Seven years after the introduction of the Lightrider carbon marathon weapon, Thömus is sending the latest generation of this model onto the marathon trails. Visually and technically refined, the new frame look is complemented by better carbon fibers. Thömus uses modular UHM fibers to achieve an optimum ratio of weight and stiffness. The new fiber technology also reduces the weight. The frame weighs 1.77 kilograms without the shock absorber. With the lightest configuration, the entire bike remains well below the 10 kilogram mark. The new Lightrider is not only lighter, but also requires less maintenance. The Bern-based company installs high-precision bearings on it, which are characterized by a longer service life, among other things.

In the Marathon version, the Lightrider offers 100 millimetres of suspension travel. Thömus works closely with Fox Europe to achieve the best possible suspension properties on this four-bar linkage. However, this cooperation does not mean that Thömus only offers Fox suspension elements. The customer still has the choice of equipping their Lightrider with a suspension fork from DT Swiss, Manitou or Fox. The same applies to the shocks.

However, good suspension properties are not everything. The key data of the Lightrider also promise good climbing characteristics. Above all, the seat angle of 75.5 degrees, which suggests a powerful pedaling performance. With a steering angle of 70 degrees, Thömus strikes a balance between smoothness and maneuverability.

One frame - two bikes
If you don't like the sporty marathon file, you could still be happy with the new Lightrider. The frame is designed in such a way that it can be specified as a trail bike with a longer suspension strut and more suspension travel on the fork. The seat and steering angles are each one degree slacker. The extra suspension travel also raises the bottom bracket by 7.5 millimetres.

For trail use, the Lightrider frame is prepared for dropper posts with integrated cables. However, the frame also has mounting options for the cables and battery of the electronic XTR Di2, which is also available in configuration.

The new Lightrider is available from CHF 3,690. It will be available from October 23, 2014 at the Thömus ramp sale, but can already be tested now in Oberried.

The first impression Revised every two years, Thömus has given the Lightrider an even more compact and true-to-line design - a design that appeals. This is an opportunity to test the racing bike on which Sepp Freiburghaus took his fifth victory in the Eiger Bike Challenge. The racing-style handlebar position may take some getting used to, but it is not uncomfortable. After all, this is the best way to transfer power to the pedals. You can quickly feel that the power is going to the wheels, as the frame is actually very stiff. There is also hardly any influence from the drive. The suspension stiffens up when you're pedaling and the shock absorber remains calm. Nevertheless, it also reacts when you push over bumps.

On the trail, the Lightrider makes a pretty balanced impression. The marathon bike impresses with agile steering behavior when the rider demands it. Going downhill at high speeds, on the other hand, the Lightrider is surprisingly smooth and also gives you enough confidence at high speeds or in rough sections.

Conclusion: Once again, the "farm bike" doesn't have to hide from the big brands. The Lightrider confirms its versatility and is a lot of fun on the trail and should therefore no longer remain an insider tip on long tours.

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