Focus Vam² SL on test: 16.6 kilos - super-light e-MTB with Fazua Ride 60
Who invented it? The Swiss herbal sweet, supposedly Ricola. And the light trail bike? No, it wasn't Specialized. Focus already brought it in 2017 the Jam² with a fully integrated, permanently installed mini battery (348 Wh) onto the market. The idea at the time: a lightweight e-bike for short trips around the house that could be spiced up with an additional range extender for longer tours. A very cool idea and the top version actually weighed less than 20 kilos. The latest expansion stage with Fazua motor, the Focus Jam² SL, is equipped with significantly more downhill capability, provides more battery capacity and still remains under 19 kilos (to the test of the Focus Jam² SL).
However, the latest product from Stuttgart, where the Focus development centre is located, manages to reach completely different spheres in terms of weight. The scales in the EMTB lab spit out 16.6 kilos when we attached the Focus Vam² SL 9.0. This makes it by far the lightest E-Fully with the powerful Fazua Ride 60that we have tested so far.
The facts about the Focus Vam² SL
- Motor: Fazua Ride 60, 60 Nm max. torque
- Battery: Fazua Energy 430 Wh, permanently installed
- Weight: 16.6 kilos, size L, top model 9.0 (EMTB lab measurement without pedals)
- Suspension travel: 130 / 125 mm (front/rear)
- Wheel size: 29 inch
- Frame material/weight: carbon, 2170 grams (size M, manufacturer's specification)
- Approval for 140 mm suspension fork
- Permissible total weight: 135 kilos
- Four models between 5700 and 10,999 euros
With its fluffy 16.6 kilos, it is at the forefront of the super-light downcountry e-bike class. Although it misses the 16-kilogram sound barrier, which the super-lightweight Scott Lumen (to the test of the Scott Lumen) and Rotwild R.X 275 (to the test of the R.X 275) in their sinfully expensive top versions. However, the e-drive in the Focus Vam² SL is much more powerful. Both the motor power and the battery capacity of the Fazua system are significantly higher than those of the TQ HPR 50 in Scott and Rotwild. The 16.6 kilos are therefore to be highly credited. A Fazua Fully has never been so light on the eMTB scales!
However, Focus had to dig deep into its dietary bag of tricks to achieve this: The completely redesigned frame gets 125 millimetres of travel from a rear triangle without an additional pivot at the dropout. The carbon frame is designed in such a way that the struts flex in a controlled manner. This flex-pivot technology comes from cross-country racing and is now used on many very light e-bikes. A one-piece stem/handlebar unit made of carbon is becoming increasingly common in the super-light fraction and the Vam² also has a stylish steering centre. The cockpit saves a lot of weight, but it is not customisable - it either fits or it doesn't. The kinematics with mini rocker on the seat tube are also minimalist and contribute to the low total weight of 2170 grams (manufacturer's specification) of the carbon frame.
The three 9 models of the Vam² SL get the high-end frame; the entry-level 8.7 model has to live with a simpler carbon layup. According to Focus, this makes the frame almost 400 grams heavier. This means that the cheapest Vam² is no longer an absolute lightweight; according to the manufacturer, it should weigh 19.1 kilos. At 5700 euros, it is one of the most affordable light fullys with a Fazua motor.
Motor check: The drive of the Vam² SL
The Fazua Ride 60 is a top motor in the light e-bike segment (to the test of the Fazua Ride 60). It works very quietly, yet powerfully and dynamically. In boost mode, which can be activated briefly at the touch of a button, it pushes really hard for 30 seconds. A full 450 watts are then available. That is significantly more than the usual competition in the light segment. Only a Bosch Performance SX can surpass these values. The system works efficiently and achieves surprisingly good range values with the permanently installed 430 Wh battery.
The geometry of the Focus Vam² SL
The Focus Vam² has a balanced, sporty design. The front is more upright than the figures suggest due to the cables being routed through the head tube and is more typical of a trail bike than a super-sporty marathon speedster. The wheelbase and rear triangle are quite short, which is good for quick direction changes and agile handling. The steering angle can be slackened by one degree using swivelling bearing shells. Four sizes from S to XL are available.
Focus Vam² SL: Models, prices and equipment
Not everyone can or wants to afford the top model Focus Vam² 9.0 SL. Fortunately, the Vam² starts at 5700 euros. However, the 8.7 is the only model in the range with a 400 gram heavier frame, as it uses a different carbon layup.
Focus Vam² SL 9.0 - 10,999 euros
Our test bike, the top model Vam² SL 9.0, is the most expensive version of the new Focus speedster. In terms of equipment, it leaves nothing to be desired. The price of 11,000 euros is steep, but compared to the competition from Scott, Rotwild or Specialized, it is certainly fair. Their top models are quite a bit more expensive.
- Fork / shock: Fox 34 Float Factory / Float Factory
- Gear system: Sram XO Eagle Transmission
- Brakes: Sram Level Ultimate 180/180 mm
- Wheels: Mavic Crossmax XLR Carbon
- Tyres: Schwalbe Nobby Nic SuperGround, 29 x 2.4''/ Wicked Will SuperGround, 29 x 2.4''
- Special features: One-piece SL cockpit made of carbon, swivelling angled headset, Transfer SL telescopic seat post
Focus Vam² SL 9.9 - 8699 Euro
For a whole lot less money, you can get the Focus Vam² with a complete XT groupset, functionally identical Fox Performance Elite suspension, DT HX 1700 wheels (aluminium) and carbon handlebar unit. Weight 17.5 kilos (manufacturer's specification, size M).
- Fork / shock: Fox 34 Performance Elite / Float Performance
- Gear system: Shimano Deore XT
- Brakes: Shimano Deore XT 8120
- Wheels: DT Swiss HX 1700 LS
- Tyres: Schwalbe Nobby Nic SuperGround / Wicked Will SuperGround, 29 x 2.4''
- Special features: One-piece SL cockpit made of carbon, swivelling angled headset
Focus Vam² SL 9.8 - 6899 Euro
The second cheapest model combines the XT drivetrain with Magura MT Trail brakes and simpler Rhythm suspension elements. Plus Novatec hubs and a normal handlebar and stem. According to Focus, the bike weighs 18.4 kilos (size M).
- Fork / shock: Fox 34 Rhythm / Float DPS
- Gear system: Shimano Deore XT
- Brakes: Magura MT Trail
- Wheels: Novatec hubs, Raceface AR27 rims
- Tyres: Maxxis Dissector Exo / Rekon Exo, 29 x 2.4''
- Special features: swivelling angle headset
Focus Vam² SL 8.7 - 5700 Euro
The starter package includes a Suntour Raidon/Rockshox Deluxe suspension, Deore gears, Magura MT Trail brakes and Shimano hubs. Weight with the heavier carbon frame (+400 grams) according to the manufacturer 19.1 kilos in size M.
- Fork / shock: SR Suntour Raidon 34 / Rockshox Deluxe Select+
- Gear system: Shimano Deore
- Brakes: Magura MT Trail
- Wheels: Shimano MT410 hubs, Raceface AR27 rims
- Tyres: Maxxis Dissector Exo / Rekon Exo, 29 x 2.4''
- Special features: swivelling angle headset
Practical test: How the Focus Vam² SL 9.0 rides
We had the lightweight Focus Vam² SL 9.0 at the start of our ride test and were able to put the concept to the test on wintry, flowing trails in the Isar and on the spring-like, much rougher terrain of Lake Garda.
The Focus Vam² has a balanced riding position. There are no extreme geometry experiments in the form of negative stems. Compared to other downcountry bikes, you actually sit a little more upright. Nevertheless, the Focus works very effectively on the climbs and rides sportily. The efficient Fazua Ride 60 is very quiet, yet powerful and dynamic. In combination with the tightly tuned rear end, which hardly bobs at all, and the low overall weight, the bike moves forwards swiftly. The carbon wheels with easy-rolling Speed Grip tyres also contribute to the excellent uphill riding experience. However, only as long as the surface is grippy and not too exposed. On damp ground, the Wicked Will spins out quickly, and with the rather short rear triangle and the rather high front end, the bike climbs a little earlier than expected.
On flowing, rather flat terrain, the Focus Vam² shows its full class. If there is grip and the trail is flowing, the bike is a lot of fun to ride. In addition to good propulsion, the rear also delivers excellent pop. With the trail-heavy riding position, playing with the terrain is really fun. Pulling off over roots, letting the rear end slide to the edge in berms, intermediate sprints with Fazua extra power on short uphill stretches - this is what a light bike should feel like! When the terrain gets rough, the suspension travel and tyres reach their limits. The Vam² cuts a good figure here too thanks to the more upright riding position, but the rather stiff suspension in combination with the low-profile tyres slow it down. The front tyre on our test bike was even fitted with a soft compound. According to the data sheet, it is also a hard SpeedGrip tyre at the front, which should further weaken cornering grip and braking traction.
Experienced riders still like to play with the lightweight Vam² even on demanding sections, but the line between fun and crashing is then quite narrow. Focus releases the frame for forks with up to 140 millimetres of travel (standard 130 millimetres). With more travel at the front and different tyres, you can turn the Vam² into an agile and still very light trail bike. Adjusting the steering angle by minus one degree via the swivelling bearing shells can also make sense. However, the Focus Vam² SL is clearly designed for downcountry riding.
EMTB review of the Focus Vam² SL 9.0
Strengths
- Very light and agile, sporty driving behaviour
- Great, quiet and powerful Fazua motor
- Eagle transmission circuit works precisely
- High permissible total weight of 135 kg
Weaknesses
- Borderline tyres in the wet, especially on the rear wheel
- Non-removable battery
- Transfer SL dropper without intermediate position
The EMTB conclusion
The downcountry e-bike category has a new hot candidate! The Focus Vam² is beautifully agile, direct and really fun on flowing trails and tours. The efficient, quiet and powerful Fazua is the ideal choice. Never before has an E-Fully with this motor been so light in our test! However, the tyres and suspension clearly say: better flat and flowing than rough and steep. - Christian Schleker, test author EMTB Magazine
