u/Agreeable_Cap_6496

I want/need to replace my 13-year-old Trek Domane - main reasons are wider tires, better gearing, and hydraulic brakes. I also wanted to make the switch to electronic shifting since I am spoiled with my mountain bikes. I am not a racer and am looking for a bike that is comfortable and supports climbs - my current 34 to 28 lowest gear is not good enough. Had a chance to ride 34 to 36 - that felt better - but the gravel bikes offer more. Unfortunately, I waited too long and the supply of Giant bikes in size medium in the US is pretty much zero. The only one I could find is a Revolt Advanced Pro 0 - seems to be overkill to me - but that is why I am looking for some advice and feedback. I am a 68-year-old male retired - ride a lot mountain and road - just for fun and to stay fit. Total between MTB and road about 4-5k miles a year.

My old HAWG backpack, which is now 10-15 years old, has been falling apart. It also had a tendency to bounce around when fully loaded, but it served me well on thousands of miles of mountain biking over the years. However, all the newer models from CamelBak didn’t impress me, especially the shoulder straps, which seemed too thin for a 7+ kg heavy fully loaded backpack on longer rides (3 liters of water, tools/spare parts, warmer clothing, and snacks).

The new model is a great improvement and didn’t bother me during my last 6-hour, 5000-foot mountain bike ride. It has many good features and is supposed to be weather-protected. I usually threw my old backpack into the washing machine if it became dirty and covered with sweat stains. I’m not sure if I can do this with the new one. So far, I’m impressed.

Not really sure what to buy - was looking at Defy and Revolt

2026 Camelbak HAWG experience