For cycling enthusiasts constantly bombarded with news of the latest gravel bike innovations, Reeb Bikes emerges from Longmont, Colorado, not just as another contender, but as a statement. Born from the same passion that fuels their brewery (yes, REEB is beer spelled backwards), REEB Cycles presents the Lickskillet, a gravel bike that embodies their “Barn Built Because it Matters” ethos. In a market saturated with claims of revolutionary designs, the Lickskillet confidently asserts its place with a raw, almost industrial aesthetic and a promise of unparalleled ride quality.
The Lickskillet immediately conjures images of a rugged, post-apocalyptic world. Its textured powder coat finish, reminiscent of desert sands, combined with a distinct lack of flashy components, creates a purposeful, almost militaristic vibe. This isn’t a bike striving for delicate beauty; it’s built for business. It evokes a sense of adventure, urging you to load it up with gear and disappear into the wilderness, seeking solace and escape on challenging terrain.
Delving into the Build: A Showcase of Premium Components
The REEB Lickskillet review bike came equipped as a “Halo build,” a testament to uncompromising quality. The cockpit is entirely ENVE, renowned for its lightweight and robust carbon fiber components. Shifting and braking are handled by Shimano’s gravel-specific GRX 810 1x drivetrain, celebrated for its reliability and smooth performance in demanding conditions. Rolling on Industry Nine’s brand-new carbon gravel wheelset, the bike further emphasizes its high-performance pedigree. Comfort is addressed with the Ergon SR-Pro saddle, a favorite among gravel riders for its ergonomic design, perfectly suited for long days in the saddle.
In a size 57cm, configured with this top-tier componentry and Panaracer Gravelking SK 43mm tires set up tubeless with sealant, the Lickskillet weighs in at a respectable 20.5 pounds. While noteworthy for a steel frame in a larger size, the $6499 retail price demands scrutiny. At this price point, every aspect of the bike’s performance and ride quality needs to justify the investment.
The Allure of Steel: Ride Quality Redefined
In a cycling world increasingly dominated by carbon fiber and aluminum, the Lickskillet champions the enduring appeal of steel. Ask any seasoned bike mechanic or steel aficionado, and you’ll likely be met with passionate declarations about the unique ride quality of steel bicycles. Steel frames are often lauded for their ability to absorb road vibrations, providing a smoother, more comfortable ride, especially on rough surfaces. This “steel is real” mantra resonates deeply within cycling culture, rooted in the material’s inherent characteristics.
REEB elevates this steel experience by utilizing “Vari-Wall THERMLX Air-Hardening, Seamless, Heat Treated Steel.” This isn’t just any steel; it’s a meticulously engineered alloy designed for exceptional performance. According to the tubing manufacturer, this material boasts a unique chemistry incorporating molybdenum, vanadium, and chromium. This blend allows the steel to air harden during the TIG welding process, resulting in a fine grain microstructure with superior strength and toughness. Notably, Vari-Wall THERMLX is the only steel in the industry manufactured to AMS Aerospace Standards, guaranteeing defect-free, aircraft-grade quality with a maximum tensile strength of up to 1200 MPa. This translates to a frame that is not only durable but also possesses a refined ride feel.
Ride Experience: Race-Ready and Rugged Terrain Approved
The Lickskillet’s ride quality lives up to the hype surrounding high-end steel. It delivers a ride that feels both responsive and forgiving. The frame exhibits a lively springiness when accelerating or climbing, yet maintains stiffness for efficient power transfer. It’s a bike that feels eager to perform, encouraging you to push your limits on gravel roads. The geometry, while race-oriented, still provides enough comfort for long endurance rides, though aggressive riders might find themselves seeking optimal saddle-to-bar drop for peak performance, potentially leading to some neck strain on extended rides.
The Lickskillet truly shines on challenging terrain. Its robust construction and ample tire clearance inspire confidence when tackling rough roads and unpredictable conditions. The review bike’s finish, akin to a truck bed liner, is a practical choice for gravel riding, where debris and harsh weather are common. This combination of durability and thoughtful design makes the Lickskillet a capable partner for exploring the most demanding gravel routes.
Justifying the Price Tag: Mystical Ride or Material Reality?
The question inevitably arises: does the Lickskillet justify its $6500 price tag? In a market brimming with competitive gravel bikes, including those utilizing premium tubesets and achieving similar weights at lower price points, the Lickskillet faces stiff competition. However, there’s a palpable honesty in the claim that high-end steel possesses a certain “mystical ride character,” particularly evident when riding over rough surfaces. The Lickskillet arguably embodies this claim more convincingly than many of its counterparts. It’s a bike that delivers a distinctively smooth and responsive ride that is difficult to quantify but undeniably present.
Areas for Improvement: Minor Tweaks for Perfection
While the Lickskillet excels in many areas, a few minor refinements could elevate the user experience further. The rear derailleur cable routing could benefit from an additional braze-on to prevent cable housing protrusion and potential shoe contact during pedaling. Given the spacious front triangle, incorporating an additional set of bottle bosses inside the frame near the head tube would align with current gravel bike trends, allowing for a third water bottle. Top tube bosses for a bolt-on top tube bag, now almost standard on gravel bikes, would also be a welcome addition, enhancing the bike’s versatility for longer rides and bikepacking adventures. Finally, offering singlespeed compatibility as a standard feature, rather than a custom option, could broaden its appeal and competitiveness within the premium MUSA (Made in the USA) frame market.
Final Verdict: Beyond Needs, Embracing Desires
In a world of practicalities, it’s important to acknowledge that no one needs a $6500 steel race bike for local group rides or gravel races. More affordable options abound, and even titanium alternatives exist at a similar price point. Yet, much like the desire for a fully equipped adventure van or a rare single malt whiskey, the Lickskillet appeals to a different kind of need—a need for passion, escape, and connection. For those who deeply value the unique ride quality of steel and seek a high-performance gravel bike with a distinctive character, the REEB Lickskillet offers a compelling proposition. Cycling, for many, transcends mere transportation; it’s a vital outlet for mental and emotional well-being. Investing in a bike that brings joy and enhances this experience is far from wasteful. The REEB Lickskillet is more than just a bike; it’s an invitation to embrace adventure, explore rugged landscapes, and perhaps, even escape the metaphorical “Thunderdome” of modern life, if only for a ride. And who knows, maybe “Master Blaster” would be a fitting name for REEB’s next bike creation.
