Slightly different bikes, the Rail 29 is a little more towards a trail bike and is a zippier climber hut not quite as point and shoot on the dh, it is more responsive though with the slightly steeper hta. Honestly the main selling point for Revels is the CBF suspension it basically feels like a more refined dw link as crazy as that sounds, very active under braking and works fantastic in the tech.

 

I would think the switchblade and rail must handle really similarly.

Rail with a 170 fork probably sits right between the two.

I'd be worried the different between the rail and switchblade might be too small to be worthwhile.

 

I ended up getting the Rail because I was concerned about the Firebird being too big for most riding especially since I’m at the bottom of the Firebird’s size range for a Small. At 5’4 I’m right in the middle of Revel’s size range for a small Rail.

I’m having the shop bump the fork to 170 so hopefully it hits more of a middle ground between the Switchblade and the Firebird.

I’m selling the Switchblade to make this happen so I’m not concerned about overlap other than worries that the Rail might not have the downhill capability I’m looking for. Hopefully I don’t regret the decision…

 

These guys think you might have chosen correctly for your needs.

Revel Rail 29 | Blister

Revel’s long-travel Rail just got a major update, including a switch to 29’’ wheels. Check out our First Look for all the info.

blisterreview.com

Though I would have looked at that Firebird pretty hard if I wanted to make a big step up on the descending side.

 

That review definitely resonates with the reasons I had for going with the Rail. And I was very close to buying a Firebird but the overall length was giving me second thoughts.
Eitherway, I’m about to find out if it was the right choice!

 

Love to hear how the new Rail 29 is treating you. I'm seriously considering both the Rail 29 and the Pivot Switchblade myself for rocky east coast riding. Curious how you feel about the Rail 29 being your daily driver. How do you compare it to the Switchblade for climbing and descending? I'm not a racer, and I have a 2018 SC Hightower that is great for mellower rides. Just looking for something a bit bigger/different without going crazy. Both the Switchblade and the Rail 29 have geometry that is closer to a trail bike than an enduro bike which I find very appealing.

 

I'm looking in the same category of bike and I think I'm going to go with a transition spire.

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Enjoy! The Spire is a big bike - way bigger than I can use. I love Transition bikes though - wish I had a place nearby where that bike would be appropriate.

 

Wondering if you can provide an update - considering the switchblade or rail for riding around New England - based in mass but days in vt and nh.

 

The Rail 29 has been great. The higher stack height with the 170mm fork took some getting used to but I feel like the overall reach/HA/wheelbase package hits a good balance for managing tight, technical riding but maintaining composure at speed. sometimes I wish it was just a little longer and slacker but that’s more of a numbers thing and less about real world performance.
I put a Push 11.6 coil on it and that definitely upped the descending game without significant pedaling drawbacks other than weight.

 

The Rail 29 has been great. The higher stack height with the 170mm fork took some getting used to but I feel like the overall reach/HA/wheelbase package hits a good balance for managing tight, technical riding but maintaining composure at speed. sometimes I wish it was just a little longer and slacker but that’s more of a numbers thing and less about real world performance.
I put a Push 11.6 coil on it and that definitely upped the descending game without significant pedaling drawbacks other than weight.

Minus the 170mm fork I could have written this post myself. I have 500 miles on my Rail29 and it has been a fantastic east coast/mid-Atlantic bike. I got a good deal on a used Push 11-6 and I’ve been enjoying it as well. The bike climbs well and handles technical Singletrack well too. I have times I wish it was a little longer for the extra stability, but there are other times where I wish it were shorter to handle tight turns better - sounds like the definition of compromise. Super happy with the Rail29 - no regrets.

 

Re: the switchblade v2, I’d say the rail 29 is definitely more conposed when descending at speed through chunder. that’s partly the geo but also the CBF suspension feel seems more planted, especially under braking. it still pops but maybe not at lively of a pop as the DW link on the Switchblade. Switchblade felt like it gave more back when pumping flow trails but the Rail still pumps well. it just feels less springy.