjustable rear dropouts enhance its functionality, allowing for aggressive racing performance
00:35in the short position and improved stability in the long position.
00:40This functionality is only compounded by the wide tyre clearance.
00:44There's ample mounting points on the frame which further increase its utilitarian nature
00:49for carrying gear.
00:51The Revolt impresses with its exceptional frame compliance, effectively absorbing impacts
00:56while maintaining lateral stiffness for precise handling.
00:59It's competitive on price, starting at under £3,000 for the base model and £5,500 for
01:06the top-end version.
01:08This makes it a very attractive proposition.
01:10However, its relatively high headtube stack at 586mm might limit customisation for some
01:17riders.
01:18Nonetheless, the Revolt's exceptional performance across various terrain solidifies its position
01:24as a standout gravel bike, demonstrating its prowess in both racing and stability, earning
01:29it recognition and appreciation in the industry and with customers alike.
01:41The latest iteration of the Diverge gravel bike showcases a standout feature, the all-new
01:46Rear Future Shock, which was designed to enhance rider comfort and bike balance.
01:52Specialized engineers combined rear-end compliance with all the benefits of suspension seatposts,
01:57creating a system that smoothly adjusts to uneven terrain while maintaining saddle height.
02:02The bike's weight remains competitive, with the whole system adding only 400g to the frame.
02:08Specialized offers various models in the Diverge STR line, including the top-end S-Works version
02:13retailing at $14,000, and the Expert and Pro models priced at $9,500 and $7,500 respectively.
02:21The bike boasts a fat 11R carbon frameset, Future Shock 2.0 in the front and the innovative
02:28Rear Future Shock, providing ample tyre clearance and compatibility with 650b x 2.1 or 700c x
02:3647mm tyres.
02:38Despite its higher price point, the Diverge STR's suspension system effectively improves
02:43ride comfort, stability and traction, catering to both racing and adventure enthusiasts.
02:50This bike will sit in the Halo category for many, and we really don't love how much
02:54this bike costs.
02:55We also think that the fit and ride feel will take some time to get used to and to set up.
03:01However, once dialed in, the STR works brilliantly on a myriad of terrains and parkours.
03:13Canyon recently updated its Grail gravel bike, and has since gone on to garner significant
03:17attention after successful wins in various races, but most importantly, the UCI Gravel
03:23World Champs.
03:24The new model reflects Canyon's desire to improve gravel racing performance and aerodynamics,
03:29with a focus on streamlining the bike and enhancing stability without compromising agility.
03:35The update includes changes to the tube shapes, the handlebars and the seatpost, resulting
03:40in a saving of over 9 watts at 45 km per hour compared to the previous version.
03:46The integration of in-frame storage and the introduction of the Load Fidlock Quickloader
03:52further optimise the bike's functionality.
03:54Notably, the shift from the double-decker bar to a traditional bar-stem steering design
03:59has improved the rider experience, especially in terms of handling and adaptability to different
04:05riding positions.
04:07Canyon's emphasis on aerodynamics is evident in the streamlined design and the integration
04:12of the gear groove on the handlebars, allowing for various accessories and aero extensions.
04:18Despite early concerns about the lengthening of the wheelbase, we found the Grail maintains
04:22its lively and agile feel, with enhanced stability in the corners and quick line changes on rough
04:29descents.
04:30Canyon's CFR version offers additional carbon layout modifications for reduced weight and
04:36increased stiffness, while the CF-SL provides an entry-level option with fewer integrated
04:41features but at a more competitive price.
04:50It's rare to find a bike in the sub-$1,000 category, but the Triband 120 Gravel Bike
04:56is known for its affordability and happily comes in well below that price threshold.
05:02It offers practical features such as external cable routing, mounts for mudguards and pannier
05:07racks and a threaded bottom bracket.
05:09Despite its limitations, including the absence of expected additional mounts and less-than-ideal
05:15aesthetics, the bike's carbon fork and MicroShift 1x10 drivetrain with a built-in clutch really
05:21do stand out at this price point.
05:24The Pro Max DSK brakes, though competent, lack power and modulation, but the Triband
05:30tubeless ready wheels do contribute to the bike's overall versatility.
05:34While the bike handles well on moderate trails, its performance on rough terrain is limited
05:39by a slightly skittish feel during descents.
05:42As a commuter, the bike's slick centre tread and comfortable ride quality make it suitable
05:46for urban use, although the gearing's gaps and braking performance might pose issues
05:51for some riders.
05:53Priced at $899 or £599, the Triband 120 Gravel Bike represents incredibly good value for
06:00money, but for those willing to spend a little more, the SawRespect Vita Substance V2 Gravel
06:06Bike offers enhanced features and aesthetics for an additional cost.
06:10The Triband 120 Gravel Bike remains a really good option for those who want to explore
06:15what the world of gravel has to offer without forking out too much.
06:24As seen in our top endurance bikes for 2024, the Vitus Venon Evo is potentially one of
06:30the most versatile bikes out there.
06:33Designed to merge the features of endurance road bikes and gravel bikes, its tyre clearance
06:37ranges from 28mm to 45mm, catering to different riding preferences.
06:43The Evo GR version offers gravel-specific group sets, with higher-end models incorporating
06:48aero components for enhanced speed on gravel paths.
06:52The bike features a monocoque frame with a press-fit bottom bracket and integrated
06:56cable routing suitable for both mechanical and electronic group sets.
07:01The design includes drop seat stays for added comfort and a geometry that balances between
07:05endurance road bikes and more racy gravel bikes.
07:09We love the Venon's aesthetic appeal, efficient riding experience and its handling on challenging
07:15terrain, showcasing its versatility beyond its intended niche.
07:20Despite some limitations with the handlebar's minimal space for additional attachments,
07:25and the potential issue for the bike skipping in strong crosswinds, the Vitus Venon Evo
07:30offers a well-rounded, value-for-money option for riders looking for a versatile, high-performance
07:35bike.
07:41Acknowledging that any slice of the gravel spectrum contains its own smaller spectrum,
07:46we love it when a bike can do both gravel and tarmac really well.
07:50Much like the Vitus Venon, the BMC Kias presents a great option for those looking to do a little
07:56bit of everything.
07:57The BMC Kias takes things up another notch compared to its rivals.
08:01Sure, the frame is a little heavier, but the riding position – and the ride itself – is
08:06even closer to that of a road bike.
08:09It makes you wonder whether all road bikes really have a place anymore.
08:13The Kias is at least an equal on tarmac, but still more capable off-road.
08:18The place of endurance road bikes such as the Giant Defy and Trek Domane even starts
08:22to become questionable.
08:24But both those brands are quite fortunate that the Kias isn't compatible with mudguards.
08:28Otherwise, those questions would really start to be asked in earnest.
08:32If you don't care about mudguards, though, a Kias with 35mm slick tyres – same as can
08:37be fitted to a Defy or Domane – would be a weapon on the road, but would leave your
08:42gravel riding options wide open.
08:51The newly launched Merida Silex has gained attention not only for its anticipated debut,
08:56but also for Matej Mohoric's triumph at the 2023 UCI Gravel World Championships, where
09:02he rode an unreleased version of the bike.
09:06With a focus on testing its capabilities, the bike is promoted as an adventure option,
09:11Staying true to its original concept, the Silex boasts a mountain bike-inspired geometry,
09:16making it versatile for commuting and bikepacking.
09:19Merida has adjusted the Silex's geometry, providing a 69.5 degree head angle and increasing
09:26tyre clearance to accommodate up to 45mm rubber, although slightly training behind its competitors
09:32with a 50mm clearance option.
09:35The bike features ample mounting points for luggage and mudguards, and is equipped with
09:39robust 180mm rotors, enhancing its braking power without significant weight implications.
09:46When we tested the bike, the Silex showcased its impressive stability and handling on various
09:51terrains, including challenging climbs and technical descents.
09:56Despite its limitation on tyre clearance, the Silex remains an engaging and versatile
10:00option for multiple riding styles, demonstrating its prowess in aiding Mohoric's win at the
10:06championships.
10:08So there we have it, those are the top gravel bikes we think are worth considering in 2024.
10:13Let us know, which of these bikes would you pick?
10:16If you enjoyed the video, then please do drop it a like, subscribe to the channel for more
10:20content and we will see you again very soon.
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