I have been comparing two Focus mountain bikes and looking to get some insight/opinions on them. I am comparing the 2014 Focus Raven 29R 5.0 and the 2016 Focus Black Forest SL. I have been reading a lot about carbon fiber bike frames but having a tough time picking between these two. The Raven is a close out deal or I probably wouldn't even be considering it. I was hoping to hear from people who are familiar with these bikes and can help me as I compare the two. I have not been able to find the weight of the Raven but the SL is 25.79 pounds so I doubt the carbon will be that much of a difference. But I know the way it rides is a component to this too. The Raven is exactly $300 more than the SL. Components look to be similar with the SL having better shifters and the double crank. I guess like most people I just wonder how the carbon will hold up and how durable it is. I mostly ride single track trails and some basic mountain bike trails in my local area. The single track trails are not to bad but still have some rocks, roots, etc. from a typical single track trail. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

The days of worrying about carbon fiber are long gone.

I personally would probably go with the '16 Black Forest. You're getting the benefit of some better design (142x12 thru-axle rear) and the Fox 32 fork. I could not find geometry charts for either to compare head angles, BB drop or chainstay length; but if they are different, those would be important things to know to guide your choice.

Here is two sites I have used to get the specs and compare them. Thank you for your reply and taking the time to check.

Focus Raven 29R 5.0 (2014) Specs

FOCUS BLACK FOREST SL 29 Mountainbike 2016

I also found this for the SL and I would be a size medium.

Focus - Bikes: 2016 | Mountainbike / Race | Black Forest 29

I also found the geometry for the Raven at the bottom of this site. If you have time please let me know how they compare. Thanks!

2014 Focus Raven 29R 5.0 | Components and Reviews

OK, here we go:

BB drop pretty much the same (maybe 1 mm diff depending on frame size)
Chainstay 447 Raven; 440 BF - - they've shortened it up to make it a bit more nimble likely
Head angle virtually the same
Seat tube angle is a degree steeper on the '14. Some people prefer steeper ST angle for climbing. Slacker puts you a little more over the shorter chainstays = a little snappier.

All-in-all, very little difference but, once again, I'd be even more skewed now toward the newer bike because of the stiffer rear end, fork and shorter chainstays. Good luck.

Thank you very much for your help.

Buying Focus got nightmare. I brought Focus Bike a year, my rear wheel and I falling off from bike. And you was told by both distributor and dealer that no warranty!
Your bike scratches are impact by external force. SORRY. FOCUS Derby Cycle will definitely cannot help you.

I have a 26" Focus Raven 1.0. 18lb. XC bike. I ride and race it hard, no problems thus far. Sizing was different than I was used to. For 25 years I rode a "medium" frame, but on the Raven I feel more comfortable on a large. I have no experience with the Black Forest, but the brand itself has been solid with me.

Yes, I agreed. I ride Focus is comfortable and fast. It looks smart too. I come with Fous every saturday and sunday. A year after, I and the wheel was lying-in-the-road. I am scared to ride it. It is one of defective bike. No warranty claim. No after sale service. No repair control. What do you feel? Derby Cycle never helps you. I would say I am unlucky.