Gravel bikes under 2000 euros in the test: The Focus Atlas 6.7 - the leading role

Focus got on the gravel carousel relatively late with the Atlas; the current aluminium version is the first gravel bike and has been on the market since 2021. The manufacturer, which develops in Stuttgart and manufactures in Cloppenburg, later added a lighter carbon version. Despite several years on the market, the aluminium model still looks modern and tidy: shift cables and brake lines run directly under the stem into the head tube, voluminous 45 mm tyres characterise the silhouette and the characteristically shaped frame looks unique and rich in detail, but not playful. Together with the (significantly cheaper) Carver, Focus is the heaviest bike in the comparison; a full two kilograms separate it from the test winner. The reasons for this are only partly to be found in the equipment fitted. Although the Novatec wheels are comparatively heavy, the components are of a comparable quality to those of the competitors. The relatively heavy frameset also plays a part in the Atlas, which we already noticed during the first TOUR test. If you want to upgrade later with lighter wheels, you should take note of an important feature of the Focus: The Atlas has a wider mounting dimension on the fork and rear triangle than usual; this is also known as "Boost" and is common on mountain bikes. The hubs are 110 instead of the usual 100 millimetres wide at the front and 148 instead of 142 millimetres at the rear. This is intended to make the wheels laterally stiffer and more durable. Conversely, this limits the choice, at least for classic gravel wheels. However, well-positioned brands such as Novatec or DT Swiss also stock suitable gravel wheels; you can also help yourself from the mountain bike shelf or, of course, build your own.

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Focus Atlas 6.7: Sporty driving style - but still suitable for off-road use

Compared to other bikes in its class, the bike is relatively sporty, with frame geometry and steering behaviour somewhat closer to a classic road bike than many other candidates. As a result, the steering is not quite as sluggish and, even on very fat tyres, feels a little livelier on the road. The very wide handlebars are the main reason why you don't get a real road bike feeling; the 48 centimetre wide bar has its advantages off-road. This is also where the WTB tyres are more convincing: with their studded tread pattern, they offer a lot of grip on loose surfaces, but roll comparatively slowly on asphalt.

We hardly found it annoying that Shimano's GRX drivetrain on the Focus only has ten sprockets to change on the rear wheel: if you can cope with the operation of the reliable front derailleur, you'll be better off with the double crankset and fewer sprockets than with an eleven- or twelve-speed drivetrain with just one chainring. The gear range extends comfortably at both the upper and lower ends, and the jumps from gear to gear are pleasantly graduated in the medium speed range.

Also suitable for tours with luggage

The Atlas is well prepared for cycling holidays and other adventures. Standard features include: a small top tube bag, eyelets under the bottom bracket for a tool box as well as mudguard and pannier rack threads. Small carriers can be attached to three eyelets on each side of the carbon fork. There is also a bolt-on point for a front light and openings for routing the light cable in the frame and fork. If you are thinking of building a randonneur, you should take a look at the EQP version: For just 200 euros more, the test bike comes fully assembled including mudguards, pannier rack and dynamo light. The 500 euro more expensive 6.8 version comes with 2x11 GRX gears and lighter DT Swiss wheels, while the carbon models start at 3,099 euros.

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Focus Atlas 6.7: Info & test grade

• Price: 1999 Euro >> available here
• Weight of complete wheel: 11.3 kilos
• Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL (test size greased)
• TOUR grade: 2,6

Geometry

• Seat/top/head tube: 514/585/165 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 622/400 millimetres/1.56
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 678/582 millimetres/1.16
• Wheelbase/caster: 1070/77 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift: Shimano GRX 600/400 (2x10; 46/30, 11-34 t.) | Grade: 2.5
• Brakes: Shimano GRX 400 (160/160 mm) | Grade: 2.0
• Tyres: WTB Riddler TR 45 mm (eff.: 46 mm) | Grade: 2.0
• Impellers: Novatec 25 Boost
• Impeller weights: 1966/2502 gram (v./h.)

Measured values

• Weight of complete wheel: 11,310 grammes | Grade: 5.0
• Driving stability: 12.5 N/mm | Grade: 1.0
• Rear comfort: 177 N/mm | Grade: 2.7
• Comfort front: 73 N/mm | Grade: 2.0
• Ride/ bottom bracket stiffness: 87 N/mm | Grade: 1.0

Advantages and disadvantages of the Focus Atlas 6.7

• Plus: Very stable frame, finely stepped gearbox
• Minus: Relatively heavy frameset, unusual hub standard

All 13 bikes in the comparison test

• Bulls Grinder 4
• Canyon Grizl 7
• Carver Gravel 220 1by
• CUBE Nuroad C:62 One >> available here
• Focus Atlas 6.7 >> available here
• Giant Revolt 0 >> available here
• Megamo Jakar 20 >> available here
• Merida Silex 400
• Radon Regard AL 10.0
• Ridley Kanzo Adventure Alu >> available here
• Rose Backroad AL GRX RX400 >> available here
• Scott Speedster Gravel 10 >> available here
• Stevens Prestige >> available here

How TOUR tests

Weight (25 per cent of the overall grade): The weighed complete wheel weight in the standardised test wheel size 56-57 centimetres counts for the evaluation. We also show the wheel weights for orientation. The grading scale is set in such a way that a grade of 1.0 is technically achievable: we award the best grade for weights under 7.5 kilograms.

Rear comfort (20 per cent): A measure of compliance under road shocks, measured in the TOUR laboratory. A suspension travel is measured when the seatpost is loaded. The measured value correlates very well with the riding impressions and the feeling of comfort. Good marks also mean decent riding dynamics, which have a positive effect on speed on poor roads and off-road.

Comfort Front (10 per cent): The deformation of the handlebars under load is determined in the same way as for the rear. A good score means a lot of suspension comfort, which takes the strain off your hands on long rides. However, strong sprinters who want a lot of stiffness should look for stiff handlebars.

Front stiffness (10 per cent): Important parameter for steering precision and confidence in the bike at high speeds, determined in the TOUR laboratory. The overall stiffness is determined on the fully assembled frame set, i.e. including the fork. The stiffness values are capped. The aim is not an infinitely stiff frame, but one that is sufficiently stable to ride.

Bottom bracket stiffness (10 per cent): Reveals how much the frame yields under hard pedalling, for example when sprinting. This measurement also takes place in the TOUR laboratory, with realistic clamping, in which the frame can deform as if it were being ridden.

circuit (5 per cent): The shifting characteristics are determined in the driving test. It is not the price or the quality impression of individual components that is assessed, but exclusively the function of the entire gearbox. The gear range, but also, for example, the cable routing, the quality of the cables and the mounted chain play a role.

Brakes (5 per cent): As with shifting, the test on the road also counts here, and the experience from our countless tests of brakes is also incorporated into the assessment. It is not the component itself that is assessed, but the function of the interaction between the brake body, pads and discs: How well can the brakes be modulated? How durable are the brakes, how do they react in hot or wet conditions, how long are the braking distances?

tyres (5 percent): Rolling resistance and grip are evaluated - as far as known from one of our independent tyre tests or based on driving impressions. The tyre width has no influence on the rating, as this is more a question of personal preference.

Lacquer (5 per cent): The TOUR paint test simulates stone chipping and allows a statement to be made about the durability of the protective top coat. A chisel simulates stone chipping or chain impact. Starting at a height of ten centimetres, the height is increased by ten centimetres until the paint gives way or the maximum drop height of 50 centimetres is reached.

Maintenance/adjustment (5 per cent): The test assesses how easy a bike is to maintain and adjust. Marks are deducted, for example, for special tools required, particularly complex detailed solutions, manufacturer-specific components or maintenance work that can only be carried out in specialised workshops.

The overall score is calculated arithmetically from the individual scores weighted differently (percentages in brackets). It primarily expresses the sporting qualities of the bike.

We have compiled all the information about our test here.