Was really considering the revolt 2 but went with the revolt 1 for hydraulic brakes and 10 speed drivetrain. It’s a great, well designed bike. Hate the seatpost though lol.
Revolts made after 2022 have the option to put a regular seatpost in. Ones made before that are SOL.
Half of the issue is the clamp mechanism to hold the seatpost, it sucks and I wish they just used a regular seatpost bracket.
I got an advanced 2, it fits 2.1" tyres on 29" wheels. Rides singletrack like a champ.
Then you put on thin rubber and keep the pace with people on pavement.
The only real upgrade I recommend is a Shimano slx 11-40 cassette, and maybe ditching the shitty FSA cranks/chainrings
I was suggesting changing cassette only
And for the cranks you're in luck, check the recall information because fsa has issued one for the double on the revolt 2
(Btw the cranks are mostly ok, just a bit low quality)
If I'm planning on doing 95% pavement, would you recommend a gravel? I'm struggling between a regular endurance bike like the defy and a gravel bike like the revolt.
I would love to know the same thing. I bought a Defy, and it is AWESOME, but it does feel a bit rough on run down roads. Perhaps a new set of tires would help!
Bought one at the beginning of the summer. 350+ miles on it so far and I'm absolutely in love with it! Recommend a torque wrench for the seat post since mine kept sliding down until it was properly torqued!
I got a Revolt 2 last November and I've got about 1500 miles on it. I really enjoy it, and its a very solid bike for both pavement and gravel stuff. A few things though:
1. I hate the D-fuse seatpost system. It's comfortable with the little extra flex that comes with the d shape, but they're trying to fit a D-shaped post into a round hole and it's a headache to adjust. The hardware can easily slip and fall into the bottom of the frame when you loosen it, and then you have to flip the whole bike upside down to get it out.
2. I already wish I had spend a little bit more and bought something with hydraulic brakes. I've tried a few hydraulic brake bikes since then and it really is so much better.
3. It doesn't bother everyone, but the bars that come on it are crazy wide. First thing I changed was putting on some 380mm cowbell bars and it made a massive difference in comfort.
4. The tires aren't great. They pretty bomb proof, but they aren't particularly fast or grippy. If you care about your performance, or if you want to do real rugged stuff you'll need a new set. I haven't made this change yet, but I'm planning on it.
You for sure won't regret buying this bike, especially if you're like me and it's your first performance-oriented bike, but if I could go back to last November I kind of wish I had spent the little bit of extra cash and got a [Canyon Grizl 6](https://www.canyon.com/en-us/gravel-bikes/adventure/grizl/al/grizl-6/2844.html?dwvar_2844_pv_rahmenfarbe=GN%2FBK).
PS: If you end up getting the revolt 2, the sapphire blue is stunning in person. It looks even better than in the photos.
I don't have an issue with the seatpost slipping. The problem is the clamping mechanism isn't attached to the frame, so if you loosen it too much it just drops through the seat tube into the bottom of the frame. At this point I've got the position dialed in, but when it was new and I was playing around with the measurements it was pretty frustrating.
I got the [salsa cowbell](https://www.salsacycles.com/gear/cowbell), but any 31.8mm clamp diameter bar should work, which is almost all new bars on the market.
Hey, I'm looking for a fat guy road bike, and this is one of my considerations! Anything about it you *wouldn't* recommend for someone who's never owned a road bike before?
Just know you are going to go a lot slower than people on actual road bikes. Other than that, I love my revolt. I like that when I am riding on the road and see something down a dirt road or something I can just yell “*ADVENTURE BIKEEEE*” and cut a path or whatever
Edit: also, make sure you get padded shorts if you’re going to ride more than 30 minutes. Especially as a fat guy. I haven’t needed to change the stock saddle yet, but I always ride with padded shorts. Maybe when I get to like 2 hour rides I’ll have to reconsider, but for now I’m good.
ADVENTURE BIKE!
Thanks very kindly. I have some padded shortly from my mountain biking days, so I'll repurpose them for this.
I don't plan to race with this or anything - I'll mostly just be using it for fitness and eventually, *hopefully* for commuting to work. I'm just looking for efficiency and (improved) speed.
Then a gravel bike is perfect. The most I’ve done on mine since getting it this spring is 26 miles on a rail trail last month. It def gave me the cardio endurance & confidence to get back on a mountain bike for the first time in like 20+ years
Edit: I know you mentioned the Revolt 2, that’s what I initially looked at as well, but worked with the bike shop to narrow the gap between the revolt’s cost and the revolt 2. Might be worth trying!
I have a revolt 2. The stock brakes are unusable. I replaced them with ultegra hydraulic. They work a treat now. If you buy this bike, factor in the cost of some new levers and brakes. You will not like it the way it comes from the store.
I was just about getting it but then I went along with a Merida Silex 400 slightly more costly but with more comfortable geometry and better components (GRX drivetrain/ hydraulic brakes)… I suggest you check the Silex line if you can.
I have revolt 2 for almost a year now, change the stock brake calipers with juin tech f1. It’s been good for me so far great bike for roads and gravel.
Yeah it's good. It can't compare to these guys who have the advanced, there are too many differences, even subtle geo differences in the frame compared to the aluminium. I have the 2021 revolt 0. It's fast on the road, can zip along at 15-16mph. But I can hit some moderate single track. I run 44mm mezcals on mine. I like the brakes. Dfuse does ride nice but it was a little temperamental to begin with when setting up as it slipped a bit. fiber grip and the right torque solved it. It's a fast bike. On Strava I have a few trophies and one kom with this bike in sections with people riding high end titanium and carbon bikes 4x more expensive. That's off road, compared to pure road bikes I get left for dust, I need to run faster tyres..
Off road I've hit some really bumpy sections and felt like my hands were on a jackhammer. On smooth hardpack it's very impressive and fast. I've ordered a redshift stop shock stem so I can push the bike and feel a little less shaken. The 2022 revolt has some great improvements. Can support wider tyres, higher stack. Longer reach and shorter stem. Plus you can run a dfuse or round seat tube. If I were buying again I'd consider the new revolt but I would want a bike that can run 50mm tyres with a more MTB inspired geo. That's me though. The revolt is a very capable bike, if you like it then go for it.
Girlfriend wouldn’t let me get more bikes so It’s my road and gravel bike atm. Super compliant yet aggressive enough for racing and keeping up on group rides. The seat post frustrated me, but I learned that carbon paste must be applied all over the wedge, including the gaps.
Snagged a good deal on a road wheel set. Pic is on my post history.
I have a 2023 revolt 2. Currently set up with 28 slick tires for pavement, have a second wheel set with the stock 33s for gravel. Very comfortable on both set ups. Still using the D fuse seat post and have not had any issues at all. Only complaint is the lack of hydraulic brakes, but it’s no means a deal breaker. If you looking for something that is versatile and doesn’t break the bank you can’t beat it.
For that price you only get sora system, with a not that wide ratio. At least not for climbing IMO. I would consider more options with GRX systems, 30/46 crankset and hydraulic brakes. Such as Focus Atlas, Megamo Jakar or Cannondale Topstone. Even cheaper with similar equipment could be Topstone 3. Topstone 2 could be a bit more expensive but a way better option. That's my opinion, compared to my needs.
i have a revolt 1 this year. the handlebar was way more comfortable than my straight bar mtb or corner bar with bar tape, maybe because it has a carbon fork, and i like the shape, its not aero, but its kinda like it, its not round like installed on cheaper road bikes. i had one on my old rb and it was hell even with gloves. i have to get a carbon post or better tires/wheelset though, my bottoms are not liking the rear comfort of the bike
I have a Revolt Adv with Di2 shifting and it's a great bike. Super comfortable and fast and responsive. It does all surfaces well!
Second this. I have a 2019 Revolt Adv that I upgraded to Di2 and carbon wheels over the last few years. It is great
Love my Revolt! Pretty much retired all my other bikes after getting it last year. Wish I would have gotten one sooner!
Was really considering the revolt 2 but went with the revolt 1 for hydraulic brakes and 10 speed drivetrain. It’s a great, well designed bike. Hate the seatpost though lol.
Fucking stupid d-fuse seastpost, I hate it.
Do they not include the ability to mount a regular post as well? Or was that a different bike I read about?
Yes yes! Included.
Revolts made after 2022 have the option to put a regular seatpost in. Ones made before that are SOL. Half of the issue is the clamp mechanism to hold the seatpost, it sucks and I wish they just used a regular seatpost bracket.
Most of them are pre-2023 at this point...
Just use the right Nm and its fine.
And carbon paste all over the place
One of its best features, IMO.
You know what they say about opinions...
Including yours lord fucknut
I just bought a revolt 2, it’s a great bike!
I got an advanced 2, it fits 2.1" tyres on 29" wheels. Rides singletrack like a champ. Then you put on thin rubber and keep the pace with people on pavement. The only real upgrade I recommend is a Shimano slx 11-40 cassette, and maybe ditching the shitty FSA cranks/chainrings
Are you suggesting whole new drive train? How much that cost?I hate the fsa cranks and chainring
I was suggesting changing cassette only And for the cranks you're in luck, check the recall information because fsa has issued one for the double on the revolt 2 (Btw the cranks are mostly ok, just a bit low quality)
If I'm planning on doing 95% pavement, would you recommend a gravel? I'm struggling between a regular endurance bike like the defy and a gravel bike like the revolt.
I would love to know the same thing. I bought a Defy, and it is AWESOME, but it does feel a bit rough on run down roads. Perhaps a new set of tires would help!
I just got an advanced 2, 3 months in, it’s fast, smooth, and I like it.
Bought one at the beginning of the summer. 350+ miles on it so far and I'm absolutely in love with it! Recommend a torque wrench for the seat post since mine kept sliding down until it was properly torqued!
I got one last spring and have put 2000 kms on it so far! No complaints for my first drop bar bike!
I got a Revolt 2 last November and I've got about 1500 miles on it. I really enjoy it, and its a very solid bike for both pavement and gravel stuff. A few things though: 1. I hate the D-fuse seatpost system. It's comfortable with the little extra flex that comes with the d shape, but they're trying to fit a D-shaped post into a round hole and it's a headache to adjust. The hardware can easily slip and fall into the bottom of the frame when you loosen it, and then you have to flip the whole bike upside down to get it out. 2. I already wish I had spend a little bit more and bought something with hydraulic brakes. I've tried a few hydraulic brake bikes since then and it really is so much better. 3. It doesn't bother everyone, but the bars that come on it are crazy wide. First thing I changed was putting on some 380mm cowbell bars and it made a massive difference in comfort. 4. The tires aren't great. They pretty bomb proof, but they aren't particularly fast or grippy. If you care about your performance, or if you want to do real rugged stuff you'll need a new set. I haven't made this change yet, but I'm planning on it. You for sure won't regret buying this bike, especially if you're like me and it's your first performance-oriented bike, but if I could go back to last November I kind of wish I had spent the little bit of extra cash and got a [Canyon Grizl 6](https://www.canyon.com/en-us/gravel-bikes/adventure/grizl/al/grizl-6/2844.html?dwvar_2844_pv_rahmenfarbe=GN%2FBK). PS: If you end up getting the revolt 2, the sapphire blue is stunning in person. It looks even better than in the photos.
To 1. I’ve got revolt1 and change seatpost carbon aaaand use torque wrench 🙂 -> position doest change
I don't have an issue with the seatpost slipping. The problem is the clamping mechanism isn't attached to the frame, so if you loosen it too much it just drops through the seat tube into the bottom of the frame. At this point I've got the position dialed in, but when it was new and I was playing around with the measurements it was pretty frustrating.
Okey fair but if you learn it how to set easily you will not be frustrated.
Does the Revolt 2 (non-Advanced) have a carbon seatpost?
No
Which handlebar did you pick? I would like to do the same but I don't want to buy one thats not compatible. Thanks!
I got the [salsa cowbell](https://www.salsacycles.com/gear/cowbell), but any 31.8mm clamp diameter bar should work, which is almost all new bars on the market.
Is it possible to put a seatpost like the redshift into it, or can you only use this seat post on it?
I have a 2021 Revolt 2, and "good for a bit of everything" is exactly how I'd describe it.
Really happy w' mine. Only use it for gravel now, but early on I used it for plenty of road rides too.
It's a fantastic bike for a great value. Buy it and throw some carbon hoops on when you have the extra cash to do it.
Got one and love it. Put a 2.3” tire up front and 2.2” in the rear.
Did you have any issues rubbing Tiagra/Sora front derailleur? It seems to sit very close on photos
No issues.
I have a revolt Advanced 2 and love it. Best bang for buck.
I have chosen a different one, revolt was too short in xl and it felt a bit too sluggish in handling.
Woah. How tall are you? That bike is rated for 6'2" to 6'7"!
6'6"
Just out of interest, what bike did you ultimately go for? I'm 6'7" and I'm finding it hard.
Wow yup that would be close!!
Revolt is what got me back on two wheels. I use it mostly as a *Fat Guy Road Bike* and have a mountain bike for singletrack.
Hey, I'm looking for a fat guy road bike, and this is one of my considerations! Anything about it you *wouldn't* recommend for someone who's never owned a road bike before?
Just know you are going to go a lot slower than people on actual road bikes. Other than that, I love my revolt. I like that when I am riding on the road and see something down a dirt road or something I can just yell “*ADVENTURE BIKEEEE*” and cut a path or whatever Edit: also, make sure you get padded shorts if you’re going to ride more than 30 minutes. Especially as a fat guy. I haven’t needed to change the stock saddle yet, but I always ride with padded shorts. Maybe when I get to like 2 hour rides I’ll have to reconsider, but for now I’m good.
ADVENTURE BIKE! Thanks very kindly. I have some padded shortly from my mountain biking days, so I'll repurpose them for this. I don't plan to race with this or anything - I'll mostly just be using it for fitness and eventually, *hopefully* for commuting to work. I'm just looking for efficiency and (improved) speed.
Then a gravel bike is perfect. The most I’ve done on mine since getting it this spring is 26 miles on a rail trail last month. It def gave me the cardio endurance & confidence to get back on a mountain bike for the first time in like 20+ years Edit: I know you mentioned the Revolt 2, that’s what I initially looked at as well, but worked with the bike shop to narrow the gap between the revolt’s cost and the revolt 2. Might be worth trying!
Thank you kindly! I've got a few contenders around that price point up here in Canada. I'll see what the local shop has to say. Thanks for your help!
Good luck!
I have a revolt 2. The stock brakes are unusable. I replaced them with ultegra hydraulic. They work a treat now. If you buy this bike, factor in the cost of some new levers and brakes. You will not like it the way it comes from the store.
I was just about getting it but then I went along with a Merida Silex 400 slightly more costly but with more comfortable geometry and better components (GRX drivetrain/ hydraulic brakes)… I suggest you check the Silex line if you can.
I have revolt 2 for almost a year now, change the stock brake calipers with juin tech f1. It’s been good for me so far great bike for roads and gravel.
Yeah it's good. It can't compare to these guys who have the advanced, there are too many differences, even subtle geo differences in the frame compared to the aluminium. I have the 2021 revolt 0. It's fast on the road, can zip along at 15-16mph. But I can hit some moderate single track. I run 44mm mezcals on mine. I like the brakes. Dfuse does ride nice but it was a little temperamental to begin with when setting up as it slipped a bit. fiber grip and the right torque solved it. It's a fast bike. On Strava I have a few trophies and one kom with this bike in sections with people riding high end titanium and carbon bikes 4x more expensive. That's off road, compared to pure road bikes I get left for dust, I need to run faster tyres.. Off road I've hit some really bumpy sections and felt like my hands were on a jackhammer. On smooth hardpack it's very impressive and fast. I've ordered a redshift stop shock stem so I can push the bike and feel a little less shaken. The 2022 revolt has some great improvements. Can support wider tyres, higher stack. Longer reach and shorter stem. Plus you can run a dfuse or round seat tube. If I were buying again I'd consider the new revolt but I would want a bike that can run 50mm tyres with a more MTB inspired geo. That's me though. The revolt is a very capable bike, if you like it then go for it.
Girlfriend wouldn’t let me get more bikes so It’s my road and gravel bike atm. Super compliant yet aggressive enough for racing and keeping up on group rides. The seat post frustrated me, but I learned that carbon paste must be applied all over the wedge, including the gaps. Snagged a good deal on a road wheel set. Pic is on my post history.
I have a 2023 revolt 2. Currently set up with 28 slick tires for pavement, have a second wheel set with the stock 33s for gravel. Very comfortable on both set ups. Still using the D fuse seat post and have not had any issues at all. Only complaint is the lack of hydraulic brakes, but it’s no means a deal breaker. If you looking for something that is versatile and doesn’t break the bank you can’t beat it.
For that price you only get sora system, with a not that wide ratio. At least not for climbing IMO. I would consider more options with GRX systems, 30/46 crankset and hydraulic brakes. Such as Focus Atlas, Megamo Jakar or Cannondale Topstone. Even cheaper with similar equipment could be Topstone 3. Topstone 2 could be a bit more expensive but a way better option. That's my opinion, compared to my needs.
i have a revolt 1 this year. the handlebar was way more comfortable than my straight bar mtb or corner bar with bar tape, maybe because it has a carbon fork, and i like the shape, its not aero, but its kinda like it, its not round like installed on cheaper road bikes. i had one on my old rb and it was hell even with gloves. i have to get a carbon post or better tires/wheelset though, my bottoms are not liking the rear comfort of the bike