Entry-level hardtails 2023: Breezer Thunder - high-quality steel hardtail on test

Peter Nilges

· 25.04.2023

Entry-level hardtails 2023: Breezer Thunder - high-quality steel hardtail on test

Photo: Georg Grieshaber

With its rigid fork, the Breezer is the exotic bike in the test. However, it has to make concessions in terms of performance.

The Breezer Thunder immediately stands out visually from the test group of entry-level hardtails. But it's not just the beautifully finished steel frame, but also the details that make us curious about this exotic bike.

With its high-quality steel frame and beautifully designed rigid fork, the Breezer Thunder hardtail plays an exotic role in this test of bikes up to 1799 euros. The impeccable paintwork and functional details immediately caught our eye. Sitting in the saddle, we immediately liked the well-balanced geometry. You sit in the centre of the bike and have very good control thanks to the harmonious cockpit.

As soon as the trail gets rougher, however, the Breezer Thunder can't hide the lack of suspension fork, even though it rolls on really wide tyres and rims. If you set off on a sprint with the Thunder or want to pull the steel hardtail into the bunny hop, you'll be in for a surprise: with pedals, the robust workhorse exceeds the 16-kilo mark. However, the Thunder is equipped with countless threads and screws to which a whole arsenal of different bags for bikepacking can be attached.

In our overview article Hardtails from 1199 to 1799 euros: 9 sporty entry-level hardtails in the test you will find all the bikes tested.

Photo: Georg GrieshaberExternal cables make maintenance easier. Countless mounting options appeal to bikepackers.

Conclusion on the Breezer Thunder by Peter Nilges, BIKE test manager:

The beautifully finished Breezer Thunder goes its own way and avoids sporty pretensions. Even if the geometry is absolutely convincing, the rigid fork and weight set narrow limits.

Photo: Max FuchsPeter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager

Technical data and notes Breezer Thunder

Manufacturer information

Price: 1649 Euro
available from specialised dealers
Material / Sizes: Steel / 17/ 19 / 20,5" / (tested in 19", 47 cm)

Measured values

Weight without pedals / frame: 15.79 kg / 3627 g
Weight of wheels: 5886 g
Frame stiffness (absolute / STW): 65 N/mm; 17.9 N/mm/kg

Equipment

Fork: Breezer rigid fork
Spring travel: 0 mm
Cranks / gears: Shimano MT 510, Deore / Deore
Gear ratio, range / handlebar width: 1 x 12, 510 % / 780 mm
Brake system / Disc (front / rear): Shimano 501 / 180/160 mm
Seatpost / seat comfort: Kindshock Rage / 5.3 mm
Wheels / tyres: n/a A. Hubs; WTB ST i30 rims / WTB Vigilante 29 x 2.5

BIKE test rating*: satisfactory - 140 out of 250 points

Photo: BIKE-TestabteilungBreezer Thunder - Geometry data

Photo: BIKE-TestabteilungBreezer Thunder - Characteristics

*The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-170 P.), good (169.75-140 P.), satisfactory (139.75-100 P.), with weaknesses, unsatisfactory.

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