The 2017 Ranger
If you follow BTR on social media, you’ve probably seen hints of some new developments in the works recently. The 2017 Ranger gets a new geometry, more travel on the 29er, optional internal cable routing, and updated sizing.
This update is the culmination of a lot of development work, including refining our build process and listening to customer feedback. We’re really happy with the real-world improvements we’ve made to the 2017 Ranger; a bike which was already one of the world’s best hardtails.
Geometry
The 2017 Ranger features an updated geometry; longer and slacker than its predecessor. With head angles being backed off by a full degree across all variations, and the reach being extended by 10mm. BB height remains the same though – this isn’t just a case of make it longer, lower and slacker, so that we can call it ‘new’!
Sizing
Sizing has also been updated, with models now featuring more increments of head tube and chain stay length to deliver more consistent performance across all sizes. The XS Ranger (26” only) now has a 405mm chain stay, compared with the original 410mm. XL 26” and 650B Rangers now have 5mm longer chain stays than previously, at 420mm. 140mm head tubes (instead of just 130 or 150mm) now feature on certain sizes of Ranger frame, giving more proportionate increments in stack height.
| REACH | STACK | ST | EFF. TT | BB DROP | EFF. CS | WB | HA | SA | HT LENGTH | HEADSET STACK | AXLE - CROWN | OFFSET | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| RANGER 650B | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M |
| S | 410 | 624.38 | 400 | 577.30 | 54.25 | 410 | 1151.19 | 63.5 | 75 | 130 | 12 | 514 | 42 |
| M | 435 | 624.38 | 425 | 602.30 | 54.25 | 415 | 1181.19 | 63.5 | 75 | 130 | 12 | 514 | 42 |
| L | 460 | 633.33 | 440 | 629.70 | 54.25 | 415 | 1210.65 | 63.5 | 75 | 140 | 12 | 514 | 42 |
| XL | 480 | 642.28 | 455 | 652.10 | 54.25 | 420 | 1240.11 | 63.5 | 75 | 150 | 12 | 514 | 42 |
Full Ranger frame geometry details
Travel
The 29er Ranger’s fork travel has been increased from 100mm to 120mm, in order to be compatible with more suitable fork options. The 26” and 650B Ranger frames have kept their 120mm travel forks, for good reason; with the updated geometry, the Ranger’s performance at high speed and on rough terrain has improved further still.
Boost
Boost 148mm rear spacing is now available as an option on the Ranger too, so that customers can tailor their frame to their needs even further. The Boost compatible Ranger is not compatible with 650B+ or similar tyres though – not even the 29er model – though it does gain a few mm of rear tyre clearance over the standard 142mm version. The Ranger will keep its current maximum of 2.35 – 2.4” tyre size, depending on brand.
Cable Routing
The most visually obvious upgrade for the Ranger is the optional addition of internal cable routing. Much more work than meets the eye has gone into this feature; we’ve made sure that the system keeps the frame properly sealed against the ingress of water, as well as making it mechanic-friendly and of course keeping the durability of the frame.
The cables are routed through the down tube, within thin stainless steel guide tubes; these tubes ensure that the frame stays sealed, and installing cables is as simple as just pushing the cable through until it pops out the other end.
The dropper post cable materialises inside the seat tube, so the Ranger can be fully stealth compatible!
The guide tubes feature rubber seals at the front end, which prevent any moisture or dirt from getting into the frame – it wouldn’t be very helpful if the seat tube filled up with water!
The rear derailleur and rear brake cables emerge just in front of the BB, and run externally under the chain stays until they reach their targets.
Pricing
Pricing for the 2017 Ranger has stayed at £1000 for the frame, with stealth dropper only internal routing being an additional £50, or full internal routing for £150 extra. Internal routing is also available as an option on all frame kits and complete bikes, with Stealth routing being mandatory on Burf Edition complete bikes.
TL;DR
Overall the 2017 Ranger is sleeker and meaner than its predecessor, but keeps the efficiency and responsiveness of the original. The best enduro hardtail just got better!
Tam
Questions? Comments? Let us know…
P.S.
We know ‘enduro bike’ is a pretty cliché term nowadays, but it trips off the tongue a whole lot better than ‘really versatile bike that will get you up hills and around trail centres with zero fuss, and you can really hang it out on the descents…bike’, so that’s what we’re calling the Ranger. That and we built the first one for an enduro race.
