FOCUS JAM2 7-SERIES

Introducing the all-new Focus Jam2 7-Series, designed specifically to make you happy!

 

Launched today! The Jam2 7-Series e-MTB from top German bike brand Focus is made for FUN; with the belief that E-MTBs have the ‘power’ (excuse the pun) to make people happier the designers at Focus are clear in their intent – ‘we don’t make E-MTBs to win races and be faster than everyone else, we make them because they make people smile’. On fast downhill runs, off big jumps and up the most demanding climbs the all-new Jam2 7-Series is ready to make you a happier rider!

The Jam2 7-Series E-MTB features a powerful Shimano EP8 motor, 150mm of suspension travel and is built to shred the trails.

 

The Focus Jam2 7-Series has been specifically for the pursuit of fun.

 

The all-new Focus Jam2 7-Series E-MTB features the excellent Shimano Steps EP8 motor on all 3 bikes in the series. Matched up with the efficient 720Wh battery you’ll be able to ride further for longer with that extra pedal assistance giving you a greater ability to conquer that loose, rocky climb and get to the top of your favourite trail ready to let the bike fly downhill. We’ve previously taken a really detailed look at the EP8 motor; click the link below to read more…

The Shimano Steps EP8 motor gives you all the pedal assistance you’ll need.

 

So what do we need to take notice of on the Focus Jam2 7-Series? Here’s the headliners…

INTEGRATION

SUSPENSION

STRENGTH & DURABILITY

GEOMETRY

INTEGRATION

Focus wanted to spec the most efficient E-MTB battery possible to help prevent any potential for ‘range-anxiety’ out on the trail; the 720WH internal battery is neatly integrated into the Jam2’s down tube and is easy to remove giving you the option of charging it either on or off the bike. With storage solutions being a hot topic in mountain biking right now Focus have created a handy way of carrying a tube, mini pump and CO2 inflator with their small tool bag which is securely located via bolt-on-bosses between the top tube and down tube.

Focus have squeezed a super-efficient 720WH internal battery into the Jam2 7-Series and have included a handy tool bag fitted securely to the frame.

 

With an eye on integration for tech, Focus have included a USB-C charging port located on the bike’s main power switch allowing you to charge up your smart phone or GPS unit while you’re on the go. Another nice detail includes a neat little kickstand adapter; we’re increasingly finding that an E-MTB like this is difficult to park up securely at the trail centre café without the potential for it to topple over and although a kickstand can be seen as a little ‘Euro’ in its spec this will be a popular addition with a fair portion of our customers.

A USB-C port gives you the flexibility to charge your smart phone or GPS unit on the go.

 

Focus’ C.I.S. configuration has already been seen on a number of their mountain bikes and it was a no-brainer including it on the Jam2 7-Series too. All of the cables from the handlebar controls (disc brake hoses, gear cable, dropper post cable and E-MTB controller cable) are housed neatly through the stem and into the headset and frame above the battery department in the downtube. This setup looks great but offers some performance advantages too when it comes to preventing any potential for cables to get snagged in the inevitable tumbles you’ll be taking off-road. With the addition of the neat tool bag there’s less need to carry a bulky Camelbak-style pack; factor in a bottle cage too and there’s really no reason to be carrying extra bulk. With space at a premium within the frame Focus have created a specific bottle cage adapter that allows you to squeeze in a water bottle without any interference with the bike’s piggyback air shock.

We’re seeing Focus’ C.I.S. configuration on more and more of their bikes and it’s a nice addition to the Sam2 7-Series.

 

SUSPENSION

At the heart of the Jam2 7-Series suspension configuration is Focus’ F.O.L.D. design principle; Their propriety F.O.L.D. (Focus Optimised Linkage Design) suspension kinematic is already seen on their other Enduro, All-Mountain, Trail and Cross Country full-suspension mountain bikes and is setup so that the suspension effectively has 2 phases of travel. In the first phase of its travel the Jam2’s suspension responds sensitively to even the smallest obstacles. In the second phase of its travel the suspension curve is more progressive to cope with stronger impacts. The air shocks spec’d on the Jam2 7-Series have been specifically tuned to get the best out of the F.O.L.D. suspension kinematic. This suspension configuration suits all skill-levels, with more experienced riders enjoying the active feel of the bike while less experienced riders will benefit from the feeling of greater control.

The F.O.L.D. suspension kinematic is already well-proven on other full-suspension bikes in the Focus range.

 

STRENGTH & DURABILITY

Strength and durability are key considerations when designing and constructing E-MTBs, it’s a constant battle between balancing overall weight with the capacity to withstand the extra forces incurred from both the bike’s motor and the type of riding that this sort of E-MTB encourages you to do. All Jam2 7-Series bikes have been approved for a system weight of 150kg without any compromises to strength and durability. When it comes to component choices and factoring the extra demands of E-MTBing Focus don’t shy away from undertaking rigorous testing before the final spec is agreed; wheelsets, forks and seatposts undergo extreme stress test to meet that 150kg approval. Improvements over previous incarnations of their E-MTBs include suspension forks with bigger stanchions and reinforces spokes, nipples and cassette bodies on their wheelsets. With strength and durability at the core of their design brief Focus have paid special attention to the bearings used in the suspension linkage; with the high loads that they have to withstand and the unpredictable elements that the Jam2 will encounter they’ve spec’d double-sealed bearings that can stand up to mud, dirt and water ingress with no problems.

Focus recognise the extra demands put onto an E-MTB and its components and ensure they spec suitably durable parts.

 

GEOMETRY

The Focus Jam2 7-Series E-MTB boasts the kind of trail-focused geometry that we have all quickly grown to expect on aggressive 150mm-travel bikes like this. We’re also seeing an increasing trend in bikes like this featuring more adjustability allowing you to fine tune the bike’s geometry to suit you, your style of riding and the type of terrain you commonly ride. The Jam2 features a ‘FLIP CHIP’ which is quick and easy to adjust and provides you with two geometry options; in ‘HIGH’ your Jam2 will feel more nimble and playful making it ideal for tight singletrack trails, in ‘LOW’ position your Jam2 will feel more stable and will handle fast, rough trails better.

Geometry Options:

Nimble Ride (HIGH Flip Chip setting)
65,5° Head Tube Angle
76,5° Seat Tube Angle
446,5mm Chainstay
19,5mm BB Drop

Stable Ride (LOW Flip Chip setting)
65° Head Tube Angle
76° Seat Tube Angle
448mm Chainstay
20mm BB Drop

The Jam2’s FLIP CHIP is quick and easy to adjust and allows you to fine-tune how the bike rides.

 

Geometry changes place the rider in a more centred position for improved downhill and uphill performance.

 

Living up to the cliché of German brands always striving for engineering excellence the Jam2 features a number of nice little design details worth noting…

• Water Bottle Up To 750ML: From size medium upwards all Jam2 7-Series E-MTBS can accommodate a large 750ml water bottle
• Frame Protection Kit: All Focus bikes come with a frame protection kit to help prevent damage from flying rocks
• UDH Rear Derailleur Hanger: The Jam2 features a universal derailleur hanger (UDH) which means that you’ll be able to get a replacement one quickly and easily should you snap one
• Fork Bumper: Focus have spec’d a fork bumper on the downtube of the Jam2 to prevent any potential damage from the handlebars of the bike making contact with the top tube in the event of a crash
• Silent Chainstay Protector: A specially designed chainstay protector has been engineered to help minimise any noise caused by the chain hitting the chainstay on rough terrain (a rarity with clutch-mech derailleurs these days anyway)

 

JAM2 7-SERIES MODELS

Focus Jam2 7.0 RRP £7,499.00

 

Focus Jam2 7.9 RRP £5,999.00

 

Focus Jam2 7.8 RRP £5,099.00

 

Wheelbase is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the all-new Focus Jam2 7-Series E-MTB bikes and expect to receive stock too; watch this space!…

 

Written by Johnny Dodgin

 

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