Trail bikeFocus Jam CSL

Peter Nilges

 · 11.04.2017

Trail bike: Focus Jam CSLPhoto: Daniel Geiger
Trail bike: Focus Jam CSL
Just a thought in the minds of the Focus engineers, the production-fresh Jam now has to prove itself in the BIKE test.

The top CSL model comes with the new Sram Eagle 1x12 gear system. The combination of a 32 mm chainring and 50 mm sprocket on the cassette helps when climbing steep ascents. The riding position is more compact than sporty. The suspension remains composed when climbing, but still provides comfort and traction. We rarely used the platform lever on the shock. On the trail, the rear suspension feels like much more than the specified 140 millimetres of travel. And indeed: our lab tickled 153 millimetres out of the Fold kinematics. The supported single pivot was deliberately not designed to be too stiff so that the rear wheel can always follow the track of the front wheel. In practice, this works well, the rear wheel even feels to have more grip than its counterpart at the front, which does not affect the otherwise balanced handling behaviour much. The 30 millimetre wide rims together with Conti's 2.4 trailking tyres underline the downhill potential of the Jam. The boundary between enduro and all-mountain is difficult to fathom with this model. The 770 millimetre wide carbon handlebars and the 60 millimetre long stem from Conti's own brand Concept round off the successful handling on the trail. Overall, the Jam leaves a convincing impression as a potent all-rounder, even if the price is not a bargain.

  Focus Jam CSLPhoto: Wolfgang Watzke Focus Jam CSL  Focus Jam CSL: Focus remains true to its angular top tube and proven internal cable routing on the new model.Photo: Wolfgang Watzke Focus Jam CSL: Focus remains true to its angular top tube and proven internal cable routing on the new model.  Focus Jam CSL: The frame is made of carbon, the linkage of the rear triangle is made of aluminium.Photo: Wolfgang Watzke Focus Jam CSL: The frame is made of carbon, the linkage of the rear triangle is made of aluminium.  Focus Jam CSLPhoto: BIKE Magazin Focus Jam CSL  Focus Jam CSLPhoto: BIKE Magazin Focus Jam CSL

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