anyone own a Focus Raven or Killer Bee ?

djb1971

As title '07 or '08 models - if so what are the owners opinions of them ?

Thanks

TheHappyClown

I bought a Focus Raven Pro Ltd (2007 model) from Wiggle (28% off =£1300) about two and a half months ago and it has been nothing short of brilliant. Obviously I got a good deal on it, but I would have happily paid the full £1800 for the full XTR and Fox fork. I couldnt find any other hardtails with the same sort of kit on for less than £2500.

Was slightly worried when I ordered it from Wiggle, wondering what I would do if it had to be sent back or if anything was wrong with it etc, but this proved to be completely unfounded. Bike arrived three days after ordering it and was in perfect condition.

I've been riding it for XC about twice a week doing about 15 miles on a Wednesday and 30 miles on the weekends and its been an abolute joy to ride. XTR kit has worked flawlessly along with the Fox forks and the 'own brand' Concept kit has worked well too.

I did a fair amount of research before I bought the bike, and it was so much better value (even at full price) than anything else on offer it was almost a no brainer. The only hesitations I had was the lack of reviews of Focus bikes, the fact that I was getting it mail order and my natural aversion to parting with so much cash. So far however it been faultless: highly recommended!

TheHappyClown

Haha, got slightly ahead of myself there; only just realised that you were asking about the lower specced model! Saw 'Raven' and just started typing!

djb1971

Thanks for the review. I just wanted someone who actually owns a Focus to tell me what they're like, even at these prices they're hard to beat. I can't help feeling that the prices are too good to be true. I keep reading bike reviews of them on here but not from actual owners and people who keep recommending them without owning one :?

I ride a Specialized Tarmac but it's in hibernation until spring now and the works Tricross bike I've got is great for a few trails and road work but there are a few short cuts I like to take and a hardtail would suit me better. I'll only be using it over winter so £800-£1000 is more than enough. I'm 99% certain I'll be buying one of them this week , it's just a bit weird buying a bike without ever sitting on it

Thanks for the help. I'll let you know which one gets delivered

john gregg

i had a test ride on the black forest,which is one model down but same frame and it just felt right.Iam going to buy a killer bee in the next couple of weeks ,i have gone out and looked at a few deals but they dont come close spec wise.They reviewed it in what mountain bike and loved it,and thats good enough for me. Good luck with you decide.

djb1971

Hi John,
Ordered a killer bee this afternoon after popping out and doing a tour around the shops just to be sure. Nothing comes close spec wise, the only bike I liked was a Cannondale Taurine but I'm not paying £2000 for a beater that won't be washed every 5 minutes and I've had too many 'dales over the years ( & konas/Specialized/Trek ) fancy a change

Hope you get yours soon, cheers

djb1971

The killer bee arrived today

I can honestly say that the Focus bikes are excellent value for money. It came very well packed and cable tied to the box to stop it from wobbling about, it even came with a decent little mini tool and a good pedal spanner.

The overall frame finish is very good and the majority of the logos are painted on and then given a good thick clear coat . Most of the finishing kit is XT so there's no problems there either, even the concept brand bars/seatpost aren't bad, just a little heavy. I ditched the post and saddle for my own stuff. I was expecting the recon race forks not to be up to much but they are performing well straight from the box.

After adding a few of my own bits and bobs I checked the bike over and every single thing was even torqued to the exact setting which was a bit of a surprise. I only managed an hour on it today and the ride was very good, it was responsive with every turn of the pedals and very comfy. The forks took all of the bumps well over fairly rough stuff but I just need to set the rebound up. The xt discs are as good if not better than the mono minis I had a few years back and the frame is stiff and pretty light. It will take a bit more abuse than I'll be giving it

I can highly recommend Focus bikes and I wouldn't hesitate to buy another. Love riding it and looking forward to giving it some hammer this weekend but can't wait to get the Tarmac back out when spring arrives

ljames28

I have a Killer Bee 2007 which i got earlier last year for about £730 including delivery. I don't have too much to compare too as my last bike was a Specilized Hardrock, however i can say it's a pretty awesome bike especially considering the price. The frame feels light and it's very agile especially uphill. The poploc is a good feature for when you need to stop bouncing uphills or when you switch to road.

I did a 60 mile from London to Southend on road tyres and it kept up with the road bikes admirably.

djb1971

Very pleased with mine too. The Ralphs are still on and were great in the snow last night
The new xt discs are also excellent with a very light operation and good modulation.