The use of a groupless drive unit from Shimano instead of the Ultegra cranks also has a price-reducing effect. There are no functional disadvantages associated with this. On the road, the bike pleases with a relaxed riding position and high directional stability even at a brisk pace. The very wide handlebars with ultra-short pre-bend were not very popular with the test riders - although they allow a more upright position when holding the brake lever, there is hardly any variation to the grip on the upper handlebars. Otherwise, it was noticeable that the rear of the bike is harder than previous test bikes with the same frame. A first tuning tip is therefore to replace the simple aluminium seat post with a carbon model.
CONCLUSION Attractively equipped carbon frame for an upright position; smooth riding behaviour. Very small frame sizes
OVERALL GRADE 2.0
Price 1,999 Euro
Weight 8.3 kilos
Info www.focus-bikes.com
available in specialised shops
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing* 1,285/418/69 grammes
Frame sizes** XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL
Seat/top tube/head tube 530/565/199 mm
Stack/Reach/STR*** 598/384 mm/1.56
Drive Shimano FC-RS500 (53/36 t, PF30/BSA)
Brakes/gears Shimano Ultegra
Wheels/tyres/weights**** Fulcrum WH-CEX 7.0/Schwalbe Durano 25C (v/h: 1,264/1,796 grams)
*Weighed weights.
**Manufacturer's specification, test size bold.
***Stack/reach projected vertical/horizontal measurement from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the head tube; STR (Stack to Reach): 1.36 means a very stretched, 1.60 a very upright riding position.
****Wheel weights including tyres, cassette, quick release/threaded axles and brake discs if applicable.
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