It was just over a year ago when we learned that Revel Bikes had been purchased out of bankruptcy by its founder, Adam Miller. Since then, the brand has been getting back to business, reassembling members of the original team, and has recently moved its headquarters to Golden, Colorado. At Sea Otter, Revel had numerous interesting bikes on display, including an experimental 32” titanium hardtail and a mysterious, unreleased carbon short-travel trail bike.
While it was fairly obvious that this seemingly production-ready bike was of the short-travel variety, Revel did its best to keep the remaining details a secret. At the same time, having it on display with the name blurred out generated some interest and early hype around the unknown new model. Today, the curtain has finally been pulled back to reveal a completely redesigned version of the short-travel Ranger, the first bike launched by the reunited Revel team.
Revel Ranger Details
The first Revel Ranger came out in 2020, and the second iteration was launched in 2023. Both were highly regarded but leaned more towards cross-country than trail. Now, Revel is refocusing it as a “true downcountry tool: a bike that pedals like a dedicated cross-country bike and descends like something with much more travel.”
While the silhouette of the new Ranger may look familiar, Revel says “the new Ranger is lighter, stiffer, faster, and quieter than its predecessor, with 120mm of short-travel-optimized CBF suspension tuned for riders who like to climb anything and descend everything.” It still rolls on 29-inch wheels front and rear, but the brand states that every tube, link, bolt, and line of geometry has been redesigned to enhance its capability and make it more playful than ever.
More Cushion
One of the most notable changes to the Ranger is a small increase in suspension travel. The new Ranger bumps rear wheel travel up by 5mm to 120mm while adding 10mm to the front with a 130mm fork. While fairly minor, that should make the Ranger a bit more forgiving right out of the gate.
Optimized CBF Suspension
Revel continues to work with Chris Canfield and uses the CBF (Canfield Balance Formula) suspension platform. For the redesigned Ranger, Revel says its new kinematics have “been refined for what a downcounty bike should feel like.” There may only be 120mm of travel to work with, but Revel describes it as “air pillow on top, supportive platform in the middle, bottomless at the end.”
According to Revel, the short-travel optimized CBF suspension provides a very balanced ride feel. “In short, small bumps disappear. Pumping becomes more productive. Huck-to-flats feel a whole lot less daunting. Under braking, the bike stays low and planted. On the climbs, higher anti-squat numbers pair with active suppleness at the top of the stroke to deliver the dream combination of pedal efficiency and maximum traction.”
Updated Geometry
Revel gave the new Ranger the slacker, longer, lower, and steeper treatment, bringing it closer in line with what we’re seeing on modern short-travel trail bikes. That includes a significantly slacker 65.7-degree head tube angle, which should dramatically increase downhill confidence. Reach measurements have also been extended by 10 – 17mm, depending on the frame size. The large frame has a 485mm, which is right on the money by today’s standards.
Another significant geometry update is a much steeper effective seat tube angle. Now at 77 degrees, this should set riders up in a more comfortable and more efficient seated pedaling position. Bottom bracket height has also been lowered for stability, while chainstay lengths grow by 2mm per size on larger sizes to balance the handling and ride feel across the size run.
Fresh Look
While the new frame design doesn’t stray too far from its predecessor, Revel has updated its design language to be “clean, modern, and sleek.” This includes updated links throughout, with the lower link repositioned and housed inside the frame. The redesigned hardware reportedly helps enhance stiffness, along with larger tube sections, which add strength and contribute to the modern aesthetic.
Revel says, “Despite the increase in travel, the Ranger is noticeably lighter, stiffer, and faster than the V2, both up and down the trail.”
Quiter Than Ever
Revel’s bikes have never been known for being particularly noisy, but the brand states that the new Ranger is the quietest bike it has ever made. With updated frame protection, including soft rubber on the chainstay, downtube, and a debris fender on the seat tube, the frame is shielded from common forms of damage. Co-molded internal guides keep maintenance easy and cables rattle-free.
Ranger V3 Features
- Travel increased to 120mm in the rear and 130mm up front.
- Average of 200g lighter across all sizes compared to previous versions
- Refined CBF for shorter travel
- Update geometry
- Tire clearance up to 29” x 2.6”
- Massive dropper post insertion across all sizes
- 2 bottle mounts in the front triangle, plus one under the downtube
- Utility mount on the underside of the top tube
- Clean, hidden cable routing
- Noise-eating chaninstay rubber and impact-absorbing downtube rubber
- New debris fender on the seat tube
Revel Ranger V3: Colors, Builds, and Pricing
The new Ranger is available in two colorways: Red Zeppelin and Steezy. It’s being sold as a frame-only for $3,699, and in three complete builds ranging from $5,599 to $10,199. Complete build specs were not provided, but those can be found on the Revel website.
Ranger SRAM Eagle 90: $5,599
Ranger SRAM XO AXS Transmission: $6,599
Ranger SRAM XX AXS Transmission: $10,199
Availability:
The new Revel Ranger is available now. Head to the brand’s website to check out all of the complete build specs, purchase a bike, or find a dealer near you.
