It has been almost forty years since Joe Breeze welded the first hardtail frame by hand. Then as now, the likeable Californian is above all a material fetishist. No wonder that his latest mountain bike is once again based on a steel frame.
Breezer Lightning 27.5+ Team
The Lightning is the modern interpretation of a steel bike. The classic look with filigree tubes has been retained. However, the father of the mountain bike has set new accents in the details. For example, the cables are now routed through the frame and even the seat tube is prepared for the use of an internally routed dropper post. A butted head tube, press-fit bottom bracket and the new Boost standard bring the Lightning up to the current state of the art. Even Plus wheels with 2.8 inch wide tyres are fitted to the mint green steel bike, although the bike can also be equipped with 29 inch wheels. A 69 mm steering angle, 438 millimetre chainstays and 120 millimetre suspension travel are intended to turn the steel steed into a modern trail bike.
When it comes to equipment, Breezer relies on tried and tested components: Shimano XT or SLX components in 2x11 versions are available. The front suspension is a Fox 34 Performance fork, with Race Face supplying most of the components. Depending on the version, the stylish Lightning costs 2499 or 2999 euros.
Breezer Thunder
The Thunder is Breezer's counterpart to the Lightning. If the chic steel frame is too classic for you, here you get a modern trail hardtail made of aluminium. The geometry and suspension travel are identical to the Lightning and you can also choose between 27.5+ or 29-inch tyres.
The Thunder will be available in three versions, each with 120 millimetres of suspension travel. A version with Shimano SLX in 2x11 and Manitou Machete fork is available with 27.5+ or 29-inch wheels. The Pro version of the Thunder comes exclusively with 29-inch wheels, Rock Shox Reba and Shimano's XT groupset.
Stefan Frey
Editor
