Revel Rascal Review - 2019 Bible of Bike Tests

The Revel Rascal doesn’t pick sides. It can be quick and darty, but it can also grit its teeth and charge. It takes all things in moderation.

[pedalfaster]

I've owned a Rascal for the past 8 months. Super solid and all around the best bike I've ridden. It seems to do everything well and with 2k miles on it, I've put it through a lot of variety. It both climbs and descends better than it should; with only 130 travel out back and a fairly slack seat angle, it doesn't make sense yet it works, really well. It likes to be ridden hard and fast, but it doesn't require it to be fun. Very planted both climbing and descending. I demoed a bunch of bikes before I bought this bike. It climbs better than a tallboy and descends better than any mid travel trail bike I've ridden. I think this a good review in that they were modest. This is an all-arounder bike... does it all really well.

I'd also like to add that the I purchased the frame and fork combo (thank you Revel for offering that) for $3500. That comes with RockShox Super Deluxe Ultimate and RockShox Pike Ultimate RC3. At that price, I think it's an incredible value.

[SethBeckton]

I've ridden the Rascal and it shreds! I currently own a Yeti SB 5.5 and they are very comparable.

[Hopstoopider]

4:45 It's basically the same color as the *Crown Royal* drawstring bag.

[neal]

I took a leap off faith and Bought the Rascal. The base build. I can’t say I am in love with the DVO fork. I’m the type rider that wants to set it and forget it. This fork needs a lot of fine-tuning. I also had to replace the guide R brakes with XT. I would have hoped at this price I would be blown away. However, with all that being said I really do enjoy the bike.

[endoalley]

How is this suspension not a DW - Link? Sure looks the same. Also, there is a World Wide Cyclery review that claims steep rocky climbs is exactly where this bike excels. These guys disagree. Who is right about this aspect of the bike?

[adriandmd]

Been riding my Ranger XX1 AXS for a couple of months here in the Anchorage, AK area and fell in love in that it does everything I want in a bike well. Descending and climbing are both enjoyable. Never thought I would ever say that in a sentence! Guess it is time to throw some slicks on my old 99 SC Superlite. 😄

[kpbassist]

This bike is available to demo at Over The Edge in Fruita, CO. I'm looking forward to giving one a go as soon as the bruised ribs have a couple of weeks to heal. Thanks rock garden on Prime Cut!

[myette]

Rode this at nembafest on Friday. It is the best 130ish 29er I've ever tried (20+ demos the past three years). Not better enough than my Jet 9 to replace it & like others I'd like to see if they stick around a while but it's perfect for tight NE singletrack imho.

[ca]

You can pedal smoother uphill if you take off those chunky knee pads.

[Hopstoopider]

Whoa, are we witnessing perhaps a little mutual antagonistic animus? 1:35 - 1'40

[chrispobanz]

I'm more interested in the revel rail, but I'm concerned this brand won't be around in a year, and then I'm stuck with low resale bike.

[theepicridecom]

I’ve never seen Will off the bike without his Hunter hat!

[quantumcreator]

Great bike .. Revel is frames are stout.. Canfield brothers hit the jackpot..

[Cartsp]

These reviews are useless, they literally send me to sleep, let a pro rider test the bike and ignore these guys, they’re so annoying eeewww

[yofoo]

I was looking at this bike but with this review makes me look another way, if it’s just mediocre for that much money might as well look at an Ibis Ripmo or something else that costs that much

[dcrooster]

Kind of expensive for a direct to consumer

[thatguythatdoesstuff]

After looking at their website, things I like about the rail:


$5k option with GX Eagle (even though I'm not sold on Eagle), Lyrik, RS Super Deluxe, stock with Minions, Code brakes (the only SRAM brakes that work), threaded BB.


What I don't like: **Specifications Subject to change without notice**


LOL. That's an awful way to try to sell me a bike.

[dabbking]

Ok what bike should I buy for under 4K?

[tehllama]

I dunno why Ryan is still convinced that a 66° HTA on a 29er with >5" fork travel is super-slack... get the right tire on there and for going fast that's basically the top end of what actually works well.

[mttec]

Rear shock link looks like it was taken from the Ibis Ripmo.