Focus JAM² 9.8 DRIFTER Review

The FOCUS JAM² 9.8 DRIFTER attracted all the attention in this group test. With its slim silhouette, a striking carbon frame and slick paint job, its looks immediately convinced our test team. But like a supermodel on a strict diet, the beauty of the Jam² is only achieved with some compromise – does the concept work?

For more information on the group test head to: The best eMTB you can buy

The FOCUS JAM² caused a sensation with its launch in 2016 and has been revised several times since. In this latest evolutionary stage, the bike now features a beautiful carbon fibre front triangle with 150 mm of travel and mixed wheel sizes. Focus’ Tailored Energy Concept (TEC) has remained the same – the bike features a permanently integrated 378 Wh battery, which, if necessary, can be extended by an external battery with the same capacity. This brings the total battery capacity up to 760 Wh for long rides. However, the additional battery will cost you an extra € 500.

The modular battery system won’t suit everyone. The JAM² is perfect for quick rides, but longer journeys are a compromise.

This € 7,499 bike does not make for an affordable pastime, but you do get a lot of bang for your buck. The suspension consists of a DT Swiss Hybrid F 535 fork and a hybrid F 535 shock. Shifting and braking is taken care of by high quality and reliable Shimano XT components. The positive overall impression is only clouded by the shallow profile of the MAXXIS Ardent and Rekon tires.

FOCUS JAM² 9.8 DRIFTER in Detail

Fork DT Swiss F535 One 150 mm
Rear shock DT Swiss Hybrid R535 One 150 mm
Motor/Battery Shimano Steps E8000/T.E.C-Pack 378 Wh + 378 Wh
Drivetrain Shimano XT Di2 11-speed
Brakes Shimano XT 4 piston 200/200 mm
Seat post FOX Transfer Performance 150 mm
Stem BBB Aluminium 55 mm
Handlebar BBB Aluminium 780 mm
Wheels DT Swiss HX 1501 Spline
Tires Maxxis Ardent 29×2.4″ / Rekon+ 27.5×2.8″

Geometry of the FOCUS JAM² 9.8 DRIFTER

FOCUS JAM² 9.8 DRIFTER in Review

Everything feels very familiar aboard the FOCUS JAM² 9.8 DRIFTER. The seating position is upright and comfortable, and all the controls are within easy reach. The Shimano STEPS E8000 motor is predictably well-mannered and is very easy to modulate in Trail mode. Compared to the JAM² models that we’ve tested in the past, this model with its DT Swiss shock sits higher in its travel and doesn’t wallow on steep climbs. As a result, the bike climbs very willingly. Overall, the rear end is a little too harsh for our liking though. Unfortunately, the shallow tread pattern on the tires limits the JAM² on the climbs and descents in demanding terrain.

Weighing in at 20.52 kg, it’s the lightest eMTB in the test field (excluding Lapierre) and you can feel it – but it is also the bike with the least battery capacity. Without the T.E.C. pack, the JAM² rides very directly, is super agile and requires little input from the rider when changing direction. The weight distribution is nicely balanced between the front and back wheels, making for very good-natured handling. The bike transforms every trail into a massive playground, always motivating the rider to play with the terrain. But when things get faster and steeper, the Focus lacks stability and composure. If you add the T.E.C. pack, you’ll gain range, but due to the additional 2.3 kg weight and its high positioning, you’ll have to accept noticeable compromises in handling.

Conclusion

The FOCUS JAM² 9.8 DRIFTER is one of the prettiest and lightest eMTBs on the market. Without the T.E.C. pack, it convinced our testers with very agile and lively handling, but at the cost of range. You can double the battery capacity, but then the handling suffers noticeably.

Tops

• low weight makes for a very lively bike
• beautiful design
• easy and intuitive handling
• long range with the T.E.C. pack installed

Flops

• tires lack grip and puncture protection
• nervous at speed
• suspension somewhat harsh overall
• front-heavy weight distribution with the T.E.C. pack

For more information head to: focus-bikes.com

For more information on the group test head to: The best eMTB you can buy

All Bikes in Test

Canyon Spectral:ON 9.0 | Focus JAM² 9.8 DRIFTER | GHOST HYBRIDE SL AMR X S 7.7+ LC | Giant Trance E+ 0 Pro | Haibike XDURO AllMtn 8.0 FLYON | Husqvarna HC 9.0 | Intense Tazer | Lapierre eZesty AM LTD Ultimate | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 900E | Mondraker Level RR | Scott Genius eRIDE 900 TUNED | Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo FSR | Thömus Lightrider E1 | Trek Powerfly LT 9.9

This article is from E-MOUNTAINBIKE issue #016

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Words: Photos: Trev Worsey