FOCUS JAM2 C PLUS PRO review

If you thought the previous FOCUS JAM2 was beautiful, you will love the new the version! With improved componentry and a carbon frame, the FOCUS JAM2 C definitely looks stunning, but will it make a noticeable difference on the trail?

After FOCUS presented us with the new SAM2, filling the gap in an ever-growing long-travel E-MTB market, the next logical step was for them to update and improve the JAM2. But update doesn’t mean overhaul: the only thing really new on the FOCUS JAM2 C is that the frame is now made of carbon. At first glance, it looks just like the aluminium version, but closer inspection reveals improvements in the details. The more seamlessly integrated air intakes alone make a big difference. The new FOCUS JAM2 C will seem very familiar to those who already know the aluminium model. Only posher.

Like the PLUS PRO alloy version, the JAM2 C PLUS PRO has 140 mm of travel. Depending on the spec, there is an option of different wheel and tire sizes. A Shimano STEPS E8000 motor provides 70 Nm and 250 W of power output. Keeping the frame of the JAM2 slim is a fully integrated battery, merely offering 378 Wh of electricity. If you need more range, you will have to make use of the TEC pack upgrade, which increases the battery power to a total of 756 Wh. All models except the JAM2 C Plus are equipped with the Shimano XT Di2, which integrates perfectly with the display – so you’ll always know exactly which gear you’re in.

The componentry of the FOCUS JAM2 C PLUS PRO

The 140 mm suspension of the FOCUS JAM2 C Plus Pro consists of the brand new RockShock Revelation RL fork, which, for 2018, is made in the same cast as the PIKE and now comes with 35 mm stanchions. Inside the Revelation, however, is the simpler Motion Control damper, thus offering a lighter alternative to the YARI while more affordable than the PIKE. Stopping is taken care of by Shimano XT M8000 brakes with 200 mm rotors in front and 180 mm rotors at the back. The 40 mm inner width of the Race Face Aeffect rims provide enough room for plus tires. Before buying, you should think about the kind of terrain you’ll be riding on most often, since the MAXXIS REKON + reveal their full potential only on dry trails, as soon as it gets soggy and wet they float across the surface without grip.

Fork RockShox Revelation RL 140 mm
Rear shock RockShox Deluxe RT 140 mm
Motor Shimano STEPS E8000
Battery FOCUS T.E.C., max. 756 Wh (378 Wh integriert, 378 Wh optional)
Brakes Shimano XT
Drivetrain Shimano XT Di2
Seatpost RockShox Reverb Stealth
Stem BBB 55 mm
Handlebar BBB 760 mm
Tires MAXXIS Rekon+ 2.8″
Wheels Race Face Aeffect+

The geometry of the FOCUS JAM2 C

As first glances might suggest, the geometry of the carbon JAM2 hasn’t changed from the aluminium version. So the FOCUS JAM2 C comes with a slack 66.5 ° head angle and a moderate seat tube angle of 74.5 °. The wheelbase of 1202 mm on a medium frame in combination with 457 mm chainstays and a reach of 430 mm give the JAM2 a very balanced geometry. The low stack of 618 mm gives it an aggressive touch.

FOCUS JAM2 C 27.5″+

Size	S	M	L
Seat tube	410 mm	440 mm	470 mm
Top tube	582 mm	602 mm	622 mm
Head tube	120 mm	120 mm	140 mm
Head angle	66.5°	66.5°	66.5°
Seat angle	74.5°	74.5°	74.5°
Chainstay	457 mm	457 mm	457 mm
BB Drop	20 mm	20 mm	20 mm
Wheelbase	1,182 mm	1,202 mm	1,215 mm
Reach	410 mm	430 mm	445 mm
Stack	618 mm	618 mm	636 mm

FOCUS JAM2 C 29″

Size	S	M	L
Seat tube	410 mm	440 mm	470 mm
Top tube	582 mm	602 mm	622 mm
Head tube	120 mm	120 mm	120 mm
Head angle	66.5°	66.5°	66.5°
Seat angle	74.5°	74.5°	74.5°
Chainstay	470 mm	470 mm	470 mm
BB Drop	20 mm	20 mm	20 mm
Wheelbase	1,195 mm	1,215 mm	1,230 mm
Reach	410 mm	430 mm	445 mm
Stack	618 mm	618 mm	636 mm

The ride of the FOCUS JAM2 C Plus Pro

On level ground and climbs, the JAM2 C Plus Pro is very comfortable, thanks to the steep seat tube angle (74.5 °). As soon as the climbing gets steep and technical, the FOCUS scores with its long chainstays (457 mm) and its low stack (618 mm in M). On the FOCUS JAM2 C, you never have to worry about the front wheel lifting and losing grip. The shape of the handlebar takes some getting used to and could become a problem on longer rides; our wrists started hurting even after short rides.

Going downhill the FOCUS is tons of fun. Cornering is direct and precise, needing no encouragement. Due to the long wheelbase (1,202 mm in M) and the long chainstays, the bike is calm and composed even on fast, rough trails, but with the moderate head angle (66.5 °), short reach (430 mm) and low weight it manages to retain its agility also. Going through turns, you’re positioned centrally on the bike with enough weight on the front wheel to have all the grip you need in every kind of situation. On the downside though, as soon as you start pushing the bike through corners a little harder, the plus tires will rub on the seat stays of the aluminium rear triangle. The T.E.C-Pack battery extender also has a negative impact on downhill performance; the range is doubled, but the agility suffers under the added weight.