Jeff's Do-It-All MTB: Custom Revel Rascal Bike Check [Video]

Jeff has ridden and owned countless bikes over the years, and this Revel Rascal is one that he holds dear to his heart. Tune in to see what makes this build unique! 

Suspension

The Rascal is built around Revel's highly praised CBF (Canfield Balance Formula) suspension platform, delivering 130mm of rear travel paired with a 150mm fork up front. Jeff opted for a RockShox Lyrik in the front and a RockShox SuperDeluxe out back. While he originally favored the lighter Pike, the modern Lyrik setup provides an incredibly plush, supple, and progressive stroke through chatter and hard hits alike. Compared to bikes from just a few years ago, this suspension platform keeps the bike high in its stroke while providing effortless tracking over rough, technical terrain.

Wheels

To lean into that durable "enduro-lite" build vision, Jeff went with Industry Nine System wheels utilizing their Hydra 2 hubs and proprietary aluminum spokes threading directly into the hub shell. He chose a striking bronze-on-bronze color combination laced up to Trail One Shred Enduro aluminum rims. While an enduro-spec rim is technically a bit heavy for a 130mm trail bike, the trade-off is total peace of mind—it offers an incredible warranty, brutal durability, and instant hub engagement so he never has to worry about blowing up a wheel on hard landings.

Tires

Tire choice is a classic combo: a Maxxis Assegai up front paired with a Maxxis Dissector in the rear, both in EXO+ casing. What makes this set unique is the rare OE-spec grey Maxxis logos (taken off a complete build), which Jeff aggressively favors over standard yellow logos. Functionally, the Assegai delivers unmatched front-end cornering grip and control, while the faster-rolling Dissector in the rear allows the back end to break loose predictably in loose corners without sacrificing durability.

Drivetrain

In a world dominated by wireless electronic shifting, Jeff intentionally took a retro-inspired path with an 11-speed mechanical SRAM XX1 rear derailleur and shifter paired with an XX SL carbon crankset, Wolf Tooth 30T chainring, and an e*thirteen Helix R 9-46T cassette. He loves the lighter weight, ultra-short derailleur cage clearance, crisp tactile lever click, and zero battery management on a bike he doesn't ride every day. It offers all the range he needs with zero charging stress.

Brakes

Stopping duties are handled by SRAM Motive Ultimate brakes paired with SRAM's thicker 180mm HS2 rotors front and rear. Weighing in around 155 lbs, Jeff didn't feel the need for massive downhill-oriented SRAM Mavens. Once properly bled and tuned with reach adjustments, these 4-piston stoppers supply more than enough power, lever feel, and heat modulation for aggressive trail riding without adding unnecessary weight.

Cockpit & Touchpoints

The cockpit centers on a size Large frame with a 470mm reach, paired with a short 32mm Trail One Rockville stem and Trail One Crockett carbon handlebars. Touchpoints include Trail One Hellgate grips—where $1 from every sale goes toward trail building in Kenya—alongside a Trail One Saxon Hill CroMo saddle mounted to a ultra-reliable OneUp V3 dropper post. Rounding out the contact points are ultra-bougie Crankbrothers Mallet E pedals with titanium spindles, and an ENVE carbon bottle cage that looks like a stealth bomber (even if it needs a strip of electrical tape to hold the bottle tight).

If you are one strange human that would like to read a transcript summary of the video above, continue reading below!

In this video, Worldwide Cyclery founder Jeff presents his custom-built Revel Rascal—his benchmark for the ultimate "one-quiver" mountain bike (a 29er with 130mm rear / 150mm front travel). Designed to be more robust than his ultra-lightweight Yeti ASR XC bike, this trail build prioritizes durability, clean aesthetics, and low-maintenance performance.

• Frame & Geometry: Features Revel's CBF suspension platform with a steeper seat tube angle for improved climbing comfort and a slacker head angle for descending stability. The size Large frame has a 470mm reach, paired with a short 32mm stem.

• Suspension: Equipped with 130mm rear travel via a RockShox SuperDeluxe shock and a 150mm RockShox Lyrik fork, offering a plush, supple, and progressive ride feel.

• Wheels & Tires: Runs Industry Nine System wheels (Hydra 2 hubs, proprietary aluminum spokes) laced to Trail One Shred Enduro aluminum rims for maximum durability. Wrapped in Maxxis EXO+ tires—an Assegai up front for ultimate grip and a Dissector in the rear for fast-rolling driftability—featuring rare OE grey logos.

• Drivetrain: A lightweight, non-electronic setup combining a SRAM XX SL crankset (30T Wolf Tooth ring) and an e*thirteen Helix R (9-46T) cassette with an 11-speed mechanical SRAM XX1 derailleur and shifter. Selected for its crisp tactile feel, ground clearance, light weight, and freedom from battery charging.

• Brakes: SRAM Motive Ultimate brakes with 180mm SRAM HS2 rotors front and rear, providing plenty of power and modulation for a ~155 lb rider without needing heavier downhill brakes.

• Cockpit & Touchpoints: Fitted with Trail One Crockett carbon bars, Rockville stem, Hellgate grips, Saxon Hill CroMo saddle, OneUp V3 dropper post, Crankbrothers Mallet E pedals with titanium spindles, and a lightweight ENVE carbon bottle cage.