Wow, it's like you were reading my mind. I've been looking at a move over to a full-sus bike, from my hardtail Ti XC bike (mostly due to bad knees, going on longer rides, and upping my game in more DH-specific areas) and was weighing both Revel Ranger and Spearfish!! On top of the Revel sounding like a better climber, the fact that it supports UDH is a nice future-proof feature. Thanks for insight here!
My favorite Downcountry tire combo is the 2.6 Maxxis Rekon front and 2.6 Maxxis Ikon rear. However, if the frame won't accept a 2.6 rear tire, the 2.6 Rekon front and 2.4 Rekon rear is a very close second. I've tried the 2.4 Maxxis Dissector but found that while it is light, fast-rolling, and performs great on the straights, it corners poorly. It doesn't hold a line well on loose curves and wash out easily. The 2.6 Rekon corners much better than the 2.4 Dissector. However, the 2.6 Dissector does not have this problem and makes makes a great front tire if the 2.6 Rekon doesn't provide enough grip. The 2.6 Dissector also rolls much faster than a 2.6 Minion DHF or DHR.
I really want to try the new forkaster. Feel like it might be the solution to the transition traction loss when leaning the bike problem the disector has.
If you look at the shape of the frame bag you can see at 11:57 I think you can take the answer as yes. It's the only reason I can think of that the bag doesn't fill the bottom of the frame triangle more there.
I Love my little Green Ranger V1. And i m totaly fine with the Maxxis disector rekon combo2.4. . For me speaking i Had a Harder time Set Up the Damper the the Fork. But when it ist dialed in it s Phenomanal how this Bike Rides downhill with this less travel. How say IT IS fantastic😍
Would be great to get your opinion on rear bags mounted on the seat vs rear triangle on full suspension bikes. Additionally front rack on fork vs handle bars.
Apologies for this off-tangent question: what is the torsionally and laterally stiffest lightweight trail or cross country bike out there? I'm using a 2019 Giant Anthem Advanced 29ner for bikepacking and when it's fully loaded, the bike flexes torsionally and laterally. Please don't limit answers to just cottage American brands, which can be extremely expensive in my part of the globe. Thanks.
Max weight capacity? I'm always nervous I'll overload a bike with my 245lbs plus camping gear, which ends up close to 325lbs with the weight of the bike and food/water included.
The geometry of the Ranger leans too much to the XC, in my opinion. Something with a little more Trail geo (like the Rocky Mountain Element---76* STA and 65* HTA), would be more fun and easier to ride.
Thanks for including your geo as someone who also is normally in between bike sizes.
Jesus, so this Revel is pretty much perfect.
Yes apart from the price
Wow, it's like you were reading my mind. I've been looking at a move over to a full-sus bike, from my hardtail Ti XC bike (mostly due to bad knees, going on longer rides, and upping my game in more DH-specific areas) and was weighing both Revel Ranger and Spearfish!! On top of the Revel sounding like a better climber, the fact that it supports UDH is a nice future-proof feature. Thanks for insight here!
My favorite Downcountry tire combo is the 2.6 Maxxis Rekon front and 2.6 Maxxis Ikon rear. However, if the frame won't accept a 2.6 rear tire, the 2.6 Rekon front and 2.4 Rekon rear is a very close second.
I've tried the 2.4 Maxxis Dissector but found that while it is light, fast-rolling, and performs great on the straights, it corners poorly. It doesn't hold a line well on loose curves and wash out easily. The 2.6 Rekon corners much better than the 2.4 Dissector.
However, the 2.6 Dissector does not have this problem and makes makes a great front tire if the 2.6 Rekon doesn't provide enough grip. The 2.6 Dissector also rolls much faster than a 2.6 Minion DHF or DHR.
I really want to try the new forkaster. Feel like it might be the solution to the transition traction loss when leaning the bike problem the disector has.
good looking machine, thanks Neil
Nice sweater Neil... the bikes okay too
is there a bracket to hold the cables on the bottom bracket like the rail has? my old version does not have them
Are you going to try out the other revel bikes? Also does the suspension move into the frame, making the space for a bag smaller?
If you look at the shape of the frame bag you can see at 11:57 I think you can take the answer as yes. It's the only reason I can think of that the bag doesn't fill the bottom of the frame triangle more there.
I Love my little Green Ranger V1. And i m totaly fine with the Maxxis disector rekon combo2.4. .
For me speaking i Had a Harder time Set Up the Damper the the Fork. But when it ist dialed in it s Phenomanal how this Bike Rides downhill with this less travel. How say IT IS fantastic😍
Would be great to get your opinion on rear bags mounted on the seat vs rear triangle on full suspension bikes. Additionally front rack on fork vs handle bars.
Noted. I will be adding that in an upcoming video. Thanks for the feedback.
I heard the canyon lux trail is another good full sus option for bikepacking
Nice bike and review. How compare to pivot switchblade?
What size Elkhorn bike rack is that?
I have the Revel Rascal and it's a super capable, playful ride. I'm sure the Ranger absolutely rips as a downcountry bike.
I need to to try one of those, I think a 130/140 bike is the perfect daily driver!
Loved how it handled lift access DH at Alyeska resort this summer! XX1 ;))
On the b roll, how are your standing up your bike? Thanks for the review!
I have a little stick specifically built to hold bikes up, lol. but really anything would work, tree branch, rack strut.
Apologies for this off-tangent question: what is the torsionally and laterally stiffest lightweight trail or cross country bike out there? I'm using a 2019 Giant Anthem Advanced 29ner for bikepacking and when it's fully loaded, the bike flexes torsionally and laterally. Please don't limit answers to just cottage American brands, which can be extremely expensive in my part of the globe. Thanks.
Loving it, checked the prices 😢 maybe a frame kit...
Did you go to 2.6's on the ranger? I refuse to ride smaller tires here in sedona.
Yes, I thew on some 2.6 Mezcals, just don't ride in death mud with them. :)
Goodness that is an attractive bicycle.
It looks gorgeous! That's always important, IMO. :) :) :)
Max weight capacity? I'm always nervous I'll overload a bike with my 245lbs plus camping gear, which ends up close to 325lbs with the weight of the bike and food/water included.
Maybe try a small trailer.. Ride safe everyone
Hmmm I think if I was going to go full sus for my bikepacking needs I would add the extra weight and go for a 120mm pike over the SID.
Anyone ridden one of these and can compare it to my Epic Evo?
Most deserving of the term, "sculptural"
"pivotal"
The geometry of the Ranger leans too much to the XC, in my opinion. Something with a little more Trail geo (like the Rocky Mountain Element---76* STA and 65* HTA), would be more fun and easier to ride.
Fwiw, I was thinking the same thing, and was pleasantly surprised by its capabilities on descents. It rides much bigger than 115mm of rear travel.
Ya I feel like the transition spur and yt izzo hit the sweet spot better at a 66hta
So surly sponsored a video about a revel bike?
You got it Tim.
I thought that was funny too. It speaks to how awesome this segment of the bike industry is. And, you can never own just one bike.
These biking channels are all about product placements. All about making you crave overpriced products.
What’s your favorite bike?
@@BIKEPACKINGcom I have favorate activities with bikes, not favorate bikes.