The Giant Bike battle! Which bike is best? Their gravel grinder or endurance road machine?
We are going to compare these two iconic bikes side by side and see what the difference is between each.
I personally owned the Defy as my first-ever road bike way back in 2012. Obviously, right off the bat, there is a massive difference between the type of bikes these are. And it would make sense to opt for the Defy over the Revolt if you just want a fast road bike. but there is more to it than that.
When it comes to price the Defy ranges from $3,900 to $6,500 while the Revolt ranges from $2,652 to $5,500
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, this means we will be comparing both the Advanced 1 models for each bike.
The Giant Defy is built for the longer route. Climb higher mountains. A smooth-riding endurance road bike that is made for long-distance rides on all types of roads. Mainly a road bike only suited to tarmac riding.
On the other hand, the Giant Revolt is much more adapted to changing riding conditions and environments. Allowing you to ride roads, gravel, or dirt, this all-rounder bike features a composite fork that gives it a smooth ride, and a flip chip lets you adjust the wheelbase and tire clearance. The Revolt X model also features an all-new suspension fork for that extra suppleness. Ready for the rough stuff.
When comparing the Defy and Revolt, the Defy is approximately 8.8 kg (19.4 lb) while the Revolt is around 10 kg (22 lb).
Weight really differs depending on how much you spend.
The Revolt is much more focused on adventure thanks to its geometry and overall build. Which means more comfort the longer you stay in the saddle.
With this adventure focus you get mounting options to carry all the necessary gear you may need for a bikepacking trip.
When it comes to tire clearance the Revolt can fit up to 700c x 45 mm, while the Defy can fit up to 700c x 35 mm
The main difference is in the bike’s geometries.
Both bikes surprisingly feature the same stack/reach ratio) (1.54), which is rather mid to more upright when compared to other gravel bikes, meaning that both bikes can offer a comfortable upright riding position. The chainstay is where these bikes differ and we can start to see how the revolt is slightly better opting for adventure cycling. With (around 430 mm on medium-sized) for the Revolt and 420 mm for the Defy.
And Wheelbase is approx 25 mm longer on the Revolt, models we compared, (1,035 mm vs 1,010 mm)
Making for a more planted feel when under a load on the Revolt, this just means the Revolt will feel most stable when riding with gear.
The trail is roughly 6.8 mm longer on the revolt, meaning it has a slower, but calmer, steering response compared to the Defy. Which again is expected for a bike suited for adventure cycling. You need that extra trail length to accommodate that extra you may run up front.
Between the two, the standover height is around 47 mm lower on the Revolt.
Also when taking a look at these bikes’ gearing with the example models mentioned above, we found that the Defy has the superior largest gearing range on paper thanks to the 2×12 compared to the Revolts 1×11.
This means the Defy has a 27.01″ climbing gear and 122.89″ largest gear. That’s a 1 to 4.55 gear ratio.
While the Revolt has climbing gear with 26.63″ and 102.03″ for the largest gear. That’s a 0.95 to 3.64 gear ratio.
However, as you can see the revolt is slightly better when it comes to climbing. However, for both these bikes, the climbing gear isn’t anything to celebrate. You ideally want something in the low 20s to even 18-inchs for bikepacking especially when hauling gear up steep climbs.
This slightly improved climbing gear makes it a better option as a bikepacking gravel bike compared to the Defy as expected. But is still not quite ideal for gravel bike bikepacking.
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Let’s get back to the comparison
See more comparison articles here :
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 seatstays, 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 seatstay 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.
Giant Defy
Introducing the Giant Defy Road Bike – the ultimate companion for those who yearn to conquer longer routes and ascend to greater heights. Designed with the endurance road rider in mind, this bike offers a silky-smooth riding experience that is tailored for tackling extensive distances across all types of roads.
Engineered for optimum compliance, the advanced carbon frame of the Giant Defy Road Bike is specifically crafted to enhance endurance road riding, providing you with an unparalleled ride quality and minimizing fatigue during those long journeys. Equipped with the innovative D-Fuse seatpost and handlebar, this bike goes a step further by effectively absorbing road shocks and vibrations, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable ride throughout.
With total control as its mantra, the Giant Defy Road Bike seamlessly integrates disc brakes, featuring flat mounts and 12mm front and rear thru-axles. This integration results in consistent braking power, offering you superior control and confidence, even when faced with wet weather conditions and rough roads.
Versatility is another defining feature of the Giant Defy Road Bike. Its endurance road geometry, coupled with ample tire clearance of up to 35mm and the inclusion of disc brake technology, empowers you to conquer a wide range of roads and conditions. From the smoothest pavements to rugged mountain passes, this bike is ready to take on any challenge that comes your way.
Geometry – Revolt Vs Defy
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!
quick summary of the differences at first glance
| Bike | Revolt | Defy |
|---|---|---|
| Stack | 602 | 586 |
| Reach | 391 | 381 |
| Stack/Reach Ratio | 1.54 | 1.54 |
| Top Tube Length | 575 | 560 |
| Seat Tube Length | 490 | 515 |
| Seat Tube Angle | 73 | 73 |
| Head Tube Length | 165 | 185 |
| Head Tube Angle | 72 | 72.5 |
| BB Drop | 80 | 70 |
| Front Center | 618 | 600 |
| Chainstay Length | 430 | 420 |
| Wheelbase | 1035 | 1010 |
| Rake | 50 | 50 |
| Trail | 65 | 58.2 |
| Standover Height | 769 | 816 |
Again to conclude both these bikes are great choices for their respected discipline. If you need solely a road bike the Defy is a great option, And to be honest I have even used this bike for my first-ever bike tour. But I wouldn’t recommend it.
Especially since Giant came out with the revolt! A gravel bike built for adventure, along with a dropper post and adventure-inspired geometry you get a bike that you can comfortably ride for longer periods of time with all your camping gear.
If you are after a bike for adventure the Revolt is your go-to. But also make sure to check out some other bikes that are close revivals to the revolt, like the Trek checkpoint.
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