If you look at the facts of the new Sam² from Focus, you might think that not much has changed. Bosch Performance CX drive, 29-inch wheels, steel spring shock absorbers, 38 mm suspension fork, massive suspension travel - the Focus e-bike newcomer has it all with its predecessor common. However, both visually and in terms of the inner values, hardly anything is really the same. The suspension travel of the brute E-Enduro has increased by one centimetre at the front to a whopping 18, the Bosch Smart System is powered by the large 750 Wh battery and the aluminium frame, including geometry and suspension kinematics, has been completely redesigned. Even more than before, the e-mountainbike from Stuttgart craves wild and fast descents.
The downhill Sam² is included just part of the new E-MTB fleet from Focus. The Stuttgart-based company has also relaunched the All Mountain Jam² in a very similar style. The engineers have utilised synergies in the design, as the two Bosch e-bikes share many details. Click here for the presentation of the brand new Focus Jam² 6. Already in autumn the Light E-MTB Jam² SL shownwhich also fits into the series of new e-mountainbikes from Stuttgart with a similar approach.
The facts about the Focus Sam²
- Motor: Bosch Performance CX Smart System
- Battery: Bosch Powertube 750 (also in size S!)
- Suspension travel: 180/170 millimetres
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Weight: 26.9 kg (model 6.9, size L, EMTB measured value)
- Three equipment variants + LTD edition with Bosch Race motor
- Price: from 5499 Euro
- Max. System weight: 150 kg
- Sizes: S, M, L, XL
Motor and battery in the Focus Sam²
The new Focus Enduro relies on Bosch's Performance CX motor and the large 750cc Powertube. The engineers have placed the battery deep in the down tube in front of the motor. This has several advantages: It lowers the bike's centre of gravity. In addition, this is the only way to fit the long battery into even the smallest frame sizes. Removing the battery downwards from the closed down tube is somewhat more complicated than with classic "folding solutions", but has been implemented well on the new models. Disadvantage: The ground clearance is reduced by the lowered belly.
Chassis and suspension of the Focus e-mountainbike
The frame of the Sam² has been completely redeveloped. In contrast to the new Jam²the enduro chassis is only available in aluminium. Otherwise, however, the two platforms are very similar. The most striking change, apart from the battery integration and removal, is the new shock linkage. The shock is now positioned flat under the top tube and is no longer linked via the complicated rocker design that was typical of Focus e-bikes for years. Lighter, simpler and superior in terms of function, say the developers of the latest F.O.L.D design. The kinematics of the Sam² have been designed for steel spring dampers. The rear should work much more sportily here than on the all-rounder Jam² or the lightweight Jam² SL and with decent progression reserves for the hardest hits.
The geometry of the Focus Sam²
Whilst the predecessor of the Sam² While the previous model focussed on a moderate geometry so as not to make the bike's riding characteristics too extreme, the newcomer is consistently modern and sporty. The reach and wheelbase are among the longest you can find on e-MTBs. The steep seat angle is designed to place the rider in the centre of the bike. In terms of chainstay length, the Sam² also prioritises smoothness and riding safety over manoeuvrability. At 450 millimetres, the rear end is not extreme, but it is still longer than average for a downhill-oriented E-MTB. The steering angle can be adjusted using an angled headset. A choice of 63.5 or 64.5 degrees is available - although this naturally also increases the wheelbase.
Models and prices
Focus offers the new Focus Sam² e-bike in three equipment variants. In addition, the top model is available in a limited special edition with Bosch Performance CX-Race motor. It starts with the Sam² 6.7 for 5499 euros, the special edition Sam² 6.0 costs 8699 euros.
Sam² 6.7 for 5499 euros
For 5499 euros, you have to accept some downgrades on the Sam² 6.7. Nevertheless, the bike is said to be the lightest model at 25.4 kilos. This is mainly due to the smaller battery with 625 watt hours. Nevertheless, the Suntour Durolux 38 suspension fork equips the bike for tough trail descents. The entry-level version is the only model in the range to come with an air shock. The Rockshox Deluxe does without a reservoir. Full-throttle enduro riders also have to make significant compromises when it comes to the tyres. The Exo carcass from Maxxis is not designed for the downhill potential of the Enduro. Gears are shifted with Sram's SX/NX Eagle, the DB8 brake system is also from Sram and relies on a large 220 mm disc on the front wheel.
Sam² 6.8 for 6999 euros
The Sam² is available from € 7000 with a large 750 battery, Bosch Kiox display and steel spring shock. The shock comes from Rockshox (Superdeluxe Coil Select), with a Fox 38 Rhythm at the front. Shifting is done with Shimano's XT, while Magura MT5 brakes provide deceleration.
Sam² 6.9 for 7899 euros
For demanding enduro bikers, there is hardly any way around the Sam² 6.9. With top Fox suspension, the course is set for absolute trail performance. The complete XT equipment (gears and brakes) is also equipped for all eventualities. The same applies to the robust Supergravity carcass on the rear wheel.
Sam² 6.0 for 8699 euros
The limited 6.0 version differs from the 6.9 model in just one small detail: the engine. Here, the Race version provides that certain extra boost. What Bosch's Performance CX Race e-bike motor can do, you can read here in the link! There is no top version of the new Sam² with gadgets such as electronic gear shifting or suspension, as well as expensive carbon parts. However, the price remains within reach compared to other top models on the market.
Ride test: The Sam² 6.9 on the trail
Anyone who gets on the new E-Enduro has a lot of bike underneath them. The comfortable riding position and the powerful Bosch drive ensure that the path to the trailhead is still pleasant and light-footed. However, a racy trail should be the goal of every ride on this bike, because the Sam² is definitely not the right candidate for shallow trails or rides. However, the uphill doesn't just have to be a means to an end. With its high-traction rear triangle and lively drive, the Enduro also masters demanding uphills. However, we found its little brother, the new Jam², to be much more competent in this discipline. This is because the Sam² is a little more rear-heavy, which weakens control when things get really steep. The tide turns on nasty bumpy descents. While the Jam² already leaves a strong impression here, the big brother takes it up a notch in terms of riding safety.
The long wheelbase and the powerful suspension allow unusually high speeds even on the nastiest downhills. This allows the rider to look wide-eyed at the rock face behind, because the brakes have once again remained surprisingly open. The harmonious equipment of the Sam² 6.9 with powerful brakes, top suspension and solid tyres can cope with such high-speed rides without complaint. The suspension is not plush, but very defined and sporty. The bike can only really blossom at high speeds - then there is safety en masse. However, you also notice the other side of the coin, even on rough terrain. The riding sensation is brute and determined. If you like to dance light-footedly over the trail or play with the terrain, you will have to exert a lot of force on board the Sam². In tight bends or on shallow flow sections, the bike feels sluggish, and this also applies to jumps. In addition to the extreme geometry, the very high weight of almost 27 kilos is also noticeable here.
EMTB summary of the new Focus Sam²
One thing you definitely can't accuse the new Focus Sam² of is not having a clear line. Rough downhill trails in bike parks and tough enduro tracks - this is where the bike feels at home. It blossoms when ridden fast and furiously. In this application, it easily leaves many of the competition's E-MTBs standing. The robust aluminium frame and the high weight allowance of up to 150 kilos go well with this. However, the area of application of this e-mountainbike is narrowly defined. If you are looking for a versatile e-bike for trail tours, you are probably better off with a more moderate bike. The very high weight also significantly detracts from the everyday and all-round characteristics.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
