Bike Check: BC Bike Race custom-build Revel Ranger V2
Canadian Cycling Magazine heads to Vancouver Island for XC stage race classic
Photo by:
Matt Stetson
BC Bike Race is returning to its coastal roots on Vancouver Island this year and Canadian Cycling Magazine publisher Sam Cohen is joining in all week. He’ll take part in the Canadian classic XC mountain bike stage race aboard this V2 Revel Ranger built up specifically for what is, in BCBR’s own description “The Ultimate Singletrack Experience.” More plainly put, that entails eight days of racing on Vancouver Island from Cowichan to Cumberland and Campbell River.
BC Bike Race, with its singletrack-heavy stage profiles featuring the best west coast technical riding available in each area, is notoriously challenging for bikes and riders. That makes this Ranger V2 build a little different than the stock option, and definitely more burly than your average World Cup cross country bike.
Sam’s BCBR build Revel Ranger
Revel Ranger with a 120mm Fox 34 Step-Cast Factory fork
Revel Ranger's new V2 uses 115mm of Canfield Balance Formula rear suspension
The design is more complex than some World Cup-destined fame designs, but aims to add control and traction for a little extra weight
Ranger V2 comes with minor updates, like UDH compatibility and improved lateral stiffness
Fox's new Float SL shaves weight off the Ranger V2
SRAM's new Level Ult. stealth levers stay tucked in close to the bars
While SRAM's new AXS wireless shifting pods let you customize your controls
180mm front rotor for BC XC racing
Maxxis Forekaster adds a little extra grip than your average XC tire without losing too much rolling speed
ENVE M5 carbon fiber rims accelerate through every single switchback on course
Industry Nine hubs are quick engaging and, as a bonus, let other racers know when you're catching up on trail
SRAM Level Ult four piston brakes for extra control on long technical descents
Revel adds a tidy little fender to the Ranger V2
Garmin Rally XC pedals to measure effort, or at least get a more accurate reading of how hard the days were
FSA Flowtron dropper post with 150mm travel
Black on black for FSA's dropper
While a OneUp remote lever adds a bit of grip for guaranteed grip in the rough
FSA's KFX integrated bar-stem keeps the Revel race light
A unique look for sure, but fast
Sam’s running a size medium frame with a 120-mm-travel Fox 34 Step-Cast fork and Fox’s new lightweight Float SL cross country shock. On the Ranger V2, that’s smoothing out 115 mm of rear wheel travel via Revel’s Canfield Balance Suspension design.
Enve M5 wheels roll on Industry Nine hubs, with Maxxis re-designed Forekaster tire adding a bit of extra grip while a Rekon in the new MaxsSpeed compound keeps the Revel rolling fast. FSA supplies a 150-mm Flowtron dropper and KFX integrated bar-stem combo. SRAM’s new Level Ultimate Stealth levers pull four-piston calipers for control over long BCBR descents. Garmin Rally XC power meter pedals show just how hard Sam is working every day this week on Vancouver Island. Finally, a Scott bottle cage with a tidy little multi-tool tucked into the frame takes care of most mechanical issues on trail.
