I’m looking for a mid-range gravel bike that I will primarily use for commuting, but hope to use to get more into single-track, light forest trails, and possibly ‘bike-packing’ over the next year. I currently only do recreational road riding (Canondale Synapse), plus commuting (end-of-life Claud Buttler).
I’ve narrowed down my search – unless someone can throw another contender into the mix! – down to two bikes:
1. [Whyte Gisburn V5](https://whytebikes.com/products/gisburn-my23?variant=40307708297285#)
2. [Giant Revolt Advanced 1 2023](https://www.giant-bicycles.com/gb/revolt-advanced-1)
Both have the same RRP (£2999) and are on sale at the moment (by around the same amount), so with my cycle-to-work scheme I’ll be looking at around £1200 for either.
[Comparing the two](https://99spokes.com/en-GB/compare?bikes=giant-revolt-advanced-1-2023%3B*z.lg-long-700-700%2Cwhyte-gisburn-2023%3B*z.56cm-700-700), the Whyte has superior kit but the Giant has a carbon frame (the Whyte is alloy). Extrapolating from reviews of similar models, my assumption is the Giant is quite a bit lighter (probably by at least 1kg). I don’t think the electronic shifters on the Whyte is a huge deal for me, though the Rival XPLR AXS does have very good reviews. The Giant is missing rear rack mounts (!?), but then the Whyte is missing a read mud-guard mount. Not sure which is more important for commuting…
My main concern is the geometry. The Whyte looks to have a very aggressive setup compared to the Giant. I’ve read that it’s much more mtb-influenced, but this is surprising to me – as someone with no mtb experience – as the long reach appears similar to a road bike?
I’m leaning towards the Giant, mostly due to the lower weight and more relaxed geometry (nicer for short trips), but I want to want the Whyte more (!?) because it’s a UK maker (close to me), and I feel like it may be more fun and better for longer rides.
Unfortunately, it’s going to be difficult to get a test ride on either, so I will need to make a decision based on what information I have, and what else I can learn on here. Thoughts appreciated!
by Suspicious-Edge-8774