Bikes Blog
New Focus Raven hardtail will get a 120mm fork, trendy geometry and inner body storage
Mar
All fashions characteristic the model’s built-in cockpit and are constructed on a brand new carbon body designed round a 29in wheel dimension.
There shall be three fashions obtainable, with costs beginning at £2,199 / €2,199 for the Raven 8.7 and £2,799 / €2,799 for the Raven 8.8. The highest-of-the-range Raven 8.9 is available in at £3,499 / €3,599.
Extra journey and slack angles
Focus says it has given the Raven an extended prime tube, with attain growing by 5mm from 435mm to 440mm on a medium body, which is 10mm longer than a Specialised Epic Hardtail of the identical dimension.
The top angle could be adjusted utilizing the headset cups, enabling you to set it between 66.5 and 67.5 levels. That’s considerably slacker than the earlier mannequin, which had a 69.8-degree head angle.
The entrance fork will get an additional 20mm of journey, with the Raven becoming a member of many cross-country mountain bikes in operating 120mm forks.
That is due partly to the calls for of ever-more aggressive cross-country racing circuits.
Focus says these adjustments have made the bike’s steering extra direct and elevated stability on descents.
Chainstay size stays the identical because the earlier mannequin at 435mm all through all body sizes.
Built-in storage and cable routing
The cockpit of the Raven options Focus’ Cockpit Integration System stem. This routes the brake and kit cables internally via the face of the stem.
The brand new body additionally options an inner compartment within the down tube, enabling you to retailer important spares or snacks. A zipped internal sleeve appears as if it isolates cargo from knocking on the within of the carbon tube.
Important adjustments have been made to the rear of the bike, with the Raven now that includes dropped seatstays, much like these on the Cannondale Scalpel HT.
Focus hasn’t stated why it selected this design, although different producers advantage dropped seatstays for elevated compliance within the seat tube, which ought to result in extra consolation when seated.
The body options post-mount brakes, which have been the usual for cross-country bikes, though flat-mounts at the moment are gaining popularity for top-end bikes.
Focus Raven spec and costs
Focus Raven 8.7
- Fork: RockShox Judy Silver, 120mm
- Drivetrain: SRAM SX Eagle
- Brakes: SRAM Degree
- Wheels: RODI TRYP 25 rims, Novatech D041 hubs
- Tyres: Maxxis Rekon
- Value: £2,199 / €2,199
Focus Raven 8.8
- Fork: Fox 34 Float Rhythm, 120mm
- Drivetrain: Shimano XT
- Brakes: Shimano SLX M7100
- Wheels: Race Face ARC27 (rims), Novatech D041 (hubs)
- Tyres: Maxxis Rekon
- Value: £2,799 / €2,799
Focus Raven 8.9
- Fork: RockShox SID Choose, 120mm
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle
- Brakes: SRAM Degree TLM
- Wheels: DT Swiss X1900
- Tyres: Maxxis Rekon Race
- Value: £3,499 / €3,599
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