Giant Revolt 2022 or Trek Checkpoint 2022?

[scoutfai]

I am looking to buy a new gravel bike for normal short rides (20-40km) weekly and occasionally for bike packing.
My primary considering factors will be big tires clearance and a lot of mounting points for bike packing.
I have considered a lot of models (Merida Silex, Canyon Grizl, Cannondale Topstone, Salsa Cutthroat, etc). I have budget about $7K.
The Canyon Grizl at first was my choice but for my size (2XS) the wheel size is only 650b and I am not keen for not able to use 700c wheel.
The Salsa Cutthroat is best for bike packing but probably not the best for normal weekend ride which I mostly do on pavement road or cycling path, also the next up coming stock is come with GRX600. If I want GRX800 I have custom build one which is a bit costly.

I eventually shortlisted the following two models. But can't decide yet.

1) Giant Revolt Advanced Pro 2022
- Shimano GRX RX-815 Di2, 2x11. Crankset 31/48, Cassette 11x34.
- Has tires clearance of 53mm max tires size in "long" flip chip position, 45mm max tires size in "short" flip chip position, even for short rider size frame (which I am).
- No fender mount.
- no rear rack mount.
- Ability to change from short to long flip chip position.
- AUD $6700 RRP

2) Trek Checkpoint SL 6 eTap 2022
- SRAM Rival eTap AXS, 12-speed. Crankset 40T, Cassette 10-44.
- has max tires clearance 700x45c (with fender.)
- Fender mount points on frame.
- Rear rack mount
- no ability to change from short to long flip chip position, feature exists in 2021 model, removed in 2022 model.
- AUD $5500 RRP

I like the Giant has a bigger tires clearance for smaller rider size but like the Trek has the ability to mount fender.

Just wish to inquire some opinions to make up my mind. Any input are well appreciated.

[robbo mcs]

Most important thing is to check availability of both of those. There simply may not be any to buy. Your size could be a positive or negative in this regard. There will be far less frames around in that size, but if someone has one, may be lying around unsold.

The lack of mudguard ability would bug me in a potential touring bike. What about ability to put a small rack on?

The giant flipchip is at the rear I believe, so will do nothing for toe overlap.

The other thing to consider for bikepacking, especially in small frame sizes, is whether one is better than the other for bike bags. Having a quick look, they both have downsloping toptubes, which on a small frame will make for a very small frame bag. However, does give you more exposed seatpost for fitting a seatbag, although clearance from the tyre can be an issue on small frames sizes. Something to think about

[scoutfai]

Most important thing is to check availability of both of those. There simply may not be any to buy. Your size could be a positive or negative in this regard. There will be far less frames around in that size, but if someone has one, may be lying around unsold.

The lack of mudguard ability would bug me in a potential touring bike. What about ability to put a small rack on?

The giant flipchip is at the rear I believe, so will do nothing for toe overlap.

The other thing to consider for bikepacking, especially in small frame sizes, is whether one is better than the other for bike bags. Having a quick look, they both have downsloping toptubes, which on a small frame will make for a very small frame bag. However, does give you more exposed seatpost for fitting a seatbag, although clearance from the tyre can be an issue on small frames sizes. Something to think about

Stock wise they both coming at March. Probably need a deposit to secure stock. But I am not in a rush to get it.
The 2022 Trek Checkpoint has the ability to put rear rack as per this table:
https://retailerassetsprd.blob.core.win ... UlT%2Fo%3D
https://www.trekbikes.com/au/en_AU/equi ... Code=black

But 2022 Trek Checkpoint will not be able to put on a front rack. A reduce in useful feature compare to 2021 I will say. According to that table above 2021 Trek Checkpoint can accommodate a front rack.

As for Giant, that is a mystery. I am not yet able to find anything assertive about whether a rear/front rack can be put onto the frame. So far I haven come across any reviewer putting one on neither. In the process of waiting Giant reply. At the moment i will assume it cannot take any cargo rack.

That's a good point on the bike bags size consideration. The slopping top tube helps in term of stand over height, so I guess that's a compromise I have to accept.

[robbo mcs]

If you are short, small frame size, then ability to put a rack on is a big plus. Bike packing setups are great, but can be very compromised for short riders, due to small frame triangle, and lack of clearance for a seatbag. Going to a lightweight rack and small gravel type panniers gives you similar or better volume to framepack/seatpack, and not overly heavy. However, heelstrike onto panniers can then become a potential issue, but hopefully these bikes have a decent chainstay length. I’m pretty short …. So have travelled down that path

[brumby33]

Have you checked out the Australian designed Vivente Bikes which can be altered to any design type you want. There are currently 5 different models, 2 of them the Anatolia and Deccan having the usual derailluer gear set up of 3 x 9 and the Anatolia having Hydraulic Disc brakes whereas the Deccan having mech disc brakes. The other 3 Models have the Rholhoff hubs with belt drive + Hydraulic disc brakes
https://viventebikes.com/#bike-tabs

They have 5 sizes with 700C wheels S M L XL
They usually have a 700C x 32 tyre at front and a 700C x 35mm at rear. Weird sizing of tyre combos but it's assumed that the rear will be taking the heavier loads but it makes no real difference to riding.
I know you can fit 700C x 40mm with fenders on and 700C x 50mm without fenders which would make it a good gravel/bike packer set up. I seen one set up as a bike packer in a bike shop in Sydney with huge 50 mm tyres and bike packer bags all round. Has all good clearances.
https://viventebikes.com/sizing/

These bikes are designed by Australian Touring bike builder Noel McFarlaine and still tours on his own bikes all over the world (just not lately lol)

They've got all the goodies too, front dyno hub and lights included, fenders included and all within your budget, in fact all models are in your $7K budget as the Rholloff hub versions come in just under $5K just add bags. The derailieur bikes come in at around $2,750 or there abouts.

They are designed for round world touring, trekking and commuting. They are fantastic commuters too, will hold up to any abuse. All models are fitted with a rear Tubus touring rack which are one of the best in the world. I've loaded my panniers with a lot of groceries on the way home from work, loaded on the rear rack....never a problem and the bike feels solid as anything.

I don't have any connection with the brand only to own one over the past 5 years and love it. Have a good look around the website as it has all the good info on it and explainations.

regards

brumby33

[scoutfai]

If you are short, small frame size, then ability to put a rack on is a big plus. Bike packing setups are great, but can be very compromised for short riders, due to small frame triangle, and lack of clearance for a seatbag. Going to a lightweight rack and small gravel type panniers gives you similar or better volume to framepack/seatpack, and not overly heavy. However, heelstrike onto panniers can then become a potential issue, but hopefully these bikes have a decent chainstay length. I’m pretty short …. So have travelled down that path

yes I am 164cm, I consider myself on the short rider spectrum.
I have never considered heel strike, thanks for that reminder.
The Giant Revolt Advanced Pro has a chainstay length of 425mm in "short flip" chip position and 435mm in "long flip" chip position.
The Trek Checkpoint SL6 eTap has chainstay length of 435mm which is same with Giant.
I think this should be considered long chainstay given that the Giant TCR only has 405mm and Trek Domane has 425mm.

[scoutfai]

Have you checked out the Australian designed Vivente Bikes which can be altered to any design type you want. There are currently 5 different models, 2 of them the Anatolia and Deccan having the usual derailluer gear set up of 3 x 9 and the Anatolia having Hydraulic Disc brakes whereas the Deccan having mech disc brakes. The other 3 Models have the Rholhoff hubs with belt drive + Hydraulic disc brakes
https://viventebikes.com/#bike-tabs

They have 5 sizes with 700C wheels S M L XL
They usually have a 700C x 32 tyre at front and a 700C x 35mm at rear. Weird sizing of tyre combos but it's assumed that the rear will be taking the heavier loads but it makes no real difference to riding.
I know you can fit 700C x 40mm with fenders on and 700C x 50mm without fenders which would make it a good gravel/bike packer set up. I seen one set up as a bike packer in a bike shop in Sydney with huge 50 mm tyres and bike packer bags all round. Has all good clearances.
https://viventebikes.com/sizing/

These bikes are designed by Australian Touring bike builder Noel McFarlaine and still tours on his own bikes all over the world (just not lately lol)

They've got all the goodies too, front dyno hub and lights included, fenders included and all within your budget, in fact all models are in your $7K budget as the Rholloff hub versions come in just under $5K just add bags. The derailieur bikes come in at around $2,750 or there abouts.

They are designed for round world touring, trekking and commuting. They are fantastic commuters too, will hold up to any abuse. All models are fitted with a rear Tubus touring rack which are one of the best in the world. I've loaded my panniers with a lot of groceries on the way home from work, loaded on the rear rack....never a problem and the bike feels solid as anything.

I don't have any connection with the brand only to own one over the past 5 years and love it. Have a good look around the website as it has all the good info on it and explainations.

regards

brumby33

I have never heard of this brand name before. At the moment I am more keen on carbon or titanium bike because 80% of the time I will be using the bike in single day short ride so prefer to have it a bit lighter.
Nonetheless thanks for this suggestion, the Vivente bikes look like very touring dedicated and built like a robust, reliable bike for around the world tour.

[brumby33]

Admin...please delete

[nickobec]

Quoted from the Vivente website on frame materials:

The Tubus Logo in Cr-mo, which we supply with every Vivente bike, with the mounting items, weighs 738g and is rated to carry 40kg. The Logo Titanium, is the same design and there’s just the difference in metals. It weighs 200gm less at 538g, is rated to carry 30kg but adds $160 to the price.

No that is a quote about a rack materials not frame materials.

[brumby33]

Quoted from the Vivente website on frame materials:

The Tubus Logo in Cr-mo, which we supply with every Vivente bike, with the mounting items, weighs 738g and is rated to carry 40kg. The Logo Titanium, is the same design and there’s just the difference in metals. It weighs 200gm less at 538g, is rated to carry 30kg but adds $160 to the price.

No that is a quote about a rack materials not frame materials.

ooops...you're right.I'll delete that post if i can...sorry my mistake

[scoutfai]

Just got a reply from Giant that they do not officially recommend fitting any sort of rack on the front or rear of the carbon frame.
I guess this means the mounting point on the fork of Revolt 2022 only means for something like a fork bag or water bottle.

That kind of help me to strikeout Giant Revolt.

Anything else that can compete with the Trek Checkpoint 2022?

[Mr Purple]

At that price point have you considered Titanium?

Curve GXR or Bossi Grit in Australia, or Litespeed or Lynskey from the US.

Might be a bit heavier, but will last forever and I'd rather be bolting racks to a titanium frameset than carbon.

[blizzard]

Is there any reason you don't want to consider 650b bikes. They are often speccd on small frames to reduce toe overlap and keep the handling similar to the larger 700c equipped frames. They also typically allow you to run much bigger tyres.

[scoutfai]

At that price point have you considered Titanium?

Curve GXR or Bossi Grit in Australia, or Litespeed or Lynskey from the US.

Might be a bit heavier, but will last forever and I'd rather be bolting racks to a titanium frameset than carbon.

I had actually thought about the Curve GXR and GMX+ before.
However I email Curve and ask if they can do internal routing instead of external. Curve replies that they are not willing to build a bike that way for ease of repair and maintenance concern in the bush. What they can do at most is to suggest to use wireless groupset, the brake cable will have to be external.

I am kind of disappointed because I really do like the clean look of internally routed bike and I knew there are other titanium bike brand such as Sage, Wondercross, Litespeed and Bossi able to do internal routing.
That's the reason I didn't go with Curve. If they could do it now I probably will reconsider. I understand Curve reasoning but will appreciate if they could offer the option of internal and external routing to their customer.
I do think in term of titanium bike, Curve gives the most competitive pricing for the same spec.

The reason I didn't go with other titanium bike brand is simply because of cost. I feel the price is high for the spec which I can get a bit cheaper in carbon frame bike.
I also think probably easier to sell an used carbon frame bike than a bespoke titanium frame bike if I ever want to.

If I really want to go the extreme bike packing route I can choose something like Salsa Cutthroat, not as expensive as a GMX+, still with lot of mounting points and rack option, big tyres clearance, and lighter carbon frame. At the moment I do not do as much bike packing as I wish, so a gravel bike with a bit more bias to road bike characteristics should be more beneficial for my usage.

Having said that, I must admit I have not personally tried or seen a Curve GXR or GMX+ before.

[scoutfai]

Is there any reason you don't want to consider 650b bikes. They are often speccd on small frames to reduce toe overlap and keep the handling similar to the larger 700c equipped frames. They also typically allow you to run much bigger tyres.

I should have be more clear on this. I can accept 650b wheel on a bikes, but I want the flexibility of being able to change from 700c to 650b and vice versa.
Canyon Grizl CF SL8 was initially my 1st choice before the Giant and Trek, it ticks all my boxes. Wide tyres clearance, fender and rack mount, lot of mounting point. Until I learned that for my size (2XS), it only accepts 650bx50mm max. Some owners have feedback to me that they could fit a 700cx28mm but that's about it.
Canyon official reply is they do not approve the use of 700c on the 2XS size.

When i see other brand like Giant Revolt and Trek Checkpoint can accommodate 700c x 40mm or above for rider of my height I feel not as motivated to get the Grizl.

[Mr Purple]

My understanding is the reason the Grizl is unavailable in a 700C in the smaller sizes is due to toe overlap. I'm on the boundary between XS and S and was thinking of going 'S' for the same reason - I'm not a huge fan of 650B either.

Fair call on the Curve. That sounds more like a 'we haven't designed it to run internal cabling' excuse to be honest.

[scoutfai]

My understanding is the reason the Grizl is unavailable in a 700C in the smaller sizes is due to toe overlap. I'm on the boundary between XS and S and was thinking of going 'S' for the same reason - I'm not a huge fan of 650B either.

Fair call on the Curve. That sounds more like a 'we haven't designed it to run internal cabling' excuse to be honest.

You are right that the reason is because of toe overlap. but at the same time Canyon also not officially endorsing owner to swapt their 650bx50mm wheel to a 700cx28mm wheel even though they both will be roughly the same size (entire wheel diameter).

Agree on the hypothesis on the reason for Curve not able to do internal routing. Wish they will add in this feature.
Just a guess, maybe not having internal cable routing is one of the reason they keep their price slightly more competitive than other titanium bike.

[owly]

With that kind of budget I'd run my eyes over the Rodeo Labs Trail Donkey 3.1 frameset. Specs and (52cm) geo. 700x50. 27.5x2.4.

Even a Conti Speedking 27.5x2.2 would roll fast enough for those road distances. They're a pretty awesome tyre for decent road rolling and ploughing across milder gravel.

Start with frame stack, reach and standover.

[scoutfai]

With that kind of budget I'd run my eyes over the Rodeo Labs Trail Donkey 3.1 frameset. Specs and (52cm) geo. 700x50. 27.5x2.4.

Even a Conti Speedking 27.5x2.2 would roll fast enough for those road distances. They're a pretty awesome tyre for decent road rolling and ploughing across milder gravel.

Start with frame stack, reach and standover.

Wow I didn't know something like this existed but unfortunately it is based in USA. The framesset indeed tick all the boxes excellently, or should I say exceeded.
This seems to be a very advanced route of bike customization and I am a bit concern on the warranty and lack of local support from the company in Australia.
It took me 2 years to save up that amount of fund so I would prefer something that I can confidently rely on warranty support locally.


If it is manufactured in Taiwan, wonder is it coming out from Giant or Merida factory.

[owly]

Locally available frameset (XS) https://www.bicyclesonline.com.au/2022- ... -frame-kit

Scroll down to the geo comparison https://99spokes.com/en-AU/compare?bike ... 49cm|w.700

Front end is more lively. Lower bb, so a bit more stable; in-the-bike feel.
Threaded 68mm bb.

Looking around at some frame pics it seems you could get a filetread [measuring] 47/48mm in the rear.
Fork could easily take a 700x50mm. I'd say at least a 27.5x2.1 front also, but can't find much details on max 27.5 rear.

1x only. BicyclesOnline mentions having some complete builds Autumn.

CyclingTips has a review. Mentions the odd rear triangle part-internal routing.

[scoutfai]

I think i will go with Trek Checkpoint SL6 eTap
Some has suggested Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon. But it has similar issue with Giant being no built in fender and rear rack mounting point. The Future Shock 2.0 looks cool, but I think I can live without a head tube suspension.

I only have 1 question, the Trek Checkpoint SL6 eTap comes with 1x SRAM Rival eTap AXS, 12-speed. Crankset 40T, Cassette 10-44. If I want to convert it to 2x, is it just a simple act of buying a SRAM Rival eTap AXS front derailleur and maybe extend the chain a bit and that's it? How much will it costs for such modification? Wonder if I can ask Cycle Galleria to do it.

The 2x eTap of Trek Checkpoint SL7 is above my budget and it uses SRAM Force eTAP AXS however I think I am fine with SRAM Rival. Plus I like the SL6 color more.