Reader’s Ride: Calamity James’ BTR Ranger

BTR Ranger

Fork

RockShox Pike Ultimate 130mm.

Shock

My creaking joints.

Wheels

Hope Pro5, DT Swiss EX511.

Tyres

Schwalbe Magic Mary/ Wicked Will – 2.4″ tubeless.

Brakes

Hope Tech EVO TR4 – 200mm floating rotors.

Drivetrain

Hope EVO 165mm crank, XT 11sp shifter and mech, Garbaruk 11sp cassette (10-46).

Cockpit components

Hope TR Stem (40mm) and Renthal Fatbars (40mm rise).

Seatpost

Ascend Slight SL 200mm.

Saddle

ERGON SM Comp.

Accessories

Hope headset, dropper lever, wheel skewer, bottom bracket. Fidlock mount.

Size and weight

Large (460 reach, 658 stack, 440 seat tube). 14kg/ 30.5lb

Why this bike?

I had a 27.5″ Ranger previously (that was featured on Readers’ Rides) that I absolutely loved, but had a quick ride on a mate’s 29″ wheeled bike and was sold. It’s an absolute monster once it’s up to speed hurtling down anything it faces; it’s more stable and faster than the 27.5 version, but does lose an element of fun as a result (though this is the case for all larger wheeled bikes). I could mullet it, but that just looks wrong and would trigger my OCD. So capable on technical, rocky trails and perfectly comfortable on 50 mile XC loops. Glad I opted for the X-Brace, which is a throwback to the OG BTR frames. Massive fan of steel hardtails – this is my eighth now, and Burf again has built another stunner.

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