The ultimate all-rounder gravel Bike battle! Which bike is best?
We are going to compare these two iconic bikes side by side and see what the difference is between each.
First, let’s compare their entry-level beginner-friendly gravel bike options
Giant Revolt 2 vs Specialized Diverge E5
| Giant Revolt 2 | Specialized Diverge E5 | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,252 | $1,300 |
| Weight | 10.43 kg / 23 lbs | 9.84 kg / 21.7 lbs |
| Tire Clearance | 53c | 700 x 47mm or 650b x 2.1 |
| Stack/Reach Ratio (Upright?) | 1.51 (MD Long Size) | 1.51 (54 cm size) |
| Trail (Steering Speed) | 72 | 61 |
| Chainstay | 440 mm | 432 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1040 mm | 1035 mm |
| Frame/Fork | Alloy / Carbon | Alloy / Carbon |
| Gear Range | 25.83” to 119.81” | 27.48” to 125.04” |
| Groupset | 2×9 Sora, FSA | 2×8 Claris |
| Stock Tires | 700 x 38c | 700 x 38c |
To summarize the above comparison table we can conclude that the Diverge is lighter, and has a shorter trail meaning it is more responsive and quick turning, depending on the size you op for with the Revolts many sub-size options the stack/reach may vary. But for this comparison, they are identical which is rather average and upright for an all-rounder gravel bike. With the Diverge you get a shorter chainstay and wheelbase making for a faster-handling bike that would be less stable. You also get similar tire clearance as Revolt says a max of 53c which equates to the same 2.1” for the Diverge.
While the Giant Revolt is a little heavier and has slightly better optimized gearing for climbing, that 25” gearing is limited for bikepacking on that really steep stuff. The Revolt has a more planted feel with the longer chainstay and wheelbase. However, the Revolt is a little more affordable than the Diverge.
Okay, time to compare their Mid to High-End gravel bike options. Comparing the Giant Revolt Advanced 0 and the Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon.
| Giant Revolt Advanced 0 | Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $4,500 | $4,200 |
| Weight | 8.76 kg / 19.31 lbs | 9.87 kg / 21.76 lbs |
| Tire Clearance | 53c or 2.1” | 53c or 2.1” |
| Stack/Reach Ratio (Upright?) | 1.51 (MD Long Size) | 1.55 (54cm size) |
| Trail (Steering Speed) | 72 | 61 |
| Chainstay | 440 mm | 425 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1040 mm | 1032 mm |
| Frame/Fork | Carbon / Carbon | Carbon / Carbon |
| Gear Range | 25.15” to 120.50” | 24.46” to 116.18” |
| Groupset | 2×11 GRX 800 | 2×11 GRX 800, GRX 600 |
| Stock Tires | 700c x 40 | 700c x 42 |
In this comparison, the Revolt seems to come out on top as being the lightest bike
Both bikes have the same tire clearance, and the same quality components, but slightly different gearing inches as the Diverge comes with slightly wider stock tires.
With the sizes we compared the Diverge is slightly more upright but the chainstay and wheelbase are shorter making for a more fun and quick riding experience.
Let’s compare their higher-end suspension gravel bike models for these bikes.
Keep in mind there are a heap more bike models for each of these bikes to choose from. In this article, my goal was to compare just three well-varied bikes for ease of comparison. But look further into the bike offerings as you can find bikes better suited to your riding needs.
And for these suspension models, there are even higher end more expensive models if you want to go all out. But we tried to keep it conservative and compare the bikes that give the best bang for buck.
| Giant Revolt X Advanced Pro 0 | Specialized Diverge STR Pro | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $8,500 | $8,700 |
| Weight | 9.9 kg / 21.83 lbs | 9 kg / 19.84 lbs |
| Tire Clearance | 53c | 53c |
| Stack/Reach Ratio (Upright?) | 1.48 (MD Long Size) | 1.55 (54cm Size) |
| Trail (Steering Speed) | 76.8 | 61 |
| Chainstay | 435 mm | 429 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1036 mm | 1034 mm |
| Frame/Fork | Carbon / Fox Performance Elite 32 AX with 40mm of travel – Hardtail | Carbon / Future Shock 2.0 w/ Damper, Smooth Boot (not traditional suspension) 20 mm front travel and 30 mm rear travel – Considered Full Suspension Gravel Bike |
| Gear Range | 21.89” to 113.70” | 22.24” to 111.18” |
| Groupset | 1×12 Electronic X01 Eagle AXS, Force eTap | 1×12 Electronic X01 Eagle AXS, Force eTap |
| Stock Tires | 700c x 50 | 700c x 42 |
The Specialized Diverge doesn’t have a traditional suspension fork setup but still has 20 mm of front travel which is half the amount of the Fox Performance Elite fork on the Giant Revolt. The Diverge also has 30 mm of rear travel thanks to the Rear Future Shock.
The Revolt has a longer trail, chainstay, and wheelbase. But a lower stack/reach ratio when we compared to the sizes above.
The Diverge seems to be the lighter bike by almost a kilogram. The full suspension is a massive feature for this bike compared to the hardtail build of the Revolt. However, both bikes are very capable rigs.
The bikes we compared to the Diverge was a couple of hundred dollars more.
The groupset of both bikes are very similar however the 10-52T cassette on the Revolt vs the 10-50T cassette on the Diverge and the larger stock tires on the Revolt. Resulting in the Revolt having the superior climbing gear inches compared to the Diverge. As well as descending making the Revolt in this instance more capable.
Geometry
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!
With all the bikes we compared we noticed a trend in geometry designs for each bike.
The Revolt across the board seems to have a longer trail length varying around that 10mm extra. Which means a slower handling bike compared to the Diverge. ******This means in theory the Revolt is better suited for running gear up front for bikepacking as this slower handling accommodates for that extra weight.
Also, Chainstay and Wheelbase were longer across the board for the Revolt. This means more clearance in the rear for bike bags for heel clearance. But more importantly, a more planted riding feel when the bike is under a load compared to the Diverge.
This shorter trail, chainstay, and wheelbase means a more fast-paced, nimble riding feel. Ideal for those looking to shred fast on gravel roads and trials.
Both bikes are a mix when it comes to stack/reach ratios for upright riding comfort.
Compare these bikes to other models
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