kosmo886

So I was finally able to get on both bikes side by side. Carbon 105 vs. Advanced 2. Ride’s were like night and day. Geometry was close enough, but generally the more upright position of the Giant was better for me. The Giant felt much much quicker. Ride quality was nice on each, certainly softer on the back with the Topstone given the kingpin suspension. I liked it a lot, but the bike felt a bit out of whack given the front hit fairly hard and back was soft. In terms of handling, the revolt felt better there as well. Not sure if it was just a tune up thing, but the revolt braked better as well...should be same components though.

At the end of the day, I pulled the trigger on the Giant and actually decided to buy the Advanced 0. I thought for the extra 1k, there was a ton of value. Upgrades to carbon wheels that retail for 1500 by themselves, ultegra vs. 105 and carbon crank.

I was also planning to get a second set of wheels with the Topstone for road use, so if I defer that and just swap tires occasionally, my spend is actually close to the same. Also can now use these nicer wheels for a future road wheel and get cheaper aluminum wheels for gravel use.

Hope this was the right decision, can’t wait to get the bike. Thoughts?

Rides4Beer

Good choice, have a couple of friends with the Advanced 0 and they're really happy with it.

Swapping tubeless tires can be a pain, I would def plan on a second wheelset, much easier. I picked up a set of Oval brand alloy cyclocross wheels pretty cheap, they've taken a lot of abuse and are still going strong.

kosmo886

Ya, I was wondering how swapping tubeless tires would go. I figure I will use the stock wheels with the road tires and get some cheaper ones for the off road. Maybe find some used if I am lucky.

Not familiar with shopping for wheels. What specs do i need to find for this bike?

Rides4Beer

12x100 front 12x142 rear (that's the thru axle size), disc obviously, centerlock or six bolt (I prefer centerlock personally, but the bike will take either, six bolt are usually cheaper, just means you have to use six bolt rotors). If you're going to use them for gravel, I'd want at least 24 spoke, at least 19mm inner diameter, and tubeless compatible. Sometimes you can find people selling them with rotors included, if so, you're looking for 160mm front and rear (but if it's a 140 on the rear you can just put a new rotor on).

HampusP

Thanks for your thoughts on the differences them between. Having a hard time choosing and not able to try them out. How did you find the sizes differ between the models? And did you still feel that the Revolt was faster on the tarmac, despite being more upright? Thanks again!


Cheers

Hampus

Badger6

I wouldn't do that...carbon hoops are probably quite bit lighter, and depending on other factors may be stronger than "cheaper" aluminum wheels. I put carbon wheels on my bike, saved the stock wheels for road, and I have to say that the gravel experience on the carbon wheels has been sublime.

Bomb Komodo

Congrats - Giants are amazing and ride better than they cost, in my experience. I was looking at the same bike but with the massive shortage everywhere I was unable to find one to try out. Went with a Salsa warbird which I am quite happy with, but the Giant was on my very short list as my roadie is a TCR Advanced Disc and I love it.

IME, the main upgrades are usually the seat and wheels. I upgraded to carbon wheels and it was an incredible difference. Turned the TCR into a speed demon and lightened it for climbing. I think you are on the right path there.

dwmckee

I agree that the Giant is probably a better choice.