However, the Focus product managers had something in mind when they equipped the matt grey aluminium frame (1724 g) with only eleven gears. Because no other bike in the test comes across as tidy and slimmed down to the bare essentials as the Focus. In race mode, the simple shifting logic without a front derailleur is impressive, while the left thumb can concentrate fully on the lockout lever. Despite the fast, voluminous X-King tyres, you have to invest a lot of watts to accelerate the 4.4 kg wheels from a standing start. Thanks to the stiff head tube, the handling is precise and good-natured. Only the spongy pressure point of the Magura brakes can cost you seconds when braking.
ConclusionNo carbon, no front derailleur, but still cool: Even if the factory version of the Black Forest is not a bike for everyone, it will have its fans among amateur racers.
PLUS Tidy cockpit, good cable routing, cool look
MINUS Heaviest frame in the test, limited overall gear ratio
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