After the all-terrain atlas and the sporty Izalco Max Focus presents the Paralane, its third innovation this year. With a clear focus: the riding position, tyre clearance and mountain ratios are designed to appeal to road cyclists who like to sit in the saddle for a long time and as comfortably as possible. "Sit on it, feel good" is how the company from Lower Saxony describes its concept. TOUR has already been able to get an idea of this and tested the Paralane 8.8 (size M), one of three equipment variants.
Focus Paralane: First ride impression
In contrast to the Izalco Max (STR: 1.45), the Paralane (STR: 1.51) puts the rider in a more upright sitting position, but this is less favourable than comparable models. Endurance models more sporty. Thanks to the long wheelbase, the new model is a smooth-running companion that also cuts a fine figure off the beaten track. The carbon frame, 27.2 standard seat post and tyres provide noticeable suspension on bumpy dirt tracks. Thanks to the maximum tyre clearance of 35 millimetres, the Paralane could be set up even more comfortably, making it the perfect choice for the versatile rider. Allroad bikes poached. However, due to its high overall weight, the Paralane is relatively sluggish when accelerating. According to Focus, the mid-range model weighs 9.3 kilograms, while the top model is said to be 700 grams lighter.
Focus Paralane: The most important facts
- Weight of complete wheel: 8.6 to 9.5 kilogrammes
- Frame: 1130 grams (size M)
- Stack/Reach/STR: 579/383 millimetres/1.51 (size M)
- Maximum tyre clearance: 35 millimetres
- Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
- Prices: 2999 to 5299 Euro
To ensure that the Focus doesn't have to stay in the garage in bad weather, the Lower Saxony-based company has developed its own mudguard set. The system, which is available as an option for 39.90 euros, makes a very stable impression and can be quickly fitted to the fork and frame. A sturdy bag is supplied, which can be attached to the top tube using mounting eyelets and covers almost half the length of the top tube. As a result, it offers plenty of space for a puncture repair kit, smartphone etc., but depending on your height, it can also get in the way if you have the frame between your legs when standing.
The Paralane takes the so-called C.I.S. stem from the Izalco Max, which guides the cables inside the frame and is available in six lengths (70 to 120 millimetres). No cable separation should be necessary to adjust the handlebar height. The tube shapes with Kammtail profiles on the fork, down tube, seat tube and seat stays are also based on the aero-optimised competition bike from Cloppenburg.
Focus Paralane: Equipment and price
Focus offers the Paralane in three equipment variants. All versions are equipped with 2x12 drivetrains from Shimano or SRAM with a wide range of gears and small mountain ratios. The base model changes gears mechanically with Shimano's new 105, while the mid-range and top-of-the-range versions are equipped with electronic Rival and Ultegra. All wheels share simple aluminium wheels from DT Swiss or Alex Rims. The Paralane is available in five sizes and costs between 2999 and 5299 euros.
Paralane 8.9
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano Ultegra Di2 (2x12, 50/34, 11-34 t.)
- Impellers: DT Swiss ER1600 Spline (aluminium)
- Tyres: Vittoria Rubino Pro TR (32 mm)
- Handlebars: Easton EC70 Carbon
- Weight: 8.6 kilogrammes
- Price: 5299 Euro
Paralane 8.8
- Drive/gear shift: SRAM Rival AXS (2x12; 46/33, 10-36 t.)
- Impellers: DT Swiss E1600 Spline (aluminium)
- Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro Pro (32 mm)
- Handlebars: BBB Alloy
- Weight: 9.3 kilogrammes
- Price: 4299 Euro
Paralane 8.7
- Drive/gear shift: Shimano 105 (2x12; 50/34, 11-36 t.)
- Impellers: Alex Rims Boondocks 5 (aluminium)
- Tyres: Vittoria Zaffiro Pro (32 mm)
- Handlebars: BBB Alloy
- Weight: 9.5 kilogrammes
- Price: 2999 Euro
Kristian Bauer
Editor
