A gravel bike for everything? Focus Atlas 8.9 in the TOUR test

The next generation Focus Atlas gravel bike aims to be a real all-rounder - for bikepacking trips, the daily commute and fast racing. Our test shows whether the top model Atlas 8.9 really succeeds in this balancing act.

Everything is new at Focus Atlas: The brand from Cloppenburg is renovating its gravel bike at all levels. Both the high-quality carbon and the affordable aluminium models have been given new frames and undergone fundamental changes. In contrast to many other manufacturers, who now have several sub-categories of gravel bikes for different purposes in their programme, Focus is concentrating on an extremely versatile model that should cover the entire spectrum of possible usage scenarios with different equipment variants and retrofittable accessories. Ambitious racers should find equally attractive options within the platform as adventurous bikepackers and practically orientated everyday commuters. With a view to the predecessor models designed primarily for travelling this means above all that the new Atlas has become sportier. A shorter wheelbase, steeper angles and a more stretched seating position are intended to give the bike more sporting spirit and dynamism, and this applies to both aluminium and carbon. The model also appears to be attractively priced: As a Series 6 with an aluminium frame, the portfolio starts at 1799 euros, with a lighter carbon frame, the bike is available from 2699 euros. For our first individual test, we brought the top version 8.9, which costs 5299 euros.

Top version as a sports version

The flagship model is intended to emphasise the racing characteristics of the Atlas and makes quite an impression at first glance. The imposing carbon rims alone are likely to make many people estimate the bike to be significantly more expensive as they ride past. The frame may not be particularly unique, but with its straight-lined silhouette, concealed cables and low-set seat stays, the design has no frills and is in tune with the times. The chic paintwork is a real eye-catcher: the marbled blue and purple metallic paint finish is a special feature of the top model. It is applied by hand, which is why no two wheels look exactly the same.

In view of the sporty look, you might be a little disappointed by the weight of the bike: The most expensive version of the Atlas weighs a good nine kilograms despite the carbon wheels, which is quite a far cry from the 8.6 kilograms promised by the manufacturer. Part of this is due to the functional but rather heavy Rival groupset, which at least keeps the Atlas relatively affordable for a race gravel bike. The riding impression proves that the product managers made the right decision to favour a high-quality carbon wheelset over a more expensive groupset in the budget frame. The Atlas accelerates better than expected and is a lot of fun on flat gravel tracks. Exceptionally fast-rolling and smoothly sprung Schwalbe tyres, noticeable comfort on the seat post and a sporty but not too extreme riding position further enhance the ride. However, as the terrain becomes more difficult, the bike becomes increasingly unwieldy. On rough trails, the weight becomes somewhat noticeable, but the steering geometry is also not made for tight and twisty courses, instead focussing on stable directional stability at high speeds. In addition, the tyres quickly reach their limits in mud, while their strength lies in their smooth rolling behaviour on dry, firm ground and asphalt. Here, the requirement to excel on all terrains demands small compromises.

Practical and simple

But these should be necessary to ensure that the Atlas also performs well in other orientations. Based on the test rides and a closer look at the bike, we can well imagine that the Atlas should also work well as a practical everyday and touring bike. It relies on simple and proven technical solutions for the seat post and handlebars; the latter can also be adjusted in height without undue effort thanks to brake lines hidden under a cover on the stem. With the new Atlas, Focus has moved away from the wider Boost standard for the wheels, which made it difficult to find spare parts for the previous model. A number of eyelets and an easily accessible, voluminous storage compartment in the down tube safely accommodate the most necessary touring luggage. For everyday use, customised mudguard solutions are available as accessories for single and double drivetrains, with or without an integrated light cable. All Atlas models are already prepared for a dynamo light. The practical "Adventure Rack" pannier rack for the seat stays, already familiar from its predecessor, which can hold a pannier bag with up to three straps on each side, is compatible with the new Atlas, as is a newly introduced front pannier rack that can carry an additional five kilograms. Overall, care has been taken to distribute the weight as low as possible in order to make the handling as safe as possible, even when heavily loaded. Last but not least, the approval for a system weight of up to 135 kilograms should be mentioned, which is higher than the usual weight of other models.

Ready to travel, i.e. with factory-fitted accessories, the Atlas is only available with an aluminium frame and in a simple version with Shimano Cues 2x10 gears for € 1999. According to the manufacturer, the bike should then weigh almost 14 kilograms. If you want it lighter, you'll have to do it yourself, but this should be worthwhile with the carbon models.

Focus Atlas 8.9: Test grade, price, geometry, equipment, measured values, advantages and disadvantages

• Price: 5299 Euro
• Weight of complete wheel: 9.3 kilos
• Info: www.focus-bikes.com
• Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
• TOUR grade: 1,9

GEOMETRY

• Seat/top/head tube: 510/565/140 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 607/397 millimetres/1.53 Stack+/Reach+/STR+662/580 millimetres/1.14
• Wheelbase/caster: 1060/64 millimetres

EQUIPMENT

• Drive/gear shift: SRAM Rival AXS XPLR (1x13, 40, 10-46 t.) | Note: 2,0
• Brakes: SRAM Rival | Note: 1,0
• Tyres: Schwalbe G-One Pro 45 mm | Note: 1,0
• Impellers: Zipp 303 XPLR
• Impeller weights: 1685/2113 grams (v./h.)

MEASURED VALUES

• Weight of complete wheel: 9.2 kilos | Note: 3,0
• Driving stability: 8.7 N/mm | Note: 1,3
• Rear comfort: 125 N/mm | Note: 2,0
• Comfort front: 90 N/mm | Note: 2,3
• Ride/ bottom bracket stiffness: 60 N/mm | Note: 1,0

Advantages

Balanced, stable riding behaviour, well thought-out solutions for accessories and luggage, comparatively inexpensive

Disadvantages

Relatively heavy