The Izalco Max is currently the only road racing bike in the Focus range and the new model variant is designed to be faster than its predecessor. To achieve this, the competition racer comes with aero-optimised tube shapes. So-called NACA shapes (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics), comparable to flattened Kammtail profiles, are designed to reduce air resistance.
According to Focus, the new model is 6.6 watts faster than the old model at 45 km/h and 1:47 minutes faster on a 45 kilometre route. TOUR has not yet been able to measure the aero performance of the new Izalco Max; prior to the official presentation, it was "only" possible to test ride the Swabian company's new flagship.
The aero concept is supported by a flat carbon handlebar, which is clamped in the classic way. The cables are routed into the head tube under the stem, to which a mount for a computer, camera or front light can be attached. The handlebar height can therefore be adjusted relatively easily without disconnecting the cables. Focus also offers six stem lengths (70 to 120 millimetres) for customisation.
Focus Izalco Max: The most important facts
- Weight of complete wheel: from 7.2 kilogrammes
- Frame weight: 865 grams (Series 9), 1050 grams (Series 8)
- Fork weight: 400 grammes
- Stack/Reach/STR: 552/380 millimetres/1.45
- Frame sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL
- Prices: 2999 to 8999 Euro
In terms of handling, the Stuttgart-based company promises more agility than its predecessor, including a slightly steeper steering angle. The bottom bracket and fork stiffness have also been optimised. A shorter seat tube, and therefore a longer seat post, should lead to more suspension comfort at the rear.
When testing the Izalco Max in the top configuration with electronic Dura-Ace and fast aero wheelset from DT Swiss, the first thing we noticed was the stretched riding position (STR: 1.45, size 54). The wheels are a good compromise between aerodynamics and suitability for everyday use: crosswinds on fast descents are no problem. The 7.2 kilogram racing machine offers sufficient comfort with 28 millimetre wide Vittoria tyres.
Equipment and prices
The Izalco Max is available in two series with different carbon quality. The frame weight (size M) of the 9-series platform is 865 grams, while the 8-series adds 185 grams. The fork weighs 400 grams, which is slightly heavier than the previous model. The lighter models (9.9, 9.8, 9.7), all of which have electronic shifting, cost between 6199 and 8999 euros. The versions with a heavier frameset (8.9, 8.8, 8.7) are available at prices between 2999 and 4799 euros. The two cheapest models are the only ones with mechanical shifting.
Izalco Max 9.9
- Frame: Aero Max (865 grams)
- Weight of complete wheel: 7,2 kg
- Drive: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (2x12; 52/36, 11-30 t.)
- Impellers: DT Swiss ERC1400 Dicut
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Next TR (28 millimetres)
- Price: 8999 Euro
Izalco Max 9.8
- Frame: Aero Max (865 grams)
- Weight of complete wheel: 7,9 kg
- Drive: Shimano Ultegra Di2 (2x12; 52/36, 11-30 t.)
- Impellers: DT Swiss ERC1600 Dicut
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Next TR (28 millimetres)
- Price: 6799 Euro
Izalco Max 9.7
- Frame: Aero Max (865 grams)
- Weight of complete wheel: 8,15 kg
- Drive: SRAM Rival (2x12; 48/35, 10-30 t.)
- Impellers: DT Swiss ERC1600 Dicut
- Tyres: Vittoria Corsa Next TR (28 millimetres)
- Price: 6199 Euro
Izalco Max 8.9
- Frame: Aero (1050 grams)
- Weight of complete wheel: 8,2 kg
- Drive: Shimano 105 Di2 (2x12; 50/34, 11-30 t.)
- Impellers: Novatec R4
- Tyres: Vittoria Rubino (28 millimetres)
- Price: 4799 Euro
Izalco Max 8.8
- Frame: Aero (1050 grams)
- Weight of complete wheel: 8,3 kg
- Drive: Shimano 105 (2x12; 50/34, 11-30 t.)
- Impellers: Novatec R4
- Tyres: Vittoria Rubino (28 millimetres)
- Price: 3999 Euro
Izalco Max 8.7
- Frame: Aero (1050 grams)
- Weight of complete wheel: 9.0 kg
- Drive: Shimano 105 (2x12; 50/34, 11-30 t.)
- Impellers: Alexrims Boondocks 5
- Tyres: Vittoria Rubino (28 millimetres)
- Price: 2999 Euro
Kristian Bauer
Editor
