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The Focus E-MTB range is impressive. The Swabians have four models in the full-suspension range alone. The Thron² covers the moderate touring range, the Jam² the sportier all-mountain range and the Sam² the Enduro category. In addition the Light-Bike Jam² SL. If you take a closer look at the family line-up, 10 model variants of the Jam² pop out of the menu. The 7-series models feature Shimano's EP8, while the 8- and 6-series come with Bosch motorisation and differ in terms of frame material. The Focus Jam² 8.9 with a carbon chassis took part in our large comparison test of 11 bikes between 7199 and 9900 euros.
The facts about the Focus Jam² 8.9
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX Smart, 85 Nm max. torque
- Battery: 750 Wh (removable)
- Frame material: carbon main frame, aluminium rear triangle
- Suspension travel: 160 mm front, 150 mm rear
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL; tested size: L (46 cm)
- Price: 7999 Euro >> available here
- Weight: 24.75 kg (EMTB measurement)
- Permissible total weight: 150 kilos
What makes the Focus Jam² E-Fully so special?
The Focus Jam² is said to be the e-MTB with the widest range of use in the Focus programme. Carbon frame and aluminium rear triangle, moderate but modern geometry, 160 millimetres of travel at the front, 150 mm at the rear, space for a bottle and a tool bag in the frame, a whopping 150 kilogram weight allowance - the aim is to appeal to the widest possible target group. Another typical Focus feature: the cables run through the stem into the frame, and sealed bearings are also used on the rear triangle for greater durability.
The e-bike drive
If you want to produce a blockbuster, the Bosch Performance Line CX certainly not wrongly positioned: powerful engine, good integration and connectivity thanks to the Smart System, very good range. So you've already got some arguments on your side. The engineers have placed the battery deep in the down tube in front of the motor. This makes the drive unit look quite bulky in the bottom bracket area. However, this solution has a number of design advantages: The centre of gravity of the e-bike moves downwards, the long battery thus fits into even the smallest frame sizes, and the frames can in principle be designed to be somewhat lighter or more stable. However, the total weight of the Focus Jam² 8.9 is not particularly light at 24.75 kilos. It has to be said: Bosch bikes are generally among the heavier representatives of their guild. This is because the Powertube battery weighs over 4.3 kilos and the CX unit, at 2.96 kilos, is also not one of the absolute lightweights.
Removing the battery from the bottom of the closed down tube is somewhat more complicated than the classic folding solution. The bike has to be turned upside down or at least laid on its side. The cover is then unlocked using a rubber lever and then the lock hidden underneath - only then can the Powertube be pulled out.
In trail use, the Bosch Performance Line CX impresses with its dynamics, high maximum power and good modulation. Especially when it comes to climbing the steepest and trickiest climbs, it is the benchmark. The Swabian unit pushes powerfully, especially when the biker is pedalling hard, but remains very sensitive. Unlike many of its competitors, the Bosch continues to pull powerfully even at a high cadence, which gives it a lively, sporty character. Thanks to the Smart Systems the drive can be extensively networked with the mobile phone, so that, for example, riding data from the Bosch motor can be analysed via app or the Eco and Turbo support levels can be adapted to the rider's preferences.
When it came to choosing the right display, the product managers from Stuttgart obviously didn't really want to make a decision. The Swabians combined the Bosch Mini Remote with both the System Controller integrated into the top tube and the Kiox 300 display. Better safe than sorry. If you don't need the additional information on the Kiox 300, you can easily remove it and get a tidy cockpit.
The geometry of the Focus Jam
The geometry is balanced and modern: seat angle, head angle, chainstay length, wheelbase, reach - the Focus meets the average in our test group almost everywhere. So you sit on it and think: That fits! Only the overly wide handlebars and the thick grips are a little irritating - there is potential for tuning.
EMTB measurements at a glance (frame size L)
- Seat tube length: 436 mm
- Wheelbase: 1266 mm
- Reach: 472 mm
- Stack: 640 mm
- Steering angle: 65 degrees
- Seat angle: 76.5 degrees
- Chainstay length: 451 mm
The features of the Focus Jam² 8.9
The 8.9 model doesn't quite represent the top end of the price range - the 8.0 model for € 8899, which comes with the Bosch Performance Line CX Race as an update, ranks above it. With a Fox 36 Factory fork, Shimano XT drivetrain and brakes and, above all, the powerful Bosch package, the Focus has nothing to hide in our test field of 11 all-mountain bikes between € 7199 and € 9900. The wheels also land in the front midfield in terms of weight, even though the DT Swiss H 1900 Spline Hybrid is fitted with extra wide Schwalbe tyres. The 2.6 Big Betty tyres on the rear wheel are fine, while the 2.6 Magic Mary tyres on the front wheel are oversized for our taste.
Practical test: How the Focus Jam² 8.9 rides
On tour
With over 2000 metres in altitude, the Focus achieves a top value in our practical range test, narrowly beaten only by the Moustache Samedi 29 Trail 9, which starts with the same power unit. These are good prerequisites for extended touring pleasure. The comfortable suspension and balanced riding position are also well suited to touring. The geometry is balanced and modern: seat angle, steering angle, chainstay length, wheelbase, reach - the Focus meets the group average almost everywhere. So you sit on it and think: That fits! Only the overly wide handlebars and the thick grips are a little irritating - there is potential for tuning.
Uphill
The Focus causes few problems on the climbs: The rear suspension provides counter-pressure even on steep climbs, but is not quite as sensitive in technical terrain as the best climbers in the field. Good traction is provided by the 2.6 inch wide Schwalbe Big Betty tyres in the Addix Soft compound. In combination with the best motor in the field, the Focus is an uncomplicated climber.
Downhill
The Focus's suspension is good: it's not as sporty and firm as the Santa Cruz or Rocky Mountain, but it offers enough pop to actively push off on jumps. We would improve the tyres: the 2.6 mm Magic Mary is too thick on the front wheel. It lacks steering precision. Handlebars, grips, knobbly tyres - the Focus feels a little indirect on sporty trails. On demanding downhill trails, the rather long geometry helps, the wide handlebars, the good fork and the plump tyres convey confidence.
The EMTB conclusion
The Focus Jam² 8.9* is a good all-rounder that has its strengths in touring use. There is potential for tuning the grips and front tyre for better trail performance. Unfortunately quite heavy.
Pro
- powerful drive
- Very good reach height
- Comfortable on tour
- High gross vehicle weight rating
- Removable battery
Contra
- Weight
- little direct
Josh Welz
Editor-in-Chief
