Review

E-Mountainbike Grouptest: Focus Thron Impulse Premium Review

05.09.2014
by

With the Thron Impulse Premium, the German brand Focus has brought a well-conceived, full-suspension e-mountainbike to the market. Featuring many detailed solutions and exclusive technology, the creation of the Cloppenburg bike specialists will set you back 3,799 €.

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First impressions

In contrast to most manufacturers, the Focus uses its own in-house-developed motor, namely the Impulse-II Sport motor with 250 W performance. Unlike the Bosch systems, the Focus motor has an integrated Shift-Sensor. This interrupts the power delivery when you shift gears, lowering the pressure on the chain and increasing the lifespan of the other drivetrain components.

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The Focus costs 3.999 EUR.


Specification

The Thron Impulse Premium has 120 mm of suspension travel, rolls on 27,5“ wheels, and has a well-chosen component mix made up of Shimano SLX gears and Magura MT2 brakes. These are complemented by top quality Fox suspension parts, which have three compression damping settings (Climb, Trail, Descend) to optimize the bike for changing terrain. The clean cable routing and sleek handlebar remote for the motor with three modes (Eco, Sport, Power) are very well executed. In contrast to Bosch systems, the handlebar control unit is much better protected against crash damage thanks to its position close to the bars.

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Handling

Taking a seat on the THRON Impulse Premium we feel relaxed straight away. For a medium frame the 605 mm top tube is relatively long, so Focus compensates for this with a short stem — just how we like it! Shifting on steep climbs takes a while to get used to, as for a short time the Shift-Sensor interrupts power delivery and you can lose some momentum. Overall, the power delivery is quite different from Bosch-equipped bikes; the electric assist feels more sensitive with finer variations. As a result, you need to have a smooth pedalling style to get the right level of power. Riding downhill there are no surprises, as the suspension and chassis shine with great balance. The rear end is linear, plush, uses its full travel, and feels like much more than the quoted 120mm. The solid Fox 32 Float CTD fork is a great match — it steers precisely and sits up high in its travel.

The 450 mm chainstays, comparatively short for an e-mountainbike, combined with a 68.5° head angle, create a playful machine which can be precisely navigated through tight sections and willingly changes lines. The Schwalbe Nobby Nic tires and wide handlebar increase confidence.

Love for details. The whole bike is packed with numerous details -- for example, the internally routed cables, which are led from the head tube to their final destinations.
Love for details. The whole bike is packed with numerous details — for example, the internally routed cables, which are led from the head tube to their final destinations.
Up and down. Kudos to Focus for fitting an adjustable seatpost -- unfortunately one without a remote lever to operate it from the handlebars. This would guarantee even more fun when riding.
Up and down. Kudos to Focus for fitting an adjustable seatpost — unfortunately one without a remote lever to operate it from the handlebars. This would guarantee even more fun when riding.
Crash proof. The bar controls to vary the riding levels and display important information are positioned very close to the grips and are thus less exposed to crash damage than with other manufacturers.
Crash proof. The bar controls to vary the riding levels and display important information are positioned very close to the grips and are thus less exposed to crash damage than with other manufacturers.
Learning curve. The testers needed a short learning period to get used to the integrated Shift-Sensor fitted to the Impulse-II motor. It regulates power delivery whilst shifting on steep climbs.
Learning curve. The testers needed a short learning period to get used to the integrated Shift-Sensor fitted to the Impulse-II motor. It regulates power
delivery whilst shifting on steep climbs.

Conclusion: the Focus Thron Impulse Premium won us over completely; it boasts great handling, well-chosen components, and excellent suspension. The Impulse-II motor does take a while to get used to, but functions brilliantly and thanks to the unique Shift-Sensor helps protect drivetrain components.

Go back to the article: E-Mountainbike Grouptest: Ten E-Mountainbikes

You can read an in-depth feature about the E-Mountainbike test and our conclusions in the E-Mountainbike issue #001! It’s free & only digital for iPad, Online-Viewer, as well as soon on Android: Issue #001.

Text & Photos Christoph Bayer

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