Focus Mares RAT

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liam7020
Posts: 1263
Joined: Tue Jul 27, 2010 10:04 am

by liam7020

Just bought a 2016 Focus Mares CX 105 bike. I had originally intended to just buy the Mares CX frameset but here in the UK the 105 bike and the frameset only option are the same price. So I reckon if I can sell off the components, wheels etc it should make the frame a reasonably cheap basis for a light disc cross bike.

Anyhow, whilst I can appreciate the thinking behind the RAT axles, fast wheel changes won't be high on my list on requirements and they are very heavy at approx 140g. I've no experience of thru axle technology but I'm hoping there must be lighter alternatives available. Any suggestions or advice would be appreciated. Cheers.
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Birdman
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by Birdman

Aren't the RAT interface bonded with the carbon? If that's the case then you are stuck with them.

I'm very interested in them. Photos?
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liam7020
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Joined: Tue Jul 27, 2010 10:04 am

by liam7020

Nope, they're held in place with a small hex bolt. As I say, my knowledge of thru axle is limited - is it possible to replace the RAT interface with an alternative which would permit the use of lighter thru axles, such as Tune or KCNC, with the Mares frame?
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Dukester
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Joined: Tue Apr 22, 2003 9:56 pm
Location: Switzerland
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by Dukester

Did you ever end up finding an alternative solution to the RAT axle? I bought myself a Focus Cayo Disc and am also looking at replacing the rear axle to save a bit of weight. I noticed that R2-bike have quite a selection of Thru-axles:
https://r2-bike.com/Steckachsen

Cheers Anthony

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the_marsbar
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by the_marsbar

If there's knowledge about this, please share :)

Birdman
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Location: Chicago, IL, USA

by Birdman

Close up photos, anyone?

Maybe photos of it disassembled so people can have a better idea on how to comment further.
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liam7020
Posts: 1263
Joined: Tue Jul 27, 2010 10:04 am

by liam7020

Just seen these replies. I'll try to provide a some photographs in the next few days. Ta
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fogman
Posts: 1067
Joined: Fri Oct 30, 2009 10:36 pm

by fogman

So, what is the final conclusion on the RAT thru-axle system. I have a Focus Mares CX coming this week and want to upgrade the wheels eventually.


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andrewfelix
Posts: 73
Joined: Fri Sep 18, 2015 7:43 am

by andrewfelix

fogman wrote:So, what is the final conclusion on the RAT thru-axle system. I have a Focus Mares CX coming this week and want to upgrade the wheels eventually.


RAT System is great. Sure it's slightly heavier, but it's a very elegant yet robust system. I'm running MTB wheels on my AX and haven't had any issues.

SevenSucker
Posts: 4
Joined: Sat Apr 11, 2015 9:24 am

by SevenSucker

I haven't had much luck with the RAT. Have lost a front nut and have had the rear work loose while riding.
I have a Cayo disc and would like to replace it to something more simple to use. I would hazard a guess that anyone using the RAT is finding it not to be that easy or straight forward - happy to be called out on this though :)

A standard threaded nut would be much more easier to use and consistent.

Any advice is appreciated. Cheers

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the_marsbar
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by the_marsbar

Has anyone had problems with rear hub bearings wearing out way too quickly? I have used two wheelset this past CX season, and the bearings seem to be worn out in both wheels already... The wheels have different hubs.

seenyourcrash
Posts: 3
Joined: Thu Dec 21, 2017 1:51 am

by seenyourcrash

No issues specifically with bearings. I did break a RAT axle though and that turned out to be a great thing. I replaced it with a Robert Axle. They have a kit that allows use on a trainer which was perfect for my Mares. Then I realized they had Lightning Bolt-on axles that saved nearly 100 grams per wheel! Made in the US and really good customer service. Have to give them a shout out.

https://robertaxleproject.com/focus-rat-12mm-thru-axle/

Squashednuts
Posts: 546
Joined: Tue Apr 25, 2017 11:12 am
Location: Christchurch New Zealand

by Squashednuts

seenyourcrash wrote:
Thu Dec 21, 2017 2:14 am
No issues specifically with bearings. I did break a RAT axle though and that turned out to be a great thing. I replaced it with a Robert Axle. They have a kit that allows use on a trainer which was perfect for my Mares. Then I realized they had Lightning Bolt-on axles that saved nearly 100 grams per wheel! Made in the US and really good customer service. Have to give them a shout out.

https://robertaxleproject.com/focus-rat-12mm-thru-axle/
How did you break the RAT axle?
Did you weigh the Lightening Bolt on kit & how did it compare to the RAT axle.
How easy are they to fit?

Have you had to change any flats...how easy is the Lightening to use by the road / trail?

Have you got photos?
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rynogee
Posts: 62
Joined: Sun Sep 05, 2010 2:11 am
Location: DK

by rynogee

i had a focus and while the nuts can come out, any lighter solution would require a custom nut that fits into the frame and attaches to whatever axle you have. there might also be length issues.

i also had the robert axle for use with a trainer, and it has a custom nut, but it's not any lighter (could be heavier actually).

Squashednuts
Posts: 546
Joined: Tue Apr 25, 2017 11:12 am
Location: Christchurch New Zealand

by Squashednuts

rynogee wrote:
Wed Dec 27, 2017 11:20 am
i had a focus and while the nuts can come out, any lighter solution would require a custom nut that fits into the frame and attaches to whatever axle you have. there might also be length issues.

i also had the robert axle for use with a trainer, and it has a custom nut, but it's not any lighter (could be heavier actually).
Thanks for the reply
Building Spec Allez

Sold
Fuji SL 5.5kg viewtopic.php?f=10&t=157704

Sold -
Izalco Max Disc 6.7kg http://weightweenies.starbike.com/forum ... o+Max+disc

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