Florian Vogel and Markus Schulte-Lünzum achieve the unthinkable - they complete the infamous Heckmair route in significantly less than 36 hours. The 16,000 metres in altitude and 400 kilometres demanded everything from the two CC World Cup riders. Their success was made possible by the new e-mountainbike from FocusThe Raven².
The aim of the project was to maximise the range. But not by clumsily doubling or tripling the battery capacity. Rather, with a new and at the same time classic concept: low weight for the best possible efficiency. This is made possible by the carbon fibre frame with the Fazua drive. A pleasant side effect: the riding experience comes closer to that of a "real" mountain bike.
As the name suggests, the Focus Raven² is derived from its World Cup brother, the Raven. The new e-MTB also has a carbon frame with similar geometry as well as 29-inch wheels and a 100-millimetre fork. The drive unit and battery are concealed in the U-shaped down tube. In order to maintain stiffness, the Raven² has 547 carbon layers - the "normal" Raven only has 234. According to Focus, the stiffness of the new frame is at a similar level to that of the Raven, the weight should only be 50 per cent higher.
The highlight of the new Focus e-mountainbike is the Fazua drive. This was developed by a small team of Munich engineers according to the motto: "by bikers for bikers". The drive is based on a completely new concept: the battery and motor are located in a housing with the gearbox and can be completely removed from the down tube. This unit should weigh around 3.3 kilos. The 250 Wh battery, which weighs 1.4 kilos, can in turn be removed from this housing and replaced with a second counterpart without tools if required. The additional energy reservoir can be purchased at a later date for 370 euros. As can a cover so that the bike can also be ridden without the drive unit. The 1.3-kilo bottom bracket unit is permanently installed.
The performance data - 60 Nm and 400 W at the peak - does not sound exhilarating compared to Bosch and the like, but it fits perfectly into the concept: the drive is completely decoupled. This means you can pedal without any problems even when the motor is switched off. The low weight makes this even easier. The battery capacity should be sufficient, as a light and sporty bike is usually faster than 25 km/h on flat terrain - and is easy on the battery. According to the manufacturer, this should last for just under an hour uphill - depending on the rider's weight, surface, gradient, etc., i.e. around 800 to 1000 metres in altitude.
Two models are expected to be available from dealers from December: the 5000 euro Raven² and the 1000 euro more expensive Raven² Pro. Both bikes come with the same carbon fibre chassis and Fazua drivetrain. The more expensive model also has DT Swiss wheels, carbon add-on parts and higher-quality components. The Stepcast suspension fork from Fox also reduces the weight of the top model. Manufacturer's specification: 14 kilograms. Three frame sizes are available: S, M and L. All with (too) small brake discs (180/160).
Driving report of the Focus Raven² Pro
The very sporty riding position is immediately noticeable - unusual for an e-mountainbike. Also unusual: we are asked to leave the motor deactivated for the first few flat kilometres to see for ourselves how the decoupling works. And indeed, we rolled along like on a "normal" hardtail. The higher weight is not noticeable when riding steadily. Only when pedalling out of the saddle do you notice the higher mass - compared to a 9-kilo hardtail. On flat terrain, the motor not only impresses with its complete decoupling, but also with its very smooth engagement and disengagement. If you don't pay close attention, you (almost) won't notice the difference.
But it only gets exciting on the first climb after Arco. What can the lightweight motor do? There are several riding modes to choose from as well as a push assist. The assistance level can be changed via a very ergonomic control unit. This provides information about the mode and battery status with coloured LEDs. The differences between the individual modes are small, but noticeable. Especially in the most powerful mode, the Fazua motor pushes surprisingly hard - provided you are in the speed range of 50 to 90 crank revolutions. It doesn't come close to Bosch or Shimano, but the riding experience is impressive: it feels like real mountain biking. Only faster. The motor reacts very sensitively to the input and adjusts the output. If you pedal out of round, the motor does not conceal this, but pulsates slightly.
The Raven² cuts a good figure: uphill, the front wheel sticks to the ground and traction is limited due to the design. On bumps, the hardtail bumps and the narrow, low-profile Continental tyres spin out. Downhill, the bike can be manoeuvred agilely over the trail, the long reach in combination with the higher weight provides sufficient stability. More grippy tyres, larger brake discs and a dropper post would square the downhill characteristics.
Test summary of the Focus Raven²
For me, the Focus Raven² with Fazua drive is an innovative step in the right direction: a more classic riding experience, less over-power that only makes you lazy in the long term. Admittedly, this is not necessarily what the convinced e-biker is looking for. But it is what could convert those normal bikers who are still unfamiliar with the subject of motors. Because with the Focus, you can do the same sport as before, but with more speed and riding fun. However, with a rigid rear, it remains a niche product. A real revolution would be a full-suspension version of the Raven2 weighing around 16 kilos, but that doesn't seem possible (yet). Even this carbon racer would weigh more than that with more solid equipment. But the system is still new and development has only just begun. A full-suspension trail bike with Fazua drive is said to be in the pipeline at a major manufacturer. We are excited!
Focus Raven²
Price 5,999 Euro
Drive
Engine FAZUA Evation
Maximum power 313 watts
Battery / battery weight 250 Wh / 1.38 kg
Circuit Shimano XT (11-speed)
Translation of 46 / 11-36
Display / Size FAZUA Evation 1.0
Equipment
Fork / damper Fox 32 Float SC Performance remote
Telescopic support None
Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear) Shimano XT / 180/160 mm
Impellers DT Swiss M 1650, 29 inch
Tyres Continental Race King SL Folding, 29x2.25 inch
Measured values*
Sizes / frame material S / M / L / XL / Carbon
Weight 15.3 kg
Centre of gravity height 498 mm
Handlebar width 720 mm
Crank length / Q-factor 170 mm / 182 mm
Reach / Stack 417 mm / 619 mm
*The measured values and geometry data were determined in the EMTB laboratory and refer to a pre-production model with standard equipment.
