Focus Jam² SL: Lightweight trail e-bike with Fazua motor

Who built the first E-MTB with a light motor in history in 2017? That's right, it was Focus! The Raven² hardtail was the first e-mountainbike with the then brand-new Fazua Evation motor. And if you look back a little further, the light approach was already present at Focus earlier. The Jam² already started in 2016 The Stuttgart-based company relied on a flexible battery system with a permanently installed 378 Wh battery plus an optional range extender. However, the Stuttgart-based company later became quiet about the light e-bike category. Now that the genre has been relaunched with the new Ride 60 drive, also from Fazuais also back in the game. The Jam² SL is a racy trail bike with a full carbon frame, 160/150 millimetres of suspension travel, 29er wheels and extensive geometry customisation.

The facts about the Focus Jam² SL

• Motor: Fazua Ride 60, max. 60 Nm torque
• Battery: Fazua Energy, 430 Wh, removable
• Suspension travel: 160 / 150 mm
• Wheels: 29 inch
• Full carbon frame
• Weight: from 17.9 kg (top model 9.0, manufacturer's specification); model 9.9: 19.0 kg (size L, EMTB measured value)
• Four equipment variants between 6199 and 11499 euros
• Four sizes: S, M, L, XL
• First bikes available now (model 9.9 and 8.8)
• Max. permissible system weight: 135 kg

Fazua Ride 60 - the drive unit of the Focus Jam² SL

As with its first E-MTB with a light motor, Focus is now also relying on the Bavarian motor manufacturer Fazua. The brand new Ride 60 is a huge step forward compared to its predecessor for use on E-MTBs. In our large comparison test of lightweight e-bike drives, it was able to fully convince. In particular, the strong power-to-weight ratio makes the compact motor stand out. In comparison to the light league, the drive pushes really hard. This could make some advocates of classic e-MTBs wonder. The relatively large battery with 430 watt hours also makes the Ride 60 - and therefore also the Focus Jam² SL - a strong all-rounder. From a top product in the niche market, light e-MTBs are becoming all-rounders with a wider range of uses.

The integration of the battery is particularly important for the Light-E-MTB. This is where a lot of weight can be saved. In the search for the lightest possible e-bike, many manufacturers, such as the pioneers Specialised on the Levo SL and Orbea on the Risethe battery firmly in the frame. This saves pounds, but also puts off many customers. This is because the battery cannot be removed for charging or storage, nor can the range be doubled with a replaceable battery. This was not an option for Focus. User-friendly handling was a top priority during development. As a result, the Focus Jam scores points with its simple and quick battery removal, which you will hardly find on any other light eMTB.

The weight of the Focus Jam² SL

As the name suggests, weight is a key factor for light e-MTBs. Our test bike in size L checked in at exactly 18.98 kilos. This is by no means a record weight. But of course you have to put the weight into perspective. Bikes like the Levo SL were already significantly lighter years ago. However, the Specialized is also in a different class when it comes to motor and battery power. The Fazua package is much more powerful in this respect, which inevitably has an impact on the weight. This is also shown by our current comparison test of light drives. And the equipment on the downhill-orientated Focus Jam 9.9 also leaves plenty of room for improvement. You will look in vain for carbon parts. The weight-optimised top model is said to be over a kilo lighter. The convenient battery removal also adds to the weight. If you take these points into account when evaluating the weight, Focus definitely puts an attractive package on the scales. In addition, the Stuttgart-based company has imposed some cost-saving measures on the frame. There is no external charging port on the bike. This should add around 200 grams. The battery must therefore be removed from the bike for charging. The Focus engineers have also put their FOLD damper linkage on a diet. The multitude of heavy rocker arms has given way to a much simpler design.

More on the subject of weight: Focus has two different high-quality carbon frames in its model range. The two more expensive models 9.9 and 9.0 rely on higher quality carbon fibres, which save weight without compromising the bike's stiffness. The 8.8 and 8.7 models use a frame with a slightly cheaper carbon layup. This should be around 300 grams heavier in size M. Fun fact: Our last Jam² test bike with Shimano drive and 720 Wh battery weighs almost seven kilos more than the SL model. And at a similar price!

Fully variable: the geometry of the Focus Jam² SL

Focus has given the Jam² SL two adjustment options to customise the geometry to different areas of use, tastes and body proportions. This should allow the character to be trimmed from a downhill-orientated bike with a smooth ride to a manoeuvrable all-rounder. The first variable is the chainstay length. The Stuttgart engineers use two flipchips for this. One is located in the chainstay in front of the dropout, the other in the seatstay. Why do you need two flipchips? Because the chainstay length can be changed in isolation. With conventional flipchip adjustments, other parameters such as the seat angle and bottom bracket height also change. In this respect, the approach chosen by Focus is great. However, we would have liked to see clearer labelling of the flipchips and the "long" and "short" positions. The double adjustment can cause confusion. The two options for the Jam² SL: short 440 millimetres or moderate 447 millimetres. Sizes S and M are delivered in the short setting, L and XL in the long setting.

The angles of the Focus Jam are also variable. This is ensured by a rotating bearing shell on the headset, which flattens or splits the steering angle by one degree. Focus specifies 65.5 or 64.5 degrees for the two positions. In total, the wheelbase varies by 27 millimetres between the two extreme positions short/steep and long/flat. That's quite a lot and a clearly noticeable difference in practical use.

The wheelbase of the e-bike in the shortest setting in size L is a compact 1247 millimetres. This is moderate and classic for a manoeuvrable e-trail bike. If you flatten the steering angle and lengthen the rear triangle, the wheelbase ends up at 1274 millimetres. A value that would hardly be undersized even on a full-power enduro e-bike. At 485 millimetres in size L, the reach is mature and modern.

The Focus Jam² SL 9.9 - trimmed for downhill riding

Our test bike, the Jam² SL 9.9, plays a special role in the model range. The product managers have given the bike an extra portion of downhill qualities and designed the equipment for downhill riding. The 9.9 is the only bike in the range to use a shock with a reservoir. The extra-wide 820 mm handlebars with 35 millimetre rise also turn the dial towards enduro. Our test bike weighed just under 19 kilos in size L. According to Focus, the weight-optimised top model should be over a kilo lighter.

Models, prices and availability

There will be four equipment variants of the Jam² SL. The entry-level price of 6199 euros is absolutely fair for an e-MTB with a full carbon frame. The top model, however, at 11,499 euros, is - as far as we can remember - the most expensive Focus of all time. Some bikes should be available from Focus dealers immediately. Albeit in limited numbers for the time being. But the next production batch should not be long in coming. The 9.9 and 8.8 equipment variants will be on sale first >> available here.

First ride report: The Focus Jam² SL 9.9 on the trail

Anyone sitting on the Jam² SL e-bike has the feeling of sitting on a large e-mountainbike. In addition to the long reach, the very wide and high handlebars reinforce this feeling. However, the riding position is not uncomfortably stretched, as the steep seat angle positions the rider in the centre of the bike. Uphills can thus be tackled comfortably. In the long chainstay position, the bike also climbs steep ramps with ease. And thanks to the powerful Fazua drive, you can easily get lost on challenging uphills. The bike and drive definitely have the e-bike feeling and uphill flow on board. In slippery conditions, however, the moderate grip of the rear tyre limits your climbing abilities.

Before you hit the trail, you have to decide on one of the various geometry options. Or you can simply start with the Focus Jam as you get it. In our case, this was the combination of a long rear end and steep steering angle. After a short test phase, we switched to the short chainstays and felt much more comfortable with this combination. Steep head angle, short chainstays: this turns the bike with its rather compact wheelbase into an agile and fun trail speedster. Only the super wide and high handlebars didn't really fit in with this character. On the other hand, the rather firm rear triangle fits in harmoniously, emphasising the lively handling and the joy of jumping.

When the terrain gets rougher, the descents steeper and the speed higher, you want a little more wheelbase and the associated riding stability. So off to the bike park. This is where the long geometry (long chainstays, slack head angle) convinced us the most. The handling qualities increase noticeably, yet the E-MTB does not feel bulky or unwieldy. Despite the upgraded spec, the Focus Jam² SL 9.9 doesn't want to give you that enduro feeling. The rear suspension only generates moderate traction and doesn't smooth out rough sections in enduro style. This does improve if you tune the shock softer. But then the end of the stroke is reached too quickly and the rear end bottoms out. Too bad: Our test bike rattled on bumpy descents.

Conclusion from EMTB test manager Florentin Vesenbeckh

The Focus Jam² SL appeals to a very broad target group. On the one hand, its variable geometry suits many types of riders. The same applies to the Fazua drive with good power and a decent range at a low weight and low noise level. Convenient battery removal is anything but a matter of course on a light e-MTB - which also makes the bike very versatile. Last but not least, the entry-level price is fair for this category. We liked the bike best as a lively and playful trail bike. Despite the geometry adjustment and plenty of travel, it doesn't quite manage the balancing act towards enduro. The rear suspension lacks the ability to swallow.

Good price-performance ratio

What else is needed to make an e-bike accessible to the masses? Right, a fair price. At 6199 euros, the Entry-level model 8.7 cannot be described as a real bargain. But compared to other current light bikes, it is a good deal. Especially as this model also rolls onto the trail with a full carbon frame. According to Focus, the bike should weigh 20.2 kilos in this configuration.

Test of the Focus Jam² SL

For our test, we took the Focus Jam² SL 9.9 out on the trail

These Equipment variant for 8499 euros has been trimmed a little more for downhill riding. With the very wide and high 820 mm handlebars, the bike feels big and the front is high. Thanks to the steep seat angle, you sit in the centre of the bike. Uphills can be tackled comfortably and the riding position is balanced. In the long chainstay position, the bike also climbs steep ramps with ease. And thanks to the powerful Fazua drive, you'll be happy to get lost on challenging climbs. The bike and drive definitely have the e-bike feeling and uphill flow on board. On the descents, the Jam2 SL into a fun and agile trail speedster.

The geo-setting with a steep steering angle and short chainstays results in a rather compact wheelbase, which brings manoeuvrability. Only the super-wide and high handlebars didn't really fit in with this character. If you tune the rear suspension a little firmer than usual, you get a poppy rear end to match, which emphasises the lively handling and the bike's joy of jumping. If the rear suspension is tuned a little softer, it generates more traction, but is unable to build up the necessary counter-pressure on bigger compressions and in berms.

Rough terrain calls for long chainstays and a slack steering angle

If the terrain gets rougher, the descents steeper and the speed higher, you want a little more riding stability. So: adjust the geometry to long chainstays and a slack steering angle - this increases the wheelbase significantly. The handling qualities increase noticeably, yet the E-MTB does not feel bulky or unwieldy. Despite the upgraded spec, the Focus Jam² SL 9.9 doesn't want to give you that enduro feeling. The rear suspension only generates moderate traction and doesn't swallow rough sections with the ultimate amount of power, and the thin rear tyre reinforces this feeling.

We were surprised that the Ride 60 on our test bike rattled slightly on the descent. Not as drastic as a Shimano or Bosch motor, but clearly perceptible. According to Fazua, this was due to the early production date of this motor and an incorrect setting in the bearing clearance. The replacement motor was pleasantly quiet again, as we were used to with the Ride 60.

PLUS:

• Very light despite practical battery removal
• Sophisticated geometry customisation
• Fair entry-level price

MINUS:

• No enduro feeling
• Battery must be removed for charging

Technical data and notes Focus Jam² SL

Manufacturer information

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

Measured values²

• Reach altitude¹: 1362 (+11)hm
• Average speed: 11.3 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, removable / 2257 g / n.a.
• Gear system: Shimano XT (12-speed)
• Translation (v. / h.): 32; 10-51
• Display / size: 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 post: Post Moderne, 170 mm
• Brake / Disc Ø (front / rear): Shimano XT 8120 / 203 mm / 203 mm
• Wheels: DT Swiss HX 1700 LS
• Tyres (front / rear): Schwalbe Magic Mary S.ground Soft / Nobby Nic S.trail Speedgrip, 29 x 2.4"

¹ The reach height was determined during standardised test rides on an asphalt climb with a gradient of 12.2 percent. Highest support level, 150 watts pedalling power of the rider, rider weight including equipment 89 kg. The altitude metres in brackets are in significantly reduced emergency mode. The average speed refers to the journey with full assistance.

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 the rear wheel raised by 36 centimetres.