Giant ToughRoad 2 gravel bike review

Cost ★★★★☆

Performance ★★★★☆

Overall ★★★★☆

Verdict: an excellent entry-level gravel bike that serves as a great start for bikepacking adventures!

After getting bitten by the bikepacking bug back in 2018, I decided I should invest in an entry-level gravel bike to see how interesting it really is (I love it is the short answer!).

The Giant ToughRoad 2 is a rugged and versatile gravel bike designed for off-road adventures and cycle touring. It is built around a hydroformed aluminium frame (referred to Aluxx technology). The bike is equipped with 700c wheels, which offer a balance of speed and stability, and it has a wide range of gears (16 in a 2 x 8 setup), making it suitable for steep inclines, descents, and on the flat.

The bike also features durable and reliable components such as cable disc brakes, which provide decent stopping power in adverse weather conditions however these can take a while to bed in and aren’t always dependable in the wet. The bike also has quite wide tires (23C) that provide good traction on dirt and gravel roads yet travel fast on roads – making it a good all-rounder. Additionally, it has a lot of tyre clearance and so could appears that it could take 29” wheels with a 2.2” tyre – but this would need checking first.

The ToughRoad 2 also has a variety of mounting options for accessories such as racks, bags, and bottles, making it a great choice for touring or bikepacking. It also has a comfortable riding position that makes it suitable for long rides – particularly if you add aero bars.

Overall, the Giant ToughRoad 2 is a great bike for those who are looking for a versatile and durable bike that can handle off-road adventures and touring. It is a good combination of speed, comfort, and durability and it is suitable for a wide range of riders and riding styles.