Micro-Review: Skream Ranger Frameset
The Skream Ranger isn’t really “new” in any ways. First unveiled back in 2020, it was pitched as an affordable track bike with generous tire clearance, aimed squarely at the Tracklocross crowd. And if you’ve been tuning into the podcast for a while (especially in season one) you’ll know I’ve got some pretty loud opinions on how the Ranger looks. Fast-forward five years, and Skream kindly gave me the 2024 version to test out. And they didn’t stop there, though, they also flew me out to Hong Kong to dig deeper into the bike’s story and put it through its paces in this chaotic urban jungle.
I’ll cut to the chase. Sure, the fork has been beefed up and the old paint is gone for a more “grown-up” vibe, but the frame? Well that hasn’t changed. And visually? My take hasn’t budged, either. This thing’s built like a stretch limo, and I’ve personally dubbed it “The Bus” because no track bike should look this long.
The new paint is slick, and calls for classy builds, and even if some gimmicky bits, like those hidden messages under the top tube, just left me cold, I still respect the work that has been done here. So yes, I’ll admit that even if I’m overly critical, this paint job is 90% good to me, especially in the “Forest” version I put together.
It looks sharp, and the one I rode in Hong Kong hits the mark as well.
The frame itself is also 90% fine. Its geometry, while somewhat relaxed, appears perfect for 700x40mm tire clearance, and when compared to a similarly sized Mash Steel, the Ranger’s chainstays are 35mm longer, making losing the rear end a bit harder but still doable.
My other concern is obviously with the fork. Featuring 45mm of rake and paired with a head tube angle that is slacker than typical* (72.5°), the Ranger has a notably longer wheelbase, and for some people (me included) it does matter a lot on a track bike.
*A slacker head tube angle enhances stability, whereas a steeper angle increases responsiveness. For context, the average head tube angle on a track bike is typically around 74°.
So is the Ranger the frame to build your next rig? Well, it depends! My personal impression, after a few hundred kilometers in the city and out in the wild, is that the Ranger is a pretty good bike if you don’t plan to tackle super technical terrain. Its geometry is closer to a gravel bike than a more snappier cyclocross one. Even though the frame feels really reactive, thanks to the oversized aluminum tubing, it can sometimes feel hard to steer in certain situations. For tracklocross, I think I’d prefer a steel frame. However, if your vision of tracklocross involves long fire roads where stability is key, the Ranger excels in that area.
You can set it up for bikepacking, either fixed or single-free, with the disc brake mount on the fork, but for a rear brake, you’ll need to find some sort of adapter.
When it comes to commuting, the Ranger might accidentally be a champion in its category. Comfortable and safe with the previously mentioned front brake, rust-proof, and equipped with mounts for fenders and bottle cages, the Ranger is a pleasant bike for getting from A to B.
It’s a solid four-season bike that will take you to work during the week and out on some light trails without on Sunday without any issues. And I’ll prove that in a follow-up article soon!
PS: I’ve added the Ranger in the Track Frame Ranking, right here ➡️ Skream Ranger
What I liked:
The relaxed geometry for cruising around town.
The good versatility
The new paint job.
The wide tire clearance.
The option to add a brake.
The 31.6 Seatpost, so I can put a dropper and it still looks good.
What I didn’t like:
How the bike looks and feels overly long, sometimes clumsy on some technical terrain.
The fork, which has too much clearance compared to the rear.
See you for the next Ranger Build…
🎞: Kodak Color Plus 200
📷: Leica M6
📍: French Opal Coast
