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The scales of the Focus Jam 8.9 only stop at 15.6 kilos without pedals in the BIKE lab. A large part of the excess weight is due to the 3432 gram carbon-aluminium chassis. This means that the Focus starts this test with a significant deficit. The weight noticeably restricts the bike's suitability for touring and riding fun compared to the competition. The bike struggles to cope with speed increases or short intermediate climbs. Long climbs take a huge toll on your stamina.
Focus Jam 8.9 collects points in the downhill race
Apart from that, however, the Focus scores plenty of points: The central riding position is immediately appealing and distributes the centre of gravity evenly between the rear and front. On steep climbs, however, you have to actively fight against the rising front wheel due to the short chainstays. In addition, the rear end pumps noticeably when pedalling.
Apart from that, the chassis is very strong in terms of traction and greedily absorbs even big lumps. The Jam ploughs through the terrain with corresponding confidence. By the way: In rough passages, the high weight stabilises the bike. The Focus Jam weighs around 800 grams more than the average all-mountain bike up to 5000 euros in the test -and ensures pleasantly composed handling. The Maxxis Exo+ tyres with the sticky Maxx Grip rubber compound on the front wheel also contribute to the confident downhill control.
However, you won't find any playful riding fun on the Focus Jam 8.9. Thanks to the short chainstays and moderate head angle, the bike can be steered precisely around tight corners, but playing around on the trail requires a lot of physical effort. Praise for Shimano's excellent XT four-piston brake system with large 203 mm discs.
Conclusion on the Focus Jam 8.9 in the test:
With its powerful suspension, the Focus Jam turns out to be a confident downhill rider. The geometry also offers great potential for fun. Unfortunately, the successful concept is overshadowed by the high weight. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE Editor
Technical data & notes Focus Jam 8.9
Manufacturer information
- Price: 4799 Euro >> available here
- Available from specialised dealers
- Frame material: carbon/aluminium
- Frame size: S, M,L, XL(tested size L, 45 cm)
Measured values
- Weight without pedals: 15.56 kg
- Frame weight without shock: 3432 g
- Weight of wheels: 5141 g
- Handlebar width: 780 mm
Equipment
- Fork: Fox 36 Float Performance FitGrip
- Shock: Fox Float X Performance
- Front/rear suspension travel: 152/162 mm
- Crank: Shimano XT
- Gear system: Shimano XT 1 x 12
- Transmission ratio / bandwidth
32; 10-51 / 510 % - Brake system / disc (front / rear): Shimano XT BR-M 8120 / 203/203 mm
- Telescopic post / stroke / Ø: KS Dropper Post / 160 mm / 31.6 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss M 1900 Spline 30 mm
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF/DHR; 3C MaxxGrip/MaxxTerra Exo/Exo+ Protection TR 29 x 2.50/29 x 2.40
- Ease of maintenance: weak
BIKE test rating*: very good - 182.8 out of 250 points
*The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements (BIKE laboratory measurement) and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price.
BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-180 P.), good (179.75-155 P.), satisfactory (154.75-130 P.), with weaknesses (129.75-105 P.), unsatisfactory (104.75-0 P.).
Jan Timmermann
Editor
