The big brand gravel bike battle! Cannondale vs Giant! The big kids on the block who have been around forever. Which gravel bike is best? We are going to compare these two iconic gravel bikes side by side and see what the difference is between each.
Here at Cycle Travel Overload, we are all about adventure by bike. So this article will be focusing on the criteria of each bike that makes one hopefully better suited for adventures.
Introducing the Cannondale Topstone
Just looking at this bike it could be the better option if you want something that you can take on adventures. Yes, it is the more expensive bike out of the two. You do get the choice to buy much more affordable models. This model though boasts some interesting features, that are definitely worth considering.
The main feature worth mentioning is the bike’s Kingpin suspension system. Delivering a smooth ride without the added weight and complexity of a shock and links. Whether you need more comfort to go long, or more traction to push beyond. This intuitive suspension design has you covered, offering that little extra comfort for those grueling gravel-grinding adventures.
You also get the SmartSense’s system of intelligent lights (and optional rear-facing radar) which increases your visibility out on the open road and makes it easy to ride smart.
Dropper compatible, and you get all the mounting options you could need for your next bikepacking trip. This bike is a no-brainer if you want your next all-rounder adventure gravel bike.
Introducing the Giant Revolt
The all-new 2023 model Giant Revolt is available in many different build options. Most exciting their hardtail bikes are the most interesting.
A decade ago, gravel riding was a relatively unknown category, and those who wanted to ride on mixed terrain had to modify cyclocross or road bikes.
Giant changed the game with the introduction of the Revolt in 2013. With its unique design, including a sloping top tube, dropped seat stays, disc brakes, and slim carbon Seatpost, the Revolt revolutionized the gravel biking experience.
Giant’s pro gravel racers now rely on their Revolt race bikes, including the all-new Revolt Advanced Pro, Revolt Advanced, and Revolt.
These bikes offer lightweight efficiency, smooth compliance, and adaptability to make the most of any adventure.
The new Revolt models feature updated geometry for improved efficiency and performance, including a shorter wheelbase, reduced fork trail, longer reach, and steeper head angle.
The bottom bracket has also been lowered by 10mm. These are the lightest Revolt models ever, making them ideal for speed, agility, and a wide range of terrain.
Smooth compliance is achieved through a lower seat stay junction with thinner diameter tubes, as well as the latest D-Fuse seatpost and handlebar technology.
The seatpost reduces shocks and vibrations on rough roads, while the handlebar adds compliance at two key contact points.
A flip chip on the rear dropout lets riders adjust the wheelbase by 10mm, providing a quicker, more agile feel or greater stability on rougher roads. The frame has six water bottle mounts and adaptors for racks or fenders, and the option for a mountain bike-style dropper post.
Price – Revolt Vs Topstone
When it comes to price the Revolt has a plethora of options ranging from $2,650 to $8,500. While the Topstone offers a range from $1,375 to $7,850. But what really is the difference and which one is best for you and your riding goals?
There are so many different models to choose from for each bike. For this article, we have taken their mid-range (best bang for buck option as a main comparison. Instead of comparing all models together.)
But when taking a look at these two, mid to high-end range models. There is a slight difference when it comes to price. The Cannondale Topstone Carbon 3 L is priced at $3,325 while the closest option in price that Giant offer is the Revolt Advanced 1 priced at $3,500
Taking a look at both bikes’ spec levels we can see that the Topstone has the best bang for buck when it comes to offering the best quality components for the amount of money.
The topstone is about $175 more affordable and you get GRX 800, GRX 600 compared to the Revolt’s SRAM Rival 1 setup. Both bikes come with Hydraulic disc brakes. But the Revolt does offer dropper post capability while this Topstone doesn’t.
Weight – Revolt Vs Topstone
The Cannondale Topstone weighs around 23.3 pounds / 10.57 kg while the Revolt is approximately 8.3 kg but this is for the Pro model which is even lighter. Couldnt find the weight for this exact mid-range model we are comparing. But it would be heavier. But in comparison to the Topstone, it’s hard to compare exactly.
Tire Clearance – Revolt Vs Topstone
When it comes to tire clearance the Revolt fits up to 53mm wide. While the Topstone has room for 700c x 45mm or 27.5 x 2.1″, with 6mm of mud-shedding clearance (which is roughly 53mm same as the Revolt)
The Revolt comes stock with Maxxis Rambler, 700x45c tires. While the Topstone comes with Maxxis Rambler TR, 700x40c tires.
Gearing – Revolt Vs Topstone
For the price, the Topstone offers a 2x setup while the Revolt comes with a 1x drivetrain which has a big impact on gearing. Which really affects the outcome of the bike’s performance in this specific comparison.
However, their prestige model the Giant Revolt X, Advanced Pro 0 comes with front suspension and a 1×12 setup with a much larger range of gearing. However, this is rather similar to the Topstone Lefty (front suspension gravel bike by Cannondale)
Also can’t wait to get into the suspension gravel bike comparison, as both brands offer some beautiful front suspension ravel bikes!
As you can clearly see from the graph above the Cannondale Topstone is so much more superior when it comes to climbing and descending. When compared to the similar spec-level Revolt.
But that top-of-the-line Giant Revolt X, Advanced Pro 0 is made for steep climbing, and with suspension. Stacked against the Topstone Left, same price and very similar if not identical gearing. Comparing these two bikes, later on, is going to be fun!
The Giant Revolt has 26.63″ climbing gear while the Topstone has 24.67″ climbing and the largest gear of 117.17″. Clearly, the 2x Topstone is much superior. Both bikes aren’t ideal if you are looking for climbing gear best suited for bikepacking. As you ideally want something that is around 18″ to 20″. However, the Topstone is okay. Especially if you plan to ride fast and flat bike adventures. You still have a decent range for both up and down.
The higher-end Revolt comes with a 21.89″ climbing gear and 113.70″ largest gear. While the Lefty has a 20.63″ climbing gear and 107.17″ largest gear (take note this is approximate). The slightly better climbing gear on the Lefty is due to 650b wheels compared to 700c on the Revolt.
If you want a bike with better climbing gear either one of these bikes might be your best bet. But these bikes are very expensive in comparison.
Giant Revolt X Vs Cannondale Topstone Lefty
The ultimate suspension gravel bike battle!
Just look at these two bikes aren’t they stunning?
Both have very similar gearing as we have already established.
Thanks to the same X01 Eagle AXS, Force eTap drivetrain setup, and both hardtails
But this is where they differ. The Revolt X comes with the Fox Performance Elite 32 TC fork which offers 40mm of travel compared to the Topstones Cannondale Lefty Oliver Carbon fork with 30 mm of travel.
And that’s not to mention the rear suspension/comfort that the Topstone offers with its advanced suspension technology.
Also, Revolt X has a suspension seatpost compared to the Topstone Lefty’s rigid Seatpost.
Just based on that info considering they are the same price. The Revolt X seems that little more superior. And I must admit it is the better-looking bike in my own opinion.
But we haven’t even compared a very important factor when looking at these two bikes.
What’s that? Geometry!
Geometry – Revolt Vs Topstone
Geometry can play a big part in the difference between how a bike rides and feels. It is definitely something to consider when buying a bike.
Want to learn more about understanding bike geometry? Read this article which goes through all the jargon and what it means for a comfortable ride!
Okay, the moment I have been waiting for!
So far these bikes have been rather similar in many ways. Here is where if there are any differences we can figure out which bike is better suited for you. All the measurements below are in mm and are for both medium-sized bikes.
The main geometry specs that can paint the picture of the type of bike we are looking at are; stack/reach ratio, trail, chainstay, and wheelbase.
On my first impression, I came to the conclusion that the Revolt was much better suited for fast and speedy bike races and adventures.
| Bike | Revolt | Topstone |
| Stack | 602 | 574 |
| Reach | 391 | 383 |
| Stack/Reach Ratio | 1.54 | 1.5 |
| Top Tube Length | 574 | 532 |
| Seat Tube Length | 490 | 505 |
| Seat Tube Angle | 73 | 73.1 |
| Head Tube Length | 165 | 150 |
| Head Tube Angle | 72 | 71.2 |
| BB Drop | 80 | 67 |
| Front Center | 618 | 617 |
| Chainstay Length | 430 | 420 |
| Wheelbase | 1035 | 1029 |
| Rake | 50 | 55 |
| Trail | 65 | 62 |
| Standover Height | 769 | 785 |
But taking a look at the details of the bike’s geometries the stack/reach ratio for the Topstone is 1.5 vs the Revolt 1.54, which suggests that the Revolt is a more upright bike and the Checkpoint is slightly more aggressive. However that 1.5 is still rather upright and average for gravel bikes.
Meaning that the Revolt would be in theory a more comfortable bike to ride on bikepacking trips and for longer amounts of time in the saddle.
While the Checkpoint would be better for performance-based riding where comfort isn’t as important and riding fast is the main priority. (Although this number is much more aggressive on some of the fastest gravel bikes.)
This proves a point even further. Taking a look at the chainstay length the Topstone is 420 mm vs Revolt 430 mm. meaning the Revolt has a longer chainstay by 10 mm making it more relaxed in the rear better suited for riding with gear on the rear, for heel clearance, and just overall better control. But this makes it slower in the rear also.
Also, the wheelbase is longer on the Revolt only by 6 mm making it again slightly better suited and more planted for those cycling adventures with gear.
But that longer chainstay and wheelbase also make the Revolt a more stable and planted bike especially when bikepacking or bicycle touring. The more stable the bike under a load the better.
Now we’ll look at the trail. This tells the story of how each bike will corner and what the handling is like upfront.
The Revolt has around a 3 mm longer trail length, which is on the higher end for gravel bikes making it feel rather stable upfront but not quite sluggish. While the Topstone falls in a similar category at 62 mm. But again the longer the trail the better when running gear up front and again the Revolt seems more superior when it comes to adventure-focused geometry.
It really is a hard one, as both bikes seem like great candidates for adventure with the Revolt’s slightly more comfortable and upright riding position. As well as seeming more planted overall for carrying gear.
Meaning the Revolt may feel more natural at carrying gear compared to the Topstone. And because here at Cycle Travel Overload that’s all we are about.
I would suggest either bike depending on what’s most important to you! Do you want to sacrifice a little bike handling and natural bike feel with gear for a bike that feels faster than the other? In this case, the Topstone is still a great choice for all your gravel biking needs.
The Revolt may be better suited if you want that guaranteed comfort for those long days in the saddle. But you can’t go past that bang for buck you get with the Topstone saving $175 and you get better quality gearing and components.
Compare the Cannondale Topstone to other bikes
Compare Giant Revolt To These Other Bikes
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