The latest bike to land at BikeRadar HQ is this £1,500 Thunder 3.0 all-mountain machine from German manufacturers Focus.
The three-bike Thunder range uses a Knuckle Box four-bar linkage out back (which it shares with Diamond Back’s Mission range) which Focus say allows for improved small bump compliance, more perceived travel and an optimised and neutral axle path.
Focus’s EABS (Easy Access Bearing System) is built into the frame to allow for easy maintenance and adjustment. DT Swiss’s M210 Air shock provides 140mm of rear travel while Suntour’s Epicon-XC 100 fork gives 140mm of adjustable travel up front. A mixture of Shimano XT and SLX take care of shifting, with Hayes Stroker Ryde brakes look after stopping.
We’re looking forward to hitting the trails with the Thunder 3.0, and we’ll let you know how we get on in an upcoming issue of Mountain Biking UK magazine. Focus bikes are available via Wiggle in the UK.