2021 Ragley Big Al Review - How Does a Budget Aluminum Hardtail Stack Up To Sedona's Trails? 

One year later, and i still love the big Al. One thing I'm going to change on the rating, however, is playfulness. Compared to other bikes on the market now, I'm going to give it an 8.5/10 on playfulness. The rsd middle child, 2022 chameleon and binary Maniak are noticeably more playful than the big Al. That said, the big Al is still a fantastic bike, especially for the price. Do you need help deciding which bike to purchase next? I offer a one-on-one bike consultation service through patreon. It's how I put food on the table for my family, and how I'm able to provide custom bike advice for my vieewrs. Become a patron today for access: sign up for the monthly bike consultation tier, and cancel at any time. Most people sign up for a month or two, and we work together to discuss their needs, riding style, etc. to narrow down the list of all the great hardtails out there. When they get the info they need and they no longer have any questions, they cancel. Become a patron today: patreon.com/hardtailparty. If my videos have saved you time or money, consider supporting this channel via Patreon. For as little as $5/month you can ensure I continue making unbiased content. Support individual content creators over garbage tv or sponsored content disguised as reviews. What a bike! This one is really special. It rides quite different from its geo chart. It's always hard to judge a trail based off gopro footage, but this is a chunky, rocky trail and the aluminum frame handled it amazingly well. When you consider this frame is only $399 new, it makes the decision even easier. Their base model is $1399 (no dropper), with this same exact frame. What an incredible value for an amazing riding frame. If you've only got $1500 to spend on a bike, and what o described in the review matches what you're looking for, i don't know of a better bike for the price. For those looking for a distributor in the states, contact the bike bondsman and Chuck n roll bikes. Send them an email and ask about availability. Ragleys have a tendency to sell out fast soon after they're available, and I can definitely see why. Stay tuned to see how the big wig stacks up to this bike. According to PinkBike, here's when the new Ragleys will be available for purchase: 15 Feb: Mmmbop frames 22 Feb: Big Al frames, Big Wig frames, Blue Pig frames, Marley frames, Mmmbop frames & bikes, Piglet frames 1 March: Big Wig Race bikes, Blue Pig Race bikes, Mmmbop bikes, Piglet bikes, Trig bikes. 15 March: Big Al 1.0 & 2.0 bikes, Big Wig bikes, Big Wig frames, Blue Pig bikes.

This video has been up for less than 30 minutes, and you already have close 500 views. People are loving this content!

Just sent Ragley a thank you e-mail for sending you the bikes, as your MMMBop review was why I now own one. This review will influence many others too. Really glad you're gaining more traction on the channel. You & Jeff Lenosky are the reasons I have an "education" on MTB Geo / preferences. Thanks for all you continue to do!

I’ve had my Big Al for 9 months now, so happy I found this video when I was shopping for hardtails. I absolutely love the bike, and I love all the knowledge, passion and on trail reviews, Steve! I have learned so much and enjoy watching all of your videos. Thanks. I just ordered a Cane Creek Helm MK2 fork to put on it as well! Stoked!!!!!

Dude you're really making me want to buy a Ragley. Between the Mmmbop video and this! They look awesome. Can't wait to see your review on the steel bike!

"You can push yourself and challenge yourself without getting more dangerous and without upping the consequences of injury" The most wise words i have ever heard in biking!Thumps up from a doctor!I am sick of diagnosing musculoskeletal injuries from full suspension downhills...so many young people almost disabled...

This is what hardtail really should be. Affordable! Good Geo for every trail! I got a Big Al 2020 last year (as my first-ever bike)! It was and it is still amazing!!

Just bought a Big Al 2.0 and could not be happier. While it is the low end build kit this bike is just so much better than every other hardtail I have ridden in terms of how zippy it is without being uncontrolled in rought terrain. I love it and it will definately be one I upgrade as parts wear out to make it even better. The purple color is awesome. I also have to say thanks so much for your channel. I would not have considered this bike if not for you reviews and I am so glad I did take the flyer on it. Cannot even compare it to the LBS bikes I test road around my area (Giant Fathom, Trek Roscoe, and Specialized Fuse) they were not bad bikes but not anything like this. Thanks

I decided to purchase a Big Al frame and build up my own version of this bike. Would not have built a hardtail if it weren’t for your informative reviews. Brought back the excitement of mountain biking. I feel like a kid again. Nice videos. Thanks for your honesty.

I built a 2020 Big Al with a 150mm Z1 fork last year. Currently, I ride the Big Al more than my SB130 LR. It is one of the best bikes I have owned... it’s a lot of fun and super capable at a great price.

I am so glad I bought the Big Al frame. It is awesome and yes, it rides just like you said: Very zippy and the turns are like rails. Can’t believe I like it more than my Santa Cruz Hightower LT, full suspension bike. I feel really planted and it’s fun.

Black/Mango 2022 Big Al just arrived. Mate...., this is the beginning of a new adventure!!! Thanks for the tip and thanks for this wow channel. Keep up and take care!!!

Thank you Steve!! I bought Big Al frame in Purple🟣 today. Im enjoying your every single bike reviews. Again, thank you 🙏and hello from Singapura

I've got my2020 Ragley Big Al with 27.5x3.0 front and rear, 165 cranks (following your advice) and 130mm fork. No problems of clearance and superfun! Thank you for this👏👏

Thank you for recommending this bike to me on your consultation, been riding it for almost a year now and it’s been amazing!

I don’t ride hard tails but I love watching your videos. I learn so much about bikes from you. Your happy, love for biking, smart personality is one of a kind.

I bought one of these frames out of desperation in 2020. I was struggling to find anything available that I liked. Anyway, I'm very happy with mine and agree with this review in that it builds up to a good handing, good climbing and comfortable bike. And I love the badge on the head tube 😁

Stop it! I had it down to the Nimble 9 or the Pace RC529 and now this! Back to the drawing board. Great videos Steve, I’m really enjoying them.

I have a Ragley Big Al and I just absolutely love it ❤️❤️ It basically is just the perfect bike for everything, I love riding it around town as my commuter, but it of course tears up the trails so well too. And it is fast!!

Because of your reviews and review of this bike... I ordered a large, built it up with a fox 34. I can honestly say it is the most impressed I have been with a bike the first ride out( that includes the two pivots I bought)! Thanks for the great reviews!

I could tell by your voice you had a huge smile on your face the whole time!! I don’t even need to ask. This bike is exceptional!!!!

built up my first bike in september, ragley marley 27.5 using whatever pandemic bargain bin parts i could get..love it, 28.5 lbs with duroc 35rims. The lower center of gravity and weight difference just made world of difference in feel, acceleration, and confidence over my rockhopper i bought few months prior. Ragley line of HT are just awesome! cant wait for spring here in midwest! great review!

Review was so good big win on the aluminum frame!!! Us metal heads can’t wait too see your thoughts and how the bike rides in a steel version!!!! The steel vs aluminum debate continues.....great job Steve!!! 👍👍👍💪💪💪

Thanks for the review! Glad you love the Big Al. Looking forward to the Big Wig video.

Your excitement is contagious!

Hi, I just bought a big al 1.0 online and mentioned to ragley in an email that you helped me make my decision, cheers 🤘

I bought a Big Al and Spank Vibracore wheel set 6 months ago based on your review. Just wanted to thank you. I’m pretty shocked at how well this frame rides. I didn’t think this kind of ride feel was possible with alloy. I say that after owninghigh end steel and TI frames. Thanks Steve!

Hi Steve, I just ordered a ragley Big AL 2021 frame in violet/blk. as I saw the titel of your vid: "It's sooooo good!" ; - ) This confirmed my descision, many thanks for the review. I'll build it with a DVO Diamond D1 Fork (green) 140mm, Race Face Turbine parts (also green accents), Wheels: Newman A35 SL (probably) or Syntace W33i, Magura MT7 for sure (I'm from Germany) - also with green decor rings - can't wait till it's delivered to start building and finally ride it. Greetings to Sedona!

Just ordered a Big Al! I will be sure to let Ragley know you were instrumental in my decision to purchase. Shout out to the Bikebondsman!

Just ordered a big al frame.. watched this review 4 times .. can't wait to build it up...

I just built a 2021 Marley single speed. Today I finally got to ride in on my local trails today, and I now have an idea of how compliant the Big Al is. My Marley is running on 27.5x2.6 tyres and feels softer than my 2018 Orbea Laufey on 27.5x3.0 tyres. Great work again and great frames.

Steve, I just got my Ragley Big Al and wanted to thank you for your content. It was invaluable in picking my bike and I will certainly send Ragley an email to let them know they made a good decision sending you a bike to demo. Keep making the videos, they are Fire!

I hope Ragley sends you a nice Christmas gift every year because this review alone must have sold thousands of bikes. Great review Steve! Love the channel.

Everything you've been praising on the Big AL i can relate to on my Sentier! Makes me want to tinker with the frame more so than have so much bike envy. My favorite local trails in the central coast CA throw so much jank and sandy switchbacks and the Sentier handles it with ease. Enjoy the weekend Steve!

Literally could watch for hours. Keep ’em coming.

I got the mmmbop because of this video. Took a chance and it paid off big time!!! It’s Sooooooo good. Thanks Steve for mentioning it!

Gee watching this review made me smile as much has when I'm riding my big al

I bought a Ragley big al after I've watched your review and I'm really happy with it. Thank you!

Here in 2023 and I’ve just built up a Big Al frame with the parts from my fuse comp with a change to a Domain 29” that I got at a bargain price Honestly love this bike so much more than the fuse… it’s a much more comfortable ride and I feel as if I’m much more confident with the compliance of the rear end compared to the fuse, can’t wait to kit this bike out

Thanks for all your great content! I found a deal on a big al and pulled the trigger on it partly based on just how much fun you're obviously having in this review

Im sold. I want that frame.. I have been looking for a fun hardtail to compliment my Reign. I found it!!!

man we need a Ragley vs. Nukeproof shoot off right about now...

Just sent an email to Ragley thanking them. I also just got my own Big Al 2.0 and I love it. Thanks Man, it's my first bike and I'm hooked!

This looks like it’s right in the sweet spot in terms of geometry and feel for most people and most places. Price is right too. Another great review

I'm very happy to say I actually ordered a Big Al frame from Chuck n Roll. A large frame was in stock and it's mine.

Sooooo glad Ragley worked with you! They were great on responding to my pre-purchase questions

Just ordered a Big Al 1.0, first MTB in 20 years. Your review sealed the deal! The statement about pushing yourself and challenging yourself without upping the consequences of injury is the zone I'm looking for. Came very close to ordering a full suspension, but as a former BMX kid this hardtail was calling me. Very excited!

Your knowledge of every part of a mountain bike and the way you explain how the bike rides is top tier. I’ve been watching a few of your videos, trying to suss which Hardtail to get. And I think I may have just found the one.

Bought a BigAl in September of last year and your video really helped out. The bike has been amazing since, and just wanted to say thanks for the great content.🤟

After 2 rides on my new Big Al, I love that bike. Coming from a 2019 Timberjack it’s a big difference. Great job Ragley and Steve for a great review.

Join the ragley hardtail family, you won’t be disappointed. Digging my 2020 stock blue pig and the 50mm stem and 150 yari. Great work as always Steve💪

Second year on my Marley...and just love it...I ended using it more than my full susp enduro bike. I run it with 140mm yari with mrp ramp control. Rental 40mm bars, mullet configuration, full slx and xt brakes. Big smiles, just big smiles!

The Big Al frame was on my radar and now i own one thanks to your review!👍🏼 can't wait to build it up! Amazing work on the hardtail reviews and will definitely send an email to Ragley!

I haven’t heard you this stoked on a ride in while! 🤘😃🤘

Love your videos. You make me want a hard tail more everytime I watch one of your videos. Big Al is definitely on my list!

Thanks for the review. It seems that my first bike search is finally over!

I have the Nordest Sardinha 2 with rigid fork and I love it! really comfy bike the best bike I ever owned, It's a very versatile bike, with frame bag saddle bag and front rack ... the bike rocks!

Just ordered my frame! Planning to build it up as a singlespeed. Havent had a hardtail in over a decade and very excited to have something different from my trail bike.

I’m interested in hearing the comparison to the steel frame. I own a few steel frames and truly enjoy the ride quality but like you said, a heavier bike has its downsides. I’ve even bought Reynolds 853 steel frames (Niner Sir9) to save a little weight, sure it was a little lighter than my butted chromoly frame but actually didn’t ride as nice. Being a metal hardtail guy I’ve had a few Ti frames, of course they’re light but carry a big price tag. I do think the recent aluminum frames are coming into their own and offer a nice option for hardtail lovers that don’t want to spend money on Ti or Carbon but still want light weight and a complainant feel.

Great video! I knew this brand Ragley has something special. The Big Al was my plan B when I bought my Vitus Sentier 29VR

Looks like a sweet affordable Hardtail!

Great solid review of the Big Al as usual Steve I felt your smile the whole ride Brother. I ride one as well a little different mixed wheel 2.8 in the back but fits a 3.0 but am super interested in the Bigwig steel version just to geek out on😂 Have a great weekend be safe fellow HTPers🚲

This Big Al review is the reason why I own one.

Hey bro, just finished my Big Al build, love it. Not the only steed in the stable but defo a great bike. Off to Greece for the summer this year with this bike. Thanks for the advice. 👍

I just purchased this bike as my first mountain bike. Your recommendation and this video were instrumental in my choice. Thank you for the passion you show in all your videos. I will make sure to email Ragley as well.

Love the video and I just ordered mine. One thing I noticed is the new Big Al frames 2.0 (v2?) have a 63.5° HT angle and and a 75° seat tube angle. Reach grew 5mm and the wheel base grew 26mm - Chainstays are still 435mm so that's encouraging. I hope it's still the all-arounder your review said it was. Fingers crossed... I am going to keep it at 140mm up front and see how it feels. Keep up the great work!

I got a '20 BigWig for all the reasons you mentioned, it's a great partner to my full suspension enduro bike.

Ragley makes my favorite hardtails. I had a 2019 Big Wig but never built it up.. Bought the San Quentin because of budget and I really regret it. Love how happy you sounded!

I got lucky and was able to land one of these frames. I look forward to building it up in the next month. This video helped get me interested, and i'll plug Steve's consulting service. He is very helpful for narrowing down your list of bikes. With bike availability so scarce, it really helps to have a few candidates that you feel good about and can pull the trigger immediately when you get a 'stock alert'. Thanks again Steve! -greg

Hi just bought a big al Frame. Your review convinced me to make the purchase. Thanks Steve 🙏🙏🙏.

Great video Steve. I've been riding a 2020 HT AM Meta frame and I love it but it's super stiff and unforgiving. I 'd like something a bit more forgiving as I'm recovering from a heel injury. This review has convinced me to buy a Big Al frame and swap my bits over and see how it goes. You obviously liked this bike. Thanks again for your brilliant content.

I’ve been waiting for this! Great review. I picked up a BigWig in July, it’s so capable. At 6’6” the XL is probably a tad small for me, but man that thing is definitely an “only bike”

Looks like you had an absolute blast on that bike. Looking forward to the Big Wig comparison. Great content as always!!

Yeah man! I got a 2020 Big Al from the Bike Bondsman and love it. I "downgraded" from the Ibis Ripmo AF. The Big Al is ridiculously fun. I think it has the perfect geo for me and I only paid $350. It also flexes like a steel hardtail!

Dope review, love my Marley which is the 27.5 version of the Big Al.

Just ordered a Marley, can’t wait to get it!

Just ordered my purple xl ragley big al from chain reaction. Awesome review

Good luck getting one of these. I signed up for email notification for availability at CRC. They had a bunch come in yesterday in both colours. I didn't see the notification until 15 minutes after it came across and by the time I got on the CRC website they were all gone. Probably just as well, CRC's shipping costs are getting out of hand, they charge as much to ship a frame as they do a complete bike.

Oh man....I had it all narrowed down to an RSD MiddleChild. Now after watching this video (and soon the Steel version video) I have an option I have to consider, again. But this is a good thing and I so appreciate your efforts Steve. Once I get some money, I hope to send some your way as a token of my thanks for all the info (AND OPTIONS!!) you have given to help me find my next bike.

I'm really wondering what you would say about Canyon hardtails: the Grand Canyon and the Stoic.

You’re making me want to swap my bigwig for an Al. Hopefully the bigwig does just as good.

Proud ht user hir.. luv it..

Solid review! 👏 I'm really enjoying my Big Al and hoping to get the Mmmbop next.

Ragley knocks it out of the park with all their bikes, great company🤗🤗🙂, great bikes

i used to have the original ragley mmbop best hartail ive ever owned and ive had lots

UK rider completely jealous of that beautiful scenery. I have a Bird zero AM, I think you'd enjoy it. Keep up the great work

Great review! I'm on a work trip away from home and this is making me absolutely ache to get back on my bike! Can't wait to see how the steel bike rides. I'm liking the look of those flat seat stays and eager to see how they work.

British boutique brands usually nail it... Ragley, Cotic, Stanton, the list goes on. We’re really spoilt here in the uk 🇬🇧

I shuttle my Bigwig at Spider. And then I go and do flat XC type trails. It works well enough at all that I can’t complain.

Great review! Would love to see a closer comparison between this and the Paradox v3

great review my next ragley frame to build again after the mmbop

Great review as always....ok now I am sold on a less expensive aluminum Ragley, since just second bike the price is right. Now to get my hands on ibe, lol!

The brake cable is probably designed to come out of right side of frame on go to brake lever on left. Its problem certain frames have if not running lever on side its designed for. Sounds like amazing bike

I’m looking forward to see the big wig review. Beautiful bike

Im so glad i own a ragley if i buy another bike it will be ragley again love it to bits and also thank you hardtail party i received my hardtail party hooded top love it quality merchandise keep up the good work with the channel and keep safe

Steve, I have a 2021 Nukeproof Scout which uses the same plastic internal guides. One of the guides will not stay seated in the frame and another has cracked. Love the bike but hate the guides. Keep up the goodness🤘

Had my eye on the mmmbop for a while but I already have an enduro hardtail so I was thinking it would make more sense to go with a 29er and I think I'm sold on the Big Al after seeing this. So hard to get hands on anything bike related at the moment though .Great vid

Sold me on Ragley with reviews of mmmbop and big Al! Pretty much narrowed to these or Marley. Given you liked both so much, curious which you liked better or which is better for what type of rider. Thanks for the awesome content, recently subscribed and can’t stop watching!!

Awesome review.... the Big Wig is gonna blow you away dude! Steel is real !

Seems like a good place to say thanks for the heads up on the mmmBop. I was in the market for a ht. Saw your review & picked one up. It's has saved me during the pandemic! Perfect machine for climbing roads and bombing black & double black single-track. Keep up the radness! Lmk if you have htp zipper hoodies 🚵‍♂️