I felt comfy rapidly on the Rallon due to the self-selected high-rise bar, lengthy dropper publish and 40mm stem. The shock wanted some machining to unlock peak efficiency and enhance suppleness, nevertheless it was by no means the “small DH bike” gobbling up shock that the 167mm journey prompt. I rode it back-to-back with Scott Ransom, who has related suspension numbers and geometry, and Scott felt a bit extra comfy on tough terrain and large hits.
I measured the usable journey after this take a look at and found that I used to be struggling to get greater than 159mm of crush from the Ralon (the Scott over-delivered at 172mm measured the identical means), and that helped clarify the distinction in plushness between the bikes. . Not that the Ralon is hard, nevertheless it’s not a tiller. The X2 has a big bumper from the underside out, which on this case most likely restricts usable journey and makes the suspension much less good at absorbing massive hits than you would possibly count on from the quoted journey. The mix of a progressive linkage, air spring and decrease bumper that impacts a big portion of the stroke provides as much as make the Rallon much less environment friendly at clearing bumps than some bikes on this journey section.
Do not get me improper: the small shock sensitivity is sweet (actually good for those who optimize the shock setting for it) and it looks like a 160mm journey bike as a substitute of a 167mm, as a result of that is what it really is. The flip facet is that there is not any trace of harshness while you attain the top of the (usable) trip on heavy landings (I’ve a two-metre touchdown with a flat touchdown that I take advantage of to check this), and there is loads of help within the depth of the stroke when pushing right into a berm or pushing. Pump or pedal out of a nook and the help is there that can assist you transfer rapidly.
I attempted excessive and low settings, however did not have a powerful desire for taking place. Even on tight, twisty descents, the place I usually desire decrease bikes, I did not discover a lot profit to the low setting, and on the upper setting, the suspension felt extra balanced by flatter sections and curbs. The excessive setting is noticeably higher for climbing too, so that is what I used probably the most. However even then, the BB is low and the top angle is low, so it is very steady and steady on steep, technical trails. The low mode is there in order for you it, however the excessive setting affords a pleasant stability of climbing and descending that you could set and overlook.
On flat sections and move trails, the Rallon gives good help and balanced dealing with, making it simple to hold rapidly. It responds properly to pedal inputs too, making it as rewarding on sooner, much less demanding trails as it’s on steeper trails. If the Rallon is your solely bike, you will not need a path bike to accompany it.
