Revel Unveils El Jefe Grande 32er Hardtail with Enhanced Geometry

Revel is now offering its 32er mountain bike, the El Jefe Grande, for purchase. This titanium hardtail, featuring 32-inch wheels, was first introduced as a prototype at Sea Otter six months ago. However, the Colorado-based company emphasizes that the final production version is a distinct evolution from the initial concept. Key enhancements include refined geometry, strategically positioned mounts, and improved cable routing, making it a more versatile and rider-friendly machine.

Revel's founder and CEO, Adam Miller, highlighted the extensive development process, noting that achieving optimal handling with 32-inch wheels presented a considerable challenge. Many existing 32-inch bikes tend to have unconventional geometry, often feeling disproportionately stretched. The team undertook numerous trials and errors to ensure the El Jefe Grande's geometry was perfectly balanced, preventing the awkward feel common in other large-wheeled models.

Initial tests of the prototype by a tall rider (6'3") in April revealed that while the overall fit was good, steering at slower speeds felt somewhat cumbersome. A significant hurdle in designing for larger wheels is adapting the geometry to suit not only larger frame sizes but also smaller ones. To address this, Revel engineered the small-sized El Jefe Grande frames to accommodate a mixed-wheel setup, combining 32-inch front wheels with 29-inch rear wheels. Interestingly, the head tube angle of 67.5° remains consistent across all frame sizes, from small to extra-large. Unlike some manufacturers who might opt for slacker head tube angles on smaller frames to mitigate toe overlap—a potential issue with larger front wheels and shorter reaches—Revel chose a different approach. Given its design around a 100mm travel fork, the El Jefe Grande is clearly positioned as an XC (cross-country) machine, prioritizing a relatively steep head tube angle for efficient climbing and responsive handling.

Further refinements in the El Jefe Grande include an effective seat tube angle that varies between 75.8° and 76.4°, which is quite steep for a hardtail. The actual seat tube angle is approximately 3° slacker due to a distinct bend in the seat tube, designed to allow ample dropper post insertion while accommodating the large rear wheel. Reach measurements for the El Jefe Grande span from 440mm to 510mm, with stack heights at 660mm for medium and larger sizes. The small size features a slightly lower stack height of 657mm, maintaining a 32-inch front wheel. Chainstay lengths range from 430mm for the 29er rear wheel configuration to 457mm.

The titanium frame of the Revel El Jefe Grande now features five sets of bottle/tool mounts, an upgrade from the prototype's three sets. The mounts previously located on the seat tube have been removed, presumably to maximize dropper post insertion. Additionally, the internal cable routing has been enhanced. The prototype had cables fed directly into the top and down tubes, a less conventional and aesthetically awkward solution. The final design incorporates a more traditional and refined internal routing system. The bike retains its sliding dropouts, a feature carried over from the 29er Revel El Jefe, which allows riders to configure the frame for either single-speed or geared drivetrains. The El Jefe Grande is capable of fitting 32-inch tires up to 2.4 inches wide. A large-sized frame weighs 4.76lb, and the bike is sold as a frame-only package for $3,499, requiring buyers to source their own 32er fork, wheels, tires, and other components. For further details and ordering information, interested individuals can visit the Revel website.

The Revel El Jefe Grande represents a significant step forward in the 32er mountain bike category, moving from an innovative prototype to a meticulously refined production model. The enhancements in geometry and frame design address previous challenges, promising a more intuitive and high-performance riding experience for mountain biking enthusiasts. Revel's commitment to optimizing handling across various frame sizes and incorporating practical features ensures the El Jefe Grande stands out as a versatile and capable hardtail.