CONTINUOUS TEST PERFORMANCE 4,279 km | 79,483 altitude metres
A thick crust of mud covers the aluminium frame and the Focus lettering on the down tube has been illegible for weeks. Only the running surfaces of the suspension elements and the chain have a metallic shine. Cleaning wasn't really worthwhile over the months of mud, so the 29er Fully had to make do with minimal maintenance: Lubricate the chain and wipe down the suspension elements - that's all there was to it. Measured against this austerity programme, the installed components survived the ordeal superbly. Brake pads, chain and sprockets were particularly stressed, but even their wear was limited. The entire drivetrain only had to be replaced after a year's mileage.
The middle chainring and the derailleur pulleys have suffered the most from the mud battles. It's amazing that the shift cables still run so smoothly. The fork was given a small service in the spring when the suspension travel was extended to 120 millimetres. The Rock Shox shock could also do with a service in the meantime, as it felt much livelier at the start of the test. The rear triangle also makes a flabby impression: some of the bolts have started to rust and the bearings could do with a fresh cell treatment. In rough terrain, the rear suspension feels like it has more travel than it nominally offers. Hence the change to 120 millimetres on the front wheel. The Focus is not a race bike due to its high overall weight and heavy wheels - even if the spec and look would suggest it. Downhill, it conveys a lot of confidence, somewhat at the expense of manoeuvrability. But on our trip to Finale Ligure it was able to keep up quite well.
ConclusionAlthough the Super Bud has completed a few marathons, the good-natured 29er is better on extended day tours. Tip: 120 mm fork instead of the 100 mm.
Functionality ****
Shelf life *****
(max. 6 stars)
CHANGES
- 20 km - Better ergonomics: saddle, grips and stem replaced for a more comfortable riding position and
better ergonomics
- 2200 km - Suspension fork: Minor service and suspension travel increased to 120 millimetres
DEFECTS
- 2250 km - Brake pads: Replaced front and rear brake pads after the winter
- 2250 km - dropper post: removed the Reverb dropper post to save weight and reduce the cable clutter on the cockpit
- 2250 km - Chain: New chain fitted because old one was worn out
- 3500 km - Broken chain: Chain replaced because the outer plate of an SLX chain was broken
