It is sometimes easy to forget that in and amongst all the massive bike brands out there that there are in fact several small ‘out of the shed’ brands out there fighting against the big fish. BTR might have moved out of their shed a few years ago, but they are basically still just two blokes cutting and welding tubes together to make great bikes. Having a demo bike available for the press and potential customers might not sound like a big deal, but for BTR it is. Here’s what the guys have to say:
BTR’S FIRST DEMO BIKE: A 650B RANGER
A small step for some, but a giant leap for BTR; a fully built 650B Ranger demo bike is now ready to ride.
BTR Fabrications’ demo 650B Ranger is now ready to ride! The bike features Burf and Tam’s choice of components; selected for their excellent performance, durability, and value.
Up front are a set of Marzocchi 350 CR forks, set at 120mm travel for the Ranger. Their great performance, strength, low weight and flawless reliability make them a perfect match for the Ranger frame.
The bike rolls on a set of custom hand built wheels from August Wheelworks. These are hand assembled, tensioned and trued in the UK using August’s own hubs, Sapim Race spokes, and Ryde Trace Enduro 650B rims.
Complete build specs:
• BTR Ranger 650B frame, large, with integrated seat clamp
• Marzocchi 350 CR forks @ 120mm
• August Wheelworks custom wheels; Ryde Trace Enduro rims/Sapim Race spokes/August hubs
• Renthal Fatbar Lite, Kevlar push-on grips and 40mm Duo stem
• Shimano Deore brakes with 160mm discs
• Sram GX 1×11 drivetrain, 32t chainring
• Maxxis High Roller II 27.5 x 2.3″ EXO TR and Ardent 27.5 x 2.25″ EXO TR tyres
• Rockshox Reverb 125mm dropper post
• Fabric Scoop Race saddle
• Nukeproof Warhead headset
• Shimano Saint flat pedals, or Deore SPD pedals
“It might not seem like a big deal (it wouldn’t be for bigger frame builders or bike companies) but for us, this first demo 650B Ranger is a massive step!
We’ve taken our time to get support from the right brands; Marzocchi UK and August Wheelworks. Buying components for the rest of the build was a big investment, but it’s come together flawlessly. We couldn’t be happier with the finished bike!
The bike will be featured in a video which we will release in a couple of months, and will be ridden and reviewed by the press. It will also be around at our future ride days (dates and venues TBC), for everyone to ride.
We’re super excited to get the bike out there, and to get more people on a BTR. Hopefully the demo Ranger will be near you soon!” – BTR Fabrications
