Focus Jam² SL 8.7 review: A sleek downhill bike with a removable battery

The Focus Jam² SL was one of the first e-MTBs with the new Fazua Ride 60. And it’s still one of the few bikes where the long-range 430 battery can be removed quickly and easily from the down tube. Nevertheless, thanks to its high-quality full-carbon frame, the Focus isn’t weighed down. At just over 20 kilos, it’s perfectly acceptable given the affordable yet downhill-oriented spec.

>> How does the Jam² SL fare against its ‘Light’ rivals in the 6,000-euro price range? This comparison test of seven exciting bikes provides the answer

The bike itself is designed as a classic all-round trail bike, with the focus here on downhill fun. With 160/150 millimetres of suspension travel, there’s plenty of travel available even for rough terrain. Unfortunately, the spec of the Focus Jam² SL 8.7 a few flaws that significantly impair the bike’s off-road performance. For 6,300 euros, that’s not exactly a highlight. Ambitious riders should opt for the 700-euro the more expensive SL 8.8 take action – or at the very least, set aside some money for new tyres and brakes.

>> Want to find out more about even more Focus bikes? Then have a look at our BIKE database!

The facts about the Focus Jam² SL 8.7

• Motor: Fazua Ride 60, 60 Nm maximum torque
• Battery: 430 Wh (removable)
• Frame material: carbon
• Suspension travel: 160/150 mm
• Wheel size: 29 inches
• Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
• Price: 6,299 euros >> e.g. Available here at a reduced price
• Weight: 20.26 kg (test bike, size L, EMTB measurement)
• Maximum permissible weight: 135 kg (manufacturer’s specification)

The e-bike drive

The Fazua Ride 60 drive is so compact that the Focus Jam² SL boasts a really sleek silhouette. E-bikes fitted with the rival motor manage to achieve this Bosch Performance Line SX Not quite. Nevertheless, the Fazua Ride 60 is one of the more powerful ‘Light’ drives. It delivers a maximum torque of 60 Newton-metres on paper, which you can really feel when riding off-road. At low cadences, 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, whilst other ‘Light’ motors start to struggle noticeably. The low noise level is pleasant – although the Ride 60 always remains clearly audible and the difference compared to the motors from Specialized and Giant isn’t huge. Compared to a Bosch Performance SX, however, the Ride 60 lacks a bit of dynamism. The thrust is rather steady and not particularly lively.

Focus is one of the few brands offering a Fazua bike with an easily removable battery. As a result, there is no charging socket. The battery must therefore be removed from the bike to charge it. The sleek, integrated motor delivers a powerful boost and a really impressive range – significantly more than the average in this segment. There is some criticism of the Ringcontrol control unit, which is simple but feels a bit cheap and somewhat vague.

The geometry of the Focus Jam² SL

The Focus Jam² SL is a true all-rounder. With an adjustable head angle and adjustable rear triangle, the wheelbase can be varied by one and a half centimetres – which makes a noticeable difference on the trail. This means you can ride the Jam² SL either as a nimble trail bike with neutral handling (steep head angle, short rear end), or as a bike that straddles the line with the enduro segment (flatter head angle, long rear end). Intermediate set-ups are also possible. However, a degree of caution is advised, particularly with the flip chips on the rear triangle. There is no clear labelling, and all four must be rotated simultaneously. Otherwise, the geometry and kinematics will be unfavourable. It’s worth taking a close look at the manual here. In summary: long reach, short rear end, steep seat angle – these are the modern trail dimensions!

EMTB specifications 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 features 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 cups in the headset (steering angle +1°)

Road test: Here’s what it’s like to drive it Focus Trail Bike

A tall, wide cockpit, a sporty reach and generous suspension travel: particularly when set to the long position, the Focus trail bike has all the hallmarks of a downhill-oriented enduro bike. Nevertheless, it remains nimble and agile. The handling advantages of a lightweight e-MTB remain clearly noticeable. Those seeking even greater agility can use the geometry adjustment to trim the Focus significantly towards a trail bike.

On descents, however, it is above all the bike’s smooth and solid handling that sets the tone. When the going gets rough, this bike is completely in its element. That said, the suspension doesn’t provide quite as much traction as one might hope for from a mini-enduro. The DVO fork, on the other hand, really comes into its own on heavy impacts and absorbs bumps well on rough straights. This tempts you to open the throttle on tough terrain. However, the underpowered tyres and the cheap, weak Guide-T brakes significantly limit its downhill performance.

There are pros and cons when it comes to climbing too. With the chainstays set to their longest position, the bike climbs very well. Thanks to the steep seat angle and central position, the front wheel doesn’t lift until quite late. With the Boost function of the powerful Ride 60, you’re well equipped for even the steepest climbs. However, even on the climbs, the rear end could offer better traction, and the high front end makes it difficult to maintain control on particularly steep gradients or in very tight bends.

EMTB review of the Focus Jam² SL 8.7

Strengths

• Plenty of grit for tough descents
• Significant adjustments to the geometry are possible
• Quiet drive
• Battery is easy to replace

Weaknesses

• Brakes and tyres limit top speed
• The suspension is a little on the stiff side
• Heavy-duty wheels
• The battery must be removed for charging

The EMTB Verdict

A high-performance downhill light e-bike with a powerful Fazua motor and a removable battery, but mostly budget-spec components. A bike that can take a beating, but with a slightly stiff suspension. That said, it’s very versatile. Tip: Go for the more expensive model for better downhill performance! - Josh Welz, Editor-in-Chief of BIKE and EMTB

>> How does the Jam² SL measure up against its ‘Light’ rivals in the 6,000-euro price range? This comparison test of seven exciting bikes provides the answer