Test: E-mountainbike magazine - MIG-R review
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.
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.