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Focus Jam² SL 8.7 on testSlim downhill bike with removable battery

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 25.08.2024

With the Jam² SL 8.7, Focus has put a versatile trail bike with top range on the tyres. However, the equipment is only average compared to the price.
Photo: Max Fuchs

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The Focus Jam² SL wants to be a jack-of-all-trades for off-road riding: slim frame, powerful Fazua Ride 60, trail-orientated. How does the light e-bike perform in its cheapest version for 6299 euros?
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The Focus Jam² SL was one of the first E-MTBs with the new Fazua Ride 60. And it is still one of the few bikes on which the high-range 430 battery can be quickly and easily removed from the down tube. Despite this, the Focus does not suffer from excess weight thanks to its elegant full carbon frame. A good 20 kilos is fine considering the favourable yet downhill-oriented equipment.

>> How does the Jam² SL compare with the light competition at around € 6000? The comparison test of seven exciting bikes brings clarity

Focus Jam² SL 8.7 // Fazua Ride 60 // 430 Wh, removable // 160/150 mm // 29 inch // 20.3 kg // 6299 EuroPhoto: Max FuchsFocus Jam² SL 8.7 // Fazua Ride 60 // 430 Wh, removable // 160/150 mm // 29 inch // 20.3 kg // 6299 Euro

The bike itself is designed as a classic trail all-rounder, with the focus on downhill fun. With 160/150 millimetres of travel, there is plenty of travel for rough terrain. Unfortunately, the Focus Jam² SL 8.7 has a few flaws that significantly weaken the bike's off-road performance. For 6300 euros, this is not a highlight. Ambitious riders should go for the 700 euro more expensive SL 8.8 - or at least budget money for an update of tyres and brakes.

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The facts about the Focus Jam² SL 8.7

  • Motor: Fazua Ride 60, 60 Nm max. torque
  • Battery: 430 Wh (removable)
  • Frame material: Carbon
  • Suspension travel: 160/150 mm
  • Wheel size: 29 inch
  • Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
  • Price: 6299 Euro >> e.g. available here at a reduced price
  • Weight: 20.26 kg (test bike in size L, EMTB measurement)
  • Permissible total weight: 135 kg (manufacturer's specification)
The cables run along the specially designed stem via the headset to the inside of the frame.Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberThe cables run along the specially designed stem via the headset to the inside of the frame.
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The e-bike drive

The Fazua Ride 60 drive unit is so compact that the Focus Jam² SL can boast a really slim silhouette. This is what e-bikes with the competitor motor can do Bosch Performance Line SX not so. Nevertheless, the Fazua Ride 60 is one of the more powerful light drives. It nominally offers 60 Newton metres of maximum torque, which you can clearly feel off-road. At a low cadence, no other motor in this weight class is as powerful.

On top of that, the Fazua is very stable. The Ride 60 can therefore maintain its power well even on longer climbs, while other light motors are already noticeably on their knees. The low background noise is pleasant - although the Ride 60 always remains clearly audible and the difference to the Specialized and Giant units is not huge. Compared to a Bosch Performance SX, however, the Ride 60 lacks a bit of dynamism. The thrust is rather uniform and not very lively.

So compact that you can hardly see it from the outside: The Fazua Ride 60 in the Focus Jam² Sl 8.7.Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberSo compact that you can hardly see it from the outside: The Fazua Ride 60 in the Focus Jam² Sl 8.7.

Focus is one of the few Fazua bikes to offer an easily removable battery. However, there is no charging socket. The battery must therefore be removed from the bike for charging. The slim, integrated motor offers a powerful boost and a really long range - significantly more than the average in this segment. Criticism is levelled at the simple but poor quality and somewhat undefined Ringcontrol operating unit.

The high-range 430 Wh battery can be quickly and easily removed from the down tube. A rarity with light eMTBs. However, Focus has dispensed with a charging socket in the frame. The battery must therefore be removed for charging.Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberThe high-range 430 Wh battery can be quickly and easily removed from the down tube. A rarity with light eMTBs. However, Focus has dispensed with a charging socket in the frame. The battery must therefore be removed for charging.Fazua's ring control does not provide clear feedback. This means that it is often unclear whether you have given the command to change the U-stage or not.Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberFazua's ring control does not provide clear feedback. This means that it is often unclear whether you have given the command to change the U-stage or not.

The geometry of the Focus Jam² SL

The Focus Jam² SL is a quick-change artist. Adjustable head angle, adjustable rear triangle - the wheelbase varies by one and a half centimetres, which makes a significant difference on the trail. This means you can ride the Jam² SL either as an agile trail robber with neutral handling (steep head angle, short rear end) or as a borderline enduro bike (slack head angle, long rear end). Intermediate solutions are also possible. However, a little caution is required, especially with the flip chips in the rear triangle. There is no clear labelling; all four must be turned at the same time. Otherwise the result is unfavourable geometry and kinematics. It's worth taking a closer look at the manual. To summarise: long reach, short rear end, steep seat angle: these are modern trail dimensions!

The very wide handlebars with a decent rise give the cockpit an impressive height.Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberThe very wide handlebars with a decent rise give the cockpit an impressive height.

EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)

  • Seat tube length: 430 mm
  • Wheelbase: 1258 - 1272 mm
  • Reach: 485 mm
  • Stack: 640 mm
  • Steering angle: 64.5 - 65.5 degrees
  • Seat angle: 77 degrees
  • Chainstay length: 439 - 446 mm
  • Bottom bracket height: 345 mm
The chainstay length can be adjusted by 7 mm using two separate flip chips. Unfortunately, there is no clear labelling, which makes the conversion confusing. Shown here: The correct, long setting. The steering angle can also be adjusted via the bearing shells. All in all, this results in significant differences in riding behaviour. Top!Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberThe chainstay length can be adjusted by 7 mm using two separate flip chips. Unfortunately, there is no clear labelling, which makes the conversion confusing. Shown here: The correct, long setting. The steering angle can also be adjusted via the bearing shells. All in all, this results in significant differences in riding behaviour. Top!

The equipment of the Focus Jam² SL 8.7

  • Fork / shock: DVO Diamond E3 / Deluxe Select+
  • Gear system: Sram SX/NX Eagle, 12-speed, 32; 11-50 teeth
  • Brakes: Sram Guide T, 200/200 mm
  • Wheels: Novatec hubs, Raceface AR30 rims
  • Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF Exo, 29 x 2.5''
  • Special features: Adjustable chainstay length, swivelling bearing shells in the headset (steering angle +1 °)
The cheap and outdated Guide T brakes from Sram are noticeably weak and slow down the fun more than the bike on long descents. What a pity!Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberThe cheap and outdated Guide T brakes from Sram are noticeably weak and slow down the fun more than the bike on long descents. What a pity!The 32 t chainring enables energy-saving climbing even on long climbs. The long chainstay protector is also exemplary.Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberThe 32 t chainring enables energy-saving climbing even on long climbs. The long chainstay protector is also exemplary.Fun brake, part 2: The Maxxis DHF tyres are from the budget range and can't keep up with the downhill qualities of the Jam² SL in terms of grip, traction or puncture protection. Too bad, Focus is wasting potential here.Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberFun brake, part 2: The Maxxis DHF tyres are from the budget range and can't keep up with the downhill qualities of the Jam² SL in terms of grip, traction or puncture protection. Too bad, Focus is wasting potential here.The Sram SX/NX drivetrain is not an equipment highlight. However, when set up correctly, it works quite well off-road.Photo: Skyshot GmbH / Markus GreberThe Sram SX/NX drivetrain is not an equipment highlight. However, when set up correctly, it works quite well off-road.

Practical test: How the Focus trail bike

A high, wide cockpit, sporty reach and ample suspension travel: especially in the long setting, the Focus trail bike exudes the flavour of a downhill-oriented enduro bike. Nevertheless, it remains light-footed and agile. The handling advantages of a light eMTB are still clearly noticeable. If you want even more agility, you can trim the Focus towards a trail bike with the geo adjustment.

Downhill, the Focus Jam² SL is in its element. The bike combines riding fun and safety in a very balanced way.Photo: Max FuchsDownhill, the Focus Jam² SL is in its element. The bike combines riding fun and safety in a very balanced way.

Downhill, however, it is above all the smooth and solid character that sets the direction. When the going gets rough, the bike is fully in its element. However, the suspension does not offer as much traction as you would expect from a mini enduro bike. The DVO fork, on the other hand, really gets going on rough hits and is very forgiving on rough straights. This tempts you to step on the gas on rough terrain. However, the weak tyres and cheap, weak Guide-T brakes clearly limit the downhill performance.

The Jam² SL is easy to ride uphill, but the high and wide cockpit makes it a little difficult to control on technical sections.Photo: Max FuchsThe Jam² SL is easy to ride uphill, but the high and wide cockpit makes it a little difficult to control on technical sections.

There is also light and shade on the climbs. In the long chainstay setting, the bike climbs very well. Thanks to the steep seat angle and central position, the front wheel doesn't rise until late. With the Boost function of the powerful Ride 60, you are well equipped for the steepest climbs. However, the rear could also offer more traction on climbs, and the high front makes it difficult to control the bike on particularly steep switchbacks or very tight corners.

EMTB review of the Focus Jam² SL 8.7

Strengths

  • Plenty of taker qualities for difficult descents
  • Significant customisation of the geometry possible
  • Quiet drive
  • Easily replaceable battery

Weaknesses

  • Brakes and tyres reduce downhill strength
  • Suspension a little less sensitive
  • Heavy wheels
  • Battery must be removed for charging
Balanced strength in all facets: The Jam² SL offers top all-round qualities. A hot tip for extended tours thanks to the long range rechargeable battery.Photo: EMTB MagazinBalanced strength in all facets: The Jam² SL offers top all-round qualities. A hot tip for extended tours thanks to the long range rechargeable battery.

The EMTB conclusion

A powerful light e-bike with a powerful Fazua motor and removable battery, but mostly favourable equipment. A bike with take-charge qualities, but a somewhat brittle chassis. But very versatile. Tip: For more downhill performance, go for the more expensive model! - Josh Welz, Editor-in-Chief BIKE and EMTB
>> How does the Jam² SL compare with the light competition at around € 6000? The comparison test of seven exciting bikes brings clarity
Josh Welz is editor-in-chief at BIKE and EMTB.Photo: Georg GrieshaberJosh Welz is editor-in-chief at BIKE and EMTB.
Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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