ROUTE: 2,100 kilometres | 38,000 metres in altitude
There's no getting around the colour blue on the 2016 Focus Spine Evo. Not just visually, but also in terms of the bike's character. On the one hand, as the perfect addition to your job as a bike guide, but also for your free time in the mountains.
But from the front: The riding position is very central, so that you can pedal in a relaxed manner and stand in the centre of the bike on the descents. Mountain sprints cannot be won due to the total weight of almost 14 kilos and the downhill-heavy choice of tyres, but the bike benefits from the steep seat angle on technical climbs, so that even nasty ramps can be climbed - if you have the necessary strength. The 32 t chainring may seem just right for an after-work ride. On the afternoon of a long day in the mountains, however, a slightly smaller chainring would be more comfortable. But that's almost it for the criticism.
The 11-speed GX groupset from Sram worked perfectly - without any maintenance worth mentioning. The telescopic dropper post from the Concept brand also performs reliably and has not developed any play. However, the true strength of the Spine lies in its riding behaviour, in addition to its reasonable equipment for the price. The Spine is playful and super agile on the bends and never makes you feel unsafe. On the Teäre-Line in Sölden, you shoot through the berms like on a marble run - the greatest pleasure!
The rear suspension feels like more than 120 millimetres. Unfortunately, the Rockshox Reba at the front can't quite keep up. Especially as I must have got hold of a one-off model: The air chamber caused problems three times. Each time the service from Rockshox was super fast and accommodating. Apart from the trips to Sölden and Finale Ligure, the Spine was mainly ridden through the foothills of the Bavarian Alps and on extended tours through the Karwendel. Only uphill did it feel like I was wearing blue overalls - downhill I always felt like I was going blue!
CONCLUSION: Not very lively, but definitely solid. With the exception of the Rockshox Reba fork, which failed several times, the Focus Spine showed its qualities when used in the Alps.
DEFECTS / MAINTENANCE
- 527, 1640, 2057 km - plop and gone: The dust seal popped out due to a defect in the air chamber. Despite servicing, the whole thing happened three times.
- 340 km - screw loose: After the first real trail days in Sölden, the rear triangle came loose. Tighten and move on.
- 700 km - pads worn out: The organic Shimano pads ran out pretty much every 700 kilometres.
TUNING
50 / 1700 km - Handles and tyres: The original grips were too hard. Before the trip to Finale, the Conti Mountain King gave way to a WTB Vigilante.
WHAT THE READERS SAY
"From marathon (with 2.2 tyres) to easy enduro tours (then with 2.5 Maxxis tyres), everything is possible with my Spine C SL." Doc Lumpi, Facebook
RELATIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
Sölden and final
The Spine went through the Teäre-Line like a marble run. On the natural trails, a little more travel here and there would be an advantage, especially on the fork. In Finale Ligure, the Spine impressed us with its agile character. A real trail speedster.
Functionality 4 out of 6 points
Durability 4 out of 6 points
THE TESTER
Dominik Scherer, Bike guide, 43 years old
Height | Weight 1.81 m / 80 kg
Driver profile Long tours, the occasional marathon or cyclo-cross race
Favourite areas Alpine foothills, Karwendel, Aosta
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 12/2017 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
THE BIKE: Focus Spine Evo
Material Aluminium
Price / weight 2499 Euro / 13.4 kg without ped.
Suspension travel (front / rear) 120 mm / 120 mm
Wheel size 27.5 inch
Fork Rockshox Reba RLT
Damper Rockshox Monarch RT HV
