Giant’s Revel 0 W is a really nice entry level mountain bike for women. Giant Bikes are the world’s largest cycle manufacturer and have been making bikes since 1972, so there is quite a heritage in all their bikes, as well as some pretty good technology.
The Revel range is sort of similar to Specialized’s Hardrock range – it’s the company’s minimum standard for a good quality mountain bike (MTB). Spending less than £400-500 on a bike is false economy, as the frame and components are going to be on the heavy site. Also try taking it off road and you are going to start having problems with mechanical failure pretty quickly.
The Revel 0 W (W meaning women’s) comes in three sizes (14”,16” and 18”)and stood out to us the other day with its white colour scheme, a bit refreshing from the usual pink and green finishes, which have become a bit stereotypical for women’s bikes of late.
What sets a good quality branded bike apart from its lower-end rivals, is not only the lightweight aluminium frame (Giant use Aluxx aluminium just like on their high-end mountain bikes), but the geometry and components. Here’s why I think you are better of spending a few extra ‘£’ on your next bike:
Geometry – you may not realise it, but a bike has some finely tuned angles that are designed to have a massive effect on its performance and/or comfort. Buy a cheap rival and you going to have something thrown together rather than a bike designed to provide the most comfortable ride possible – and believe me when I say Giant have a lot of experience there.
Components – Un-branded components are usually the first thing to break on low-end bikes. Spending that little bit more and getting Shimano parts is well worth it in the long run. There’s nothing worse than having to bring a 3 month old bike into a workshop because a cheap part has failed.
Suspension – Suntour XCT forks aren’t ever going to be as good as some of the Fox or Rock Shox offerings on the market, but then you are never going to need that functionality. Recreational mountain bikes are designed to be comfortable, fun and not trail centre destroying machines. The difference between these forks and unbranded is that they’ll keep working, and more importantly are serviceable so they don’t seize – a common cheap fork problem.
Brakes – low budget breaks are normally rim mounted or cheap, ineffective cable pull disks. Spending that little bit more on the Revel will get you hydraulic disk brakes – powerful and safe.
Upgradeability – the great thing about branded bikes is that you can change and upgrade most of the components. So, want a more comfortable saddle? You can fit one, and have far more options when you do.
Weight – and mentioned, the Revel 0 is made from Giant’s AlluxX aluminium making it lightweight. That means it will be easier to pedal, easier to put on your roof rack and generally more fun to ride.
The Revel 0 W is a perfect bike for anyone looking to ride recreationally on cycle paths and would even make a comfortable shorter commute bike. The Revel 0 W is a far better investment than a cheaper rival and would last you for a few years more, and I guarantee it would be more comfortable to ride.
Also worth a look:
Giant 2012 brochure:
