Just over a year ago, Focus to the last presentation of a Jam² invited. The E-MTB with Shimano EP8 motor was said to be a bike for everything. For every trail and every rider. And indeed, the Focus developers had got a lot of things right. Despite its somewhat high weight and surprisingly downhill-focussed geometry, this Jam² 7 was one thing above all else: a great all-rounder that made up for many of its predecessors' weaknesses.
Now standing next to the new E-Enduro Sam² Another new Focus Jam² is in the starting blocks for 2023, this time a model with a Bosch Performance CX motor, which will be available in shops in addition to the Shimano e-bike. Focus is using its own numbering system to distinguish between the Jam² models with the different e-bike motors. The Jam² 7 is the model with Shimano motor, the new Bosch e-bike is called Jam² 6 with aluminium frame or Jam² 8 with carbon frame.
Like its Shimano counterpart, this new Focus Jam² is also intended to be an e-mountainbike for all trail conditions. The facts: three aluminium and four carbon models from 5500 euros, a somewhat high weight for the aluminium bike, space for a bottle and a tool bag in the frame, the Focus-typical stem with integrated cable routing and a whopping 150 kilogram weight allowance. Everything is almost the same as the Jam² with Shimano motor, which is only one year old.
The facts about the Focus Jam² with Bosch motor
- Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX, max. 85 Nm torque
- Battery: Bosch Powertube 750, removable from the bottom
- Suspension travel: 160 / 150 mm
- Wheels: 29 inch
- Aluminium frame (carbon version announced)
- Weight: 26.25 kilograms (aluminium top model 6.9, size L - EMTB measured value); carbon from 23.4 kilograms (manufacturer's specification)
- Three aluminium and four carbon variants between 5500 and 8900 euros
- Four sizes: S, M, L, XL
- max. permissible system weight: 150 kg
The new Focus Jam² with Bosch motor
In future, there will once again be two Jam² models with almost identical key data in the Focus e-bike range. One with a Bosch Performance Line CX and one with a Shimano motor. This is familiar from Focus: Bosch- and the Shimano-Jam² also existed in parallel in the past. Perhaps rightly so, as the motor alone should be enough of a distinguishing feature for many e-bikers. It is not for nothing that bikes with Bosch e-bike drive have always been the bestsellers of broad-based specialist retail brands.
What's more, the new Bosch Jam² has also evolved somewhat compared to the Shimano bike, which was only one year old. Analogue to the new E-Enduro Sam²with which the Jam² shares many design features, the new Bosch e-bike for 2023 now comes with a fairly classic four-bar rear triangle. This is already familiar from the Light-E-MTB Jam² SL. According to the developers, the design has no disadvantages in terms of performance compared to the distinctive Fold rear triangle of older Focus bikes, saves weight and is cheaper and easier to produce. Another typical Focus feature: the cables run through the stem into the frame, and sealed bearings are also used on the rear triangle for a longer service life.
The frame of the Jam² now features the Bosch Smart System with a 750 or 625 Powertube battery in the entry-level model. The engineers have placed the battery deep in the down tube in front of the motor. This has several advantages: The centre of gravity of the e-bike moves downwards and the frames can, in principle, be designed to be somewhat lighter or more stable. In addition, this is the only way to fit the long battery into even the smallest frame sizes. Removing the battery downwards from the closed down tube is somewhat more complicated than the classic "folding solution" of the previous Bosch model, but has been implemented well on the new Focus e-bikes. Disadvantage: The low ground clearance due to the low belly in front of the motor.
The geometry of the Jam² with Bosch motor: Is it still an all-rounder?
Compared to the Shimano Jam², Focus has also slightly revised the geometry of the e-bike with Bosch Performance Line CX Smart System. The seat angle is slightly steeper, the steering angle a little slacker, and the chainstays and wheelbase are longer. The geometry can also be fine-tuned via a bearing shell in the headset. We measured a whopping 1278 millimetres from axle to axle on our Focus Jam² 6.9 test bike in the slack head angle setting. A wheelbase that would also suit a true E-Enduro. Does this make the Jam e-bike with Bosch motor suitable as an all-rounder? That remains to be seen on the trail.
Focus Jam² with Bosch motor from 5500 euros
The new Focus Jam e-bike with Bosch Performance Line CX Smart will be available in three aluminium and four carbon models. Aluminium is available in the form of the Jam² 6 from 5500, the Jam² 8 models with carbon main frame and aluminium rear triangle cost from 6000 euros and should be a good kilogram lighter than their aluminium-framed counterparts. Here is the model overview:
Jam² 6.7 for 5499 euros
The product range is launched with the Jam² 6.7. For 5499 Euro it comes with a somewhat exotic but high-quality DVO Diamond fork and Rockshox Deluxe shock. The 12-speed Deore and MT-520 brakes are also a good choice. However, the cost-saving measures are noticeable in the motor system. The Jam² 6.7 comes without a display and only shows the most important information on Bosch's LED remote. For the battery, Focus has opted for the cheaper and lighter Bosch Powertube with 625 watt hours. Nevertheless, this should make the cheapest model around 800 grams lighter than the top model 6.9, which we have already tested (see below).
Jam² 6.8 for 6499 euros
For 6499 Euro forms the Jam² 6.8 the centre of the product range. In addition to the larger 750cc PowerTube and a Kiox display, there is also a Deore XT drivetrain. The suspension comes with the 36 Rhythm and the Float DPS performance shock from Fox's most affordable series. For the wheels, Focus relies on Raceface AR30 rims with Novatec hubs. Rather basic stuff.
Focus Jam² 6.9 for 7399 euros
The top model Jam² 6.9 can go one better with Fox's 36 Factory fork in the Grip 2 version and Float-X Performance shock with reservoir, but the rest of the equipment is similar to the mid-range model. Slightly better H1900 wheels from DT-Swiss but the same XT drivetrain, the same DB8 brakes and the motor system is also identical to the mid-range model. The price for the 6.9, which we have already been able to test, is then 7399 Euro.
Focus Jam² 8: Bosch e-bike with carbon main frame from 5999 euros
Jam² 8.7 for 5999 euros
Like the most affordable aluminium model, the entry-level carbon model range also comes with a 625 Bosch battery and DVO suspension fork. The gears here are a mix of Sram's entry-level NX and SX Eagle groupsets, and the Guide-T brakes are also from the lowest Sram range and are unfortunately not known for their lack of bite. On the other hand, Bosch's new top tube display is also available on the cheapest model System Controller and the successful mini-remote, while the aluminium bikes all have to make do with the less sporty LED remote.
Jam² 8.8 for 6999 euros
With Fox's 36 Rhythm fork and Float DPS shock, the Jam² 8.8 forms the centre of the product range. Here you'll find the larger Powertube 750 battery, Shimano XT drivetrain and MT5 brakes from Magura. With a system controller, mini-remote and Kiox display from Bosch, the motor system leaves nothing to be desired.
Jam² 8.9 for 7999 euros
The secret top model in the range: Fox Factory suspension, XT drivetrain and brakes are top, only the H1900 wheels from DT-Swiss could be a little lighter. However, carbon frames and factory suspension are only available from a few specialist brands at this price anyway. As with the cheaper models, the motor system is Bosch's Performance Line CX in the Smart System with 750 watt-hour battery, system controller, mini-remote and Kiox display.
Focus Jam² 8.0 Limited Edition for 8899 euros
Even if the number 8.0 suggests otherwise: The equipment of the most expensive Jam² is the same as the Bosch model, which is one size cheaper. With one prominent exception: the Jam² 8.0 relies on the Top Bosch CX Race motorwhich offers slightly lower weight, longer trail and higher support with lower input for even more uphill performance.
Trail hammer: The new Focus Jam² 6.9 on test
When we take a seat on the top model of the new Focus Jam² for the first time in the enduro mecca of Finale Ligure, there is little sign of the aggressive geometry at first. The riding position is balanced and touring-friendly, the Bosch drive pushes forward as usual and, in combination with the large 750cc battery, should ensure a turbo range of around 1900 metres in our standard test. However, we remember the rear suspension of the Shimano bike being more comfortable. On the Bosch Jam², the rear suspension is sporty and firm, but is also high in its travel on steep climbs. However, the traction could be better. On technical terrain, the low-slung battery cover unfortunately gets caught slightly. Overall, however, the uphill qualities are uncomplicated and quite remarkable.
Downhill, the low centre of gravity gives the bike a high level of stability, the four-bar rear suspension offers plenty of counter-pressure and is still very sensitive. We liked this much better than the visually very similar rear triangle construction on the Light E-Bike Jam² SL. With its moderate chainstay length and well-tuned suspension, the Bosch Jam² doesn't feel unwieldy despite weighing over 26 kilograms and is easy to pull into the air. At least as long as the trail has some gradient. This is surprising considering the weight and the long wheelbase. Especially as we rode the bike in the slacker steering angle setting. If you want, you can also add a little more playfulness by rotating the bearing cup in the head tube.
The equipment of the top model shows light and shade. The factory suspension from Fox is top-notch, while the favourable DB8 brakes from Sram and 1900 DT wheels are functional but not very glamorous. The rougher the trail gets, the more the Focus shines. With its high-quality suspension, it already scratches the surface of the enduro category in terms of riding safety. Unusual: the ride feel. Although the bike is not sluggish, it does feel very solid. An impression that is reinforced by the wide handlebars, wide tyres and thick grips. Definitely not a light eMTB, but rather an amazingly manoeuvrable trail hammer with which you can leave the brakes open for a long time even on tough enduro trails. Only extremely hard landings give cause for criticism. The rear end rushes through the stroke a little quickly - a volume spacer could help. But then you're already a long way away from the classic application range of an E-All-Mountain.
Conclusion on the Focus Jam² 6.9
Focus is currently firing off a real firework display of new products. After the Shimano Jam², the moderate Thron², the light bike Jam² SL and the E-Enduro Sam², the Jam² 6.9 with Bosch Performance Line CX Smart motor is the fifth new E-MTB in just one year. Development does not appear to have suffered as a result, as the latest model is also impressive. As a touring-ready and downhill-strong border crosser between All Mountain and Enduro, the Focus Jam² provides a lot of riding fun in difficult terrain. There is clearly room for improvement in terms of weight, but the e-bike looks robust, scores points with its high weight clearance and stable attachments. And for a lower weight, there's also the carbon model.
Technical data and notes on the Focus Jam² 6.9
Manufacturer information
- Price: 7399 Euro
- Sizes / frame material: S / M / L (tested size) / XL / Aluminium
Measured values¹
- Front/rear suspension travel: 160/150 mm
- Centre of gravity height: 522 mm
- Handlebar width: 800 mm
- Crank length / Q-factor: 165 mm / 180 mm
- Ground clearance³: 444 mm
- Weight: 26.25 kg
Equipment
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX Smart System
- Max. Torque²: 85 Nm
- Battery² / weight¹ / price replacement battery: Bosch 750 Wh / 4422 g / 999 Euro
- Gear system: Shimano XT (12-speed)
- Translation (v. / h.): 36; 10-51
- Display / Size: Bosch Kiox 300
- Permissible total weight²: 150 kg
- Fork / shock: Fox 36 Factory Grip2 / Float X Performance
- Telescopic post: Post Moderne, 170 mm
- Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Sram DB8 200 mm / 200 mm
- Wheels: DT Swiss H1900 Spline 35
- Tyres (front / rear): Schwalbe Magic Mary / Big Betty Supertrail Soft, 29 x 2.6"
¹Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.
²Manufacturer information
Step test, measured with 36 centimetres raised rear wheel.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
