Gravel and Cyclocross
There’s nothing like the feel of riding back roads, gravel and dirt on a drop-bar bike. The cadence and texture of every bump and groove under your tires. The relaxed grip on the handlebar, allowing the bike to dance beneath you. The satisfaction of building endurance on all-day gravel rides or testing your skills in cyclocross competition. Gravel or cyclocross, the choice is yours. Either way, you’re in for an adventure.
The Roads Less Traveled
Cyclocross and gravel are two sides of the same coin. Both demand the skill to navigate mixed terrain on light, efficient machines. Gravel bikes allow for wide tires and are designed for efficiency, comfort and control on long-distance adventures. Cyclocross bikes run narrower tires and feature a more aggressive rider position for short, intense race efforts. Whichever side of the coin you choose, you’ll discover something new on every ride.
Cross & Gravel Bike FAQ
Cyclocross bikes are purpose-built for racing on fast, technical courses that mix pavement, grass, dirt, and even mud. These races require fast accelerations, quick handling, and, at times, even carrying the bike. To work best in these unique conditions, cyclocross bikes have a shorter wheelbase, a more forward rider position, and a higher bottom bracket for pedaling through corners, or even bunny hopping.
Gravel bikes are made for long days in the saddle—exploring backroads, racing over long distances, and even riding multiday bikepacking trips. For efficiency, capability and stability across varied terrain, gravel bikes are designed with a lower bottom bracket, longer wheelbase, and with clearance for wider tires. A gravel bike also typically has a wider gear range than a cyclocross bike for longer or steeper climbs, as well as frame mounts for bikepacking with racks or bags.
The primary differences are width and tread patterns. Cyclocross race tires can be limited by the rules to widths in the 33mm range, while gravel tires can be up to 50mm depending on terrain. Cyclocross tires are often designed with a tread pattern for specific surfaces, such as mud or grass, while gravel tires are designed to roll fast on firm dirt trails, gravel roads, and everything in between. Gravel tires typically have extra layers of protection inside to help prevent flats from sharp rocks or rough terrain.
A gravel bike is designed for off-road adventure rides and races on dirt roads, gravel paths, or country lanes. A gravel bike often has wide, tubeless tires and a relatively long wheelbase for stability and comfort, as well as mounts for carrying gear when bikepacking or touring.
Some gravel bikes feature front suspension, others do not. Suspension adds comfort and control. A rigid fork shaves weight and keeps things fast and responsive.
The Revolt X is designed for the roughest gravel terrain and features a 40mm suspension fork. While improving handling and control, a suspension fork also adds weight and may not be necessary on all types of terrain.
Giant’s Revolt prioritizes efficiency and features a rigid composite fork which is lighter and more efficient but does not offer the same level of impact absorption.
Drop by, it’s a Giant help
Your local Giant retailer is your go-to destination for expert advice. Our friendly staff can provide you with personalized service on everything from choosing the right bike to helping you decide where and when to ride. Buy online, pick it up at the shop, or stop by and try one out for size.
It’s all about the journey, not the destination.
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