It might not be the most eyecatching bike here, but Pinnacle has done a great job of combining smart micro design with great spec to create a really versatile and enjoyable ride. For a start they’re one of a tiny number of companies who give you a spare gear hanger. That means you’re not left bikeless for days trying to track down a replacement if you damage the original one.
The swerving seat stay tubes above the dropouts and a 27.2mm seat post create a noticeably more forgiving in seat experience than the Vitus and Boardman too. The supple sidewalls of the Continental Mountain King tyres add significant float to the already trail smoothing effect of the 29er wheels. They’re a softer compound than the Schwalbe’s of the Boardman too so you can brake and turn harder or just take sketchier, slipperier lines without ending up on your arse.
Control and comfort
The 44mm headtube of the Ramin means room for a tapered top, through axle dropout Reba fork. The 120mm of travel gets adjustable sensitivity control from the incremental lockout lever and there’s wide ranging ‘starts fast, finishes slow’ Rapid Recovery rebound control too. While steering angles and stem length are the same as the Boardman, but just 20mm more travel, 20mm more bar width and a grippier, more terrain moulding front tyre make a real difference. That meant we were happier throwing the Pinnacle into technical situations and the odds of a happy ending were noticeably higher too. The fact that we weren’t being punished with a brutal kick up the arse when we bullied the front end through rough sections created a noticeable upward spiral of confidence. Remove the extra shim that holds the skinny seat post into the frame and you’ve got free rein to choose from larger diameter dropper posts for even more technical capability. While the smoothly pliable Conti tyres are more prone to puncturing than most, the rims are tubeless compatible so it’s worth adding a sealing kit when you buy. Even then you’re still getting excellent value with the Ramin. The Shimano XT shifters are cleaner in feel, downshift an extra gear per stroke and are longer lived than SLX or Deore. SLX brakes are a bonus and if you look after them, well the Shimano hubs will see you right for years.
Summary
If you haven’t gathered by now, let’s make it clear. Pinnacle has created a really capable, well controlled and enjoyable trail bike without making it such a caricature that it’s compromised in everyday situations. Add a super durable spec, easy upgrade options and a Ramin with a tubeless kit is a great way to spend 1500$ on a mountain bike.
Price 1485$
