I’m In the bike industry and I have had the luxury to literally ride almost every top bike 50+ in the world and I can tell you right now this bike is at the very top!
I own a rascal and I'd say you're pretty spot on with everything but I wanted to respond to a few things 1) creaking is real. Mine developed creaks in the first 6 months of ownership. Nowhere near as bad as this video. Luckily, revel has an amazing warranty and they covered the cost of replacement bearings even though they don't explicitly state that like Santa Cruz does. I've heard nothing but good things about their warranty department so if you did own this bike and it had this excessive creaking they'd do anything they needed to take care of it. Definitely does eat through bearings though. 2) I did disagree a little with your opinions on climbing. Yes, the seat angle is slack for modern winch up the fire road climbs, but this bike is a godsend if you live somewhere that has almost exclusively tech climbs or more "traversing" climbing. Slack seat angle is good if you're mostly on flatish ground. The axle path just makes rocks disappear as you get up and over them and I think that's the most immediate difference I notice when I ride the rascal vs other bikes. Yes there's bob when you really push on the climbs, but the traction is unreal. I also felt like it was a little unfair to keep comparing it to bikes like the Ripley and ranger and to some extent the sentinel because it's meant to kind of rest between the two and be for someone that wants to be able to go a little harder on the descents than a Ripley or something would, but not be a big unwieldy bike and I think it's exactly that. A bit of a jack of all trades master of none, but I think depending on where you live it can be a better choice than some of the bikes you mention. I'm in new England and it feels almost tailor made for the area although I do sometimes wish it was either more xc or more Enduro focused depending on what I'm riding. Great review and good analysis all around though.
Also a Rascal owner. Interesting to hear that they covered bearing replacement. Mine also developed horrible creaking after ~8 months, but simply taking apart the suspension, cleaning, and regreasing has been enough to silence it completely for going on 3 months now. Seems that the design is just sensitive to ingress of debris. I did notice the bearings were notchy when it was disassembled, but the suspension action is smooth when assembled, so I'm not concerned.
@@segamethod yeah, tbh I did not service it myself. Just took it to a dealer who spoke with them and determined it needed new bearings and spoke with revel who offered replacing for free. I spent 50 in labor but that's it. Was really glad I went with revel. I've also heard from another revel rider I met on the trails that they were super generous replacing a frame that broke due to a faulty shock that wasn't revels fault at all.
I’ve had my Rascal for a year now with no issues at all. No creaking at all but I also regularly wash and do maintenance but I have not done anything to the suspension pivots. I love the bike as a do it all for the southwest. It is an awesome bike and the company has fantastic customer service as well. Highly recommend it.
I don’t think the CBF climbs any better than Santa Cruz also the Rascal is quite heavy but I still like it , I might buy one but I’m thinking the YT Izzo is lighter and more fun maybe also better at climbing? Any comments?
I built my Rascal frame up a year ago. It's a best bike I've ever ridden or owned. The grip from the cbf climbing and descending are unmatched in my opinion.
I have owned the rascel for 2 years now. I have had the creeking problem as well. It was an easy fix with tighting. For me, this is the best bikes I have ever owned. I am weigh 250 lbs on my best day and I abuse every bike I have had. So far the maintenance has been easy. I would say, I would prefer a 150 fork since I tend to max the fork off most drops. As you can imagine, I am not a fast climber, but this suspension has made a huge difference for me.
I own a Rascal as of January this year and I live/ride in the Springs. I have brought and rode in on trails ranging from Colorado, Arizona, to California, and I shopped a number of other bikes before settling on the Rascal. I *almost* waited for the new Rail29 but was talked into trying out a Rascal, and I haven't turned back. The bike is the most fun bike to ride that I have ever been on, and it does everything I want it to do. The travel numbers initial seemed like they may be on the low side but I have had the complete opposite experience. The faster it goes, the more stable it feels, too, so it really adapts like a good bike needs to. After test riding, I easily settled on the Rascal over some popular larger travel bikes. At any rate, I only post back to say great video and the squeaking is definitely the case of it being a rental bike. My Rascal only makes the sounds you would expect. As for heel strikes, I use SPDs and so my foot positioning is more or less locked in, and I have no issues. I'm not trying to be contrary to the video, but I wanted to provide some feedback in the event that anyone reads the comments as, when I spent last year and early this year spec'ing and shopping bikes, I watched this video and had a doubt about Revel until I rode one. CBF is amazing and the best suspension out there (IMHO)
Matt, i just broke my hand unfortunatley. But that is not the story here, the story here is the rascal. i rode one at a demo this summer after riding many other bikes. jeffsy, hightower, capra and the rascal. I own the capra and got on the rascal and was blown away riding some pretty big jumps and drops. The rascal was so poppy and playful. Epic so i BOUGHT MY first ever brand new bike the rascal x01. f*ck it even financing it because its just so good. i dont care about the geo, the suspension is unreal! just got it and since the broken hand havent been able to ride it so stoke to ride it. How do you like it?
@@mikenbikes9192 I'm eleven months in on the bike and still love it. I've rode it both in the Hawes area near Phoenix and on the front range in Colorado, and it eats up everything I throw at it. The pedaling/climbing is amazing and it is super fun downhill. My prior MTB had more travel and was slacker as a result, so I've had to learn to ride back a little more with the Rascal. I really like that though bc it is part of its versatility. I have taken it on flat trails to blacks/double blacks and had a great time on every single one. It is a one quiver bike for me, and most of my riding involves segments of steeps, drops, jumps, etc., but it can still rock on the flatter trails, too. I don't think you will regret your choice :)
Great review! I will say, I have owned this bike for over a year now and I think it's the best climbing bike I have experienced. I have never tried the Ranger but I have the Rail 29 and that bike is super fun, especially if you need the extra travel for the downhill stuff. I have a Rascal vs Rail 29 review on my channel if you are interested, I am happy to answer any questions you have for both.
finally got to ride one!! awesome bike, seems like many 120mm-130mm travel bikes go nuts with "efficiency" but when I ride these super efficient bikes they just feel like they almost lock out under hard power.... perfect for screaming up double track or smooth trail and standing sprints but on technical climbs I end up using an absolute ton of body English and hop/lung over obstacles so I dont spin the rear wheel making them far less efficient on the fun trails. The Rascal was firm enough not soft of mushy (not bobbing up and down if you are reasonably smooth)... but the suspension stayed active so I could grind over tech in a low gear or more middle low gear. Deal breaker for me was at 6'3" more leg than average the stack hight of the XL was insanely low and I probably would have wanted a bit more reach as well... the stack was nuts, saddle to bar drop looked like a pros road race bike LOL Not sure why this happens but its really common that bikes down scale up or down evenly from a medium.... they get 30% longer but like 4% taller stack, same going small they get shorter reach but the stack only drops a smidge (but at least that way you can get a neg rise stem and flat bar) other than 30mm riser a bar your stuck with a low stack when you are tall.
I'd hit that every day, the climb to Chutes is pretty easy. Jacks can be terrifying if it hasn't had rain in awhile "loosest stuff you've ever ridden" is a very accurate description of it. The Jacks/Chutes ride is also kinda funny, the climb isn't bad ... until Buckhorn then it becomes the most soul draining climb of your life.
I own a 2019 Rascal and love it. I switch between my Yeti SB100 and this. The Rascal is my “all-day” adventure bike that can handle pretty much anything I throw at it. It’s relatively efficient to pedal and just gobbles up the chunk. When I jump on the SB100 I realize how much heavier the Rascal is but that is to be expected. I have absolutely zero regrets in buying the bike and would gladly buy another one when the time comes.
I bought the ranger and built it full scram xo with Sid 120 ultimate and I love it! I ride a lot of flow trails with lots of climbing and the bike climbs great to me and the guys are super helpful I had to call them twice to get the right bottom bracket spacing they told me exactly what shims to use and we’re glad to talk to me on the phone which was impressive. I wonder if that creeping was the bottom bracket my bike is totally silent. Love your videos!
So many things that can cause creaks on a bike. Fortunately the saddle one is fairly easy to diagnose because you just get out of the saddle! The seat post is also one.
Awesome Review ! I live in Denver and will check out the Bike shop to test ride in the Springs. I have an older EVIL and want to keep that as my bike park destroyer
Morning Clint, First off, love your videos and honest reviews. As a 45 year old, I appreciate your maturity and straightforward reviews as opposed to other you tubers focused on more “kiddish” viewers. I live in North Ga & ride a lot of trails you do. Only a few hours from Brevard which is one of my favorite places. I recently sold my Trance Advanced & purchased a Revel Rascal. It did take a few rides to get more used to it. I love it!! It climbs very well & descends even better. I demoed sev bikes prior to pulling the trigger on the Rascal. No creaks on mine but it seems to be a common complaint for some. Leaving to go ride Bear/P1/P2 now… Happy Trails & Thanks for your review.
We'll have to get together for a ride next time I'm up there! You're riding one of my favorite trails today. I actually have a question for you. If you're on Instagram shoot me a private message @Clintg37.
I’ve been on my 2020 rail for a year as my one and only do it all bike. I’m still loving it. I am one of those that feel better on the 27.5 wheel size so I lean towards the rail. If they made a 130ish travel 27.5 bike I would love to get on one just a touch lighter is all
Clint, first you reviewed my new bike rack (Quikrstuff) and now you’re reviewing the bike brand that I currently have on order (Ranger). Great minds think alike! I hope the bike purchase turns out as well as the rack purchase.
I have a 2020 Rascal X01 build. No creaks on mine. Seems to be a good all around bike. Does everything fairly well but not great at anything. It’s a heavy bike though, I think it’s around 31lbs in a size large. The rear suspension really shines on fast chunky downhills. My only compliant is that it feels a little small for me at 6’ tall.I didn’t get a chance to demo one before buying or I probably would have gone for the XL.
My Rascal creaked like crazy until I replaced the pivots. A good bike but I wish the reach was a bit longer and the seat tube a bit steeper. Otherwise, a good bike.
Looking at a 2021 YETI SB 115 T-2 XO build, sold my 2019 RM instinct BC about 6 months ago and missing a nice bike. The 115 is substantially lighter than my RM and at age 66 i really dont ride aggressive enough to need an enduro bike, just going to upgrade the wheels to YISHUN wheels with 240 hubs and light at 1400 grams. I saw a youtube 115 bike build and the builder used them, i messaged him and he said excellent and has used them even for enduro, price in about $950.00 shipped so a great deal, the SB 115 will be a good 4 pounds lighter and with 10-52 and a 30 tooth crank sprocket be easy to climb, STOCK weight on the T-2 is 27 even, wheels should drop about a pound and i have a Selle San Marco Aspide 147 gram seat with carbon rails i can throw on, its 140 wide so fine for trail riding not only a road saddle.
Clint, great video and review, I’m in the research mode and don’t have an LBS that sell them in Michigan. I currently own a 2018 Pivot Mach 429 Trail (M). I’ve am in my 5th season but looking at the Rascal, but my concern is sizing. I’m 5’8” with a 29 1/2 inseam. I like a playful and responsive bike without feeling to long or big that I would lose these characteristics.
5'8" 30 in inseam and my medium is perfect! Did you get one and if so do you like it compared to your Pivot? I had a gen 1 switchblade and find this bike more plush and capable.
@@cosmicheretic8129 I did. Since I bought it in Late September i didn’t get as much time to ride here in Michigan due to our sometimes 4 seasons in one day 😆. Looking forward to the summertime to really send it.
As a current owner of a Giant Advance Pro 1 29er (and I know you've ridden this one a bit) how do you think the Rascal compares? As usual, nice review and great, quality content. : )
The Rascal just feels more capable as a downhill bike. Geo is a bit slacker and travel is longer. The regular trance 29 is probably a better climbing bike.
Hi Clint! How you will compare Rascal Vs Spur ,overall but specially on descends, on the chunk, you think its a lot of diference? Its 20mm in the front and 10mm in the rear suspension, but the more agresive geo, and maybe the transition platform do they can handle rough descends well? My local trails are quite broken, with many rockgardens, so a friends its with rascal pretty good on this trails, but not sure if spur will be close or not..because on climbs, and normal trails i think spur its clear winner. I like this capable 140 trail bikes like rascal, yeti sb130, propain hugene, but are kind of heavy, maybe stumpjumper...but not sure if descend same of better than spur. Thanks again for the feedback
I would say that the spur climbs better in the rascal is just slightly more composed over rougher terrain. But the spur continues to surprise me with how smooth it rides for bike with only 120 front and rear.
I own both the Spur and Rascal. I will say the Spur is sportier, light and will be my choice for non technical terrain. I was the first person to install a Float X shock on the Spur and it transformed the bike. It really helps it get thru the chunder easier. However my hands 🙌 will end up hurting after a ride. The Rascal climbs rocky terrain much better than Spur or Ripmo V1. The Ripmo beats it on descents because the front suspension (160mm vs 140mm fork) however the rear suspension absorbs the chatter impact better. The Rascal doesn’t give me the hand pain or the Ripmo V1. FYI Ripmo V1 and Spur have the exact geometry.
@@pjsanab thanks for the feedback!! Just one question Rascal with carbon wheels around how much weight will be? I do some long rides and total weight of this bikes is one point to have a one quiver bike.
@@gabrielmarias972 Rascal is not a light weight bike. Spur or Ripley are light weights. If I have to estimate my Rascal is at 30lbs with Carbon hoops & light weight tires it might get close to 29lbs. For reference a Spur GX stock is around 26lbs.
Not so sure the Ranger is to be compared with the Spur. Head tube angle is much steeper. The ranger has a trail bike suspension design, downcountry travels and XC head angle. Not sure why they made that choice. Give it another degree and it's on par with a Ripley. As it is, I'm not confident coming down steep technical terrain on it.
This review caught my attention for a couple of reasons. First, I'm planning on renting a Revel Rascal out in Sedona in December. Never been on a Revel before so was definitely interested in your ride impressions. My current FS ride is a 2016 Yeti SB5, so won't exactly be an apples-to-apples comparison between the two bikes. Am curious to see how the Rascal handles some of the techy rock sections in Sedona after hearing your comments on the confidence factor in that type of terrain. Second, my wife and I love the Colorado Springs area but have never gone riding there. Was wondering what trails you hit there, since they looked like a blast from your video.
I live in Prescott and have ridden Sedona numerous times. I think you will love the Revel. I’ve had mine for a year now, no issues. No creaks, no problems. I love the bike and think it’s perfect if you want one bike for everything. It climbs well, handles well and goes downhill really fast! Love it.
Thanks for review on some other bikes...demos a good way to do this on your travels ... however as you know demo bikes can have mechanical issues and you don't have time to dial in so harder to compare to your own bikes....no gloves on one of your rides?
The Spur feels a lot lighter and climbs better. The Rascal is stiffer laterally and feels a bit more solid on the descents. On these trails I’d probably choose the Spur.
The amount of great bikes these days is amazing, so many choices. Long gone are the days where there's only maybe a half dozen brands you'd actually consider owning.
Numbers are sometimes not the end all be all for climbing. Chainstay length, actual seat post position, and suspension kinematics all matter for climbing as well.
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I’m In the bike industry and I have had the luxury to literally ride almost every top bike 50+ in the world and I can tell you right now this bike is at the very top!
I own a rascal and I'd say you're pretty spot on with everything but I wanted to respond to a few things
1) creaking is real. Mine developed creaks in the first 6 months of ownership. Nowhere near as bad as this video. Luckily, revel has an amazing warranty and they covered the cost of replacement bearings even though they don't explicitly state that like Santa Cruz does. I've heard nothing but good things about their warranty department so if you did own this bike and it had this excessive creaking they'd do anything they needed to take care of it. Definitely does eat through bearings though.
2) I did disagree a little with your opinions on climbing. Yes, the seat angle is slack for modern winch up the fire road climbs, but this bike is a godsend if you live somewhere that has almost exclusively tech climbs or more "traversing" climbing. Slack seat angle is good if you're mostly on flatish ground. The axle path just makes rocks disappear as you get up and over them and I think that's the most immediate difference I notice when I ride the rascal vs other bikes. Yes there's bob when you really push on the climbs, but the traction is unreal.
I also felt like it was a little unfair to keep comparing it to bikes like the Ripley and ranger and to some extent the sentinel because it's meant to kind of rest between the two and be for someone that wants to be able to go a little harder on the descents than a Ripley or something would, but not be a big unwieldy bike and I think it's exactly that. A bit of a jack of all trades master of none, but I think depending on where you live it can be a better choice than some of the bikes you mention. I'm in new England and it feels almost tailor made for the area although I do sometimes wish it was either more xc or more Enduro focused depending on what I'm riding. Great review and good analysis all around though.
Also a Rascal owner. Interesting to hear that they covered bearing replacement. Mine also developed horrible creaking after ~8 months, but simply taking apart the suspension, cleaning, and regreasing has been enough to silence it completely for going on 3 months now. Seems that the design is just sensitive to ingress of debris. I did notice the bearings were notchy when it was disassembled, but the suspension action is smooth when assembled, so I'm not concerned.
@@segamethod yeah, tbh I did not service it myself. Just took it to a dealer who spoke with them and determined it needed new bearings and spoke with revel who offered replacing for free. I spent 50 in labor but that's it. Was really glad I went with revel. I've also heard from another revel rider I met on the trails that they were super generous replacing a frame that broke due to a faulty shock that wasn't revels fault at all.
I’ve had my Rascal for a year now with no issues at all. No creaking at all but I also regularly wash and do maintenance but I have not done anything to the suspension pivots. I love the bike as a do it all for the southwest. It is an awesome bike and the company has fantastic customer service as well. Highly recommend it.
Goat comment
I don’t think the CBF climbs any better than Santa Cruz also the Rascal is quite heavy but I still like it , I might buy one but I’m thinking the YT Izzo is lighter and more fun maybe also better at climbing? Any comments?
I built my Rascal frame up a year ago. It's a best bike I've ever ridden or owned. The grip from the cbf climbing and descending are unmatched in my opinion.
I have owned the rascel for 2 years now. I have had the creeking problem as well. It was an easy fix with tighting. For me, this is the best bikes I have ever owned. I am weigh 250 lbs on my best day and I abuse every bike I have had. So far the maintenance has been easy. I would say, I would prefer a 150 fork since I tend to max the fork off most drops. As you can imagine, I am not a fast climber, but this suspension has made a huge difference for me.
I own a Rascal as of January this year and I live/ride in the Springs. I have brought and rode in on trails ranging from Colorado, Arizona, to California, and I shopped a number of other bikes before settling on the Rascal. I *almost* waited for the new Rail29 but was talked into trying out a Rascal, and I haven't turned back. The bike is the most fun bike to ride that I have ever been on, and it does everything I want it to do. The travel numbers initial seemed like they may be on the low side but I have had the complete opposite experience. The faster it goes, the more stable it feels, too, so it really adapts like a good bike needs to. After test riding, I easily settled on the Rascal over some popular larger travel bikes.
At any rate, I only post back to say great video and the squeaking is definitely the case of it being a rental bike. My Rascal only makes the sounds you would expect. As for heel strikes, I use SPDs and so my foot positioning is more or less locked in, and I have no issues. I'm not trying to be contrary to the video, but I wanted to provide some feedback in the event that anyone reads the comments as, when I spent last year and early this year spec'ing and shopping bikes, I watched this video and had a doubt about Revel until I rode one. CBF is amazing and the best suspension out there (IMHO)
Matt, i just broke my hand unfortunatley. But that is not the story here, the story here is the rascal. i rode one at a demo this summer after riding many other bikes. jeffsy, hightower, capra and the rascal. I own the capra and got on the rascal and was blown away riding some pretty big jumps and drops. The rascal was so poppy and playful. Epic so i BOUGHT MY first ever brand new bike the rascal x01. f*ck it even financing it because its just so good. i dont care about the geo, the suspension is unreal! just got it and since the broken hand havent been able to ride it so stoke to ride it. How do you like it?
@@mikenbikes9192 I'm eleven months in on the bike and still love it. I've rode it both in the Hawes area near Phoenix and on the front range in Colorado, and it eats up everything I throw at it. The pedaling/climbing is amazing and it is super fun downhill. My prior MTB had more travel and was slacker as a result, so I've had to learn to ride back a little more with the Rascal. I really like that though bc it is part of its versatility. I have taken it on flat trails to blacks/double blacks and had a great time on every single one. It is a one quiver bike for me, and most of my riding involves segments of steeps, drops, jumps, etc., but it can still rock on the flatter trails, too. I don't think you will regret your choice :)
Great review! I will say, I have owned this bike for over a year now and I think it's the best climbing bike I have experienced. I have never tried the Ranger but I have the Rail 29 and that bike is super fun, especially if you need the extra travel for the downhill stuff. I have a Rascal vs Rail 29 review on my channel if you are interested, I am happy to answer any questions you have for both.
finally got to ride one!! awesome bike, seems like many 120mm-130mm travel bikes go nuts with "efficiency" but when I ride these super efficient bikes they just feel like they almost lock out under hard power.... perfect for screaming up double track or smooth trail and standing sprints but on technical climbs I end up using an absolute ton of body English and hop/lung over obstacles so I dont spin the rear wheel making them far less efficient on the fun trails. The Rascal was firm enough not soft of mushy (not bobbing up and down if you are reasonably smooth)... but the suspension stayed active so I could grind over tech in a low gear or more middle low gear. Deal breaker for me was at 6'3" more leg than average the stack hight of the XL was insanely low and I probably would have wanted a bit more reach as well... the stack was nuts, saddle to bar drop looked like a pros road race bike LOL Not sure why this happens but its really common that bikes down scale up or down evenly from a medium.... they get 30% longer but like 4% taller stack, same going small they get shorter reach but the stack only drops a smidge (but at least that way you can get a neg rise stem and flat bar) other than 30mm riser a bar your stuck with a low stack when you are tall.
Imagine having the Chutes as your after work lap all the time. Great review.
Love Jacks and the Chutes! Really wish I’d ridden them one more time before moving to NC
I'd hit that every day, the climb to Chutes is pretty easy. Jacks can be terrifying if it hasn't had rain in awhile "loosest stuff you've ever ridden" is a very accurate description of it. The Jacks/Chutes ride is also kinda funny, the climb isn't bad ... until Buckhorn then it becomes the most soul draining climb of your life.
I have this bike now and its super good, cant complain about anything as far as a trail bike goes.
I own a 2019 Rascal and love it. I switch between my Yeti SB100 and this. The Rascal is my “all-day” adventure bike that can handle pretty much anything I throw at it. It’s relatively efficient to pedal and just gobbles up the chunk. When I jump on the SB100 I realize how much heavier the Rascal is but that is to be expected. I have absolutely zero regrets in buying the bike and would gladly buy another one when the time comes.
This past may I ride the same bike from that shop. Loved it
I bought the ranger and built it full scram xo with Sid 120 ultimate and I love it! I ride a lot of flow trails with lots of climbing and the bike climbs great to me and the guys are super helpful I had to call them twice to get the right bottom bracket spacing they told me exactly what shims to use and we’re glad to talk to me on the phone which was impressive. I wonder if that creeping was the bottom bracket my bike is totally silent. Love your videos!
I had the same creaking on my bike. It was the dirty saddle runners.
So many things that can cause creaks on a bike. Fortunately the saddle one is fairly easy to diagnose because you just get out of the saddle! The seat post is also one.
Awesome Review ! I live in Denver and will check out the Bike shop to test ride in the Springs. I have an older EVIL and want to keep that as my bike park destroyer
Morning Clint,
First off, love your videos and honest reviews. As a 45 year old, I appreciate your maturity and straightforward reviews as opposed to other you tubers focused on more “kiddish” viewers. I live in North Ga & ride a lot of trails you do. Only a few hours from Brevard which is one of my favorite places.
I recently sold my Trance Advanced & purchased a Revel Rascal. It did take a few rides to get more used to it. I love it!! It climbs very well & descends even better. I demoed sev bikes prior to pulling the trigger on the Rascal. No creaks on mine but it seems to be a common complaint for some.
Leaving to go ride Bear/P1/P2 now…
Happy Trails & Thanks for your review.
We'll have to get together for a ride next time I'm up there! You're riding one of my favorite trails today. I actually have a question for you. If you're on Instagram shoot me a private message @Clintg37.
I’ve been on my 2020 rail for a year as my one and only do it all bike. I’m still loving it. I am one of those that feel better on the 27.5 wheel size so I lean towards the rail. If they made a 130ish travel 27.5 bike I would love to get on one just a touch lighter is all
in the same boat...im 5'10 on a medium rail with a 50mm stem
Clint, first you reviewed my new bike rack (Quikrstuff) and now you’re reviewing the bike brand that I currently have on order (Ranger). Great minds think alike! I hope the bike purchase turns out as well as the rack purchase.
The suspension creaking is definitely a thing. In the pivots. Sold my first one and am building a second. Needed to size up. Nice review.
Took 7 weeks to get my charcoal Ranger XX1 AXS and wow! I rode a SC Superlite since 1999. Not anymore! :))
I have a 2020 Rascal X01 build. No creaks on mine. Seems to be a good all around bike. Does everything fairly well but not great at anything. It’s a heavy bike though, I think it’s around 31lbs in a size large. The rear suspension really shines on fast chunky downhills. My only compliant is that it feels a little small for me at 6’ tall.I didn’t get a chance to demo one before buying or I probably would have gone for the XL.
Just got my Rascal frame and fork last week. Just a brake bleed and chain cutting away from riding it! Thanks for the review.
My Rascal creaked like crazy until I replaced the pivots. A good bike but I wish the reach was a bit longer and the seat tube a bit steeper. Otherwise, a good bike.
Nice review as always!
That creaking sounds like the seat rails
It is the seat. I just replaced mine and creaking went away.
Looking at a 2021 YETI SB 115 T-2 XO build, sold my 2019 RM instinct BC about 6 months ago and missing a nice bike. The 115 is substantially lighter than my RM and at age 66 i really dont ride aggressive enough to need an enduro bike, just going to upgrade the wheels to YISHUN wheels with 240 hubs and light at 1400 grams. I saw a youtube 115 bike build and the builder used them, i messaged him and he said excellent and has used them even for enduro, price in about $950.00 shipped so a great deal, the SB 115 will be a good 4 pounds lighter and with 10-52 and a 30 tooth crank sprocket be easy to climb, STOCK weight on the T-2 is 27 even, wheels should drop about a pound and i have a Selle San Marco Aspide 147 gram seat with carbon rails i can throw on, its 140 wide so fine for trail riding not only a road saddle.
I have a 2012 Canfield One , no creaking :-) 7-8" of peddle friendly travel
Clint, great video and review, I’m in the research mode and don’t have an LBS that sell them in Michigan. I currently own a 2018 Pivot Mach 429 Trail (M). I’ve am in my 5th season but looking at the Rascal, but my concern is sizing. I’m 5’8” with a 29 1/2 inseam. I like a playful and responsive bike without feeling to long or big that I would lose these characteristics.
I’m 5’8” but with a 31 inch inseam. The medium felt great.
5'8" 30 in inseam and my medium is perfect! Did you get one and if so do you like it compared to your Pivot? I had a gen 1 switchblade and find this bike more plush and capable.
@@cosmicheretic8129 I did. Since I bought it in Late September i didn’t get as much time to ride here in Michigan due to our sometimes 4 seasons in one day 😆. Looking forward to the summertime to really send it.
@@JesusRescuesUs3-16 Hopefully your weather is getting better. I am about to switch from my winter to my summer tires on mine.
"Loosest stuff I've ever ridden" Yup that sounds like Captain Jacks
There’s nothing quite like the disintegrating granite in the Springs! Definitely take a bit to get used to
We have it up here in Wyoming too, Buff Creek really felt just like Gowdy the first time I rode it haha
It’s too bad guerilla gravity didn’t make it. Small
Company in Colorado was anyhow.
Hey bud. Great video. My Revel shows up this week. What did you use for the wrap material?
Thanks
Sorry, not sure what you mean by the wrap material? It was a rental bike.
As a current owner of a Giant Advance Pro 1 29er (and I know you've ridden this one a bit) how do you think the Rascal compares? As usual, nice review and great, quality content. : )
The Rascal just feels more capable as a downhill bike. Geo is a bit slacker and travel is longer. The regular trance 29 is probably a better climbing bike.
Great video! Have you had a chance to ride their rover gravel bike? Very few reviews out on that
Not yet. I may try to reach out to them for a demo
Hi Clint! How you will compare Rascal Vs Spur ,overall but specially on descends, on the chunk, you think its a lot of diference? Its 20mm in the front and 10mm in the rear suspension, but the more agresive geo, and maybe the transition platform do they can handle rough descends well?
My local trails are quite broken, with many rockgardens, so a friends its with rascal pretty good on this trails, but not sure if spur will be close or not..because on climbs, and normal trails i think spur its clear winner.
I like this capable 140 trail bikes like rascal, yeti sb130, propain hugene, but are kind of heavy, maybe stumpjumper...but not sure if descend same of better than spur.
Thanks again for the feedback
I would say that the spur climbs better in the rascal is just slightly more composed over rougher terrain. But the spur continues to surprise me with how smooth it rides for bike with only 120 front and rear.
I own both the Spur and Rascal. I will say the Spur is sportier, light and will be my choice for non technical terrain. I was the first person to install a Float X shock on the Spur and it transformed the bike. It really helps it get thru the chunder easier. However my hands 🙌 will end up hurting after a ride.
The Rascal climbs rocky terrain much better than Spur or Ripmo V1. The Ripmo beats it on descents because the front suspension (160mm vs 140mm fork) however the rear suspension absorbs the chatter impact better. The Rascal doesn’t give me the hand pain or the Ripmo V1.
FYI Ripmo V1 and Spur have the exact geometry.
@@pjsanab thanks for the feedback!! Just one question Rascal with carbon wheels around how much weight will be? I do some long rides and total weight of this bikes is one point to have a one quiver bike.
@@gabrielmarias972 Rascal is not a light weight bike. Spur or Ripley are light weights. If I have to estimate my Rascal is at 30lbs with Carbon hoops & light weight tires it might get close to 29lbs.
For reference a Spur GX stock is around 26lbs.
Not so sure the Ranger is to be compared with the Spur. Head tube angle is much steeper. The ranger has a trail bike suspension design, downcountry travels and XC head angle. Not sure why they made that choice. Give it another degree and it's on par with a Ripley. As it is, I'm not confident coming down steep technical terrain on it.
Ranger rips. Perfect geometry for a trail bike. I don't want a sled for Trail.
What was the trail you rode there in Colorado Springs?
Quite a few. Main ones were Captain Jack's and Chutes.
This review caught my attention for a couple of reasons. First, I'm planning on renting a Revel Rascal out in Sedona in December. Never been on a Revel before so was definitely interested in your ride impressions. My current FS ride is a 2016 Yeti SB5, so won't exactly be an apples-to-apples comparison between the two bikes. Am curious to see how the Rascal handles some of the techy rock sections in Sedona after hearing your comments on the confidence factor in that type of terrain. Second, my wife and I love the Colorado Springs area but have never gone riding there. Was wondering what trails you hit there, since they looked like a blast from your video.
Let me know your thoughts on the Revel. The Stratton Lower trailhead is a good one and accesses the trails I show in the video.
I live in Prescott and have ridden Sedona numerous times. I think you will love the Revel. I’ve had mine for a year now, no issues. No creaks, no problems. I love the bike and think it’s perfect if you want one bike for everything. It climbs well, handles well and goes downhill really fast! Love it.
@@joegomes1352 Giant makes really good bikes. I just don’t have a solid connection for bikes with them anymore.
EXELENTE BICICLETA
Thanks for review on some other bikes...demos a good way to do this on your travels ... however as you know demo bikes can have mechanical issues and you don't have time to dial in so harder to compare to your own bikes....no gloves on one of your rides?
I had not read that trail system in a while and I was having to check trail forks like every 5 minutes which is why I kept gloves off!
The only real mechanical issue was the constant creaking. But like I said in the video I didn't really fault it, being a demo bike.
@@ClintGibbs Fox makes some nice gloves that are compatible with touch screens.
How does this compare to your spur..??
The Spur feels a lot lighter and climbs better. The Rascal is stiffer laterally and feels a bit more solid on the descents. On these trails I’d probably choose the Spur.
@@ClintGibbs do you feel like the spur manages it's travel pretty well?
@@kaylorperatt4026 definitely
Is the frame made in Colorado?
Yes
Carbon Made in Taiwan, but assembled in CO, I believe
Which trail did you ride? Looks so fun!
A lot of it was Captain Jack’s and Chutes
Saw White Acres and Hannah Montana too, both in RRCOS, and Buckhorn of course
The amount of great bikes these days is amazing, so many choices. Long gone are the days where there's only maybe a half dozen brands you'd actually consider owning.
Clint searched your Channel for a Niner rip 9 rdo 29er. Prolly missed it but would like your input.
th-cam.com/video/UbEJyVhZlKA/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/WVbbsRsnPyA/w-d-xo.html
Man I found it. Guess I was being a knucklehead. Thanks
I think the creaking is due to poor bike maintenance. Hosing the bike down and not drying it correctly
One year on a Ranger. Love it with the 130mm fork "brunch ride" style. No issues. Perfect bike for 99% of the southeast.
Blown away by how many riders leave their gloves at home...Your hands are irreplaceable and the VERY first body parts you extend in a get off...
CBF suspension is taken from Canfield not a Revel invention. IMO Revel is more marketing than it is innovation.
Who gives a fack? It facking works and that's all that facking matters! ;)
Beautiful frame, but personally I would never buy a bike I plan to pedal alot on with lower then 76 degree seattube angle.
Nice review!
Numbers are sometimes not the end all be all for climbing. Chainstay length, actual seat post position, and suspension kinematics all matter for climbing as well.
I don’t think it climbs too well it’s ok but nothing special, it’s good at everything like the Santa Cruz Bronson so basically it’s an average bike 👍