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Focus Jam² SL 9.9 light e-MTB testAffordable light e-MTB with Fazua Ride 60

Florentin Vesenbeckh

 · 17.04.2023

Focus Jam² SL 9.9 with Fazua Ride 60
Photo: Max Fuchs

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The Focus Jam² SL is one of the cheapest bikes in our light e-MTB test. However, the weight of 19 kilos is quite considerable. Especially because the 430 Fazua battery is very easy to remove and the equipment is relatively robust.

The 160 mm fork of the Focus Focus Jam² SL is the most powerful in the test field. Does this also translate into enduro qualities? In fact, the fork and the high, wide cockpit convey a lot of riding confidence. When things get fast and rough, you're relaxed and full of confidence behind the handlebars. The bike particularly likes fast, built trails. However, when things get rough, the rear suspension can't keep up with the powerful fork. The rear end doesn't soak up small bumps as sensitively, and big bumps push the suspension to its limit too quickly. Others in the test can do better.

Many bikes have flipchips. But in this case, the adjustment options for the chainstays and steering angle (bearing shell) are very clear.Photo: Max FuchsMany bikes have flipchips. But in this case, the adjustment options for the chainstays and steering angle (bearing shell) are very clear.

But the Focus Jam² SL has another beating heart, as the bike has extensive geometry adjustment. If you switch to short chainstays and a steep steering angle, the riding characteristics change significantly. No wonder, because the wheelbase is 15 millimetres shorter. This makes the Jam² SL very lively to ride, easy to get airborne and onto the rear wheel and to throw from one corner to the next.

On extreme climbs, you should definitely opt for the long rear suspension setting, otherwise the front wheel will lose contact with the ground early on. The Fazua motor impresses with its dynamic power delivery, plenty of power and quiet drive noise. The range is also excellent.

The Fazua Ride 60 still has some weaknesses in its fine-tuning, for example when it comes to the application of power. Fazua had announced a software update for autumn 2022. The bugs had not yet been fixed by the time of our test.Photo: Max FuchsThe Fazua Ride 60 still has some weaknesses in its fine-tuning, for example when it comes to the application of power. Fazua had announced a software update for autumn 2022. The bugs had not yet been fixed by the time of our test.

Too bad: During our test, the battery started to rattle in the down tube. Attention: The battery must be removed for charging.

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The Fazua removable battery can be quickly and easily removed from the down tube. Unfortunately, the mount began to rattle noticeably during the test period.Photo: Max FuchsThe Fazua removable battery can be quickly and easily removed from the down tube. Unfortunately, the mount began to rattle noticeably during the test period.

Conclusion on the Focus Jam² SL 9.9:

Versatile bike with fully customisable geometry and robust equipment. Unfortunately, the rear suspension slows down the enduro potential. Quick battery change, fair price.

Technical data and notes Focus Jam² SL 9.9

Manufacturer information

  • Price: 8499 Euro >> available here
  • Sizes / frame material: S / M / L (tested size) / XL / Carbon

Measured values²

  • Reach altitude¹: 1359 (+0)hm
  • Weight²: 19.0 kg
  • Average speed: 13 km/h
  • Centre of gravity height:: 526 mm
  • Handlebar width: 820 mm
  • Crank length / Q-factor: 165 mm / 182 mm
  • Ground clearance⁴: 503 mm

Equipment

  • Motor: Fazua Ride 60
  • Max. Torque³: 60 Nm
  • Battery³ / weight² / price Replacement battery: Fazua Energy, 430 Wh / 2257 g / 790 Euro
  • Gear system: Shimano XT (12-speed)
  • Translation (v. / h.): 32; 10-51
  • Display: LED hub, no display
  • Permissible total weight³: 135 kg
  • Fork / shock: Fox 36 Performance Elite / Float X Performance
  • Front/rear suspension travel: 160 / 150 mm
  • Telescopic seatpost: Focus Dropper, 170 mm
  • Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Shimano XT 8120 /
  • 203 mm / 203 mm
  • Wheels: DT Swiss HX1700 Hybrid LS
  • Tyres (front / rear): Schwalbe Magic Mary Superground / Nobby Nic Supertrail, 29 x 2.4''

EMTB test rating⁵: 8.3 points - very good

Focus Jam² SL 9.9 - Geometry dataFocus Jam² SL 9.9 - Geometry data
Focus Jam² SL 9.9 - CharacteristicsPhoto: EMTB-TestlaborFocus Jam² SL 9.9 - CharacteristicsStrengths and weaknessesPhoto: EMTB-TestlaborStrengths and weaknesses

¹ The values were determined during standardised rides on an asphalt climb with an average gradient of 8.4 percent. Rider pedalling power 175 watts, rider weight incl. equipment 90 kg. The assistance level was adjusted for this comparison test so that all bikes travelled at approximately the same speed, see average speed in brackets. The motor output was around 250 watts. The altitude metres in brackets are in significantly reduced emergency mode. All details about our range test can be found here in the link!

² Determined on the test benches in the EMTB test laboratory, weight without pedals. Battery weight incl. screwed-on cover where applicable.

³ Manufacturer's specification

⁴ Step test, measured with 36 centimetre raised rear wheel

⁵ The judgement reflects the subjective impression of the testers and the results of the reach measurement and laboratory tests. The EMTB judgement is independent of price. EMTB judgements: super (from 9.0), very good (from 8.0), good (from 7.0), satisfactory (from 6.0), with weaknesses (from 5.0), below insufficient.

Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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