In the dynamic world of mountain biking, new brands emerge, each with a unique vision and approach. Among these, Revel Bikes stands out, not just for its innovative designs but also for its commitment to a balanced riding experience and environmental responsibility. Born from a passion for cycling and a desire to contribute positively to the industry, Revel Bikes is carving its own path. This exploration delves into the core philosophies and offerings of Revel Bikes, revealing what sets them apart in a competitive market.
The Geometry of Balance: Revel Bikes’ Ride Philosophy
While the mountain bike industry often sees trends pushing geometry to extremes, Revel Bikes has consciously chosen a path of balance. You might notice that their geometry isn’t the most radical on paper, especially regarding reach and head angle. This is a deliberate decision, rooted in the belief that extreme geometries don’t necessarily translate to the best riding experience for everyone.
The team at Revel Bikes believes that some current trends have gone too far. Their bikes are designed to be on the longer and lower side, but not excessively so. The goal is to create a position that feels natural and comfortable for a wide range of riders. Revel Bikes aims for the sweet spot, blending optimal body positioning and bike handling without blindly chasing the latest geometry fads. They prioritize creating bikes that simply “feel” right, inspiring confidence and control on diverse trails. This philosophy ensures that when you hop on Revel Bikes, you’ll find a ride that is intuitive and enjoyable from the first pedal stroke.
Alt text: Revel Bikes geometry chart highlighting balanced angles and dimensions for optimal trail bike handling.
Sustainability: Weaving Green Ideals into the Fabric of Revel Bikes
Beyond performance, Revel Bikes demonstrates a genuine commitment to sustainability, a refreshing stance in the consumer-driven cycling industry. This ethos is evident from their innovative reusable bike boxes, a feature praised by environmentally conscious riders and a stark contrast to the disposable packaging prevalent in the industry.
The founder of Revel Bikes openly identifies as an “environmentalist hippie” and business owner, striving to merge these seemingly disparate worlds. The reusable boxes are just the beginning, a tangible step towards minimizing waste. Revel Bikes acknowledges the significant waste generated across all consumer product industries and believes every company has a responsibility to contribute to positive change within their means.
The choice to produce carbon frames, a material often criticized for its environmental impact, was a carefully considered one. Revel Bikes acknowledges the complexities of carbon manufacturing but emphasizes their partnership with a factory that prioritizes sustainability. This factory boasts an organic farm on its property and surpasses standard safety and waste regulations. Looking ahead, Revel Bikes is actively exploring recyclable carbon fiber for future projects, recognizing it as a longer-term goal. They navigate the balance between creating desirable, high-performance products and minimizing their environmental footprint, understanding that progress begins with consistent, smaller steps. As Revel Bikes grows, their commitment to a cleaner, healthier world will remain a guiding principle.
Alt text: Pallet of Revel Bikes reusable shipping boxes stacked in a warehouse, showcasing commitment to eco-friendly packaging.
When considering the broader cycling industry’s environmental responsibility, Revel Bikes offers a realistic yet optimistic perspective. While acknowledging the industry’s passion-driven nature and inherent connection to nature, they also point out areas for improvement, particularly in packaging waste. Revel Bikes has even challenged suppliers to reduce packaging, highlighting the industry’s potential for greater environmental stewardship. They hope to inspire other companies to join them in pushing for greener packaging and improved recycling initiatives within the cycling world.
Trail Advocacy: Revel Bikes Investing in the Riding Community
Revel Bikes understands that great bikes are only part of the equation; access to quality trails is equally vital. While they may not have a formal “mandate” for trail support, their actions speak volumes. As a company, Revel Bikes has dedicated time to volunteering with local trail-building organizations, directly contributing to trail maintenance and expansion in their hometown. This hands-on approach reflects a deep understanding of the symbiotic relationship between bike companies and the trails that riders cherish. For Revel Bikes, supporting trail building isn’t just a corporate responsibility; it’s a natural extension of their passion for mountain biking and their desire to foster a thriving riding community.
Hardtail Heritage and the Focus on Suspension: The Revel Bikes Lineup
While some might wonder about aluminum frames in the future, Revel Bikes currently has no plans in that direction. This focus aligns with their brand direction and the models they currently offer. Interestingly, the founder’s background includes launching two hardtail brands, Borealis and Why Cycles, demonstrating a deep appreciation for hardtails.
Revel Bikes recognizes the unique appeal of hardtails – their simplicity and direct connection to the trail. However, they also acknowledge the undeniable comfort and capability of suspension bikes. This understanding informs their product line, which currently features full-suspension models like the Rail and Rascal. Revel Bikes believes in the “quiver” concept, where riders ideally own multiple bikes to suit different terrains and riding styles, with a hardtail often being a key component. This perspective is further shaped by the founder’s experience in Alaska, where fat bike hardtails are essential for winter riding.
The Revel Ride Experience: Unveiling the Rail and Rascal
So, what can riders expect when they swing a leg over a Revel Bikes Rail or Rascal for the first time? The overarching sentiment is one of immediate comfort and natural feel. Riders often describe Revel Bikes as simply “feeling good,” a seemingly vague but ultimately accurate descriptor. These bikes are engineered to be balanced, excelling on both climbs and descents.
The Rail is positioned as a versatile everyday trail bike, yet with enough travel to confidently tackle most lift-access trails. It strikes a balance between agility and stability, making it a capable all-rounder. The Rascal, on the other hand, leans towards the playful end of the spectrum, offering a lively and engaging ride while still being remarkably capable on challenging descents. Revel Bikes encourages riders to experience the difference firsthand, highlighting the intuitive and enjoyable nature of their bikes.
Alt text: Revel Rail mountain bike descending a rocky trail, highlighting its travel and capability on technical terrain.
Alt text: Revel Rascal mountain bike airborne, showcasing its playful and agile handling for jump trails.
Revel Bikes designs their frames to accommodate tires up to 2.4 inches wide, with many riders successfully fitting even slightly wider 2.5-inch tires. This tire clearance reflects the modern trail bike standard, providing ample grip and cushioning for varied terrain.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Revel Bikes
While Revel Bikes is initially focused on delivering exceptional bikes to riders, they are also open to the idea of sponsorship and racing in the future, albeit in a more organic and less intensely competitive way, at least for their first season. Their primary goal remains to create “super rad, fast bikes for everyone,” prioritizing the joy of riding and accessibility.
Regarding their logo and name similarity to Revel Co., Revel Bikes acknowledges the coincidence. The name “Revel Bikes” was conceived and trademarked independently, with the founder unaware of Revel Co. at the time. Despite the similar name, Revel Bikes holds the necessary trademarks and expresses hope for a positive understanding with Revel Co., recognizing and admiring their film work.
Revel Bikes frames are manufactured in China, partnering with a manufacturer that meets their high standards for quality and ethical production. Their distribution model is a hybrid approach, combining online sales with select independent bike shop (IBS) partnerships across the US and globally. This strategy aims to provide the best possible customer experience, whether riders purchase directly from Revel Bikes or through a trusted dealer.
Warranty and service are handled directly through Revel Bikes‘ Colorado office, ensuring clear communication and efficient support. They recognize the importance of accessible service and provide comprehensive online service documents. Furthermore, they emphasize the generally bike-shop-friendly nature of the cycling community, where most shops are willing to service bikes regardless of purchase location.
Looking to the future, Revel Bikes harbors ambitious hopes. While launching with the Rail and Rascal, they already have more products in development. Their vision extends beyond just bikes; they aspire to be a company that positively impacts the cycling industry, their employees, and their customers. Driven by a genuine love for bikes, Revel Bikes aims to share that passion and contribute meaningfully to the world of mountain biking.
In conclusion, Revel Bikes is more than just another bike brand; it represents a thoughtful approach to mountain biking, blending performance with sustainability and community engagement. Their commitment to balanced geometry, environmental responsibility, and rider experience positions Revel Bikes as a compelling and exciting addition to the cycling landscape.
