{"id":47223,"date":"2023-03-08T14:00:37","date_gmt":"2023-03-08T13:00:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=719048"},"modified":"2023-03-08T14:34:23","modified_gmt":"2023-03-08T13:34:23","slug":"new-focus-raven-hardtail-gets-a-120mm-fork-modern-geometry-and-internal-frame-storage","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/new-focus-raven-hardtail-gets-a-120mm-fork-modern-geometry-and-internal-frame-storage\/","title":{"rendered":"New Focus Raven hardtail gets a 120mm fork, modern geometry and internal frame storage"},"content":{"rendered":"

Updated XC bike features slacker head angle and more travel than its predecessor <\/p>

By Nick Clark\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 08 March 2023 at 12:00 am<\/p>

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The new Focus Raven follows on from its successful cross-country predecessor, with the German brand now positioning the bike as a bikepacking-inspired downcountry hardtail with 120mm of travel.<\/p>\n

All models feature the brand\u2019s integrated cockpit and are built on a new carbon frame designed around a 29in wheel size<\/a>.<\/p>\n

There will be three models available, with prices starting at \u00a32,199 \/ \u20ac2,199 for the Raven 8.7 and \u00a32,799 \/ \u20ac2,799 for the Raven 8.8. The top-of-the-range Raven 8.9 comes in at \u00a33,499 \/ \u20ac3,599.<\/p>\n

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Focus says the new hardtail mountain bike<\/a> connects the worlds of mountain biking and fast gravel riding<\/a>. The bikes are available now.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

More travel and slack angles<\/h2>\n
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Focus has equipped the new bike with a longer top tube and increased reach.<\/span><\/figcaption> Focus<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Focus says it has given the Raven a longer top tube, with reach increasing by 5mm from 435mm to 440mm on a medium frame, which is 10mm longer than a Specialized Epic Hardtail<\/a> of the same size.<\/p>\n

The head angle can be adjusted using the headset cups, enabling you to set it between 66.5 and 67.5 degrees. That\u2019s significantly slacker than the previous model, which had a 69.8-degree head angle.<\/p>\n

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The Raven also has mounts for two bottle cages.<\/span><\/figcaption> Focus<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The front fork gets an extra 20mm of travel, with the Raven joining many cross-country mountain bikes<\/a> in running 120mm forks.<\/p>\n

This is due partly to the demands of ever-more aggressive cross-country racing<\/a> circuits.<\/p>\n

Focus says these changes have made the bike\u2019s steering more direct and increased stability on descents.<\/p>\n

Chainstay length remains the same as the previous model at 435mm throughout all frame sizes.<\/p>\n

Integrated storage and cable routing<\/h2>\n
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Cables run under the bars and through the stem into the bike\u2019s frame.<\/span><\/figcaption> Focus<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The cockpit of the Raven features Focus\u2019 Cockpit Integration System stem. This routes the brake and gear cables internally through the face of the stem.<\/p>\n

The new frame also features an internal compartment in the down tube, enabling you to store essential spares or snacks. A zipped inner sleeve looks as though it isolates cargo from knocking on the inside of the carbon tube.<\/p>\n

Significant changes have been made to the rear of the bike, with the Raven now featuring dropped seatstays, similar to those on the Cannondale Scalpel HT<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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The previous Raven frame had a traditional double-diamond shape.<\/span><\/figcaption> Focus<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Focus hasn\u2019t said why it chose this design, though other manufacturers merit dropped seatstays for increased compliance in the seat tube, which should lead to more comfort when seated.<\/p>\n

The frame features post-mount brakes, which have been the standard for cross-country bikes, although flat-mounts are now becoming more popular for top-end bikes.<\/p>\n

Focus Raven spec and prices<\/h2>\n

Focus Raven 8.7<\/h3>\n
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The Focus Raven 8.7 uses a solid seatpost.<\/span><\/figcaption> Focus <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n
  • Fork:<\/strong> RockShox Judy Silver, 120mm<\/li>\n
  • Drivetrain:<\/strong> SRAM SX Eagle<\/li>\n
  • Brakes:<\/strong> SRAM Level<\/li>\n
  • Wheels:<\/strong> RODI TRYP 25 rims, Novatech D041 hubs<\/li>\n
  • Tyres:<\/strong> Maxxis Rekon<\/li>\n
  • Price:<\/strong> \u00a32,199 \/ \u20ac2,199<\/li>\n<\/ul>

    Focus Raven 8.8<\/h3>\n
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    All models feature an exposed carbon bottom bracket and rear triangle.<\/span><\/figcaption> Focus<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n
    • Fork:<\/strong> Fox 34 Float Rhythm, 120mm<\/li>\n
    • Drivetrain:<\/strong> Shimano XT<\/li>\n
    • Brakes:<\/strong> Shimano SLX M7100<\/li>\n
    • Wheels:<\/strong> Race Face ARC27 (rims), Novatech D041 (hubs)<\/li>\n
    • Tyres:<\/strong> Maxxis Rekon<\/li>\n
    • Price:<\/strong> \u00a32,799 \/ \u20ac2,799<\/li>\n<\/ul>

      Focus Raven 8.9<\/h3>\n
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      The top-level Raven 8.9 features tan wall Maxxis Rekon Race tyres.<\/span><\/figcaption> Focus<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n
      • Fork:<\/strong> RockShox SID Select, 120mm<\/li>\n
      • Drivetrain:<\/strong> SRAM GX Eagle<\/li>\n
      • Brakes:<\/strong> SRAM Level TLM<\/li>\n
      • Wheels:<\/strong> DT Swiss X1900<\/li>\n
      • Tyres:<\/strong> Maxxis Rekon Race<\/li>\n
      • Price:<\/strong> \u00a33,499 \/ \u20ac3,599<\/li>\n<\/ul>