The FOCUS JAM² is an old acquaintance, previously able to convince us in several reviews with its playful and direct handling. We were given the exclusive opportunity to review the JAM² 6.8 NINE featuring the brand new Bosch Performance Line CX before its official launch.

The Focus Jam now comes with the new bosch motor 2020
FOCUS JAM² 6.8 NINE | Bosch Performance Line CX 2020/625 Wh | 150/150 mm (f/r) | 23.13 kg | € 4,799

The JAM² is FOCUS’s all-round eMTB. Up until now the JAM² came equipped with a Shimano STEPS E8000 motor and an integrated 376 Wh battery. If you wanted, you could fit an additional external battery using the TEC battery system to double the capacity. The model range itself was huge, offering numerous build specs and wheel options, as well as a carbon or aluminium frame. The FOCUS JAM² 6.8 NINE reviewed here is not intended to replace the existing Shimano STEPS E8000 equipped models. Instead it supplements the range with the brand-new Bosch Performance Line CX 2020 motor. FOCUS is one of the first brands to feature the new motor. The JAM² is powered by a 625 Wh battery, which is integrated into the down tube. However, the visual integration with the asymmetrically shaped Bosch motor isn’t quite as successful. Beautifying the transition between down tube and the new Bosch Performance CX 2020 is a problem that all bike brands will encounter if they opt not to use a cover.

The FOCUS JAM² 6.8 NINE in detail

With 150 mm travel and 29″ wheels, the € 4,799 JAM² 6.8 NINE promises to become the new “people’s eMTB” of the Cloppenburg based brand. The geometry of the new frame has been tweaked, though the fully built bike now weighs a little more at 23.13 kg (500 Wh), primarily because of the larger battery. The Purion display on our test bike isn’t quite stock. The production models will feature the Kiox colour display which gets attached to the stem magnetically and can also be connected to your smartphone via the new Bosch eConnect app. The app functions are still very basic at this stage but we expect to see more features being made available in the future.

Fork FOX 34 Rhythm 150 mm
Schock FOX FLOAT DPS Performance 150 mm
Motor/Battery Bosch Performance Line CX 2020 625 Wh
Drivetrain Shimano XT 12-speed
Brakes Shimano BR-MT520 4-piston 200/200 mm
Seatpost Kind Shock E30i 150 mm
Stem BBB Jumper 60 mm
Handlebar BBB Ascension 780 mm
Wheelset Race Face AR 30/Novatec Hubs 29″
Tires MAXXIS Rekon Dual Exo 2.6″
Weight 23.13 kg (500 Wh-battery)
Price € 4,799

For the most part, the componentry of the FOCUS JAM² 6.8 NINE is very practical and well specced. The Shimano 4 pot brakes do without the expensive XT or XTR abbreviation although they still provide enough braking power and reliability thanks to the 200 mm rotors. The FOX suspension doesn’t seem undersized either, despite the “skinnier” 34 forks. The 75 Nm torque of the Bosch motor will be transferred to the rear wheel via Shimano’s new XT 12-speed drivetrain on the production model. Our test bike didn’t have it fitted yet. However, our first review of the 12-speed XT groupset made a very good impression, especially with its smooth shifting while under full load. One point of criticism for the JAM² is its tires. The tan wall MAXXIS Rekons do look excellent on the FOCUS, matching the frame’s matte blue finish very well, but the shallow tread profile quickly reaches its limits as soon as you are out in bad weather or on loose ground.

Pit stop
The charging port is integrated into the top tube, well away from dirt and water and within easy reach.
Blockage
The rubber bumper on the downtube protects the fork and frame in case of a crash. An internal blocker in the headset would have been the better solution.
Spoilt for choice
Our test bike came with big 29″ wheels front and back. Thanks to the flip-chip and lots of tire clearance, you can choose between 27″, 27.5+ and 29″ wheels.
The sensitive bodybuilder
The new Bosch motor: super powerful with an extremely natural ride feel and easy modulation in eMTB mode. We were convinced by its performance in Turbo mode too!
the new bosch motor 2020 comes with a new 625 Wh battery
Get it out
In contrast to the Shimano powered FOCUS JAM², the 625 Wh Bosch battery can be removed quickly and easily.
Noise pollution
The freewheel of the chainring inside the new Bosch motor clatters constantly as the rear suspension compresses and rebounds. The elaborate and beautifully shaped chainstay protector doesn’t help
Pretty, but useless…
… offering little braking and steering traction or puncture protection.

Geometry of the FOCUS JAM²

Size S M L XL
Seat tube 400 mm 420 mm 440 mm 490 mm
Top tube 565 mm 592 mm 622 mm 652 mm
Head tube 110 mm 115 mm 130 mm 150 mm
Head angle 65.5° 65.5° 65.5° 65.5°
Seat angle 75° 75° 75° 75°
Chainstay 447 mm 447 mm 447 mm 447 mm
BB Drop 19.5 mm 19.5 mm 19.5 mm 19.5 mm
Wheelbase 1.183 mm 1.210 mm 1.241 mm 1.274 mm
Reach 412 mm 437 mm 462 mm 487 mm
Stack 607 mm 612 mm 625 mm 643 mm

The FOCUS JAM² 6.8 NINE in test

We had the opportunity to test a number of new FOCUS bikes before their official launch which also let us pile up a load of kilometres aboard the Jam² and the new Bosch 2020 motor. Not only did we ride the FOCUS JAM² on our flowy home trails scattered with jumps, rollers and berms, but we also took it to the techy and steep trails of the Black Forest.

The eMTB mode of the new Bosch motor suits the trail bike character of the JAM² very well

The riding position on the FOCUS JAM² is super comfortable – perfect for all-day rides. On technically demanding climbs the new 2020 Bosch Performance CX motor shines with its newly-tuned eMTB mode. In this dynamic mode, the motor responds very sensitively to pedal input and adjusts the assistance between 140 and 340 per cent. Changing the support levels on the trail has been made absolutely superfluous thanks to the new eMTB mode almost always offering the right balance between power and control. Turbo mode has also been updated, making it more controllable and sensitive. On very steep and technical climbs you have to actively weight the front of the bike to keep the front wheel on the ground, but the JAM² masters less demanding climbs playfully, not least because of the excellent performance of the motor!

Trail fun par excellence: The JAM² is super playful and agile.

You immediately feel comfortable on the JAM² on the downhills too. The short seat tube and the spacious front end give you plenty of room to throw your weight around. The relatively long head tube is advantageous here too. The tall front end positions you centrally on the bike, instilling you with confidence while riding steep terrain. The only let down here is the shallow tread profile of the MAXXIS tires. We would have preferred a tire with more braking and cornering traction, especially at the front. The stubby chainstays give the JAM² its playful character. Flicking it into corners, quickly changing direction and messing around on the rear wheel is easy and intuitive – and comes with a grin included. FOCUS’ proprietary F.O.L.D. rear linkage soaks up roots and rocks with ease. However, it lacks the necessary support to handle heavy landings and larger hits or to generate speed while pumping it through rollers.

Conclusion

FOCUS have done a great job expanding their portfolio with the JAM² 6.8 NINE, now offering a strong and affordable option for those who want more than 376 Wh battery capacity. The new 2020 Bosch Performance CX offers benchmark performance, although it is quite loud. Now you can enjoy long rides without having to carry an additional battery. Combined with its agile climbing and descending capabilities, the new FOCUS JAM² 6.8 NINE is a true people’s eMTB for those who ride to have fun.

Tops

  • super-agile handling
  • good motor
  • stylish look

Flops

  • noisy on the downhills (Bosch motor freewheel)
  • tires
  • little support in the rear

You can find more information to all FOCUS JAM²-models in our overview.

More info at: focus-bikes.com


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Words: Photos: Valentin Rühl