Focus Mares Max: Endurance test for gravel bike prototype at the Gravel World Championships

Focus fielded a new race gravel bike at the Gravel World Championships in Australia. The prototype was ridden by the reigning Australian gravel champion, Cameron Scott. He finished 35th in a highly competitive field.

The name of the bike has not been confirmed. However, the folder of images provided suggests that it Focus Mares Max could be called. The photos also show that the frame should be able to accommodate MTB tyres of at least 2.25 inches. The seat tube, with its tapered design, is reminiscent of the Cannondale Synapse; the prototype is fitted with spare wheelsets, all from the PON brand, which also includes Focus and Cervelo.

An old name returns

​Mares is no stranger to Focus. From 2016 to 2021, the manufacturer had a cyclocross bike in its range under this name. Then came the gravel boom, and cyclocross bikes became a niche product. In this off-road racing format, featuring curved handlebars, riders complete lap after lap in a circuit, jump over obstacles, run up steps and battle their way through deep sand sections until the bell signals the final lap and they cross the finish line one last time. With the Mares Max, the name could now make a comeback as a race gravel bike.

​What makes gravel racing special

​Gravel races take place on gravel, forest and country lanes, as well as tarmac, often lasting several hours. The bike must therefore combine speed and control: sufficient tyre clearance allows for Tyres, which suits the terrain. The tread pattern and tyre pressure determine the balance between grip, rolling resistance and puncture protection. At high speeds, aerodynamics are also important, whilst on rough sections, safe handling is key. Added to this are easily accessible food and drink and space for repair kit.

These requirements form the basis for assessing the prototype.

​The bike at a glance

• Tyres: The photos show the bike fitted with Schwalbe Thunder Burt tyres in the Super Ground version (available in 54 and 57 mm widths) and with Vittoria Terreno 2.25-inch MTB tyres. It therefore seems that tyres of at least 57 millimetres in width will fit.
• Drive: SRAM Red XPLR with aero chainring
• Wheels: Spare tyre with a rim height of 48 mm at the front and 53 mm at the rear
• Cockpit: fully integrated
• Mounting points: on the top tube and the down tube. A BBB tool bearing the Focus logo can be seen on the top tube.
• Design: The bike is still wrapped in film, or rather, it features a special design for the Gravel World Championships with the slogan ‘Race The Rough’ printed on it.

Focus has not yet released any technical specifications or prices. The official launch of the bike is expected to take place in spring 2027.