Endurance test performance: 1,992 kilometres
Even at first glance, I recognised the Focus FSL for what it is: a stylishly painted full carbon frame combined with the usual race ingredients. A narrow, candle-grain handlebar, plenty of saddle rake and Conti's Race King in the Supersonic version, paired with lightweight latex tubes, create a race feeling. Threads for two bottle cages are provided and the race-ready Tundra saddle from Fízik flatters the backside. That's the way the ambitious off-road sports faction likes it! In the Focus racer hierarchy, the FSL 4.0 represents the Golf class, so to speak: The frame is identical to the more expensive models, the geometry is sporty. The equipment consists of proven and sometimes inexpensive mass-produced technology that gives ambitious racers room for optimisation.
As usual, the XT groupset worked flawlessly, but the aluminium add-on parts from the in-house outfitter "Concept" look a little plain on a bike for 2500 euros. The heavy wheels with unbutted spokes are only noticeable on second glance. I never really needed the switchable platform of the RP2 shock in practice, but the shock stopped working after just under 1500 kilometres. A little later, unfortunately, the final test end for the FSL: the aluminium sleeve of the main swing arm bearing glued into the main frame came loose from the carbon and the bike became unrideable. At least Focus promises a fast, unbureaucratic service.
Conclusion: stylish bike with a clever frame design, good riding characteristics, but two defects that should not occur.
Function ****
Durability *
(max. 6 stars)
DEFECTS / MODIFICATIONS:
1st tyre change for autumn/winter - 137 km: from Race King to Mountain King
2. rear flat tyre - 414 km: Latex tube replaced with butyl tube
3. shock spits oil and refuses to work - 1480 km: exchanged for new RP23
4. total loss of the frame - 1992 km: Bearing of the rear swing arm delaminated
