Rolling into the new season with a new Bosch Performance Line CX motor, modular battery system and 160/150 mm of travel (f/r), the new FOCUS JAM² aims to improve in many areas. But how does the new FOCUS JAM² fare on the trail with its aluminum frame and very alluring €7,999 price tag?
THRON², VAM², JAM², SAM² – although these names might sound like they’re straight out of the Disney’s Duck family, they’re actually bikes from FOCUS’s well-thought-out e-mountainbike lineup. Positioned as a versatile all-rounder, the JAM² sits between the touring-focused THRON² and the downhill-oriented SAM², and is meant to combine the best of both worlds. The new FOCUS JAM² comes equipped with the 5th generation Bosch Performance Line CX motor. It is powered by either a 600 Wh or 800 Wh battery, depending on the rider’s choice. Like its predecessor, the latest iteration of the JAM² still relies on 29” wheels and 160/150 mm of travel (f/r). However, with its aluminium frame, the JAM² isn’t the lightest bike out there –according to the manufacturer, it weighs in at a hefty 24.3 kg in size L including the 600 Wh battery. In the spec variant we tested, the new JAM² retails at a very reasonable € 7,999.
What makes the FOCUS JAM² 6.0 so special?
The new FOCUS JAM² 6.0 stands out immediately with its fresh, new design. The smoothed welds on the head tube and the sharp, angular lines define the bike’s appearance, ensuring a particularly clean look. The beefy bottom bracket area of the previous model is now a thing of the past. Instead, the new Bosch Performance Line CX motor is now integrated seamlessly into the frame. The welds are now visible just on the swingarm and around the bottom bracket, but in combination with the Nepal Silver/Steel Grey paint job, they complement the bike’s rugged aesthetic.
On paper, the 5th generation Bosch Performance Line CX motor is similar to its predecessor, delivering 85 Nm of torque and a 600 watt peak power. However, there’s plenty of new life under the hood, and both the new features and motor upgrades are clearly noticeable on the trail. You can find all the details and full updates in our comprehensive motor test.
The battery system was designed for maximum flexibility, and the new JAM² 6.0 can be configured with either a 600 Wh or a bigger 800 Wh Bosch PowerTube. If you switch between the two, however, you’ll need to change the battery cover on the downtube too. Additionally, both versions can be paired with the 250 Wh Bosch PowerMore Range Extender. This allows for several capacity options: 600 Wh, 800 Wh, 850 Wh (600 Wh + Range Extender), and an impressive 1,050 Wh (800 Wh + Range Extender). The Bosch Smart System ensures that both the main battery and the Range Extender discharge simultaneously, optimizing usage and extending both batteries’ service life. The battery is secured to the frame with a key lock and can be removed from the downtube for external charging. Alternatively, it can be charged directly on the bike using the charging port near the seat tube. A clever addition is the small tracking device holder under the battery, which allows you to secure an AirTag or Chipolo – smart! For extra security, you can activate the eBike Lock feature via the eBike Flow app. The motor system is paired with a rather bulky Bosch LED Remote on the handlebars, which displays the battery charge status and current support mode. A combination of a Bosch System Controller in the top tube and Bosch Mini Remote would ensure a cleaner cockpit. All Focus JAM² models come standard with a Bosch Kiox 300 display, which is tucked away discreetly behind the one-piece cockpit and provides all basic navigation functions.
The one-piece carbon cockpit of the flagship model underlines the bike’s sleek look, though it only offers limited adjustment options. All other models in the JAM² range rely on a standard handlebar/stem combination, which enables more cockpit adjustments. The one-piece cockpit also houses the remote of the 180 mm OneUp V3 dropper post (size L). Rockshox supply the suspension of the FOCUS JAM² 6.0, which consists of a Lyrik Ultimate Charger 3.1 fork and a Super Deluxe Select+ shock, both of which deliver a solid performance on the trail.
The new FOCUS JAM² 6.0 rolls on a robust 29″ DT Swiss HX 1700 alloy wheelset, which was developed by FOCUS in close collaboration with DT Swiss specifically for the JAM². The rim magnet is now integrated into the rear rim bed rather than being attached to the valve. Not only does this ensure a cleaner look but is also intended to improve signal transmission to the motor’s speed sensor by positioning the magnet closer to the drive. According to the manufacturer, compatibility with tubeless, inner tubes, or tire inserts remains unaffected. The rims are paired with new Schwalbe Albert tires, with a Super Trail casing and soft ADDIX Ultra Soft compound at the front and with the harder ADDIX Soft compound at the rear. Heavier riders should consider upgrading the rear tire to the more robust Super Gravity casing for additional puncture protection. The radial construction of the Schwalbe Albert isn’t a new casing type but an optimised design that offers a larger contact patch and therefore better grip. You can find all the details in our full review.
SRAM supply the rest of the components. Shifting is taken care of by a SRAM GX AXS Eagle Transmission drivetrain, which draws its power directly from the bike’s main battery and doesn’t require additional charging. SRAM Code SLV four-piston brakes with 200 mm rotors front and rear do stopping duties.
FOCUS JAM² 6.0
€ 7,999
Specifications
Motor Bosch Performance Line CX Smart System 85 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 600 Wh
Display Bosch Kiox 300
Fork RockShox Lyrik Ultimate 160 mm
Rear Shock RockShox Super Deluxe Select+ 150 mm
Seatpost OneUp V3 180 mm
Brakes SRAM CODE SVL 200/200 mm
Drivetrain SRAM GX AXS Eagle Transmission 1x12
Stem FOCUS One Piece SL Cockpit 50 mm
Handlebar 800 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss HX 1700 29"
Tires Schwalbe Albert, Super Trail, ADDIX Ultra Soft/ Schwalbe Albert, Super Trail, ADDIX Soft 2.6"
Technical Data
Size S M L XL
Weight 24.3 kg
Perm. total weight 150 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 125 kg
Trailer approval ja
Kickstand mount ja
Specific Features
Range Extender
Frame Bag
AirTag Mount
The geometry of the FOCUS JAM²
The new FOCUS JAM² is available in four sizes,S toXL. The chainstay length is consistent across the board at 450 mm. Compared to its predecessor, the latest iteration of the JAM² has a significantly longer head tube (130 mm), which also raises the stack height considerably. If you prefer to have more pressure on the front wheel, we recommend lowering the cockpit by removing (a) spacer.
Size | S | M | L | XL |
---|---|---|---|---|
Top tube | 576 mm | 608 mm | 636 mm | 668 mm |
Seat tube | 390 mm | 420 mm | 440 mm | 460 mm |
Head tube | 110 mm | 120 mm | 130 mm | 140 mm |
Head angle | 65° | 65° | 65° | 65° |
Seat angle | 76.5° | 76.5° | 76.5° | 76.5° |
Chainstay | 450 mm | 450 mm | 450 mm | 450 mm |
BB Drop | 25 mm | 25 mm | 25 mm | 25 mm |
Wheelbase | 1,205 mm | 1,239 mm | 1,268 mm | 1,303 mm |
Reach | 425 mm | 455 mm | 480 mm | 510 mm |
Stack | 630 mm | 639 mm | 648 mm | 657 mm |
All spec variants of the FOCUS JAM² at a glance.
The FOCUS JAM² is available in four spec variants,, 6.0, 6.9, 6.8, and 6.7, all of which rely exclusively on an aluminium frame. We tested the 6.0 flagship model.
The JAM² 6.9 retails between €6,599 (600 Wh) and € 6,999 (800 Wh) and comes equipped with a high-quality FOX Performance suspension. The FOX 36 Performance Elite fork features the latest GRIPX2 damper – top notch! Shifting is taken care of by a cable-operated Shimano Deore XT drivetrain, while powerful TRP Evo Pro brakes do stopping duties. You can choose between the Steelgrey/Emeraldgreen and Slategrey/Magic Black paint finishes.
Prices for the JAM² 6.8 start at €5,999 (600 Wh), while the version with a bigger 800 Wh battery costs € 6,399. However, this version will be released later with a new electronic drivetrain. Exciting!
The entry-level JAM² 6.7 is priced at €4,999 (600 Wh) and € 5,399 (800 Wh). It comes equipped with a RockShox Psylo Silver RC fork and RockShox Deluxe Select shock. For this variant, FOCUS rely on a Shimano Cues 10-speed drivetrain and Tektro Gemini SL brakes. For tires, the German manufacturer uses MAXXIS Minion DHF tires front and rear. The White/Adamant Silver paint finish is a real head turner on the trail, while the Stategrey/Magic Black option is slightly more understated.
The new FOCUS JAM² on the trail
For this first ride review, FOCUS invited us to Munster in France. This gave us the chance to test the new JAM² exclusively with the FOCUS team and rack up countless trail kilometres. The terrain offered everything an eMTB enthusiast could wish for: long climbs, technical descents, and, most importantly, loam as far as the eye can see. It was going to be a blast!
As soon as you swing your leg over the saddle, the FOCUS JAM² impresses with a high level of comfort. The upright pedalling position relieves pressure from your hands, especially on longer tours and fire roads. The plush suspension effortlessly smooths out small bumps, allowing you to cover long distances in great comfort. When making your way to the trailhead on tarmac, you can lock out the shock for a more efficient pedalling performance.
When challenging your riding buddies on a steep climb, the sensitive rear suspension generates plenty of traction together with the 2.6″ Schwalbe Albert Trail tires in the soft rubber compound and radial casing, which improves the grip as it allows for a bigger contact surface. The Bosch Performance Line CX packs a punch, pushing you uphill in eMTB or Turbo mode with its 600 watts peak power. Thanks to the Extended Boost in eMTB mode, you can fine-tune the support: light pedalling results in gentle assistance, while stronger pressure on the pedals gives you a powerful boost. The SRAM GX AXS Eagle Transmission ensures smooth gear shifts, even under load. All of this makes the FOCUS JAM² a capable climber and, with additional features like the small frame bag on the downtube, trailer approval, and the option to mount a kickstand via adapter, it’s also well-suited for longer tours.
When you drop into a trail, one of the first things you’ll notice is the bike’s low centre of gravity, which, combined with the high front end, inspires huge amounts of confidence. Handling is intuitive, making even less experienced riders feel at ease from the get go. Despite its relatively heavy system weight, the low centre of gravity makes the JAM² agile enough for tight corners. However, pedal strikes can be an issue on more technically demanding sections.
When the trail gets rougher, the FOCUS JAM² shines with its smooth ride, even with bigger rocks and nasty root carpets. The suspension provides solid support, allowing you to clear roots and edges easily. However, the FOCUS is less suitable for quick manoeuvres and jumps. Its weight makes it feel a bit sluggish in the air, focusing more on ground control and stability. One standout feature is the noise level– or rather, the lack of it. The bike stays extremely quiet even in rough sections, with the only sound being the tires rolling. This encourages you to leave the brakes open for a little longer and to bomb down the trail at mach-10.
Who should take a closer look at the FOCUS JAM² 6.0?
The FOCUS JAM² appeals to a wide range of riders, from beginners looking for a comfortable, composed eMTB, to seasoned trail veterans who tackle technical trails and want an agile bike that complements an active riding style. Thanks to its modular battery system, the FOCUS JAM² is well-suited for both touring riders and trail enthusiasts, and can be easily adapted to meet individual needs – pretty cool! However, if you take on extreme descents on a regular basis or embark on freeride expeditions, you should consider taking a closer look at the downhill-oriented FOCUS SAM², which is better equipped for more demanding terrain.
Tuning-Tipp: Heavier riders might benefit from upgrading to a thicker rear tire casing for increased puncture protection.
Our conclusions about the FOCUS JAM² 6.0
With the new JAM², FOCUS deliver a reliable all-rounder that excels both as a comfortable touring bike and a performance-oriented eMTB. On the trail, it strikes an impressive balance between composure and agility and impresses above all with intuitive, predictable handling. The modular battery system also makes it a versatile companion for a broad range of riders. All in all, FOCUS offers a solid eMTB at an affordable price.
Tops
- great allrounder, suitable for different riding styles
- Appropriate price considering the bike's top quality and top-tier spec
- flexible battery system
Flops
- rear tire prone to punctures
For more information, check out focus-bikes.com
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Words: Benedikt Schmidt Photos: Benedikt Schmidt