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After the Gravelbike Atlas and the Paralane marathon racer we were naturally also interested to see how the third new Focus model in just a few months would fare: the aero-optimised Izalco Max. The Version 8.9 takes its place as a mid-range model, the biggest differences to the top versions are a more robust carbon frame and simpler components. As a result, the racer is one of the heaviest in the €5,000 segment, even without the overhanging tube shapes, and its riding characteristics do not come close to those of the top model, which TOUR was able to ride exclusively before the market launch.
Focus Izalco Max 8.9: Not very aerodynamic
In addition to a certain sluggishness when accelerating, which is also due to the slow-rolling tyres, the extremely torsionally stiff test bike also lags behind the competition in terms of aero performance: 231 watts at 45 km/h is a below-average result for a competition racer, the gap to the competition is up to 27 watts and drags the score down. With faster wheels, the Focus only makes a slight leap forwards. Another tuning tip is the un-aerodynamic aluminium handlebar, which sits in a bulky stem and could easily be replaced by a more streamlined model.
The Izalco Max shows its greatest strength on rough surfaces: the flattened carbon support, which is almost graceful compared to the flat aero models of the competition, absorbs impacts considerably thanks to its long extension. At the front, the racing machine has the same level of suspension as the other bikes in its price category. Thanks to the long wheelbase, the Focus rides stoically straight ahead, the riding position is sporty and stretched, and the low lower handlebars further elongate the riding position. The Cloppenburg-based manufacturer offers a total of six variants with different carbon qualities. The top models (9.9 to 9.7) are based on a lighter carbon frame and, according to the manufacturer, are up to 1000 grams lighter than the test bike. With the exception of the two basic models, all versions shift electronically with groupsets from Shimano or SRAM.
Focus Izalco Max 8.9
- TOUR grade: 2,6
- Price: 4799 Euro >> available here
- Weight of complete wheel: 8.4 kilos
- Aerodynamics: 231 watts
- Frame sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL (test size greased)
Geometry
- Seat/top/head tube: 535/570/157 millimetres
- Stack/Reach/STR: 571/396 millimetres/1.44
- Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 628/597 millimetres/1.05
- Wheelbase/caster: 1010/63 millimetres
Equipment
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano 105 Di2 (2x12; 50/34, 11-30 t.) | Shimano 105 Di2 (2x12; 50/34, 11-30 t.) Grade: 1.0
- Brakes: Shimano 105 (160/160 mm) | Grade: 1.5
- Tyres: Vittoria Rubino 28 mm (eff.: 29 mm) | Grade: 2.5
- Impellers: Novatec R4
- Impeller weights: 1355/1785 grams (front/rear)
Advantages and disadvantages
- Plus: Very stable base, good rear comfort, easy to maintain
- Minus: High total weight, poor aero performance
Julian Schultz
Editor
