Focus Sam 2027: An even better value-for-money enduro bike?

There are e-MTBs that you buy because they look impressive on paper. The Sam isn’t really one of them. It’s heavy, has a long wheelbase, yet doesn’t have an enormous amount of suspension travel. On the trail, however, the Sam really comes into its own and was recently named a ‘best value for money’ pick by BIKE magazine thanks to its robust suspension and high level of riding stability.

The Sam is set to receive an update for the 2027 model year. The focus is on new colours and specification updates, as well as a simplified model name.

Sam instead of Sam² – the end of an era, the beginning of clearer language

For years, the superscript ‘²’ was the distinguishing feature of all Focus e-bikes – an indication that the model in question had an analogue counterpart without a motor. That is now a thing of the past. From the 2027 model year onwards, the bike will simply be called Sam, without any suffix. At the same time, Focus is doing away with the old series designations (Series 9, 8, 6) and replacing them with a straightforward system: family name plus spec level. This should make it much easier to navigate the model range.

The highlight: a new chassis for the Sam 9

The top-of-the-range Sam 9 model has always been the star of the Sam range. For the 2027 model year, it is getting a completely new suspension system from RockShox. At the front, there is now a Rockshox ZEB Ultimate fork with 170 millimetres of travel and a particularly linear air spring, At the rear, a Vivid Coil Ultimate shock absorber with 165 millimetres of travel takes over.

The 5th-generation Bosch Performance Line CX motor remains fitted, as does the system controller with the Bosch Mini Remote on the handlebars. This minimalist display solution has proved its worth for Focus on the Enduro. However, those who want to see a lot of data whilst riding will still be better off looking elsewhere. The battery is available in two versions – 600 or 800 Wh.

Shifting is handled by the SRAM Eagle 90 drivetrain in its 12-speed version, replacing the previous GX drivetrain. However, by doing away with electronic shifting, the bike is a whopping 1,000 euros cheaper by comparison. Braking is handled by the SRAM Maven Silver with four pistons and massive 220/220-millimetre HS2 brake discs. The bike is fitted with DT Swiss HF1900 wheels, fitted with Schwalbe Magic Mary Gravity-Pro Radial tyres.

Price: 7,199 euros (600 Wh) / 7,499 euros (800 Wh)

Sam 8: a solid introduction to the world of enduro

The Sam 8 makes no compromises when it comes to the motor or the bike’s fundamental character, but opts for a slightly more affordable suspension package. At the front is a Fox 38 Rhythm fork with 170 millimetres of travel. At the rear is the DHX Performance Coil shock with 165 millimetres of travel, also from Fox. So here too, a coil shock ensures the smooth response that’s typical of the Sam.

So, as far as the chassis is concerned, everything remains the same as in our previous review of the Sam². The drivetrain is now supplied by SRAM, however. The Eagle 70 transmission (12-speed) is specifically designed for e-bikes and durability. A sensible upgrade, even if it does mean the price rises slightly. The brakes are TRP EVO Comp with four pistons and 220/220-millimetre discs. The wheel set-up consists of WTB STI30 Tough rims combined with FDC 611/648 hubs, fitted with Maxxis Assegai DD tyres at the front and Maxxis Minion DHR II tyres with a DH casing at the rear.

As with the Sam 9, the Sam 8 also features the System Controller with Bosch Mini Remote, and the battery is once again available in 600 or 800 Wh versions. The price: 5,699 euros (600 Wh) / 5,999 euros (800 Wh)

All Sam MY2027 models at a glance