The Focus Raven has received a down-country overhaul for 2023 with an all-new carbon frame based around 29″ wheels and a 120mm fork. Looks smart, doesn’t it? The new frame sure does strike a fine pose, indicative of its more progressive geometry numbers suited to bolder trail-riding intentions.
Focus Raven Downcountry Hardtail
While Focus has always described the Raven Hardtail as its race-ready cross-country bike, the 2023 Raven is something of a departure from that; this longer, slacker offering is designed around a 120mm travel fork. Offset headset cups allow for head angle adjustment between 66.5° and 67.5°, and the downtube now boasts a storage compartment for the safe-keeping of trail side repair essentials. Certainly, the new Raven appears to be a far more versatile hardtail mountain bike with much broader appeal.
Outside of the subtle geometry changes that will come about through adjustment of the head angle, i.e., seat tube angle, bottom bracket height, etc., geometry of the 2023 Raven is otherwise fixed. All four frame sizes (S-XL) get a 435mm chainstay length, a 74° seat tube angle and a 65mm BB drop. Reach stretches from 415mm to 485mm.
Seat tubes are considerably shorter than those of the predecessor; now 400mm in Small, allowing for the fitment of a longer travel dropper seat post. Head tube lengths are shorter, too, helping to keep the stack height in check – countering the addition of 20mm suspension travel. A complete geometry chart can be found at the foot of this article.
The striking pose of the 2023 Focus Raven is surely helped by its internal cable routing, integrated through the stem and headset before entering the frame. Thereafter, it is partially guided by internal sleeves inside the downtube. Integration is not everyone’s cup of tea, particularly from a maintenance stand point, but it does tidy things up somewhat. Elsewhere, more of a practical consideration is made with a SRAM UDH in place of the proprietary derailleur hanger we saw on the previous model.
Pricing & Availability
The 2023 Focus Raven is available at three price points, starting at € 2,199 for the Raven 8.7. Highlight components include a RockShox Judy Silver Fork, a SRAM SX 12 Speed Eagle Drivetrain, SRAM Level Brakes and Maxxis Rekon tires. Claimed weight is 13.4 kg for the size medium. Get it in Heritage Blue / Stone Blue only.
The middle-ground is occupied by the 2023 Raven 8.8, retailing at € 2,799 €. Component upgrades include a Fox 34 Float Rythm Fork, a Shimano Deore XT/SLX 12 Speed Drivetrain, Shimano SLX M7100 Brakes, Race Face ARC27 rims, and a Post Moderne Dropper Seat Post. Claimed weight is 12.9 kg for the size medium. Get it in Blue Green / Carbon Raw or Light Grey / Carbon Raw.
The 2023 Focus Raven 8.9 tops the range at € 3,599, boasting a RockShox SID Select Fork, a SRAM GX Eagle 12 Speed Drivetrain, SRAM Level TLM Brakes, a DT SWISS X1900 Wheelset with Maxxis Rekon Race tires, and a Post Moderne Dropper Seat Post. Claimed weight is 11.6 kg for the size medium. Get it in Silver / Carbon Raw only.
