I bought one of these last year based on your previous review. I wasn't disappointed because it is a fantastic bike both on and off road. I was really surprised that it didn't get in your Top Ten Gravel Bikes list though!
great video. Was contemplating this one myself, another option is the new Ribble CGR SL which can be had for a similar price but with the new 105 or AXS. Has clearance for 45mm. Would love to see you test it.
@davidarthur Had one a few years now. It is a 105 hydro version. Fitted carbon seatpost to it Use it with two sets of wheels, one for winter road bike with mudguards and some hand built for gravel. Spent five days in Cairngorms on outer loop and on some testy off road fully loaded bike packing with it and was spot on. It has taken all that’s been thrown at it. Have an ultegra rx rear derailleur and ran an 11-40 rear cassette easily with it just by tweaking b screw. It fits a 40 mm gravel king sk in rear on a 22mm Id rim which actually measures up at 43mm with no problem. Currently have a Pirelli M in front which is a 45mm with no issues and measures up at just over 45mm. Done loads of rough singletrack on it without a problem just underlbiked😀 I agree probably not a long slack modern style gravel bike but a great do it all bike with a design which is now a few years old. Once got rid of crappy Token BB which it came with and poorly sealed Fulcrum wheels and the rear light which soon gives up the ghost it has been a good bike that can crack on a bit. 105 callipers microleaked and swapped for Hope rx4+ which are miles better.
Is it like my 3T Exploro, so that it can take a wider tire on a 650b rim, or is it just as limited with 650b wheels? I usually have no problems on bumpy terrain with my 650bx47 WTB Sendero tires, and I beliee I have a few more mm of clearance that I'm thinking of exploiting.
I have a Terra c grx one by, running on two sets of wheels, 700c 32mm Continental 5000 for the road and 650b 47mm sendero tyres, so best of both years, great bike packing option as you can fit a rear pannier rack
Hi David, thanks for the review. I am considering either one of these or a Giant Revolt Advanced 2. I am probably going to opt for the Giant. Does the Giant offer a better all-round package in your opinion?
This is probably a neophyte question but I am wondering about what the advantage is of having a massive cassette set in the back and a single ratchet in the front. I have in my mountain bike 3 ratchets in the front going back to a cassette in the back. I am fine going up hills but I would like to know what the advantage is of the single ratchet in the front.
Try a GT Grade carbon Elite. I run 11 36 cassette with 500% range 43 tooth capacity. Mavic Allroads. Bontrager Carbon Gel Drops. Maxxis 120 tpi tubeless. Frame has 25mm travel at the rear, external cable routing handle bar clearance for bags is more practical. 40 mm tyres work with sks speedrocker gravel mudguards. MKS pedals with Zefal quarter toe clips are as efficient as clipless and far better for cycling to local parkruns. The bike is practical, has a bigger range than more expensive grx and who cares about tiny weight differences, plus 20 speed is better than 1x costing a lot more. Final tweek is an Ergon SR saddle which is light but has flex in the shell.
David, a great, insightful review as per usual. I am just about to pull the trigger on a new bike - similar budget to ‘Bob’ so this was quite timely. Good looking bike and looks like great value but might be too aggressive for me. I am stuck between a Giant Revolt Advanced 2 (seems to be the best value in the range) and a Cannondale Synapse 3 L which I have seen for about £2.8k. The bike would be mainly for commuting in and out of London. I am a big guy and at 53 need some comfort. I guess I am stuck between choosing an endurance bike with a little off - road capability or a gravel bike with more flexibility. Any thoughts?
get the endurance bike unless there are some actual gravel trails you specifically want to ride on. Around London, how frequent would that be? the other part of riding off road is all the extra cleaning and maintenance you have to do, it can become a chore. With an endurance bike you can hang on the road. And if you really do decide you want to do off road, you can later buy wider wheels and fit big tires on most endurance bikes and survive most off road routes.
David - fwiw, I have the Giant. It is a very impressive bike, especially for the money. (The stock wheels aren’t great so I sold those and upgraded). It will work well for commuting. I have taken it on group road rides and been able to keep up with with slick 35 mm tires. However, while that set up is good for commuting or road riding, it is hard to find a Goldilocks tire that will allow you to ride as fast as you may want on the road and work on gravel (maybe the Conti Terra Speed?). The Synapse seems to be a great bike too. I think you would find the Giant a bit more upright and comfortable for commuting and more gravel capable but not as fast on road rides. One last thought: Standard road gearing can be a bit too tall if you are tackling “real” gravel so even though some road bikes now have tire clearance for gravel tires, the gearing is still not the same as a gravel bike.
Thanks for the replies, guys. I actually pulled the trigger on the Giant (before I saw your reply, Jeff!) It will be my only bike (except for my trusty old Trek hybrid). The sheer versatility of the Revolt is very appealing. I also realised I wanted the Synapse because of the deal (still can’t get over 105 being over £3k). I take the point about the tyres and it will probably take some experimenting to get the right compromise. They will be the first thing I change I suspect. I didn’t mention that as well as dealing with terrible London roads I also wanted it for the occasional bike packing adventure as well as taking it around Epping Forest, so more than just the commute. Rick, it’s great to hear that you are enjoying yours. Your replies were much appreciated.
@@davidmolloy5220 cool. I am going to be trying the Vitoria Next tires in 34 mm as all arounders for the bike. You may look at those, but they aren’t going to be good for serious gravel. You might consider the Gravel Kings or Terra Soeeds. I noticed a huge difference when I upgraded the wheels to only a modest set of carbon wheels (Roval Terrra). Enjoy!
Bought the GRX600 version in 2019. Agree it's stiff, especially the front, so put a Redshift stem on it. I'm not convinced there's enough clearance at the left chainstay for 42c. It's great for riding down the bumpy back roads with a 44t front chainring, 32c slicks and mudguards. But I leave the off-road to my XC bike.
there's definitely an issue wherein a lot of gravel bikes are just far too stiff for UK riding, which kind of makes them pointless. I am looking at you Pinarello, Basso, and specialized.
@@theelliottdavidsoify I doubt that we know that for sure....at a minimum the lack of creativity or original approach is enough of a turn off for me. I mean how much (or little) thought did they give this thing??
@@hazfilms5363 your reply makes no sense, I was just pointing out it's not a knock-off, if you knew anything about the brand and industry you'd know this
@davidarthur you have a very narrow view of what a gravel bike can be, so much so it renders your review here a bit unhelpful. In fact, I think you should just get yourself a mountain bike and be happy.
I bought one of these last year based on your previous review. I wasn't disappointed because it is a fantastic bike both on and off road. I was really surprised that it didn't get in your Top Ten Gravel Bikes list though!
Props to you for being brave enough to film this in the middle of a tornado.
🤣
great video. Was contemplating this one myself, another option is the new Ribble CGR SL which can be had for a similar price but with the new 105 or AXS. Has clearance for 45mm. Would love to see you test it.
I've just got one of these and I'm super pleased with it. I'm certainly not disappointed in any way
@davidarthur
Had one a few years now. It is a 105 hydro version. Fitted carbon seatpost to it
Use it with two sets of wheels, one for winter road bike with mudguards and some hand built for gravel. Spent five days in Cairngorms on outer loop and on some testy off road fully loaded bike packing with it and was spot on. It has taken all that’s been thrown at it. Have an ultegra rx rear derailleur and ran an 11-40 rear cassette easily with it just by tweaking b screw. It fits a 40 mm gravel king sk in rear on a 22mm Id rim which actually measures up at 43mm with no problem. Currently have a Pirelli M in front which is a 45mm with no issues and measures up at just over 45mm. Done loads of rough singletrack on it without a problem just underlbiked😀
I agree probably not a long slack modern style gravel bike but a great do it all bike with a design which is now a few years old. Once got rid of crappy Token BB which it came with and poorly sealed Fulcrum wheels and the rear light which soon gives up the ghost it has been a good bike that can crack on a bit. 105 callipers microleaked and swapped for Hope rx4+ which are miles better.
why have the 2022 105 Di2 verion of this bike dropped the cable routing and nice tidy stem
Is it like my 3T Exploro, so that it can take a wider tire on a 650b rim, or is it just as limited with 650b wheels? I usually have no problems on bumpy terrain with my 650bx47 WTB Sendero tires, and I beliee I have a few more mm of clearance that I'm thinking of exploiting.
I have a Terra c grx one by, running on two sets of wheels, 700c 32mm Continental 5000 for the road and 650b 47mm sendero tyres, so best of both years, great bike packing option as you can fit a rear pannier rack
Hi David, thanks for the review. I am considering either one of these or a Giant Revolt Advanced 2. I am probably going to opt for the Giant. Does the Giant offer a better all-round package in your opinion?
Sincere thanks David for another thoroughly entertaining and enlightening review. Any plans to review the Ribble Gravel SL?
Thanks Lawrence. I'd love to review a Ribble but they don't have any interest in sending me a bike to review sadly
That’s a shame, David. Let me see whether I can persuade them.
Seems like a pretty ideal bikepacking bike.
Can you install 650b wheels ? If yes what s the tyre clearance with 650 rims?
This is probably a neophyte question but I am wondering about what the advantage is of having a massive cassette set in the back and a single ratchet in the front. I have in my mountain bike 3 ratchets in the front going back to a cassette in the back. I am fine going up hills but I would like to know what the advantage is of the single ratchet in the front.
Great informative video on a good looking gravel bike with great spec. Shame the bike didn’t quite live up to expectations. Good job 👍🚴♂️
Hi @David! how tall are you? what size did you choose? looks well matched :) Regards,
I am debating buying a carbon gravel bike. Does carbon absorb vibration?
Try a GT Grade carbon Elite. I run 11 36 cassette with 500% range 43 tooth capacity. Mavic Allroads. Bontrager Carbon Gel Drops. Maxxis 120 tpi tubeless. Frame has 25mm travel at the rear, external cable routing handle bar clearance for bags is more practical. 40 mm tyres work with sks speedrocker gravel mudguards. MKS pedals with Zefal quarter toe clips are as efficient as clipless and far better for cycling to local parkruns. The bike is practical, has a bigger range than more expensive grx and who cares about tiny weight differences, plus 20 speed is better than 1x costing a lot more. Final tweek is an Ergon SR saddle which is light but has flex in the shell.
I am a happy GT Grade carbon expert rider. Ticks most gravel bike boxes at a very reasonable price.
How much did it weigh?
Thought it was an Orbea bike at first. Even the model name Terra is the same.
Now do the ORBEA TERRA review please...
David, a great, insightful review as per usual. I am just about to pull the trigger on a new bike - similar budget to ‘Bob’ so this was quite timely. Good looking bike and looks like great value but might be too aggressive for me. I am stuck between a Giant Revolt Advanced 2 (seems to be the best value in the range) and a Cannondale Synapse 3 L which I have seen for about £2.8k. The bike would be mainly for commuting in and out of London. I am a big guy and at 53 need some comfort. I guess I am stuck between choosing an endurance bike with a little off - road capability or a gravel bike with more flexibility. Any thoughts?
get the endurance bike unless there are some actual gravel trails you specifically want to ride on. Around London, how frequent would that be? the other part of riding off road is all the extra cleaning and maintenance you have to do, it can become a chore. With an endurance bike you can hang on the road. And if you really do decide you want to do off road, you can later buy wider wheels and fit big tires on most endurance bikes and survive most off road routes.
David - fwiw, I have the Giant. It is a very impressive bike, especially for the money. (The stock wheels aren’t great so I sold those and upgraded). It will work well for commuting. I have taken it on group road rides and been able to keep up with with slick 35 mm tires. However, while that set up is good for commuting or road riding, it is hard to find a Goldilocks tire that will allow you to ride as fast as you may want on the road and work on gravel (maybe the Conti Terra Speed?). The Synapse seems to be a great bike too. I think you would find the Giant a bit more upright and comfortable for commuting and more gravel capable but not as fast on road rides. One last thought: Standard road gearing can be a bit too tall if you are tackling “real” gravel so even though some road bikes now have tire clearance for gravel tires, the gearing is still not the same as a gravel bike.
Thanks for the replies, guys. I actually pulled the trigger on the Giant (before I saw your reply, Jeff!) It will be my only bike (except for my trusty old Trek hybrid). The sheer versatility of the Revolt is very appealing. I also realised I wanted the Synapse because of the deal (still can’t get over 105 being over £3k). I take the point about the tyres and it will probably take some experimenting to get the right compromise. They will be the first thing I change I suspect.
I didn’t mention that as well as dealing with terrible London roads I also wanted it for the occasional bike packing adventure as well as taking it around Epping Forest, so more than just the commute.
Rick, it’s great to hear that you are enjoying yours.
Your replies were much
appreciated.
@@davidmolloy5220 cool. I am going to be trying the Vitoria Next tires in 34 mm as all arounders for the bike. You may look at those, but they aren’t going to be good for serious gravel. You might consider the Gravel Kings or Terra Soeeds. I noticed a huge difference when I upgraded the wheels to only a modest set of carbon wheels (Roval Terrra). Enjoy!
@@rickbeckner9906 thanks for that. Is 34mm the widest tyre the bike will accept with mudguards? Also, have you used the flip - chip at all?
Giant Revolt advanced 2 with GRX combo parts is 2400£.
Great video, I have the Orro terra C grx 600 definitely an excellent bike Great value for money no complaints 100% happy
Bought the GRX600 version in 2019. Agree it's stiff, especially the front, so put a Redshift stem on it. I'm not convinced there's enough clearance at the left chainstay for 42c.
It's great for riding down the bumpy back roads with a 44t front chainring, 32c slicks and mudguards. But I leave the off-road to my XC bike.
there's definitely an issue wherein a lot of gravel bikes are just far too stiff for UK riding, which kind of makes them pointless. I am looking at you Pinarello, Basso, and specialized.
I ride an orbea terra and am incredibly annoyed by this name.
Why?
Orro have been using the Terra name since 2014, and Orbea came out with their Terra in 2017
Was interested until you said "press-fit bottom bracket."
Not a bad looking bike
wow that is some low tire pressure
Always love when GCN covers budget bikes!
who´s gonna tell him?
@@ArteUltra1195 Worry not my friend, it's merely sarcasm. My bike ran me 90 bucks.
Giant revolt?
Orro Terra? How are these guys not being sued by Orbea for so blatently ripping off Orbea????
Like the Fuji or Specialised Roubaix? Terra is Latin for Earth so I doubt it could be trademarked
@@theelliottdavidsoify I doubt that we know that for sure....at a minimum the lack of creativity or original approach is enough of a turn off for me. I mean how much (or little) thought did they give this thing??
Orro have been using the name Terra since 2014…
@@paulbutler8998 Thanks. I just read that. Never heard of them prior to this video
"gravel bike" is like Formula 1 car on wet tires
You don’t understand bikes
Knock Off Orbea Terra
How is it a knock-off if Orro have been using the name Terra since before Orbea?
@@MrSoundperfection when did I ask brother?
@@hazfilms5363 your reply makes no sense, I was just pointing out it's not a knock-off, if you knew anything about the brand and industry you'd know this
You didn't ask Haz, but when you're talking rubbish people like to clear up your misinformation!!!!
@davidarthur you have a very narrow view of what a gravel bike can be, so much so it renders your review here a bit unhelpful. In fact, I think you should just get yourself a mountain bike and be happy.
Thanks but I disagree