And as befits such a mountain bike, the Focus Vice (e.g. at Lucky Bike) clearly shows its strengths downhill. The riding position of the single-pivot bike is rather upright and comfortable, but you have a lot of pressure on the front wheel on the downhill. The wide cockpit with short stem gives you a lot of confidence on technical sections. The super short chainstays pay off when you have to lift the front wheel over an obstacle or when the trail hits hooks like a startled hare. Despite the differences in suspension travel, the Rockshox suspension feels harmonious, although it is not one of the most sensitive. The Deore stoppers with Icetec pads and the wide, grippy Maxxis tyres underline the downhill genes and work perfectly. On the other hand, you are slowed down on the climbs. The high total weight and the tight 1x10 gearing make your thighs boil on long uphills.
Test summary of the Focus Vice:
Simple, functionally equipped and downhill-hungry: the Focus Vice is an affordable trail bike without a penchant for long uphill adventures.
FOCUS VICE 27.5" - model year 2018
Price 1,699 Euro
Available in specialised trade and mail order
Material / Sizes Aluminium/ S / M / L (48 cm)
Weight without pedals 14.57 kg
Front/rear suspension travel 136 mm/121 mm
Fork / damper Rockshox Recon RL / Rockshox Deluxe R
Cranks / gears Race Face Aeffect / Shim. Deore
Gear ratio / handlebar width 32; 11-42 / 760 mm
Brake system / Disc vo. / hi. Shimano Deore / 180 mm / 180 mm
Telescopic support Kindshock E30is / 125 mm
Impellers Race Face AR30 system wheels; Maxxis Minion DHF 3C MaxxTerra / SS Exo 27.5 x 2.5/2.3" tyres
Reach / Stack / BB-Offset 452 / 628 mm / -21 mm
BIKE judgement GOOD¹
The BIKE judgement reflects the laboratory measurements and the subjective impression of the test riders. The BIKE judgement is independent of price.
BIKE judgements: super (250-205 P.), very good (204.75-170 P.), good (169.75-140 P.), satisfactory (139.75-100 P.), with weaknesses, unsatisfactory. ²Price may be subject to additional costs for packaging, shipping and coordination.
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