I'm glad I got a great deal on my V1 last September, none of the changes seem that big a deal to me.

 

There were some good deals to be had on those!

 

Looks like a good refresh overall. Updates a few things that needed to be updated but doesn’t radically change the bike. Geo changes mostly look good though not crazy about making it longer. Pricing seems steep and I don’t love the colors.

 

The updates seem minor but solid. If I were a V1 owner, I don't think I'd be tempted to sell my V1 to buy the V2. It looks like the hardware on the pivots is similar to the Rail29. I thought the V1 Rascal used the double ball bearings - in the service docs I don't see this anymore. I think it is interesting to compare this update to the new version of Pivot's Switchblade. Both companies are relatively conservative in their geometries, and both made relatively minor changes in their new updates.

 

V1 Rascal has double bearings in a few of the pivots. The exploded diagram on Revel's site still shows this. But if they've changed that for the V2 it could be one of the reasons the frame is lighter.

I personally won't rush out to buy a V2 frame, but the update keeps V2 competitive as a replacement where V1 was getting dated.

 

It looks like they addressed most people's wish lists in minor ways. The addition of ISCG mounts was my main wish. I've had my Rascal for 3 years now so I'm eyeing the new frame.

One question for anyone with a better eye than mine. The marketing email mentioned that it had adjustable chainstay length but I don't see it on the frame unless it's a UDH thing I'm not familiar with?

 

It looks like they addressed most people's wish lists in minor ways. The addition of ISCG mounts was my main wish. I've had my Rascal for 3 years now so I'm eyeing the new frame.

One question for anyone with a better eye than mine. The marketing email mentioned that it had adjustable chainstay length but I don't see it on the frame unless it's a UDH thing I'm not familiar with?

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Eagle eye. I think it's a ctrl-c, ctrl-v error from their ad copy for the Tirade.

 

Geo updates look perfect for me, and that purple paint job will look stunning with my DVO Green everything-else.

Problem now is, the XL top tube is just a tad longer than my current XL, while everything else is smaller, but going to a L may feel too small for my taste.

Decisions decisions.

 

I have the V1 in XL Purple and am already jealous of the new Purple! It looks Brown to Deep Purple Flake. Stunning! The Reach changing from 489 which is my sweet spot to 498 sets me right in the middle of L and XL... I will continue to ride my V1 but damn that paint and the minor upgrades are exactly what I wanted like many others I am sure. The overall stack height might help make up for it..

 

I like it. Steeper seat tube angle, revised pivot hardware and bearings, stiffer frame, a few mm longer and a half degree slack, 150 grams lighter....yeah, checks a ton of the boxes. Oh, bigger tire clearance up to 2.6! I stayed away form the V1 knowing they would change up a few of these things. If the used-bike market gets better, I'd consider this one for sure.

 

It looks fine...at least it's an actual update, and not adding UDH and claiming it's a whole new bike. The reach jumps remind me of the YT IZZO but even more painful as a 6' tall person - neither 470 or 498mm reach would be much fun for me on a bike like this. It also blows my mind that for the frame-up builder price delta between the "boutique" overseas made carbon bikes and handcrafted, domestically made bikes like an Arrival or REEB is about essentially zero at this point, even if you're talking about full builds.

 

Yeah, I think it’s kind of a slightly odd fit for many that are 5’11-6’1”ish (including myself).

I would have to ride it to really give my thoughts, but the geo isn’t exactly exciting me, I was hoping for more.

 

I think the +5mm (on a size large) or whatever on sizes is to adjust for the .5 degree steeper SA. You probably wouldn't notice it pedalling. It might not feel as easy to get on the back wheel as the V1 though thanks to the also slightly increased CS. I definitely want to try one out before I drop any money on one.

Regarding price, it seems strange that the cost would be that inflated in a down market for bikes.

 

I think the +5mm (on a size large) or whatever on sizes is to adjust for the .5 degree steeper SA. You probably wouldn't notice it pedalling. It might not feel as easy to get on the back wheel as the V1 though thanks to the also slightly increased CS. I definitely want to try one out before I drop any money on one.

Regarding price, it seems strange that the cost would be that inflated in a down market for bikes.

Like I mentioned before.

AASQ #8: How much does it cost to mold a carbon bike? Head tube woes, and fat bike 29ers?

We know, there’s no such thing as a stupid question. But there are definitely some questions too embarrassing to ask your local shop or riding…

bikerumor.com

 

I bought a 150 air spring for the Pike Ult when I first bought my V1, but wont install it til I do the first service, probably in a few months. I would have been done already if I didnt buy an Orbea Rise a few months ago-lol.

 

Adam Miller is on the newest Worldwide Cycling podcast. He explains the updates and the reasons why. And Rodeo talk...

 

I'm glad you pointed this out. Most, if not all, of the concerns and questions people are asking have been addressed by Adam in depth on the WC podcasts.

 

I pullled the trigger on a new Pinot Gnar frame, swapping most parts from a V1!

 

I'll be keen to see some compares w Rail29... anticipate it will read - "rascal climbs a bit quicker, Rail descends more comfortable in the rough" - I like some of the updates - but feel coulda done a little more???

Hoping to demo tomorrow so will see where my mind goes once I get a chance to experience it first hand.

 

well - just demo'd the new rascal V2 in Salida. first to ride the brand new steed.

• wasn't trying hard and no where in shape - but set 7 PR's - that includes up and down, besting previous Arktos or Ripmo rides
• I could tell the bike was more urgent a climber
• the 130 is really composed and does what it does so well. I think I agree w reviews that it "feels" like 130 give or take - but so capable, composed and takes the sting off of square edges etc...
• ironed out trail chatter and braking bumps unlike any bike ridden
• - - thats with some basic sag and couple clicks or rebound on trail adjust
• liked it set at 140 w the Lyrik up front even tho I dont consider myself a current Lyrik fanboy (replaced a new Lyrik Ulti w a Mezzer pro on my current bike and like the Mezzer a LOT better)
• overall a really great feeling bike, easy to ride
• oh - the Pinot Gnar looks black until you get some real sun on her -then she kinda morphs
• Pony boy color in the shop looked really good
• Now just gotta figure out what color and how I can sneak one into the garage

 

have you ridden a Rail29 as well by any chance? Curious how they compare?

I’m getting old so appreciate the squish, but also don’t like something that is more effort to pedal - need that goldilocks bike 😂

 

need to add - I may really be a new Conti tire fan - that xynotal/kryptotal worked, felt great and seems to roll well!

 

A bike shop owner friend of mine once said that's why you always buy a black bike, that way the wife can't tell if it's a new bike or not.

 

oh ive thought about that model - it would work for me - my problem is that the bikes I find I like dont have a good black option and the branding is usually really noticeable - like white on black etc... hey bike co's - ill buy more bikes if you make em stealthy black!

 

sideswipe - as a bit older rider myself - extra squish is also appreciated as long as it can still pedal and remain a bit playful at a minimum - I have NOT ridden the Rail29 - plan to before any decisions on potentially spending the $$. Heck I almost hit the "buy now" button when Rail29 was on sale over the holiday season as full build for price of frame only.... but my last bike was purchased without a demo - and while a really good bike overall - it doesn't hit the mark im look for. The Rascal was a revelation frankly.

 

Heck I almost hit the "buy now" button when Rail29 was on sale over the holiday season as full build for price of frame only....

I just bought the Rail as they had the previous model frames/colors ~$2200. An alloy frame costs that much. I was impressed with the quality and good cable routing. I also wanted a frame without the gimmicks that are getting popular like frame storage, adjustable headset cups, or mullet options.

 

I would almost state - more similar than different frankly. Only a 1 ride sample set - but much like the Ripmo - seems to have similar feel to the rear suspension IMO... Im sure if I got back on them back to back I may be able to draw a few more contrasts - its been almost 2 years since my Ripmo and I could get a better sense if I demo on my regular ridden trails as well. I think the Rascal is quite capable and composed and I think it could be the next bike - I do want to demo the Rail29 and maybe Canfield Tilt - and keen to see what the next Ibis's are all about - especially the next gen Ripley

 

anyone riding the new rascal dealing with any creaks or pops the early gen rail 29 was famous for?

 

I was reviewing their Rascal builds and have to say they are a good value. The lowest spec gets i9 hubs, select+/ultimate suspension , GX drivetrain. And the frames at 3100 are an excellent deal for a carbon frame. Most bikes at that price have lower spec wheels and suspension. Maybe upgrade the code R brakes and that is pretty dialed.

 

Yeah they are a pretty good deal right now. Also, depending on the size, they also are running a deal on the GX Transmission builds right now as well. They are actually a couple hundred dollars cheaper than the GX mechanical.

 

that one - transmission dealer build is a really decent value for sure

 

new day, new deals - price drops on the Rascal, Rail29 and others...

 

Indeed. That xt build rail 170mm with factory suspension (and the new damper) is a screaming deal...and really same with the Rascal. Frame prices also crazy good

 

First ride on my new Rascal v2 today. Size large, XT build kit. Swapped out the stock Crank Bros. wheels for a set of WAO Factions from another bike. Short ride, just 8 miles and 950 feet, but it was super fun and the bike fit great. I really like the CBF suspension, feels plush and supportive at the same time. Great climbing bike, better than my Ripley AF. Looking forward to regular rides on the Rascal!

 

First ride on my new Rascal v2 today. Size large, XT build kit. Swapped out the stock Crank Bros. wheels for a set of WAO Factions from another bike. Short ride, just 8 miles and 950 feet, but it was super fun and the bike fit great. I really like the CBF suspension, feels plush and supportive at the same time. Great climbing bike, better than my Ripley AF. Looking forward to regular rides on the Rascal!

Man I love that Pinot Gnar frame color!

 

I will be picking up a size small Rascal V2 in Pinot Gnar to be build with SRAM XX Transmission and Berd Hawk30-I9 Solix MTB Hubs. Question for anyone with the small size, what is the weight of your final build?

 

My V1 small is 28.5 lbs without pedals. Lyrik, GX AXS, nobl TR35 + berd spokes + hydras, enve carbon bars.