The new Focus Raven now has downcountry ambitions

The Focus Raven has long been a staple of the German brand's range and has always been a long and low XC race bike obsessed with weight and climbing efficiency, but this new version looks to change that.

Hardtails take many forms; as you can see in our recent best hardtails for 2023 feature, and as Guy talks about in his hardtail hard sell article, the classic XC race bike is evolving, and it's in the new slacker, more trail-oriented arena, that the new Raven finds itself.

Design and features

The new frame cuts a very different silhouette to previous versions. From its boxy oversized front end and oversized downtube that houses an internal frame storage bag, to its heavily dropped rear seatstays, it's a long way from its old-school XC heritage. In addition, all three new models are specced with a 120mm fork, another nod to its multi-use aspirations.

Starting at the front end, the frame features a hidden cable setup where the cables run through the stem and down into the headset and frame. Internal routing can be a hot topic for discussion on internet forums, but this version is neatly executed and adds to the bike's clean aesthetic.

The headset also has adjustable cups, which means you can change the head angle from 67.5 degrees to a slack (for this style of bike) of 66.5 degrees. To put that into context, an enduro bike of ten years or so ago would have a similar head angle, so this looks to be a nicely progressive take on the carbon hardtail.

The downtube features the I.C.S. (internal compartment system) storage case. This bag is neatly hidden with a spring-loaded cover just in front of where the bottle cage mounts. It's a good size and should be perfect for a small pump, multi-tool, and tube, or perhaps an emergency stash of jelly babies.

The frame uses a standard threaded BSA bottom bracket and a ‘standard’ Boost rear end, keeping things nice and straightforward. Two of the three models come with internally routed dropper posts, and all feature neat rubber protection on the chainstays and bottom bracket downtube junction.

Geometry and weight

Designed around a 120mm fork, the bike has some downcountry aspirations, and with a 66.5-degree head angle paired with a 60mm stem, it has all the potential to be an engaging ride and far more capable than its predecessors. In addition, Focus has steepened the seat tube angle a touch to 74 degrees which is pretty standard for modern hardtails. Finally, the reach on a medium is 440mm, so not super long by current standards, but sitting nicely between XC race and downcountry hardtails.

For more information, head over to Focusbikes.com

Focus Raven 8.9 spec

• Frame: Carbon frame with I.C.S. tool integration
• Fork: Rockshox SID Select 29 120mm
• Seatpost: Post Moderne dropper post 31.6mm
• Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed
• Brakes: SRAM Level TLM
• Wheels: DT Swiss X1900
• Tires: Maxxis Rekon race
• Color: Silver / Carbon Raw
• Included: Tubeless Valves and Sealant
• Size: S-XL
• Weight: 11.6kg
• Price: £3,499 / €3,599

Focus Raven 8.8 spec

• Frame: Carbon frame with I.C.S. tool integration
• Fork: FOX 34 rhythm 29 120mm
• Seatpost: Post Moderne dropper post 31.6mm
• Drivetrain: Shimano XT M8100 12-speed
• Brakes: Shimano SLX M7100
• Wheels: Raceface ARC27 rims Novatec D462 hubs
• Tires: Maxxis Rekon 
• Color: Bluegreen / Carbon Raw
• Included: Tubeless Valves and Sealant
• Size: S-XL
• Weight: 12.9kg
• Price: £2,799 / €2,799

Focus Raven 8.7 spec

• Frame: Carbon frame with I.C.S. tool integration
• Fork: RockShox Judy Silver TK 29 120mm
• Seatpost: Alloy non-dropper 31.6mm
• Drivetrain: SRAM SX eagle 12-speed
• Brakes: SRAM Level
• Wheels: Raceface ARC27 rims Novatec D462 hubs
• Tires: Maxxis Rekon 
• Color: Heritage Blue / Carbon Raw
• Included: Tubeless Valves and Sealant
• Size: S-XL
• Weight: 13.4kg
• Price: £2,199 / €2,199