Revel Rascal Review : Fast, Capable, Sleek

Does the Revel Rascal ride as good as it looks? I was really pumped when my buddy Manny showed up in Bentonville with this bike. I’ve had many people ask me to ride it and give my opinion.

At first glance, it’s hard not to immediately fall in love with the gorgeous lines of this beauty. This particular bike was built up by Manny with some extra parts that he had in his garage. It is a size medium frame with a pike ultimate fork and a super deluxe ultimate rear shock. It has an X01 Drive train, guide RSC brakes, and Industry Nine and Enduro S wheels

The medium felt a bit small and the 45 mm stem didn’t help. I could have opened it up a little bit with a 55 mm, but the bike was still just a little too small for me. I hit my butt on the rear seat a few times hitting some smaller jumps and that is something that hardly ever happens.

I ran the fork at 90 psi, compression completely open, and the rebound set five clicks in from all the way fast. The rear was set at 28% sag, compression open and the rebound at five clicks in from all the way fast. The suspension on this bike felt legit! I am a huge rock shock fan and I think that pike is just awesome!

The bike immediately felt like a BMX cruiser, it was very snappy and playful. I was able to rip through ravine trail and blast everything I normally would. It was a little more difficult for me to manual because the wheelbase felt significantly shorter than what I was used to. The more time I spent on it, the more comfortable I got and it seemed to respond better the more aggressively I rode it.

It was super fun to jump because it was so small and playful. I think that this bike would be a great balance for a writer who has a decent amount of skill and lives to hit a little bit of everything. I’ve been in touch with Revel and they are hoping to get me a large to demo for a bit in the fall. They currently aren’t taking out any bikes for media use since they are trying to fill all of the customer orders, this is something I really respect.

I have to say, I was pretty impressed with how tight the spike felt and how balanced and stable it was at speed. I think this could be a wise choice for someone who is looking for a very fun and capable all around trail bike.

Please let me know if you have any questions, I am more than happy to answer. Also, let me know which bikes you’d like to see me on and maybe even shoot the manufacture a message to let them know.

[TCK]

you are an incredible insanely you make it look so easy!

[DrJMTB]

I think you literally just set a new standard for bike reviews. Instead of the reviewer knowing every geometry number available, just go ride the bike and give an honest impression. Awesome review!

[ianmacisaac]

Hi Rich, did you get the chance to try a large? I am also 5’10. Sat on both a large and a medium. Medium felt good, maybe a bit too short. Large felt a bit too big. 5’10 is a tough height. Always between sizes. Thanks!

[damonendel]

Great review! Never even heard of the brand or seen one in the area I’m in. I’m jealous that you can leave your garage and quickly be to those trails. Those trails are great!

[dajtothe]

Just got my Rascal a month ago. Love it! Ride in SoCal. I think your assessment is spot on about it being able to handle a wide array of terrain. I was a bit leery of the Pike at first but I’ve been really impressed with it so far.

[adriandmd]

Took 7 weeks to get my charcoal Ranger XX1 AXS and wow! I rode a SC Superlite since 1999. Not anymore! :))❤

[markmckenney]

Frame set oozes quality, was checking them out after all the buzz regarding their short travel bike...sweet little ripper Dude...Quiver killer!

[gigi-vknn]

Richie,
Does this Canfield design pedal as efficiently as the DW Link, say on the Pivot Trail 429? I test rode that Trail 429 and it was such an efficient pedaler. Also, any chance you will test an Ibis Ripley? Great reviews and you are an incredible rider! Love Bentonville too!

[macklyons]

Just got my Revel Racal. Just have to install my rear brake hose and bleed. Moving to Joplin as soon as our house is finished. Hour away. It’s a large !!

[patheticmtb]

The smile at conclusion said it all, you loved it! You do make it look easy!

[onemetre]

Great video and amazing skills on the bike. The one aspect from a marketing standpoint is CBF. You didn't seem to mention it at all. Any sense for it being a worthy feature?

[tonyguest]

Love the video Rich, super stylish riding as always and a nice bike! 👍🏻

[yepyep-ec]

I just moved to Bentonville with my Revel Rail. These Revels are super sweet bikes.

[gen-X-trader]

it must just be personal preference or proportions. i'm also 5'10 and the medium i felt like i was on it, easy to control, technical etc. the large i was IN it. large felt harder to handle but i also have been on a medium bronson since 2017. i'm 70" tall but just measured and my wingspan is only 68"

[toddsmith]

Did you like Revel Rascal better than Delano? How do they compare.

[scottcarlon]

You have some skills my friend, impressive bike.

[Vegasrider]

I rode the Rascal in Sedona this year, didn't care for it. It had no small bump sensitivity at 30% sag, the pike ultimate fork felt harsh too. Really wanted to ride this bike and love it, but it ended up as one of the least liked bikes of the 11 that I demoed in Sedona.

[coloradoshredder]

Super fun to watch, idk I can ride my rascal like this but fun to watch. Btw where is this trail? Love to visit one day

[greg__red]

Did you ever figure out what the click was that Andy heard?

[mattmiller]

Thanks for this one. Mines been on order for 2 months! Can’t wait. You confirmed size choice for me too! Same height