Focus MARES 9.8

The 2020 Focus MARES 9.8 is a high-quality cyclocross bike which, at a price of 2,999 EUR, is positioned in the mid-to-high price range. The MARES 9.8’s frame is made of carbon and features modern technologies such as the RAT Evo system, which ensures quick and secure wheel attachment. The frame is designed for disc brakes and features internal routing of the brake and gear cables, ensuring a clean look and better protection for the cables. Weighing 8 kg, the bike is light and manoeuvrable, making it ideal for off-road use.

The braking system consists of Shimano Ultegra R8020 hydraulic disc brakes with 160 mm rotors at the front and rear, ensuring reliable braking performance in all weather conditions. The gear components are also from the Shimano Ultegra R8000 series, including the front derailleur and the 46/36T crankset. The cassette and chain are also part of the Ultegra R8000 groupset, ensuring precise and smooth gear-changing performance.

The MARES 9.8’s fork is also made from carbon and utilises RAT Evo Technology to enable quick wheel fitting. It is designed for disc brakes and features internal brake cable routing. The handlebars and stem are from BBB Deluxe, both made of aluminium, with the handlebars offering a 125 mm drop and a 70 mm reach. The grips are Focus Bartape SL, which ensure comfort and a good grip.

The bike is fitted with Vittoria Terreno Mix tyres in size 700 x 33C, which are foldable and stand out for their versatility on mixed terrain. In addition, Vittoria Terreno Dry tyres of the same size are fitted; these are also foldable and are particularly suitable for dry conditions. The wheelset is 28", which provides a good balance between speed and control.

The saddle is a Prologo Scratch model, which offers comfort even on longer rides. The seatpost is a carbon BBB CPX Plus with a diameter of 27.2 mm and a length of 350 mm, featuring a 20 mm offset to allow for an optimal riding position. Overall, the Focus MARES 9.8 is a well-designed cyclo-cross bike with high-quality components, suitable for both ambitious amateur riders and competitive cyclists.