Fantastic review!!! Your reviews are my favorite and I can’t thank you enough for reviewing this bike. Revel makes some incredibly bikes and I can not wait to get my hands on this one!
Demoing one out from my buddy Wes at Velorangutan in Austin. Been riding an Orbea Occam LT, 150/160 for the last year and REALLY like it. Anxious to get this out on the trail. I live in Austin and it is tight, technical and rocky around here. Do the occasional out of state trip, hope to get back to Angel Fire this year and maybe Durango and Fruita.
Really really tempted to get one of these. I have a rascal and absolutely love it. Any time I feel like I don't like it, I try another bike and I feel like I can't ride my local techy climbs as well and the trails are just less fun. The rascal is so maneuverable even though I do think I could have gone for a medium instead of a Large. There are two things I would change, one is a steeper STA and the other is more travel. The latter is mostly for comfort and extra confidence for the handful of days a year I end up at the bike park or do some traveling to where they have mountains. I demoed a sentinel at the bike park last year and found myself being wayyyy more brave than I typically am right out the gate. In fact, I'd probably go out and buy a sentinel if I lived somewhere steeper and faster. Very very strongly considering a rail29 now, but they are quite pricey compared to what I paid for my rascal. Only thing I worry about is it *is* that tiny bit bigger than my rascal and my everyday trails are tight. I'd wonder if it would deaden the local stuff too much or if it would be worth it to size down to a medium on the Rail29. I try to be realistic about what my 90% of riding is like which is why I got the rascal, but the rail seems like a great option if it is equally suitable to the tight techy climbs as the rascal. I don't care much about going fast, mostly about feel and having fun. Curious if you have any points of comparison between the rascal and rail29 and who/what you think each is better suited for other than the obvious trail vs all mountain.
I have a Rascal. 150mm Fox up front, Push 11-6 on the back and it crushes it! The big Rail is probably more fun, but for now my Rascal is bringing me home…
150 lyrik and inline coil canecreek on my rascal and its an absolute blast. But I sometimes want just a little more plush.. ill probably end up on the rail 29 in a year or two
@@Bohwie im 186 cm. Little over 601. I rode. Oth xl and large and chose an xl. 495 reach. It's not a long bike by any means. Large was to compact for me.
@@thadpool4083 Niice, thanks for the info! i'm 182cm but my inseam is 34' (86cm) so i have a tiny upperbody and really long legs. I think Large is the right choice.
@@bikersedge Rocky Mtn. Altitude is also in that class. Most people overbike for their terrain, unless they hit bike parks. It seems the industry is making bikes that are so similar with a different names and paint, it is all about having the only one at the trail head nowadays.
@@bikersedge It is an efficient peddler from all I hear. Hard to get a leg over one to demo in OH. I have ridden a Rallon that some random dude at the trail let me ride. He was demoing it. Sweet bike but too big of a rig for OH IMHO. It is mostly XC here.
Great review. Always enjoy hearing your thoughts. I wonder how this compares to the Stumpy Evo 🤔 similar travel, geo is similar in the Evo's steep headset setting. Maybe it is a better climber but perhaps not as good of a descender? Anyways, I know you don't have Stumpys at your shop, but it is one of the bikes that jumped out for me as a peer to this one. I wish revel had a steeper seat tube angle. 76 is pretty good, but 77-77.5 is better if you have to climb a lot.
Perhaps also a good choice for someone who owns a DH bike and wants a do it all bike that can well, do it all? Leave the real steep/fast/rough stuff for the DH bike and then have a bike you can pedal up easy whilst still having fun on the descents.
Hey thanks! Appreciate that. I think this bike is pretty close to the Ripmo. You can check out our all-mountain showdown to see how the Ripmo and SB130 compare.
Enduro to me means something that a racer would choose with the goal of downhill speed, this screams all-mountain, not that I wouldn't want one just is what it is. Take off that heavy Zeb though.
Super stoked about you testing these! I have a local shop in norway selling them, definatly considering a bike from them, but maybe a smaller bike / like the rascal! And ... Kind of super random question... have you ridden Specialized Enduro 2020+ version, any inputs? xD
Great review, outstanding Channel! I wouldn't guess you wear knee pads as you are a talented rider. Too bad I already picked up a Rallon from you and Zach. (I love it BTW!) This Rail looks to be a solid bike as well. Great time to be a biker.
I'm always confounded with short/mid travel bikes with very aggressive geo vs. a longer travel bike with stepper/less aggressive geo in their riding characteristics and which is better in certain situations. I feel like most reviewers don't do that.
Oh man. Putting me on the spot. That’s tough. This feels more plush. The HT feels stiffer and more stout. Front end feels taller and more confident on the HT too. Climbing is probably close.
@@bikersedge I'm glad someone asked, I currently have a HT V2 and am looking for my next bike. I'm happy with how the HT climbs and don't want to stray too far, Trails I ride are 50/50 climb and descent but I'm a heavier guy and prefer a bigger bike. Your opinion is greatly appreciated!
I have a 130LR and love it but want something longer but not super burly. I ride in CO and like playful bikes but we climb a decent amount. Is this too close to 130LR? I’m open to adding rail them selling 130LR for something to compliment Rail if that’s the case. Thoughts?
I think this is probably going to have a very similar feel to the 130LR. It’s not going to feel much longer and more aggressive. The new 140 might be something to look at. Or something like the sentinel.
I usually start by getting sag right and then getting a ballpark feel for damper settings. I’ll make changes for the first little while until I get it dialed.
Pop quiz...two bike quiver scenario game...bike #1...poppy/fun yet capable all day climber/driver....#2 Burly plow...but not so burly it never gets used. SB130/Megatower? Ripmo/Spire? Rascal/Sentinel? Rail/Megatower? It sounds like more and more the all day play diet enduro/trail bikes provide a different experience than the bigger bikes....which is not a bad thing. 😀
I know this is an older review, but I’m looking for something that splits the difference between a Hightower2 and a Sentinel. Is it the Revel 29, the HT3, or?? I love the HT2’s precision and positioning, but it can be a bit harsh. I love the Sentinel’s plush-but-still poppy character, but it’s a hair too long and slack. The SB 140LR seems like it’s a bit too front-biased for my tastes.
The rail 29 is probably closer to your HT2 or a Ripmo. The HT3 would be a good middle ground. The SB140 would be great too. Not sure what you mean by front-biased.
Really liked the review. I'm a little confused though when you say it has a low front end. If you compare the stack/reach ratio of other bikes with the Rail29, the Rail29 is higher. Meaning the front end is higher relative to it's reach. The higher the number, the more upright you are. For size large... Rail29: 1.36, Ripmo: 1.32, Sentintel: 1.34, Yeti SB130LR: 1.32 , Yeti SB150: 1.30. What am I missing ?
I’m no engineer so I can’t get you a perfect answer but I’d imagine STA, stem length, steerer tube and spacer stack, suspension characteristics, handlebar rise/roll/sweep would all contribute to how high the front end feels in an given situation. I could very well be wrong, but for whatever reason the front end on this one feels low with a lot of your weight over the front of the bike.
@@DavidFoundCo Don't worry I went right from childhood to feeling ancient and never got to feel the teen and young adult years. But M.E. will do that to anyone
Would you say this bike compares well to the Orbea Occam or Occam LT? Pretty similar on paper. I'm currently riding a Rascal and think an Occam LT or Rail29 will be my next bike.
In terms of capability they are pretty similar I think. Suspension feel is wildly different though. The Occam is firm through the entire stroke. The Rail is really plush and supple.
Certain categories seem nothing more than marketing. Enduro is the buzzword, and companies are quick to label their bikes enduro, or not, depending on the other bikes in their lineups. As someone who rides a stumpy evo, that no one labeled enduro, I cross-shopped the Altitude, Rallon, and Ripmo. The Rail only came in 27.5 so I didn’t look hard at it. To me all those bikes are in the same category. And yet, marketers label some enduro only to hype up their trail bike qualities.
Putting bikes into those categories is a fallacy and only blocks your thinking of the bike. You obviously liked it, just take it for what it is. This is a good bike, I felt it comfortable anywhere
@@bikersedge so many variables on your wheel build setup as well....All I really care about is they're a little less stiff than WeAreOne Union rims, but not some soft flexy bullshit like the Zipp30Moto rims are (proven in footage and written reviews far too many times over) 3-cross spokes vs 2-cross use of inserts or not Maybe just a 'front only' or rear only type rim...? ..oh and really. Durability. I heard guys have been cracking these, but the cracks localize and somehow they still ride back to their car. As the claims stated, true.....but where else could this rim be an issue long term..if at all. things like this
Best reviews on CZcams.
Thanks!! 🙏
Fantastic review!!! Your reviews are my favorite and I can’t thank you enough for reviewing this bike. Revel makes some incredibly bikes and I can not wait to get my hands on this one!
🙏 so stoked you like them!
Thanks for riding our bike!
Thanks for making it!!!
Demoing one out from my buddy Wes at Velorangutan in Austin. Been riding an Orbea Occam LT, 150/160 for the last year and REALLY like it. Anxious to get this out on the trail. I live in Austin and it is tight, technical and rocky around here. Do the occasional out of state trip, hope to get back to Angel Fire this year and maybe Durango and Fruita.
Great review, the Rail 29 is such a great bike. This bike makes every trail fun, poppy with enough travel for big hits but still pedal efficient.
Great job with the review, very helpful to hear about "who is this bike for". Thank you!
Thanks! Glad you liked it.
Really really tempted to get one of these. I have a rascal and absolutely love it. Any time I feel like I don't like it, I try another bike and I feel like I can't ride my local techy climbs as well and the trails are just less fun. The rascal is so maneuverable even though I do think I could have gone for a medium instead of a Large. There are two things I would change, one is a steeper STA and the other is more travel. The latter is mostly for comfort and extra confidence for the handful of days a year I end up at the bike park or do some traveling to where they have mountains. I demoed a sentinel at the bike park last year and found myself being wayyyy more brave than I typically am right out the gate. In fact, I'd probably go out and buy a sentinel if I lived somewhere steeper and faster.
Very very strongly considering a rail29 now, but they are quite pricey compared to what I paid for my rascal. Only thing I worry about is it *is* that tiny bit bigger than my rascal and my everyday trails are tight. I'd wonder if it would deaden the local stuff too much or if it would be worth it to size down to a medium on the Rail29. I try to be realistic about what my 90% of riding is like which is why I got the rascal, but the rail seems like a great option if it is equally suitable to the tight techy climbs as the rascal. I don't care much about going fast, mostly about feel and having fun.
Curious if you have any points of comparison between the rascal and rail29 and who/what you think each is better suited for other than the obvious trail vs all mountain.
It's been years since I've ridden a Rascal so I can't really say for sure.
I would wait for the updated Rascal like I plan to. I live in mountains and could probably ride a Rail but I love the Rascal's handling.
Seems like a bike you could recommend to anyone. Def on the radar now. Thanks for the review!
Any time!
I have a Rascal. 150mm Fox up front, Push 11-6 on the back and it crushes it! The big Rail is probably more fun, but for now my Rascal is bringing me home…
150 lyrik and inline coil canecreek on my rascal and its an absolute blast. But I sometimes want just a little more plush.. ill probably end up on the rail 29 in a year or two
I own a rail 29. Love it. Most accurate review of a bike I've watched. Love your videos
I have a Large on order, exxciiteeed.....How tall are you and what size did you go for? Glad to see you love it!!
@@Bohwie im 186 cm. Little over 601. I rode. Oth xl and large and chose an xl. 495 reach. It's not a long bike by any means. Large was to compact for me.
@@thadpool4083 Niice, thanks for the info! i'm 182cm but my inseam is 34' (86cm) so i have a tiny upperbody and really long legs. I think Large is the right choice.
@@Bohwie sounds about perfect. You'll love it. It has a magical quality. Carves like your on 🎿
@@thadpool4083 Hahaha, you're killing me, it can't get here soon enough😂 Imma get back to work🤙Take Care bud
Revel Rascal 29 seems the logical step up for an ex-xc rider in the Revel lineup. This seems all mountain, like the Orbea Rallon. Nice breakdown.
Yeah you’re probably right.
@@bikersedge Rocky Mtn. Altitude is also in that class. Most people overbike for their terrain, unless they hit bike parks. It seems the industry is making bikes that are so similar with a different names and paint, it is all about having the only one at the trail head nowadays.
@@petedog9581 I think the Altitude rides way more enduro than this.
@@bikersedge It is an efficient peddler from all I hear. Hard to get a leg over one to demo in OH. I have ridden a Rallon that some random dude at the trail let me ride. He was demoing it. Sweet bike but too big of a rig for OH IMHO. It is mostly XC here.
Great review. Always enjoy hearing your thoughts. I wonder how this compares to the Stumpy Evo 🤔 similar travel, geo is similar in the Evo's steep headset setting. Maybe it is a better climber but perhaps not as good of a descender? Anyways, I know you don't have Stumpys at your shop, but it is one of the bikes that jumped out for me as a peer to this one. I wish revel had a steeper seat tube angle. 76 is pretty good, but 77-77.5 is better if you have to climb a lot.
Would be really cool to get a back to back with a Canfield Lithium.
Perhaps also a good choice for someone who owns a DH bike and wants a do it all bike that can well, do it all? Leave the real steep/fast/rough stuff for the DH bike and then have a bike you can pedal up easy whilst still having fun on the descents.
I love it! I’d love to have one. Just out of my price range.
As always, best reviews in the industry! Thanks for that. How would you compare the climbing and playfulness of this bike to the sb130?
Hey thanks! Appreciate that. I think this bike is pretty close to the Ripmo. You can check out our all-mountain showdown to see how the Ripmo and SB130 compare.
Enduro to me means something that a racer would choose with the goal of downhill speed, this screams all-mountain, not that I wouldn't want one just is what it is. Take off that heavy Zeb though.
Agreed on all points minus the Zeb. I love that thing. Don’t care how heavy it is. Ha.
Super stoked about you testing these! I have a local shop in norway selling them, definatly considering a bike from them, but maybe a smaller bike / like the rascal! And ... Kind of super random question... have you ridden Specialized Enduro 2020+ version, any inputs? xD
Glad you like it. Don’t have experience on that one.
Like always = money. Thanks Connor, made work that much more enjoyable ;)
Glad I could help you pass the workday!
Great review, outstanding Channel! I wouldn't guess you wear knee pads as you are a talented rider. Too bad I already picked up a Rallon from you and Zach. (I love it BTW!) This Rail looks to be a solid bike as well. Great time to be a biker.
I end up in the dirt frequently. Knee pads are my savior.
I'm always confounded with short/mid travel bikes with very aggressive geo vs. a longer travel bike with stepper/less aggressive geo in their riding characteristics and which is better in certain situations. I feel like most reviewers don't do that.
This or the Hightower V3
Oh man. Putting me on the spot. That’s tough. This feels more plush. The HT feels stiffer and more stout. Front end feels taller and more confident on the HT too. Climbing is probably close.
@@bikersedge I'm glad someone asked, I currently have a HT V2 and am looking for my next bike. I'm happy with how the HT climbs and don't want to stray too far, Trails I ride are 50/50 climb and descent but I'm a heavier guy and prefer a bigger bike. Your opinion is greatly appreciated!
I know you put this out a while back, but did you find the exposed between the front/rear triangles to be particularly vulnerable?
I’ve just taken delivery of my Rascal. How do you think they compare and what are the main differences in the ride please 🙏
@bikers edge
I'm definitely interested in this feedback!
I have a 130LR and love it but want something longer but not super burly. I ride in CO and like playful bikes but we climb a decent amount. Is this too close to 130LR? I’m open to adding rail them selling 130LR for something to compliment Rail if that’s the case.
Thoughts?
I think this is probably going to have a very similar feel to the 130LR. It’s not going to feel much longer and more aggressive. The new 140 might be something to look at. Or something like the sentinel.
What suspension settings do you recommend on the Rail 29? Wish Revel offered a set-up guide like other companies
I usually start by getting sag right and then getting a ballpark feel for damper settings. I’ll make changes for the first little while until I get it dialed.
Pop quiz...two bike quiver scenario game...bike #1...poppy/fun yet capable all day climber/driver....#2 Burly plow...but not so burly it never gets used. SB130/Megatower? Ripmo/Spire? Rascal/Sentinel? Rail/Megatower? It sounds like more and more the all day play diet enduro/trail bikes provide a different experience than the bigger bikes....which is not a bad thing. 😀
I’d take the Mega with the TB/Ripley or the Spire with the 130 or Trance X.
@@bikersedge Awesome.....you are quick at quizzes...thanks!!
I know this is an older review, but I’m looking for something that splits the difference between a Hightower2 and a Sentinel. Is it the Revel 29, the HT3, or?? I love the HT2’s precision and positioning, but it can be a bit harsh. I love the Sentinel’s plush-but-still poppy character, but it’s a hair too long and slack. The SB 140LR seems like it’s a bit too front-biased for my tastes.
The rail 29 is probably closer to your HT2 or a Ripmo. The HT3 would be a good middle ground. The SB140 would be great too. Not sure what you mean by front-biased.
Just admit it. It’s a trail bike 😂
Great review 👍
The Rascal is Revel's trail bike.
I don’t disagree.
How does it compare to your Sentinel? I believe you have the same fork on that Bike.
Any comments would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
The Sentinel is way more aggressive and capable on the DH. Not even close. The Rail is a better climber.
Really liked the review. I'm a little confused though when you say it has a low front end. If you compare the stack/reach ratio of other bikes with the Rail29, the Rail29 is higher. Meaning the front end is higher relative to it's reach. The higher the number, the more upright you are. For size large... Rail29: 1.36, Ripmo: 1.32, Sentintel: 1.34, Yeti SB130LR: 1.32 , Yeti SB150: 1.30. What am I missing ?
I’m no engineer so I can’t get you a perfect answer but I’d imagine STA, stem length, steerer tube and spacer stack, suspension characteristics, handlebar rise/roll/sweep would all contribute to how high the front end feels in an given situation. I could very well be wrong, but for whatever reason the front end on this one feels low with a lot of your weight over the front of the bike.
@@bikersedge Thanks. Good to know.
@@bikersedge Can I ask how tall you are and what size your rode ?
I’m 6’2” and rode an XL
It’s sound like right bike for older and peaceful people 😁
I’m 25 and I feel old
David not good then
@@DavidFoundCo Don't worry I went right from childhood to feeling ancient and never got to feel the teen and young adult years. But M.E. will do that to anyone
Would you say this bike compares well to the Orbea Occam or Occam LT? Pretty similar on paper. I'm currently riding a Rascal and think an Occam LT or Rail29 will be my next bike.
In terms of capability they are pretty similar I think. Suspension feel is wildly different though. The Occam is firm through the entire stroke. The Rail is really plush and supple.
@@bikersedge that CBF is pretty magic!
How would you compare it to the Rascal? Is the Rascal a better all around bike?
I think they’re both good all around bikes. The Rail leans to the more aggressive side and the rascal is better on mellower trails.
Hi whats the weight log the bike? And its sentinel or hightower v3 heavier in similar specs?
Thanks a lot
I tend to not weigh my bikes. Couldn’t tell you.
When is the enduro shootout coming out?
This was the last bike to get wrapped up. It’s coming out next.
Hey man what trails are you riding, as a Utah man I want to go out and explore haha.
Looks like he’s riding PCMR (Park City).
This 👆🏼
How’s the seat tube angle feel for you?
A tad slack. I’m pretty sensitive to that being a tall and lanky guy. It wasn’t so slack that I was uncomfortable though.
Id pay to see you review a evil offering
does it really only fit a 2.4 tire?
I didn’t try to run anything bigger than the stock tires. Can’t say for sure. Doubt they’d say only 2.4 if it wasn’t really the case.
How portly? It would be nice to know.
I don’t weigh my bikes. It’s a very low priority for me especially on a bike this this. I’d guess low 30s.
actually quite light for an enduro bike. 3000g frame weight without shock.
Hey guys, what trail is this in Utah?
A bunch on park city
Certain categories seem nothing more than marketing. Enduro is the buzzword, and companies are quick to label their bikes enduro, or not, depending on the other bikes in their lineups. As someone who rides a stumpy evo, that no one labeled enduro, I cross-shopped the Altitude, Rallon, and Ripmo. The Rail only came in 27.5 so I didn’t look hard at it. To me all those bikes are in the same category. And yet, marketers label some enduro only to hype up their trail bike qualities.
I don’t think you’re wrong.
You are just going to ride on that paved dirt highway xc trail?
What trail is this?
A bunch in park city.
Putting bikes into those categories is a fallacy and only blocks your thinking of the bike. You obviously liked it, just take it for what it is. This is a good bike, I felt it comfortable anywhere
I agree to some degree but categories are helpful for comparing bikes. They set a baseline.
how were those RW30 rims tho...thermoplastic carbon
Tough to tell. Never tested the bike with other wheels. They didn’t jump out to me at all.
@@bikersedge so many variables on your wheel build setup as well....All I really care about is they're a little less stiff than WeAreOne Union rims, but not some soft flexy bullshit like the Zipp30Moto rims are (proven in footage and written reviews far too many times over)
3-cross spokes vs 2-cross
use of inserts or not
Maybe just a 'front only' or rear only type rim...?
..oh and really. Durability. I heard guys have been cracking these, but the cracks localize and somehow they still ride back to their car. As the claims stated, true.....but where else could this rim be an issue long term..if at all.
things like this
@@moonmuscle3332 I no longer have the bike or wheels so I can’t really do much more on it for now. If I can get a set I will.