For years, REI’s in-house bike brand, Novara, occupied a space in the cycling world, but it never quite resonated with serious riders. Often seen as merely entry-level, Novara lacked the excitement and focused design that discerning cyclists craved. Recognizing this gap, REI undertook a significant overhaul of their bike offerings, culminating in the launch of the Co-op Cycles bike line. This new venture was strategically aimed at REI’s core demographic: the adventurous souls seeking two-wheeled exploration across gravel paths and challenging singletrack trails. The Co-op line presented a curated selection of bikes designed for these pursuits, all while maintaining approachable price points.
As someone who finds their cycling bliss amidst mountain trails and multi-day backcountry excursions, the REI Co-op DRT 2.1 mountain bike immediately caught my attention. Positioned as the top-tier mountain bike within the Co-op range, the DRT 2.1 boasts features tailored for the adventurous rider. Navigating the myriad of wheel size options can be daunting, but the DRT 2.1 makes a clear statement with its adoption of the 27.5 plus format. This wheel size strikes a compelling balance, offering the rollover benefits of 29ers combined with the enhanced volume of wider tires for a smoother ride and increased traction – ideal for confident control on varied terrain. While I remain agnostic to specific wheel size dogma, the 27.5 plus configuration feels particularly well-suited for a bike intended for the adventurous spirit.
REI Co-op DRT 2.1 mountain bike ready for adventure, highlighting its robust frame and components.
Components and Value: Shimano SLX and X Fusion Shine
With a retail price of $1,600, the REI Co-op DRT 2.1 isn’t positioned as a budget bike, but it confidently asserts itself as a strong value proposition within today’s inflated bike market. In an era where bike prices have seemingly ascended into the stratosphere, the Co-op line largely remains accessible to a broad range of consumers. For the investment, the DRT 2.1 delivers a well-considered component package, anchored by a complete Shimano SLX 1×11 drivetrain and braking system, including cranks. The Shimano SLX groupset is renowned for its reliability and consistent performance, and it’s commendable that REI Co-op opted for a full groupset rather than a piecemeal approach often employed to shave costs.
Another significant investment in the DRT 2.1’s build is the X Fusion McQueen suspension fork, offering 120mm of travel and equipped with an RL2 damper. While my personal bike history leans heavily towards Rock Shox and Fox forks, my experience with the X Fusion McQueen proved to be surprisingly positive. After a few minor adjustments and a brief break-in period for the fork bushings, the ride quality impressed me. The inclusion of a handlebar-mounted lockout lever is a welcome feature, especially at this price point, enhancing the fork’s versatility across different riding conditions. While some might consider this fork “budget-friendly,” its performance transcends that label.
Close-up of the X Fusion McQueen fork on the REI Co-op DRT 2.1, emphasizing its features and adjustability.
REI Co-op’s experience in product sourcing is evident in the finishing kit of the DRT 2.1. They’ve opted for their own branded bars, stem, seatpost, and other components. While these Co-op branded parts may not carry the cachet of high-end aftermarket options, they serve their purpose effectively and contribute to keeping the overall cost manageable. While some riders may perceive a difference between a standard and premium seatpost, for many, the performance will be indistinguishable, highlighting REI’s pragmatic approach to component selection.
The tire choice also reflects a balance of performance and value. Schwalbe Rocket Ron 2.8 tires are featured, known for their excellent ride characteristics. However, for riders in regions with abrasive terrain, like the American Southwest, a swap to more robust tires might be considered, particularly for loaded bikepacking trips. The rims are Co-op branded and laced to Novatec thru-axle hubs with Boost spacing, a modern standard for enhanced stiffness and wheel strength. Rounding out the build, REI Co-op wisely selected a WTB Volt Sport saddle, a widely praised and comfortable seat, demonstrating attention to rider comfort where it truly counts.
Front view of the REI Co-op DRT 2.1, focusing on the handlebar and controls, including the X Fusion lockout lever.
Frame Design and Practicality
The frame of the REI Co-op DRT 2.1 is constructed from 6061-aluminum using hydro-forming techniques. While not overtly flashy, it forms the solid foundation upon which the bike’s components are built. The overall design prioritizes function and durability. Frame geometry trends can be fleeting, but the downward sloping top tube on the DRT 2.1 presents a slightly dated aesthetic and potentially reduces frame bag capacity within the main triangle – a factor for bikepacking enthusiasts to consider. However, the lower standover height resulting from this design could be beneficial for some riders.
Thoughtful frame details include internal cable and hose routing, contributing to a cleaner aesthetic and minimizing cable clutter, which is particularly advantageous when using frame bags. The seatstays and chainstays exhibit subtle curves to enhance tire and heel clearance. Rack mounts are incorporated, reinforcing the bike’s adventure touring intentions. However, the omission of bottle cage mounts underneath the downtube is a minor drawback, limiting water carrying capacity within the frame.
On the Trail: Ride Performance of the DRT 2.1
REI Co-op DRT 2.1 in its element, navigating a rocky trail and demonstrating its off-road capabilities.
Ultimately, the componentry and frame features are secondary to the ride experience itself. Fortunately, the REI Co-op DRT 2.1 delivers a genuinely enjoyable ride. The initial characteristic I noted was a slightly deliberate steering response, likely attributable to the 435mm chainstays. While not excessively long, they contribute to a stable feel, especially when the bike is loaded for overnight trips. The bike exhibits overall stiffness and a nimble character, and the X Fusion fork significantly elevates the ride quality. This fork performance is a key differentiator, making it difficult to recommend models lower in the DRT lineup that may compromise on suspension quality.
The DRT 2.1’s claimed weight of 30 pounds is respectable for a bike in this category. Moreover, shedding weight is easily achievable through simple measures like converting to tubeless tires and swapping out heavier pedals. However, for a bike intended for adventure riding and gear hauling, obsessing over grams seems misplaced. Weight-conscious riders might be better served by focusing on fitness rather than componentry.
Rider on the REI Co-op DRT 2.1 tackling an uphill section, showcasing its climbing ability and rider positioning.
Detail of the REI Co-op DRT 2.1 rear dropouts and thru-axle, highlighting frame construction and modern features.
REI Co-op DRT 2.1 traversing a scenic trail, illustrating its versatility and suitability for various terrains.
Final Verdict: The REI Co-op DRT 2.1 as a Solid Adventure Mountain Bike
After several weeks of riding the REI Co-op DRT 2.1 on local trails and a short bikepacking excursion, my impression is overwhelmingly positive. Pushing the bike on challenging Sedona trails revealed its eagerness to perform beyond its perceived price point, with the fork confidently absorbing demanding terrain. The bike’s stability and comfortable ride quality inspire confidence for extended backcountry adventures, suggesting robust reliability for multi-day trips. The DRT 2.1 is undeniably a solid and dependable choice.
REI Co-op DRT 2.1 parked in a scenic outdoor setting, symbolizing its readiness for exploration and adventure.
While some comparable bikes might offer a slightly lower price tag, the value proposition of the REI Co-op DRT 2.1 extends beyond the initial purchase price. REI membership benefits, particularly the annual member dividend, effectively return approximately 10% of the purchase price back to the buyer. Coupled with REI’s extensive nationwide network of stores for purchase and service, the Co-op DRT 2.1 becomes an even more compelling option.
My initial знакомство (acquaintance) with the DRT 2.1 has quickly evolved into a positive riding partnership. Upcoming extended trips in the Rockies, fully loaded for bikepacking, will provide a more comprehensive test. Until then, the REI Co-op DRT 2.1 will continue to be my trusted companion on local trails, reinforcing its status as a capable and value-packed adventure mountain bike.
