Marathon bikes for around 4000 euros: The Focus Paralane 8.8 on test

With the second generation of the Paralane, Focus wants to build on the success of the original model. The recipe at the time: a light, uncomplicated and sporty bike that allows slightly wider tyres than is usual for racing bikes and thus extends the range of movement beyond tarmac roads. When it made its debut in 2016, the Paralane thus anticipated the concept of today's endurance bikes, as the term "all-road bike" had not yet been established.

Although the approach no longer seems particularly unique today, the Paralane has remained true to itself with its comparatively sporty riding position, while other manufacturers usually offer more upright geometries. However, the current generation struggles with the attribute "light". The Focus is the only bike in the test that clearly breaks the nine-kilo mark and enters the comparison with this handicap. This is partly due to the relatively heavy Rival groupset from Sram, but the rest of the build also seems economical and a little unimaginative.

Focus Paralane 8.8 with equipment deficits

Accordingly, the bike reacts sluggishly to pedalling and steering commands, especially due to the heavy aluminium wheels with wide but simple tyres. Because the Paralane is not an inexpensive bike in comparison, it seems rather poorly equipped overall. These are notable, but ultimately the only weaknesses of the bike. Once you get going, the bike rolls with unshakeable directional stability and is predestined for long days in the saddle. The long wheelbase and sluggish steering geometry mean good directional stability even on poor roads.

In terms of comfort, the middle of the three equipment variants with the cheaper seatpost cannot match the very good value of the top version, but is positioned in the good midfield. The actually good comfort value at the front is counteracted by the somewhat uncomfortable, thin aluminium handlebars - here too, the carbon handlebars of the top version feel better. The Paralane is convincing in terms of handling and suitability for everyday use. The stem, which integrates the brake lines, is easy to adjust in height and can also be swapped for a classic model. The top tube bag comes as standard with all equipment variants; an inexpensive but well-functioning mudguard set is offered as an accessory.

The Focus Paralane 8.8: Info & test grade

• Price: 4299 Euro >> available here
• Weight of complete wheel: 9.2 kilos
• Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL (test size greased)
• TOUR grade: 2,3

Geometry

• Seat/top/head tube: 535/570/179 millimetres
• Stack/Reach/STR: 605/387 millimetres/1.56
• Stack+/Reach+/STR+: 660/578 millimetres/1.14
• Wheelbase/caster: 1020/63 millimetres

Equipment

• Drive/gear shift: SRAM Rival AXS (2x12; 46/33, 10-36 t.) | Grade: 1.0 (5 % share of the overall grade)
• Brakes: SRAM Rival (160/160 mm) | Grade: 1.5 (5 % share of the overall grade)
• Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro Pro 32 mm (eff.: 33 mm) | Grade: 2.0 (5 % share of the overall grade)
• Impellers: DT Swiss E 1900 Spline 30
• Impeller weights: 1591/2045 grams (front/rear)

Measured values

• Weight of complete wheel: 9170 grammes | Grade: 4.3 (25 % share of the overall grade)
• Rear comfort: 159 N/mm | Grade: 2.3 (20 % share of the overall grade)
• Comfort front: 79 N/mm | Grade: 2.0 (10 % share of the overall grade)
• Front stiffness: 8.7 N/mm | Grade: 1.3 (10 % share of the overall grade)
• Bottom bracket stiffness: 64 N/mm | Grade: 1.0 (10 % share of the overall grade)
• Lacquer: Grade: 1.0 (5 per cent share of the overall grade)
• Maintenance/adjustment: Grade: 1.0 (5 % share of the overall grade)

Advantages and disadvantages of the Focus Paralane 8.8

• Plus: Practical assembly, bag and mudguard set as accessories
• Minus: heavy, below-average equipment compared to the price

All 12 bikes in the comparison test

• Canyon Endurace CF SLX 7 Di2
• Cervélo Caledonia 105 Di2
• Cube Agree C:62 SLX
• Focus Paralane 8.8 >> available here
• Giant Daffy Advanced 0 >> available here
• Koga Roqa Premium >> available here
• Merida Scultura Endurance Rival Edition
• Rose Reveal 04 105 Di2 >> available here
• Scott Addict 30 >> available here
• Stevens Izoard Pro
• Storck Fascenario.3 Comp
• Veto B983

>> We have compiled all the information about our test here.