Focus Paralane 8.9: Versatile marathon bike in a new edition

Gravel bike, competition racer and now a marathon bike: Focus has set off a firework of new products in recent months and turned its range of bikes with curved handlebars inside out. After the all-terrain atlas and the aerodynamically optimised Izalco Max also received the Paralane has been given a new look and returns with proven virtues. Like its predecessor, which was no longer available during the coronavirus pandemic, the new bike aims to provide a comfortable ride and open up a wide range of uses. After we had already were able to drive the mid-range model shortly before the official launch of the Paralanewe now took the top version called Paralane 8.9 in the laboratory and in practice.

Focus Paralane 8.9: Sporty riding position

"Sit on it, feel good": with just a few words, the Cloppenburg bike manufacturer describes the core idea behind its endurance racing bike. Our test riders were happy to comply with this request and noticed a striking change after just a few turns of the cranks: Compared to the previous version, Focus gave the current model year's Paralane a more aggressive frame geometry, which manifests itself in a more stretched seating position. In addition to a shorter stack (actual frame height), the sporty posture is due to the stem, which the Paralane takes over from the Izalco Max, including the partially integrated brake lines.

The Reach-Plus value, which describes the seat length relatively preciselydiffers significantly from comparable marathon bikes. The good-natured handling is characteristic of the endurance category. Thanks to the long wheelbase (1020 millimetres) and large trail (63 millimetres), the Paralane rides like it's being pulled by a string, yet steering commands are implemented directly. The biggest plus of the Focus Paralane 8.9 is the excellent suspension comfort on the saddle. The inconspicuous carbon post from Easton with a diameter of 27.2 millimetres noticeably smoothes out bumps. In combination with the 32 millimetre tyres, the Focus also feels comfortable on light gravel paths. The carbon handlebars also flex well, but overall the front end is tuned harder and reacts to bumps a little more unyieldingly.

Range of use and weight

Thanks to the maximum tyre clearance of 35 millimetres, the range of use can be shifted even more towards off-road terrain. The predecessor already fitted tyres of this width and was therefore ahead of its time; tyres of this size have now become standard in the endurance sector. Newer concepts, which as so-called all-road bikes are positioned between marathon bikes and gravel bikes, now even allow 40 and more millimetre wide tyres. The sporty riding position and the discreet Kammtail tube profiles of the stiff frameset suggest that the Paralane is designed for high speeds as well as versatility. However, the total weight of 8.6 kilograms - the cheaper equipment variants weigh more than nine kilograms - does not emphasise this orientation.

Unlike its predecessor, the carbon frame weighs more than 1000 grams, and Focus has decided not to use lighter carbon wheels, even on the top version. The choice of tyres is worth discussing: Although tyres can be swapped for relatively little money, the rather simple and somewhat slow-rolling Vittoria Rubino seems out of place on a 5299 euro road bike. Another detail, on the other hand, is completely convincing: the mudguard set. The long mudguards provide excellent protection from the wet, are easy to attach to the frame, fork and special thru-axles and still allow 33 millimetre wide tyres. In contrast to the large top tube bag, which comes as standard on all variants, the bad weather kit is available at an extra charge (59.99 euros).

Conclusion on the Focus Paralane 8.9

All in all, the new Paralane is a versatile marathon bike that has no significant weaknesses apart from its weight. In other words: sit on it and feel good! With its unique frame geometry, the Focus also draws a line between itself and most of the competition and appeals to road cyclists who also want to sit sportily on an endurance bike. The Paralane is available in three equipment variants with mountain-compatible twelve-speed gears from 2999 euros.

The Paralane also cuts a fine figure off the beaten track. However, its acceleration is quite sluggish. - Kristian Bauer, News and Hobby Sports Editor

The Focus Paralane 8.9

• TOUR grade: 2,1
• Price: 5299 Euro >> available here

Weights & geometry

• Weight of complete wheel: 8.6 kilos
• Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
• Seat / top / head tube: 535 / 565 / 181 millimetres
• Stack / Reach / STR: 607 / 387 millimetres / 1.56
• Stack+ / Reach+ / STR+: 663 / 577 millimetres / 1.15
• Wheelbase/caster: 1020/63 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive / gearstick (1.0): Shimano Ultegra Di2 (2x12; 50/34, 11-34 t.)
• Brakes (1.0): Shimano Ultegra (160/140 mm)
• Tyres (2.5): Vittoria Rubino Pro TLR 32 mm (eff.: 33 mm)
• Impellers: DT Swiss ER 1600
• Impeller weights: 1577/2016 grams (front/rear)

Measured values

• Driving stability (1.7): 8.72 N/mm
• Rear comfort (1.7): 123 N/mm
• Comfort front (2.3): 93 N/mm
• Ride/ bottom bracket stiffness (1.0): 64 N/mm

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