It’s quite a strange thing to see a full-on full-suss trail bike like the Thron² available in what can only be called ‘commute’ spec. The Focus Thron2 6.8EQP combines full-suspension and 130mm of travel with all the equipment you’d need for any commute - quite the odd combination. The more expensive carbon 9.6 GC has a claimed weight of 14.15kg. The Alex Boondocks wheels are shod with Vittoria’s gravel-specific Terrero Zero TLR 33c tyres.įocus claims 15.65kg for the alloy 6.8 GC. The bike runs Fazua’s Evation 60Nm/250w motor system with a 250w/h battery, and gearing from Shimano’s new GRX 400 group with 46/34, 11-34 gearing. Well, it seems Focus has been thinking the same and, this year, there are now a smattering of GC models in both carbon and alloy (the 6.8 is the alloy version), which come equipped with grip-laden gravel tyres and a more off-road outlook. Since we first tried out the Paralane², we always thought it had the ability to go beyond the road, with generous tyre clearances giving it gravel potential. The Fazua system is both light (a little over 3kg) and comes in a small package, so the Paralane doesn’t look too dissimilar from a standard bike.įocus has also introduced road-Boost to the rear to ensure ideal chain line with the wider (motorised) bottom bracket shell. The Paralane² was the first e-road bike that proved that e-assistance needn’t be heavy, bulky or ugly. The Paralane2 6.8 GC is a Paralane2 more focused on gravel riding. The sub-kilo frame is matched with DT Swiss ARC 1450 Dicut carbon wheels running Vittoria Corsa G+ tyres, a SRAM Force AXS group and a dedicated stem that internally routes the disc brake hoses and holds a carbon Easton EC90 aero bar.Īt the back, a dedicated D-shaped carbon post is topped with ProLogo’s short Dimension saddle.įocus claims 7.85kg for the 9.7 AXS. With its understated palette and graphics and, of course, tan wall tyres, we reckon it’s one of the best looking of the new breed of lightweight race bikes.
The Izalco Max launched over a year ago now, and with similar bikes from bigger manufacturers being launched this year, it seems the Max has had an influence.Īny bike with as much integration as the Max is always going to look good with one of SRAM’s wireless groupsets, and the £5,699 Max with Force eTap AXS is a great looking machine. The new Focus Max Disc 9.7 with SRAM Force AXS is a slick looking machine. The 6.7 is also available as a 29er (the 6.7 Nine).įocus claims 15kg for a complete bike.
It runs on a combination of 27.5 Maxxis High Roller II and Minion DHR II tyres wrapped over Race Face rims on Novatec hubs. The drivetrain is SRAM’s 12-speed NX Eagle, and braking comes courtesy of Magura’s MT5s.
The frame has 150mm of travel at the rear controlled by a RockShox Monarch RT that’s matched up front with a RockShox Revelation RC fork. We like the look of the 6.7, and especially the price - it looks to be a very well-equipped sub-£2k machine. Suspension design, which is claimed to balance sensitivity while being progressive enough to not bottom out when being put through the wringer. The aluminium frame uses Focus’s F.O.L.D.
Price: £1,999 / €2,199 (Germany) / €2,299 (France, Spain, Benelux)įocus describes the Jam as its bike for those who like to earn their downhills and aren’t afraid of a meaty climb.At two grand the Jam 6.7 Seven looks like a lot of bike.