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Ragley Big Wig Race – The No-Nonsense Hardtail

Ragley Big Wig

An iconic hardtail – not only for it’s vibrant colours – but for it’s rowdy geometry; the Ragley Big Wig has been updated for 2022 and we got our hands on one. This year’s model is quite simply Ragley doing what they do best; building bikes with great specs which are a blast to ride. 

Last year Matt got the chance to check out the Blue Pig and this year he get’s the chance to look at the big brother, Big Wig. Blasting around the trails, Matt has given us his thoughts on this domineering mountain bike. Let’s take a closer look at the specification of the Big Wig Race.


Ragley Big Wig Race – Quick Overview

  • Frame: 4130 Cro-Mo
  • Fork: Rockshox LYRIK Select 150mm
  • Wheelset: Nukeproof Horizon 29″
  • Groupset: Shimano XT SLX – 12 Speed
  • Availability: September 2022
  • Price: £2,499.99

Video: My Favourite Ragley Hardtail


Ragley Big Wig Race: In-Depth

Hardtail Mountain Bike

The Big Wig is well known for being a rowdy hardtail, and Ragley have updated this model to become the rowdiest version of the bike to date. The Race spec features a longer 150mm RockShox Lyrik RC, other upgrades to the race compared to standard model includes full SLX 12-speed and an improved wheelset.

Ragley Big Wig Race: Frame & Geometry

Ragley Big Wig Race

Without mentioning the lollipop colourway of the Big Wig Race, Ragley are renowned for their rowdy geometry.

Engineered from a custom triple butted 4130 Chromoly tubing that offers a stiff but comfortable and lively ride.

The steel setup are kept thin in the centre providing a decent level of shock absorption. The extra reinforcement on the rear stays, down tube etc produced more reassurance in gnarly situations.


Ragley Big Wig Race: Suspension

Ragley Big Wig Race

The race spec Big Wig brings with it a more progressive downhill power. To do this, Ragley have equipped it with the RockShox Lyrik RC with 150mm of travel.

To ensure you roll fast and smoothly, the Big Wig comes with Nukeproof Horizon 29″ wheelset. Featuring a the Maxxis Assegai up front along with a Maxxis Minion DHR II.


Ragley Big Wig Race: Drivetrain

Ragley Big Wig Race

Upgrading from the standard Big Wig, the race model comes with a full Shimano SLX 12-speed groupset. The 30 tooth chainring upfront is coupled with a 10-51t cassette at the rear for all round power.2

To ensure you stop in good time, this model comes with SLX M7100 levers and M1720 callipers.


Ragley Big Wig Race: Components

Ragley Big Wig Race

To finish off this hardtail, Ragley have equipped it with a set of Alloy handlebars, Stubbing V2 stem and the Brand-X Ascend dropper seatpost.


How does the Ragley Big Wig ride?

Big Wig - How does it ride?

It’s one thing to say the Big Wig can shred the trails like a rowdy hardtail should, but does it actually perform? Matt took the Big Wig out on the trails and even tested it against a full suspension mountain bike to see what is faster on the trails. This is what he had to say:

The Big Wig Race offers a smooth and forgiving ride and with its long travel fork you can take the biggest hits and allows you to attack the trail with ease. The well thought out components combine with the frame to offer a composed and well balanced ride.


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