Radical Bicycle Co Launches 'Grim Ripper' Hardtail
PRESS RELEASE: Radical Bicycle Co
Radical Bicycle Co has been manufacturing a small selection of bike frames in the UK for a few years now. They consisted of 2x enduro hardtails (Chilli Dog 290 & 275), as well as the Surveyor (A progressive gravel bike). These frames are manufactured to order and offer bespoke geometry and custom finishing.
However, in response to the continued growth and diversification of the brand, we've produced the first frame that is manufactured outside of UK waters, in Tianjin.
And that model is the Grim Ripper (Shots fired....if you know what we mean). The first pre-production model was on display at the Malverns Classic festival this year
SO WHAT IS IT?
The Grim Ripper is an agressive, versatile, short travel (120-140mm) steel hardtail with some nifty tricks up its sleeve.
First and foremost being the price; the RRP of the Grim Ripper is £695.00, which is a huge difference to the UK made frames starting at £1,250.00. But that does not necessarily mean you are getting half the bike. Check out some of the key features below:
Versatile:
The Grim Ripper is able to run 27.5, 29 or a mullet set up (from the same frame). This is thanks to the sliding dropouts offering +/- 15mm range to the chainstay length
Modern Geometry:
- 63.5 deg Headangle
- 77 deg Seat angle
- Super short, straight seat tubes
- Tall stack/Low standover
- 420 to 435mm chainstay lengths
Sizing:
2x sizes are currently available which are a size 'Regular' (455mm reach) and a size 'Long' (495mm reach)
Materials:
Carefully selected butted 4130 steel tubing to offer that 'steel is real' compliant ride quality
SO WHY THE CHANGE?
Well, it is not exactly 'change.' UK fabrication still continues, with no plan to offer a non-UK manufactured version of the Chilli Dog or Surveyor.
But, what this does mean is it makes our bikes more accessible and broadens the market reach. The bespoke handmade approach is not for everyone, or at least, the physical cost isn't. The Grim Ripper fills that gap, offering a more 'budget friendly' alternative to the line up, whilst still remaining true to its branding.
On top of this, it is in response to the current climate, where budgets are becoming tighter, and buyers are potentially being more cautious when it comes to spending.
From a commercial perspective, this also reflects the Radical's biggest investment to date, moving into larger-scale batch fabrication.
Frames are currently expected to land mid November, where they will be in stock, ready for immediate dispatch. Alternatively, if you want to get in there early, pre-order are open.
You can find more details below:
radicalbicycleco.com/
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It's one thing to say your back can't take it anymore and needs the squish, but in any (healthy back) n+1 scenario, I just can't believe anyone would say this.
48 years here. Just bought a Chromag two years ago (after realizing my 2002 Rocky Blizzard restoration project was limited by the lack of modern geo).
I have also not seen an FS bike that looks just as downright gorgeous as many hardtails.
Actually truthfully, that was the deal-breaker for me too... I spent a year or so looking for a decent 140mm Fox Van with a straight steer tube, V-brake bosses and 9mm QR, it was not easy, but finally found one... figuring that would slacken my geo enough... then when I finally found that I couldn't get a dropper I sorta gave up.
I ended up getting a 2005 Iron Horse Warrior Comp alloy frame with a 30.9 seatpost and threw a 90-130mm Fox TALAS on it. I drilled out a hole at the base of the seat tube to run a dropper post and it will fit a 200mm dropper post. Managed to find some TR 26" Nukeproof rims as well. That being said, I'm more inclined to ride my 2021 Growler now, it's just a better ride in almost every way.
It's f*cking awesome.
Within 6 months of getting my 1st FS I had dented the air can on the shock--400 bucks, gone.
Simplicity is your friend.
Not that I have much faith in Starmer, but anything got to be better than the absurd chancers who have made the UK a far worse place to live over the 10 years.
Untill we're back in the ECC and the single market, we're f*cked
I don't fit ether size.
I'll never buy one
This is the real HCHT
Agree, at first glance the two look super similar, but some minor and major differences, primarily sizing.
With the 2 sizes offered they essentially go from a medium to an XL. Even if I wanted this bike, I don’t fit either size.
And for the geo, I’ll take the 150-160mm forks that fit the RS-291. 130 is clearly rideable, but when the speeds pick up and trail gets steep, I want some extra bail out and a burlier fork up front.
What is the weight? 8lbs?
Kona Honzo is only $600
idk? Bro, there’s a dude named Justin in park
City that makes Bichin steel bikes to order that fit 29x3.0’s.
Do the bro-brap and Get it brah! Suit up in your pro-gnar-loamtrooper costume and get it!!!!