Revel Ranger Frame [Rider Review]

Our "Rider Review" article series features the honest reviews from verified purchasers of Worldwide Cyclery. They contain the photos, thoughts, feedback & overall review you are looking for.

It's hard to find a bike that will climb very well, but still descends as well as it climbs. But, when Revel was making the Ranger they had this in mind. Our Friend, Kyle, just built up his Ranger. Check out what they think!

Overview

If you are looking for a versatile short travel 29er that can pretty much get you down any trail with a huge grin on your face, yet still light enough to help you to turn long days in the saddle, the Ranger is likely the bike for you. I’m in the Phoenix area, and we have diverse terrain to choose from. From miles of desert cross country to gnarly rocky descents, and everything in between, the Range has been able to handle all types of riding thrown at her.

I have the bike built up pretty burly, with a Pike Ultimate set at 140mm (to be dropped to 130mm eventually…maybe) and briefly tires and components, but even with a burlier build the bike is relatively svelte and can handle anything that I'll be riding.

The other bikes that I was considering were the Evil Following and Transition Spur, and going with the Ranger was definitely the right choice. I feel that the CBF suspension is hands-down better than the suspension on the Following and the Spur [not that those bikes’ suspensions are bad at all…just not as amazing as CBF]. On technical rocky climbs, the suspension just works great. There is absolutely zero pedal kickback, and it wants to keep climbing over everything.

When pointed downhill or on flow trails, the suspension feels superb.

It's poppy when you need it to be and supple through the rocky, chunky sections. The geometry of this bike is spot on. Unlike many other bikes, including the Spur, when I jump on the Ranger it immediately felt comfortable, took no time to acclimate to, and had a very natural riding feel.

And for sizing, I’m 5’-9”, and went with a Medium. I’m running a shorty 35mm stem, and the bike feels great.

Final Thoughts

There really isn't anything that I don't like about this bike, and I'm extremely happy that I grabbed it while I could. I'll be riding this bike for years to come, and can't imagine any reason why I'd be wanting anything different. Oh, and the color and graphics are beautiful. The build quality and detailing are as good or better than any other brands out there.