Balanced geometry, fantastic suspension: the trail performance of the Focus Jam, which was launched last year there was nothing to complain about. However, the weight was: at over 16 kilograms, long, high-altitude tours were nothing for the Stuttgart all-mountain bike with aluminium frame, which felt all the more comfortable on bumpy enduro descents.
Focus Jam 8th series: New carbon main frame 400 grams lighter
Now Focus is also sending the Jam 2022 with Carbon main frame into the race. Good 400 grams less are already a start on the scales. The new carbon fibre main frame also has a Storage compartment in the down tube, which can hold tools and spare parts in a small bag. Another plus for touring cyclists.
We put seven current 2022 all-mountain bikes up to € 5200 to the test - including the new Focus Jam 8.9 with carbon frame. All test results and lab results of the comparison test can be found in BIKE 03/2022 - now on sale, in the App or in the Online shop.
The facts about the Focus Jam Carbon
- Carbon main frame with aluminium rear triangle
- Storage compartment in the down tube
- 150 millimetres suspension travel (factory specification)
- Tyre size: 29 inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Two models: Jam 8.8 (3699 euros, 15.3kg), Jam 8.9 (4699 euros, 15.8kg)
- www.focus-bikes.com
29 inch, balanced geometry, 150 mm Fold rear triangle
Apart from the carbon fibre main frame, the Focus Jam 8-series relies on tried and tested features. 150 millimetres spring travel (factory specification) manages the so-called Fold rear frame in the new design with horizontal damper.
The linkage of the shock is complicated, but the performance has been first class so far - at least downhill. The internally routed cables run through the stem into the frame, Double-sealed and generously dimensioned bearings improve longevity.
There are also wheels in 29 inch and a Balanced geometry with a steering angle of 65 degrees and a seat angle of 76 degrees. The reach is 480 millimetres in size L. If you want, you can adjust the steering and seat angle half a degree steeper using a flipchip. As before, the chainstays remain 435 millimetres short to keep the bike agile.
Focus Jam Carbon: 2 equipment variants from 3699 euros
A surcharge of around 1200 euros is payable compared to the Jam with aluminium frame. The new carbon frame is available from Focus Jam 8.8 for 3699 euros. With the cheaper - albeit functional - Rockshox suspension, the SX/NX Eagle shifting mix and the weak Guide-T brakes from Sram, the cost-cutting measures are still clearly noticeable.
The somewhat more luxuriously equipped Focus Jam 8.9 for 4699 euros. Here you'll find Fox performance suspension, Shimano XT components for the drivetrain and brakes and higher quality M1900 wheels from DT Swiss. The Focus carbon bikes are therefore priced around the market average and, although not exorbitantly expensive, are no longer real price breakers.
Is the Focus Jam still an all-mountain bike on the trail?
As part of our All-mountain tests in the issue BIKE 03/2022 we have already been able to ride the new Focus extensively and compare it with the direct competition in the price range up to 5200 euros. Despite the new carbon frame, the high weight of the Focus Jam is still noticeable.
Even though the carbon bike has become somewhat lighter than the aluminium model, the Uphill is still the Jam's weaknessand even on flat trails it only feels comfortable to a limited extent. In addition to the still high frame and overall weight, the Maxxis Minion DHF in the sticky MaxxGrip rubber compound on the front wheel and the rear triangle, which bobs slightly uphill, are also to blame.
Downhill, however, the tyre provides security and the Jam is convincing. Straight the sensitive rear suspension works at Enduro levelthe fork can't quite keep up here. The Focus Jam is also available with a carbon frame more of a downhill machine than a versatile all-mountain, but should also be able to cope with the occasional parking session. Our tip: Simply fit a longer 160 mm fork and use the Focus Jam as an enduro bike.
Adrian Kaether
Editor
