[smmokan]

They already seem pretty similar, the V2 reach is already slightly longer than the Rail 29. It’ll be interesting to see some comparison reviews between them to see how different they are in terms of ride characteristics.

Especially with a 150 fork on the new Rascal.

 

[tomboyjr]

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.

 

[FrankS29]

I don’t think they could make it much more modern or it would have too similar geo to the longer travel Rail 29.

Yeah, I think they are still too conservative on the Rail as well.

The numbers that concern me; the STA, stack and chainstay length.

The STA is "slack" for todays bikes, but even that already slack number is based on a pretty low stack height. By the time my saddle is in position, my real-world STA is going to a good amount slacker, thanks to the really slack 71* actual STA.

Because it doesn't have especially long chainstays, this can make some riders start to feel like they are getting over the rear of the bike and behind the BB while seated. That's a position I'm not looking to go backwards to, like a lot of my old bikes.

I could slam the saddle really far forward, but that would take away from an already kinda short reach...

I could size up to an XL, but the seat-tube is huge on that bike and it would limit the dropper post I could run...

For me, it's something I would have to ride and get realworld time on it to see if it's actually a problem, or if it's all in my head.

 

[BikesDogsBrews]

Especially with a 150 fork on the new Rascal.

It’s also the same reason I put a 170 fork on my Rail 29 right off the bat. I’m 5’3 so it’s been serving me pretty well as an East Coast enduro-lite bike but I still can’t shake the feeling that I should have gone with something a little longer. Like a Rascal V2 haha!

 

[#mtnbykr]

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

 

[crgcrmny]

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

 

[kamper11]

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.

 

[kamper11]

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

 

[kamper11]

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

 

[Rngspnr]

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.

 

[kamper11]

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!

 

[side-swipe]

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

View attachment 2084789

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 😂

 

[kamper11]

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.

 

[ramoer]

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

View attachment 2084789

How would you compare it to a ripmo v2, climbing and descending? I'm considering this or waiting for the new ripmo for my next ride.

 

[kamper11]

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

 

[boostedka]

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.

 

[boostedka]

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

View attachment 2084789

What trails did you take it on there in Salida?

 

[foggnm]

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.

 

[coachxtaylor]

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

 

[foggnm]

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.