Ragley Piglet 2020: A Trail Hardtail Review

Hey, mountain biking fanatics! Today, we're diving deep into a bike that's been making some serious waves in the hardtail scene: the Ragley Piglet 2020. If you're on the hunt for a seriously capable, fun-loving, and downright awesome trail hardtail, you've come to the right place, guys. The Piglet has always been a bit of a cult classic, known for its playful geometry and robust build, and the 2020 model certainly didn't disappoint. We're going to break down what makes this bike tick, who it's for, and whether it deserves a spot in your garage. So, grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and let's get this review rolling!

The Ragley Piglet 2020: What's the Big Deal?

When we talk about trail hardtails, we're looking for a bike that can handle more than just smooth, groomed paths. We want something that's up for gnarly descents, punchy climbs, and playful moments on the singletrack. The Ragley Piglet 2020 absolutely embodies this spirit. Ragley has built a reputation for creating bikes with aggressive yet balanced geometry, and the Piglet is a prime example. It's designed to be ridden hard, to inspire confidence, and to put a massive grin on your face, no matter the terrain. This isn't your grandma's old hardtail; this is a modern machine built for modern trails. It strikes that sweet spot between being a capable climbing rig and a downhill ripper, a balance that many bikes struggle to achieve. The frame itself is usually constructed from robust steel, which is a big deal for riders who appreciate the inherent damping qualities and durability that steel offers. This means you get a bike that can take a beating and still feel lively and responsive under you. We'll get into the nitty-gritty of the specs and geometry shortly, but the overall philosophy behind the Piglet 2020 is clear: unadulterated trail fun. It’s a bike that encourages you to push your limits, to explore new lines, and to simply enjoy the ride. The design team at Ragley clearly put a lot of thought into making this bike feel intuitive and engaging. Whether you're a seasoned rider looking for a reliable second bike or a newer rider wanting something more capable than a basic XC machine, the Piglet 2020 offers a compelling package. It’s the kind of bike that makes you want to ride more, to seek out more challenging trails, and to become a better rider. The attention to detail in the frame design, from the internal cable routing (often a feature on higher-end bikes) to the robust dropout design, speaks volumes about Ragley's commitment to quality. It’s not just about slapping some decent components on a frame; it's about creating a holistic riding experience. And for the 2020 model, they really hit the nail on the head, offering a fantastic blend of performance, durability, and pure, unadulterated joy on the trail. This bike is a testament to the fact that you don't need a full-suspension bike to have an incredible time on challenging terrain.

Geometry and Ride Feel: The Heart of the Piglet

Let's talk about the magic behind the Ragley Piglet 2020: its geometry. This is where the bike truly shines and separates itself from more XC-oriented hardtails. Ragley is known for its progressive geometry, and the Piglet 2020 is a testament to that. We're talking about a slacker head angle, a steeper seat tube angle, and longer reach compared to older designs. What does this mean for you on the trail, guys? It means a bike that feels incredibly stable at speed, especially on descents. That slacker head angle (often around 65 degrees or even slacker) acts like a built-in shock absorber for your front end, allowing you to plow through rough sections with more confidence and less feedback jarring your arms. It also slackens out the steering, making it more controlled when you're bombing downhill. On the flip side, that steeper seat tube angle (often around 74-75 degrees) puts you in a more commanding and efficient climbing position. You're sitting more over the pedals, which helps you power up those climbs without feeling like you're constantly fighting to keep the front wheel down. The longer reach provides a more stable and balanced feel, allowing you to move around the bike more freely. This modern geometry isn't just about numbers; it translates directly into a ride feel that is both confidence-inspiring and playful. The Piglet 2020 feels planted when you need it to, yet it's nimble enough to flick around berms and hop over obstacles. It really encourages you to get creative with your lines and to push your skills. The wheelbase is generally longer, contributing to that stability, but Ragley manages to keep the chainstays relatively short. This is a crucial combination: long front-center for stability, short chainstays for agility and manual prowess. It’s this design that allows the Piglet to excel in varied terrain. You get the benefit of a stable platform on rough descents, but you can still pop off lips, manual through roots, and generally play around with the bike in a way that more conservative hardtails can't match. The steel frame also plays a significant role here. While modern aluminum and carbon frames are great, steel offers a unique ride quality. It has a natural flex that absorbs small vibrations and trail chatter, leading to a less fatiguing ride, especially on longer descents. It’s not just about stiffness; it's about a lively and forgiving feel that steel is renowned for. When you combine this frame material with the progressive geometry, you get a bike that feels alive under you, responsive to your inputs, and incredibly fun to ride. This thoughtful blend of angles, lengths, and material choices is what makes the Ragley Piglet 2020 a standout in the trail hardtail category. It’s a bike that truly rewards an active riding style and makes you feel connected to the trail.

Component Highlights: What Did Ragley Put On?

So, we've raved about the frame and geometry, but what about the parts bolted onto the Ragley Piglet 2020? Typically, Ragley offers these bikes in various build kits, and even as a frameset for those who like to spec their own dream machine. For the 2020 model, you'd generally expect to see some solid, reliable components that complement the bike's trail-focused nature. Drivetrain-wise, you're often looking at a 1x (one-by) setup, which is the standard for modern trail bikes. This means a single chainring up front and a wide-range cassette at the rear, offering simplicity, lighter weight, and a reduced chance of chain slap or drops. Brands like SRAM (NX, GX) or Shimano (Deore, SLX) are common choices, providing smooth shifting and durability. You want gears that can handle the demands of climbing and descending, and these groupsets typically deliver. Brakes are another crucial element. For a bike like the Piglet, you need brakes that offer reliable stopping power and modulation, especially when you're getting into some technical sections. Shimano hydraulic disc brakes (like Deore or SLX) or SRAM equivalents are often spec'd, and they’re usually paired with rotors that are substantial enough to provide consistent performance, even in wet or muddy conditions. Don't underestimate the importance of good brakes, guys; they’re your lifeline out on the trail! Suspension is, of course, key for a trail hardtail. The Piglet 2020 typically came with a quality suspension fork with around 130mm to 140mm of travel. Brands like RockShox (Pike, Revelation, Yari) or Fox (34, 36) are common, offering excellent damping, adjustability, and stiffness to handle the bumps and impacts. A good fork makes a world of difference in controlling the bike and maintaining traction. Look for features like air springs for adjustability, rebound damping, and potentially compression damping. Wheels and Tires are your connection to the trail. The 2020 Piglet usually rolled on 27.5-inch wheels, which are favored for their agility and playfulness. These would typically be sturdy, tubeless-ready rims from brands like WTB or DT Swiss, paired with aggressive, high-volume tires. Tire choice is critical for grip and comfort, and you’d often see something like a Maxxis Minion DHF or High Roller II up front for maximum traction, and perhaps a slightly faster-rolling tire in the rear. The tubeless setup is a game-changer, allowing you to run lower pressures for better grip and comfort, while also reducing the risk of pinch flats. Other components like the dropper seatpost are often included or are a highly recommended upgrade. A dropper post allows you to quickly lower your saddle on descents, improving your range of motion and confidence, and then raise it back up for efficient climbing. Ragley often specifies decent house-brand or third-party components for saddles, handlebars, and stems, focusing on durability and functionality. The overall component spec on the Ragley Piglet 2020 aims to provide a balanced, reliable, and high-performing package that lives up to the bike's capable geometry and intended use. It’s about having a bike that’s ready to shred right out of the box, or at least close to it, without breaking the bank.

Who is the Ragley Piglet 2020 For?

This is a question we get a lot, and it's important to nail down who the Ragley Piglet 2020 is really built for. First and foremost, this bike is for the enthusiast. It’s for riders who love the simplicity and mechanical connection of a hardtail but want the capability to tackle more challenging terrain than a traditional cross-country bike. If you find yourself drawn to steep descents, rocky descents, and generally more aggressive trails, the Piglet 2020 will feel right at home. It’s also a fantastic option for riders who are looking to improve their skills. The direct feedback from a hardtail forces you to choose your lines more carefully, to be more precise with your movements, and to develop better bike handling techniques. You learn to use your legs and arms as suspension, becoming a more efficient and capable rider overall. For those who appreciate the durability and feel of a steel frame, the Piglet is a no-brainer. Steel offers a ride quality that many riders find superior, with a natural flex that absorbs trail chatter and provides a lively feel. If you're someone who values longevity and a bike that can take a beating, steel is your friend. It’s also a great choice for riders who might be on a tighter budget but still want a high-performance trail bike. While full-suspension bikes often come with a hefty price tag, capable hardtails like the Piglet offer incredible value. You get a lot of performance for your money, allowing you to invest in other aspects of your riding, like protective gear or trail passes. The Ragley Piglet 2020 is also an excellent option for riders who might have a full-suspension bike but are looking for a more engaging and playful secondary bike. Sometimes, a hardtail just feels more