The world is turned on its head when the THOK enters the stage. Okay, maybe not the world, but at least the battery, which the Italian newcomer has mounted on the underside of the downtube. What this upside-down mounting does and what else the THOK MIG-R has to offer, we clarify in our review.
With THOK a new E-MTB brand from Italy enters the market and our first look at the THOK MIG was very promising. We’ve since had the opportunity to do an in-depth review of the brainchild of ex-BMX and downhill pro Stefano Migliorini. The most striking feature of the frame design is the placement of the Shimano battery under the downtube. By doing so, THOK not only keeps the center of gravity low but also creates space for a water bottle inside the front triangle. The downside of this is the somewhat unusual look. A protective plastic cover hugs the underside of the battery and is held in place by a rubber band; a solution that won’t appeal to everyone but fulfils its purpose.
The THOK MIG-R in Detail
The remaining details of the aluminium frame are no optical highlight either but offer little to criticise in terms of functionality. The THOK MIG has a 140 mm rear travel suspension, paired with a 150 mm fork, and it rolls on 27.5+ wheels with wide 2.8″ tires. We got to review the more expensive of the two models, which is priced at € 5,250. As with the frame, THOK chose function over form; the in-house cockpit makes a rather budget impression, but it never bothered us while riding. The RockShox suspension works well as usual and is easy to set up, the Shimano XT brakes are not our first choice with their two-piston brake calipers, but paired with large 200 mm rotors front and rear, they offer plenty of power.
The Specification of the THOK MIG-R
Fork RockShox Lyrik RC 150 mm
Shock RockShox Deluxe RL 140 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XT 11–46
Brakes Shimano XT 200/200 mm
Handlwbars THOK 780 mm
Stem THOK 50 mm
Seatpost THOK 150 mm
Wheelset SUNringlé Düroc 40 Comp
Tires MAXXIS Minion DHR/ Rekon 2.8
Weight 22.92 kg (Größe L)
Price € 5,250
Geometry of the THOK MIG
| Size | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top tube | 560 mm | 585 mm | 615 mm | 650 mm |
| Seat tube | 400 mm | 435 mm | 470 mm | 520 mm |
| Head tube | 100 mm | 100 mm | 130 mm | 150 mm |
| Head angle | 66° | 66° | 66° | 66° |
| Seat angle | 74,5° | 74,5° | 74,5° | 74,5° |
| Chainstays | 450 mm | 450 mm | 450 mm | 450 mm |
| BB Drop | 16 mm | 16 mm | 16 mm | 16 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,157 mm | 1,183 mm | 1,214 mm | 1,251mm |
| Reach | 405 mm | 426 mm | 450 mm | 479 mm |
| Stack | 596 mm | 606 mm | 624 mm | 642 mm |
The THOK MIG-R on the trail
Just getting on, you immediately feel at home on the THOK MIG-R. The reach is 450 mm in size L, and the front, with a stack measurement of 624 mm, is pleasantly high but not too high. Thanks to the steep seat tube angle of 74.5 °, you always get a good amount of pressure on the front of the bike and never feel like you’re sitting over the back wheel when pedalling. The 450 mm chainstays fit perfectly into the overall concept and contribute to the balanced feel of the bike. So designed, the THOK MIG-R generates a lot of traction while staying manoeuvrable around tight. Only when the trail becomes extremely steep does the slack head angle take its toll and the rider has to work a bit harder to keep the bike on track.
E-MTB or not, the most fun you can have will always be when the trail turns downhill, and gravity takes over. On the descents, the THOK spoils the rider with excellent handling and invites you to play. The suspension absorbs bumps with ease while still giving sufficient feedback from the trail, and should, therefore, appeal to more experienced riders. The THOK is loads of fun and rewards an active riding style; few E-MTB’s will feel as familiar to regular mountain bikers the THOK. The geometry is well balanced, successfully combining composure and agility.
The componentry is functional and fulfils its purpose without complaints. The MAXXIS tires generate a lot of grip on the 40 mm wide SUNringlé rims, and the XT drivetrain with 11-46 cassette offers a good range of gears. The cheap THOK dropper seatpost is not a highlight, but it does offer 150 mm of travel which is great for tall riders. The Shimano STEPS E8000 motor worked as reliably as we’ve come to expect and can now be adapted to your own needs through a smartphone app.
Conclusion
You can argue about the appearance of the THOK MIG-R, but there is no doubt about the handling of the bike. The geometry is spot on, making the THOK a lot of fun to ride, reliable components and great suspension rounding off a great overall package. We recommend the THOK MIG-R especially for experienced riders with an engaged riding style, who like to play around on the trails.
More Information on thokbikes.com
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of E-MOUNTAINBIKE, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.
Words: Photos: Valentin Rühl
