Focus Jam² 6.9 on test: Robust, uncomplicated, fun: The ideal trail all-rounder?
Florentin Vesenbeckh
· 28.12.2024
The Jam² has a long tradition. As one of the first e-bikes on the market, it was consistently designed for trail fun and the original version featured an innovative, modular battery concept. Focus was one of the very first companies to work with a range extender. For the 2025 model year, the Stuttgart-based developers have set up the bike with the new Bosch motor and are also building on freedom of choice for the battery.
The facts about the Focus Jam² 6.9
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX
- Battery: Choice of 600 or 800 watt hours, easily removable
- Optional: Range extender with 250 Wh
- Aluminium frame with partially ground weld seams
- Suspension travel: 160/150 mm
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Weight: 25.2 or 26.1 kg (measured in the BIKE lab, 600 or 800 Wh)
- Price: 6699 or 6999 euros
- Permissible total weight: 150 kg
- Warranty: 10 years
BIKE check in the video: The new Focus Jam² 2025
New Bosch motor and variable batteries
The centrepiece of the new Jam² is the new Bosch Performance CX. Yes, the newcomer's key figures are not drastically different from those of its predecessor. Power and torque are identical, the weight is slightly lower. However, the new motor is a big step forward, especially in terms of soft skills.
Firstly, the volume. The CX has already become quieter on the climbs. Sure, you can still hear it, but there is currently no quieter drive among the power motors. And: the annoying rattling on the descent has completely disappeared. Overall, the Focus is one of the quietest E-MTBs we've ridden so far.
The newcomer has also made further improvements to the software tuning. Admittedly: At first, the new and old CX feel pretty similar. But the longer we rode the successor, often in direct comparison with the predecessor, it became increasingly clear that it simply works a whole lot more sensitively and smoothly. Especially in wet and slippery conditions, the traction is noticeably better than with the motors of the competition. Nevertheless, the Bosch pushes sportily and accelerates really dynamically.
And another point that is often forgotten: The pedalling resistance has been reduced. This means that the bike can be pedalled in a relaxed manner when the motor is switched off or above the 25 km/h limit. No other motor on the market can do this better.
When it comes to batteries, Focus utilises the full potential of the new Bosch portfolio. This is because the Powertube 600 or 800 fit into the down tube - without any adapters. Only the cover changes. And the customer can decide which capacity suits them better before buying. The Powertube 800 regularly achieves top results in our range tests and is only surpassed by giant batteries with 900 watt hours. Heavy users simply have both batteries at home and choose the ideal package for the upcoming tour. This is because the battery can be removed super quickly and easily. With the small battery, the down tube is a little slimmer because the cover is directly attached.
To complete the battery options: There is also the Power More 250 from Bosch. This additional battery with 250 watt hours (1.6 kilos) fits onto the bottle cage mount on the down tube. The specially developed charging socket has a cover that can be pushed backwards. This means that the cover is not in the way when riding with the range extender. This is not so elegantly solved with the standard Bosch solution, which is used by many other manufacturers.
For the controls, Focus relies on the Bosch combination of Kiox 300 on the stem and LED remote on the handlebars. This means that a lot of information is available and the display also has a navigation view on board.
And another cool feature where the product managers have shown their innovative spirit: We spent a long time looking for the magnet for the speed sensor. In vain! Normally it is either on the brake disc or on the valve. One solution is fiddly and requires a separate sensor, the other is bulky and doesn't look very elegant. Focus relies on a special part from DT Swiss that sits inside the tyre on the rim. The signal is then picked up directly in the motor. It definitely looks nicer than the thick magnet on the valve. And the solution also helps technically, because a tube with a short valve can also be used in the event of a puncture.
The features of the Jam² 6.9
The features of the upper mid-range 6.9 model are as comprehensive as possible. At least the trail-relevant components leave nothing to be desired. The Fox 36 Performance Elite fork already utilises the new Grip X2 top damping. The TRP stoppers are easy to modulate with a strong bite and good stability. And the XT drivetrain from Shimano shifts the 12 gears with the usual ease. The heavier aluminium wheels from DT Swiss are a drawback.
As a small ace, Focus the new Schwalbe Albert tyres, which provide plenty of traction and comfort. For sporty riders who want to ride the bike at the upper end of the application spectrum, i.e. as a mini enduro bike, we would recommend updating to the narrower 2.5-inch version with a gravity casing.
The Focus Jam² 6.9 on the trail
The riding position is balanced and comfortable with the high front. It is just as comfortable on long tours as it is on steep climbs. On technical climbs, the bike easily follows the steering commands as the chainstays are moderately long. The traction is really strong.
In addition to the engine and the sensitive chassis, the grip at the rear is also thanks to the tyres. The new Schwalbe Albert tyres rely on a very special carcass design. The effect: the contact area of the tyres is larger. At first it feels as if you are riding with too little air in the tyre. Especially at slow speeds, for example uphill, this provides noticeably more traction and therefore control and comfort.
This feeling also accompanies the Jam² on the descent. Here, the bike feels really plush on the trail. What's more, you're relaxed behind the high front end, which gives you a lot of security and confidence, especially on steep slopes.
The high front is really striking. In addition to the high stack value, the steering centre is also high. It's a bit of a shame that the integrated cable routing in the stem, which ensures a clean look, makes it difficult to remove a few spacers to lower the cockpit for more pressure on the front wheel.
The suspension works really well and offers a good compromise between sensitivity and sporty support. The latter gives the bike an active and lively handling behaviour. This allows the Jam² to conceal its high weight quite well. On the trail, it doesn't feel like you're riding a bike weighing over 25 kilos. On flat trails and when changing direction quickly, however, it becomes clear that you're not riding a lightweight. On the other hand, the bike is really easy to pull off jumps and manuals are also quite relaxed. Riding fun is definitely a top priority here.
The moderate geometry also contributes to the fun riding behaviour. The bike is deliberately not geared towards maximum smoothness, but instead strikes a pleasant middle ground. As a result, you shouldn't expect the ultimate enduro-style handling qualities. But otherwise, the Jam² cuts a fine figure in almost any terrain. The compromise between comfort and riding fun is a good one.
BIKE verdict on the Focus Jam²
The new Focus Jam² dispenses with chichi and comes with a robust aluminium frame. However, the engineers have come up with some practical extras. Despite being slightly overweight, the bike is great fun on the trail. The balanced handling gives a lot of security, so the Jam² can fully convince in the terrain. - Florentin Vesenbeckh, Deputy Editor-in-Chief BIKE
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
