Rapid Axle Technology (R.A.T.)

The fastest thru-axle in the world

Rapid Axle Technology (R.A.T.)

Disc brakes are both the present and future in cycling – and for their optimum function, floating axles are a must. Because no floating axle on the market met the demands that we place on a thru-axle system, our FOCUS engineers were galvanised into action and developed the Rapid Axle Technology (R.A.T.)* – the fastest thru-axle in the world.

*R.A.T. thru-axles are sold under licence in the UK (UK patent GB2414971B)

Disc brakes require the stiffness and stability of a thru-axle to ensure optimum function. Because no thru-axle system met our wheel change speed requirements, however, we developed our own patented Rapid Axle Technology (R.A.T.) for mountain bikes, racing bikes and Cyclo Cross bikes. Our development of the R.A.T. floating axle focussed on a quick and easy wheel change.

As a result, Rapid Axle Technology combines the stability and stiffness of a thru-axle and all the advantages of a quick-release. As the quickest and easiest wheel change system on the market, it puts even classic quick-release devices in the shade. Thanks to its outstanding features, even renowned competitors now rely on the R.A.T. thru-axle system for their disc models.

Proven in the racing field

The XC World Cup in Albstadt in 2016 demonstrated just how successfully our development goals were implemented. FOCUS XC team mechanic Fabian Haug changed the rear wheel of Florian Vogel's RAVEN in 13.3 seconds – an unofficial world record! The wheel change took a whole five seconds off the reigning record. The simple operation of the R.A.T. thru-axle enables an intuitive wheel change, even in stressful situations – such as bike racing.