With the 140-millimetre speedster Jam² is Focus achieved a great success last year. With clever details, perfect battery integration and a very playful riding style, it also won the hearts of the EMTB tester. The Cloppenburg-based company is now launching a carbon fibre version of the successful e-MTB model. The carbon fibre bike largely adopts detailed solutions and geometry from the aluminium chassis, making it noticeably lighter and also improving the riding characteristics thanks to the clever carbon construction. The carbon fibre main frame is said to save over 500 grams.
Just like the Aluminium version of the Jam² the newcomer is available both in 27.5 inch with plus tyres and in 29 inch. The top version Jam² C SL comes exclusively as a 29er and, according to Focus, weighs a hefty 18.5 kilos in size M - without compromising on the off-road capability of the components. However, at 9999 euros, the high-end speedster puts a considerable dent in your wallet.
The new Focus Jam² retains the T.E.C system: a 378 watt-hour battery is integrated into the slim down tube, and the capacity can be doubled with an external battery on the down tube. The idea behind it: The rider benefits from low weight, a slim look and an ideal centre of gravity when riding around the house or on short tours. The additional battery is only plugged in when it is really necessary. However, this is not included as standard, but has to be purchased for an additional 500 euros. The additional 378 watt hours weigh a good two kilos on the scales.
The F.O.L.D. suspension kinematics are also well-known. The damper is articulated via a two-part rocker that is nested inside each other. According to Focus, this results in a two-part characteristic curve. It is degressive up to the SAG point and progressive thereafter. This is intended to improve the suspension behaviour around the negative suspension travel range in particular - both during compression and rebound. The rear triangle consists of a single piece and completely dispenses with joints, which saves weight and increases stiffness.
The geometry of the Focus Jam²
First test: How the Focus Jam² rides
We have already been able to test the Jam² Carbon on trails around Malaga. According to the manufacturer, the tested Jam² C Plus Pro version with 27.5-inch wheels weighs 19.6 kilos in size M (including pedals, without additional battery) and costs 6999 euros. The riding position is moderate, the geometry is pleasing, so it doesn't take long to get used to flying over the trails on the Jam². The playfulness of the bike is pleasingly high for an e-MTB, and the low weight of the carbon version further enhances this impression. However, the E-All-Mountain with its 457-millimetre chainstays only wants to climb onto the rear wheel with a massive amount of effort.
The rear suspension is very sensitive and provides a lot of traction, both downhill and uphill. On the climbs, the shock bobs noticeably when the saddle is extended, but thanks to the E-drive it is not annoying. The platform lever on the Rock Shox Deluxe shock has hardly any influence on the bobbing behaviour. When going downhill, the rear end radiates a lot of comfort, the rear suspension follows small bumps with confidence. When things get rougher, the rear suspension quickly releases a lot of travel, which also emphasises the smooth ride feel. Only when things get really rough does the rear suspension reach its limits.
All in all, the Jam² impresses with a well-balanced feel-good feel and a considerable amount of playfulness for an E-MTB. It only reaches its limits on rough terrain, but Focus has recently introduced the Enduro Sam² at the ready.
Models and equipment
The bikes should be available from dealers from February 2018.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
