BTR Ranger Hardtail Updated For 2017 - Press Release
Press Release
![BTR Ranger 2017 Burf Edition]()
NEW YEAR, NEW RANGER, NEW OPTIONS
BTR is proud to announce an updated Ranger for 2017 – the original and best enduro hardtail just got better! This update is the culmination of a lot of development work, from refining our build process to listening to customer feedback. We’re really happy with the real-world improvements we’ve made to a bike which was already arguably 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 130 or 150mm) now feature on certain sizes of Ranger frame, giving more proportionate increments in stack height.
![BTR Ranger 2017 Burf Edition - Internal Cable Routing amp Renthal Cockpit]()
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 significantly.
![BTR Ranger 2017 Burf Edition]()
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. More on those fat tyres later…
![BTR Ranger 2017 Frame Kit Internal Cable Routing Entry]()
Internal Cable Routing:
The most visually obvious upgrade for the Ranger is the 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.
![BTR Ranger 2017 Burf Edition - Reverb Stealth B1]()
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!
![BTR Ranger 2017 Burf Edition - XT M8000 Rear Brake amp Easton Flatboy Pedals]()
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.
Build Options:
The first of the new Rangers was built for Burf, featuring his choice of components throughout. With the original complete Ranger build mainly being specced by Tam, we decided that this new bike should really bear Burf’s name, and the original build Tam’s. This is how the new ‘Burf Edition’ and ‘Tam Edition’ ranges of frame kits and complete bikes came about.
![BTR Ranger 2017 Burf Edition Frame Kit]()
The main differences between the two ranges stem from the differences in Burf & Tam’s riding; both ride hard and fast, pushing their limits wherever possible. However Burf focuses on racing, where Tam just rides flat out for the adrenaline kick.
On Burf Edition builds you’ll find only the top-of-the-line products which can stand up to prolonged riding under his 90kg mass. Tam Edition builds have no less focus on durability or performance, but achieve their goals by simpler means. One thing is guaranteed – you won’t find cheap, plasticy tyres or heavy inner tubes, or rattly spoke protectors and wheel reflectors on either model.
![BTR Ranger 2017 Burf Edition]()
A complete Tam Edition Ranger starts at £2800, and its Burf Edition counterpart £3400.
![BTR Ranger 2017 Internal Cable Routing Entry]()
What’s Next?
There was mention of 650B+, and no doubt this option being denied on the Ranger is a disappointment to some. There are plans though; there isn’t a 650B+ Ranger because 650B+ bikes ride differently. They are more capable in some situations and less in others, so it only seems right that they get their own frame, designed contact-patch-up to extract the maximum possible from the bigger tyres.
www.btr-fabrications.com
NEW YEAR, NEW RANGER, NEW OPTIONS
BTR is proud to announce an updated Ranger for 2017 – the original and best enduro hardtail just got better! This update is the culmination of a lot of development work, from refining our build process to listening to customer feedback. We’re really happy with the real-world improvements we’ve made to a bike which was already arguably 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 130 or 150mm) now feature on certain sizes of Ranger frame, giving more proportionate increments in stack height.
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 significantly.
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. More on those fat tyres later…
Internal Cable Routing:
The most visually obvious upgrade for the Ranger is the 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.
Build Options:
The first of the new Rangers was built for Burf, featuring his choice of components throughout. With the original complete Ranger build mainly being specced by Tam, we decided that this new bike should really bear Burf’s name, and the original build Tam’s. This is how the new ‘Burf Edition’ and ‘Tam Edition’ ranges of frame kits and complete bikes came about.
The main differences between the two ranges stem from the differences in Burf & Tam’s riding; both ride hard and fast, pushing their limits wherever possible. However Burf focuses on racing, where Tam just rides flat out for the adrenaline kick.
On Burf Edition builds you’ll find only the top-of-the-line products which can stand up to prolonged riding under his 90kg mass. Tam Edition builds have no less focus on durability or performance, but achieve their goals by simpler means. One thing is guaranteed – you won’t find cheap, plasticy tyres or heavy inner tubes, or rattly spoke protectors and wheel reflectors on either model.
A complete Tam Edition Ranger starts at £2800, and its Burf Edition counterpart £3400.
What’s Next?
There was mention of 650B+, and no doubt this option being denied on the Ranger is a disappointment to some. There are plans though; there isn’t a 650B+ Ranger because 650B+ bikes ride differently. They are more capable in some situations and less in others, so it only seems right that they get their own frame, designed contact-patch-up to extract the maximum possible from the bigger tyres.
www.btr-fabrications.com
Author Info:
Member since Sep 23, 2015
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Custom, handmade companies like BTR are 110% high quality in materials, desighn manufacturing an customer service
As aposed to mass manufacturing
Do you get it now?
Prick
Ask for quality from Taiwan - get quality, ask for junk - get junk.
Ask BTR for a quality frame - Get quality, somehow persuade them to make junk - get junk.
The difference and merit here in buying the BTR is that you support two guys in your home country, you are paying for them to make you a frame that you can customise aspects of, and you will get (as you mentioned nojzilla) a high standard of customer service.
Some of this is of course available from other brands, Cotic, Stanton etc but if you value having something made by hand in the UK and you like the product then get a BTR.
The age old argument of overseas V UK made is old but I do wish more people would try and 'buy locally' or in 20 years time you may not have any choice left in where or what you buy.
Had a quick spin, it's like no other hardtail I've ever ridden! !
So slack and stable at high speeds it's scary how fast you can cover really rough trails considering its a Hardtail.
It's funny, all these lot on here chucking their opinions around and probably none have even seen one in the flesh, much less ridden one!!
Well as someone who has actually got some riding time on one, I can say Tam and Burf have way outdone my expectations of how good a ht can take rough trails!!
Wait till you've been on one, you'll be grinning from ear to ear.....
More fun than you could comprehend from looking at an "ugly " picture of a bike on a computer or phone screen...
One shouldn't get one's knickers 110% in a twist about a bit of internet banter. And one should learn the difference between "your" and "you're".
Steel HT frame prices, for a variety of reasons, used to be cheaper a handful of years ago, so these days getting a bespoke, boutique, customized hand crafted frame will cost you $$$$$, and rightly so; there are skilled craftspeople's livelihoods on the line here and if you want that attention to detail and quality, it is right to have to pay more for it.
And with a Ranger, you end up getting an unbelievably good riding experience in my view. If the updated version is as good as the 26 was (and I would be highly surprised if it wasn't) and I had the money available, which I don't, I would seriously consider putting in an order.
One day maybe I will have the coin before I get too old to enjoy it!
Oh, and the Ranger is my local LBS in Japan's owner's ride of choice by the way when he is looking for a rip-roaring trail bike. It isn't only the Brits who "get it".
Support your 'local' business, though I don't doubt the fact Taiwain and China can produce a decent product, I don't want every product to look the same or share such similar traits they may as well be, be that because all of the small companies are gone or because one place is making everything - Just look at many Taiwanese hardtails, all made in one of a few factories and all sharing similar construction to keep the cost down.
For someone who seeks absolute performance, I believe training on a HT is also good for sharpening tech skills.
And finally, you never have to much bikes!
@GXMV: Why not? If you have the money and like it, go on ! If you are looking for sensible arguments to justify the amount of money spent on a bike, you will either stick to Solid/Yt/Canyon or simply quit the sport.
My commuter is wayyyyy to expensive for its purpose but it's a bike I built and love and every time I look at it, or think about it, I tell myself it's a damn cool bike! That's a form of pleasure a cheap/common/mainstream/reasonable bike can't provide me, no matter how good it performs. I'm sure many will understand my point !
On a separate but related topic; sure the geometry gives you better stability at speed but unless you are running fire roads, the point seems moot. Its hard enough to keep your fillings and control a hard tail in the rough slowly, I cant imagine trying it any faster... And just to play devils advocate to myself, Yes im sure there are people who can ( i thought i remember someone doing very well at megavalanche on a hard tail) but thats a very small proportion of riders..
thats 1 ugly bike i will stick with chromag thank you
alltho i do like british built gear
thats 1 ugly bike i will stick with chromag thank you
alltho i do like british built gear
Marzocchi is cool.
A normal seat clamp should be better for a mtb.
Rear brake routing is off, only xtr xt slx, have the adjustable angle hose. On all other brakes, the line will point straight at 10 o clock. It just needs one cable stop, on top, 5 inches from bb.
Cable routing under the cs is a pain to clean and not popular on mtb for a reason.
Nice dropouts.
It is not the original enduro hardtail... so don't pretend.
It is not the "fastest" bike...
Hire better advertisers/copywriters.
They are talented builders but I think they aim to the wrong market.
Enduro is the new "Fixie", but lucky they stopped pushing the mask/open helmet combo.
I need your critiques and low-key praising in my everday life--would streamline a whole lot of existence.
Nothing under the CS.
www.pinkbike.com/photo/14310505
You can buy 360 banjos in different thread sizes to fit most any caliper.
" The brake routing tubes are dangerous."
How so?
"Cable routing under the cs is a pain to clean and not popular on mtb for a reason."
My Breadwinner CX frame has this, not hard to clean at all!
Would LOVE a custom 26 inch ranger
In all seriousness, I'd be interested to hear how the thing rides.
That said, I find the new internal routing tubes extremely ugly and potentialy dangerous.
I really like the looks and finish on these bikes.
You are the customer and you decide what works for you best but without these cool small manufacturers things would really get boring fast!
LMAO!