Thok MIG R Review: A Thok a day keeps the blues away!

Connected to the battery is a Shimano Steps E8000 motor. The E8000 is used on each of the Thok full-suspension bikes and is a firm favourite among the Singletrack team for its reliability, power and compact size.

Like all Shimano Steps E8000 e-MTB, the Thok MIG R has 3 power modes to choose from plus a walk function for getting up and over trickier trails obstacles. These modes are selected through a bar-mounted Shimano SW-E8000-L e-MTB shift unit. The design is similar to a front derailleur shifter except the paddles are used for switching motor assist modes.

Because Thok has used this type of mode switch on the MIG R it means that they have had to use an over-bar dropper post remote. I’m not a fan of these at all, as they tend to require more force to operate. I would have much preferred a switch to the push-button control from the E7000 drive system that then allows the use of a standard underbar dropper remote.

The rest of the drivetrain and brakes are all from the Shimano stable too. The brakes being 4 piston XT models with large 203mm rotors front and rear for powerful and predictable braking. The rear derailleur is an XT cabled up to an SLX shifter for 11-speed shifting duties.

Both the MIG and MIG-R e-MTB’s are fitted with plus-sized tyres from the factory. Wheels are Sunringle Duroc 40 Comp Boost units while the tyres are 27.5 x 2.8in Maxxis Rekon EXO TR models. The Rekon is a fast-rolling trail tyre suited for hand-packed and dry terrain, pretty much the opposite of what we have in the UK during the winter, so for our test, I ran a pair of Vee Tire Co tyres instead.

Thok bikes exclusively run RockShox suspension and the MIG-R wears a custom-tuned RockShox Deluxe RL metric rear shock production 140mm of travel, with a 150mm travel Lyrik RC upfront.

The rest of the MIG-R build comes from Thok’s own brand stock. The stem is a Thok CNC 35mm unit, bars are Thok oversized 35mm diameter with a 20mm rise, lock-on grips are own brand as is the 150mm travel dropper post, smaller bikes get a 125mm drop.

For the frame, Thok has done things slightly different from the rest of the industry. This being Thok’s first-generation e-MTB the MIG R boasts an external battery, but cleverly this runs under the downtube rather than above it. This is significantly better for a number of reasons but the mains ones being the lower centre of gravity, room for a bottle cage and the fact it still looks more modern than other e-MTB’s with external batteries (at least that’s what I think).

Because of the external battery the Thok can be charged directly to its battery with no need for additional ports in the frame, and it means that the power button on the battery can be used for switching the MIG R on and off. A large rubber sling wraps over the battery covering the power button and LED indicators and although it’s soft enough to push and depress the power button I found it much quicker and easier to pop my finger under the strap and press the power button that way.

The Ride

My first ride on the Thok MIG R was just before the rain began and the trails were only slightly damp, even though we’re weren’t’ riding in properly wet winter conditions I still swamped out the front plus tyre for a 29er with a more UK friendly tread pattern. With the 29er on the front and plus tyre on the rear, the Thok resembled many of the other recent e-MTB’s that rock that reverse mullet look.

The 470mm reach of the large frame felt slightly shorter than what I’m used too, that’s not to say I felt cramped or uncomfortable In fact I enjoyed the smaller feel to the bike which instantly felt a little more manoeuvrable and flickable than some of the longer and more aggressive bikes we’ve tested over the past year.

In fact, the first ride was a bit of a revelation as I honestly wasn’t expecting the MIG R to ride so well and that I would gel so quickly with it. The size of the frame felt great allowing me enough room to get over the front and put the frontend traction down in steep turn, while when seated the MIG R offers enough traction make the most of the 70NM Torque from the Shimano Steps E8000 motor.

Then the rain came and those Maxxis Rekon tyres needed swapping front and rear so this time I went for a set of 27.5in wheels with large volume VeeTire Co. tyres front and rear. It’s worth mentioning that I went for a 2.4in upfront and a 2.35in on the rear. Those numbers sound significantly less than the 2.8in tyres that they replaced but in actual fact, there’s very little in it.

So far the Thok has been ridden in Plus, mullet and 27.5in wheel combinations and each time the bike felt very good. The fact that this frame is so versatile is a huge plus for me and great for anyone who want’s to experiment with various wheel sizes and not have to worry about upsetting the ride and balance.

In muddy ruts, steep turns and off-camber conditions the MIG R performs admirably. The weight being so low in the frame gives the MIG R a planted and predicable feel, while the longer than average rear aid stability at higher speeds.

What really impressed me is how well the MIG R retains speed even when the motor shuts down. Some e-MTBs can feel a little sluggish and can be hard work when the speed limit is hit, but not the Thok. It manages to roll and pump along the trails exceptionally well.

Climbing is obviously a hoot too, keep those pedal strokes smooth, think power not cadence, and the MIG R will get you up absolutely everything.

Durability Notes

Our only durability gripe is about the dropper post remote position. The overbar remote control isn’t very ergonomic and requires more effort to use, but they also tend to get clogged with water and dirt quicker than a regular underbar remote. After just a few muddy rides the cable on the dropper was starting to stick and required a strip and clean fairly quickly. If you ride in dry conditions this isn’t going to be a problem, but here in the UK, it means a little more work is needed to keep the dropper working.

While talking about mud and dirt, we would also keep a close eye on that Shimano paddle control for motor mode changes. Although I didn’t experience issues with this one, I have found in the past that they can get clogged with dirt and mud over time and need a good cleaning out from time to time.

3 Things That Could Be Improved

1. The tyre choice might be great for warm and dry conditions, but for UK riders you will want to swap the tyres to something else before you go outside.
2. Plus tyres have too much-undamped suspension and can feel uncontrolled in certain conditions.
3. Dropper post remote and Shimano Steps control should be changed for better ergonomics.

3 Things We loved

1. Shimano Steps E8000 is still a great compact and reliable motor system. Yes, the new Bosch CX is more advanced, but the Shimano is proven and much more quiet.
2. There’s room for a bottle cage even with the external battery design.
3. Confidence-inspiring and balanced geometry.

Overall

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This is one of those bikes that might not look impressive when you look at the geometry numbers but feels incredible to ride. With a supportive yet supple rear suspension system, good quality parts and an ultra-low centre of gravity the Mig R handles the trail well, and manoeuvres as well as as the Mig fighter plane that it’s named after.

Sure the design might not appeal to everyone, but it’s a unique bike and for riders who like to stand out from the crowd, that just gives you another reason to consider the Thok.