Here we are in 2019, and there is yet another mountain bike brand launching. But before you write Revel off as just another brand that’s ordered up a few new frames, you should consider who is behind the company. At the helm is none other than Adam Miller – the same Adam Miller of Borealis fat bikes and Why Cycles. In a way, it seems like Adam has been building up to this, the launch of Revel Bikes, from the beginning. After starting on the fringe with fat bikes, Why Cycles moved into slightly more broad categories with fat bikes, gravel bikes, hard tail mountain bikes, and even road bikes. Now, the launch of Revel opens up the world of high performance full suspension mountain bikes crafted from carbon fiber.
But it’s not just Adam. Revel’s development team reads like a who’s who of the industry with Jeremiah Starkey (of Rockshox, Trust Performance, and Selle Royal fame) as lead engineer and COO, Jason Schiers (Founder of Enve) in the role of carbon layup genius, and Mike Giese as the team’s Industrial Designer.
Years in the making, Revel Bikes is coming out of the gate with two brand new carbon creations. Rather than trying to reinvent the wheel when it comes to suspension, after riding a Canfield Brothers demo bike, Adam was convinced that their CBF or Canfield Balance Formula was the way to go. Experts in the field of parallel link suspension designs, Canfield began developing their system in the late 90’s which led to the current CBF system. By designing the suspension curve around the Center of Curvature along with the Instant Center, Canfield claims that they have been able to create a patented formula that “provides optimum anti-squat throughout the entire range of travel, resulting in the most efficient pedaling possible, regardless of factors like sag, and without sacrificing bump compliance or traction, and with no unwanted pedal feedback from braking or drivetrain forces.” To really geek out on the suspension design, check out the mini site for CBF.
With Canfield Brothers eager to license the design, development and prototyping began on their first two bikes – the Rail and the Rascal. While the design uses the Canfield CBF basics, the suspension layout is a bit different to package it in a better configuration for Revel’s geometry, travel, dropper post clearance, and more.
Revel Rail 27.5
Limited to the two models for the launch, the 27.5″ wheeled offering from Revel comes in the form of the Rail. Running 165mm of travel out back and 170mm of travel up front, the Rail is built to, well, rail the downhills while still pedaling efficiently enough for all day efforts.
With the exception of a proprietary chain guide mount (included with each bike), the Rail uses fairly standard parts including a threaded 73mm bottom bracket, Boost 148mm rear spacing, 180mm post mount, and an IS42/IS52 tapered headset. The frame is said to clear up to 27.5 x 2.5″ tires.
Rail Geometry
Available in Tuxedo Penguin, or Mint Chocolate chip, the Rail comes in four sizes. Notable measurements include a 75° seat tube angle and 65° head tube angle, 430mm chainstays, and reach numbers of 430-495mm depending on the size.
Revel Rascal 29″
Using the same frame design but tailored for 29″ wheels and tires, the Rascal checks in with 130mm of travel in the rear and 140mm up front.
For the most part, the frame specs are identical except for a few obvious changes like shock length and stroke. Again, the frame clears 2.5″ tires but of the 29″ variety, and includes the same custom Revel chain guide.
This one comes in Ansel Adams or Navy Gold – which just begs for the gold SRAM XX1 kit and matching wheels from Industry Nine.
Rascal Geometry
The Rascal is also available in four sizes with the same 75° seat tube angle, but a 66° head tube angle, 433mm chainstays, and 424-489mm reach numbers.
Pricing and availability
Sold directly through revelbikes.com and select retailers, complete Revel builds start at $4,999 with framesets running $2,599. Revel states that their builds will consist of standard SRAM parts with Industry Nine or ENVE wheel options. While the main builds will be standardized, options like dropper post length and crank length will be provided free of charge. Each Revel bike includes a lifetime warranty and crash replacement program, and they’re continuing their policy of shipping the bikes in reuseable EVOC bike bags instead of disposable cardboard. Already have an EVOC bag or just don’t want it? Revel will ship the bags back to their office on their dime, and give you a small credit in the process so that they can reuse the bag.
Revel bikes are available now in limited quantities, and if you’re going to be at the Sedona Mountain Bike Festival this weekend, you can check them out in person and go for a ride!
