Revel Bikes Kicks Off Experimental Concept Labs with New 32Faction Bike Studio is Bac

Revel Bikes has launched a new initiative called Concept Labs, formalising its approach to experimental bike development. Based in Golden, Colorado, the company will use this platform to publicly share prototype projects, geometry trials, and early design ideas that may not necessarily reach commercial production. This move reflects Revel’s commitment to transparency and ongoing dialogue with riders, moving away from the traditional closed-door development process. The Concept Labs programme builds on Revel’s history of innovative prototypes, including a 3D-printed thermoplastic composite downhill bike and the “Ratical,” a full suspension trail bike crafted from 3D-printed titanium with a Horst-link CBF suspension layout. Founder Adam Miller emphasises that the company dedicates significant time to exploring unconventional ideas and testing theories, many of which might never be mass-produced. The new initiative offers enthusiasts a window into this creative process, highlighting the company’s experimental ethos. A key focus of the latest Concept Labs work is Project El Jefe Grande, which explores the use of 32-inch wheels on titanium hardtail frames. The project features two frames: an XL with 32-inch wheels front and rear, and a medium “Mega Mullet” combining a 32-inch front wheel with a 29-inch rear wheel. Revel’s Director of Product, Mike Giese, explains that titanium’s versatility allows the company to rapidly prototype and test new geometries and wheel sizes without committing to expensive tooling. This experimentation aims to uncover how wheel configurations and frame sizing might interact to improve rider fit and handling. Giese acknowledges that the project is very much in the testing phase, with no definitive answers yet, but expresses enthusiasm about the potential insights and the enjoyment derived from the process. Revel Bikes encourages followers to track the progress of these developments through their website, signalling an ongoing commitment to innovation and rider engagement. This initiative could influence future trends in wheel sizing and frame design within the cycling industry.