The FOCUS JAM² 6.9 – In our huge “Best e-mountainbike of 2023” group test

For 2023, FOCUS redesigned their eMTB allrounder from the ground up. The brand-new FOCUS JAM² 6.9 comes equipped with a new Bosch Smart System motor, big 750 Wh battery and new suspension kinematics – all of this for a very tempting € 7,399. Does this make it one of the hot candidates in our huge 2023 eMTB group test?

**FOCUS** JAM² 6.9 | Bosch Performance Line CX/750 Wh | 160/150 mm (f/r)
26 kg in size L | € 7,399 | Manufacturer’s website

The JAM² is the sporty do-it-all eMTB in FOCUS’ portfolio. In our 2023 eMTB group test, it enters the race alongside its Light e-MTB sibling, the JAM² SL, and its bigger, more downhill-oriented brother, the SAM², thus positioning right between them in FOCUS’ eMTB portfolio. The updated 2023 JAM² features a new Bosch Smart System motor with matching 750 Wh battery and revised F.O.L.D. suspension, generating 150 mm of travel paired with a 160 mm fork. The 6.9 spec variant we tested is the flagship model in the Bosch-powered JAM² alloy range, which is supposed to offer a top-tier spec at a very reasonable price. Retailing at € 7,399, it narrowly misses the third step on the podium for the cheapest bike in test by just € 150. At 26 kg, it’s also the second heaviest eMTB in the entire test field, together with the Cannondale Moterra LT – only the SAM² is heavier. Is FOCUS’ middle child also the best all-rounder in the German manufacturer’s portfolio?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2023 – 30 models in review

That’s my Jam – What sets the new FOCUS JAM² 6.9 apart from the competition?

Supposedly, the A in JAM stands for all-rounder, while the M is for modern. And yes, the design language of the new JAM² is clearly more modern. Moreover, for the 2023 season, the German manufacturer freshened up the look with a new, two-tone paint finish. Together with Moustache and MERIDA, FOCUS are one of only three manufacturers to enter our 2023 eMTB group test with an alloy bike – and are also the one with the roughest weld seams! The Bosch Smart System motor is tilted upwards, making for a rather bulky bottom bracket area.

Pure performance: The top-tier FOX 36 Factory fork features the superior GRIP2 damper, which allows for countless adjustment options.

Handbag or man bag? The other FOCUS competitors in this group test can only dream of this practical accessory. The frame bag has enough room to accommodate a spare inner tube and a self-assembled tool set.

The down tube doubles as a battery slide: the big 750-Wh battery can be removed from the bottom of the frame without the need for tools. For added peace of mind, FOCUS added a key lock that allows you to secure the battery to the frame.

The 750 Wh battery can be removed from the bottom of the downtube without tools and can be secured additionally with a key lock. However, even without using the latter, the Bosch PowerTube battery locks securely in place in the frame. The charging port is positioned on the seat tube and is protected with a rubber cover, which is slightly finicky but fairly easy to use. For the cockpit, the Germans rely on their proprietary C.I.S. stem, which routes all cables through the stem and head tube straight into the frame. A USB charging port on the top tube allows you to charge a headlight or smartphone while riding. Another practical feature is FOCUS’ own-brand strap frame bag, which is attached to the tool mounts on the bottom of the top tube and allows you to carry a few trail essentials, like a spare inner tube and some tools directly on the bike.

FOCUS decided to use their own rubber cover for the charging port. The cover looks a bit cheap and flimsy but it is easy to use.

C for Cthulhu? With a total of three FOCUS bikes with C.I.S. stem entering our group test, we were scraping the bottom of the barrel for puns! Let’s be serious and get straight to the point. The stem routs the cables through the head tube and straight into the frame, ensuring a tidy look. The aesthetics, however, take some getting used to.

Saves your smartphone from starvation! The USB-C charging port on the top tube can be used to charge a navigation device, light or smartphone with low power, just enough to maintain the battery level.

Despite its comparatively low price, the spec leaves very little room for criticism. The undisputed highlight is the high-quality FOX 36 Factory fork with finely tunable GRIP2 damper. However, this is paired with a FOX FLOAT X shock from FOX’s cheaper Performance series, which features a climb switch but not an externally adjustable compression dial, thus limiting the adjustment options of the rear suspension. Depending on the frame size, the JAM² comes standard with either 800 mm or 820 mm Race Face handlebars, which are overkill for smaller riders and have therefore to be shortened. While you’re at it, you should take a closer look at the headset cups, which can be rotated to change the head angle from 65.5° for more direct handling to a slack 64.5° for more stability.

FOCUS JAM² 6.9

€ 7,399

Specifications

Motor Bosch Performance Line CX 85 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 750 Wh
Display Bosch Kiox 300
Fork FOX 36 Factory FLOAT GRIP2 Kashima 160 mm
Rear Shock FOX FLOAT X Performance 150 mm
Seatpost Post Moderne 170 mm
Brakes SRAM DB8 200/200 mm
Drivetrain Shimano DEORE XT/ SLX 1x12
Stem FOCUS C.I.S. 50 mm
Handlebar Race Face Atlas 820 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss H1900 Hybrid 29"
Tires Schwalbe Magic Mary, Super Trail, ADDIX Soft/Schwalbe Big Betty, Super Trail, ADDIX Soft 2.6/2.6

Technical Data

Size S M L XL
Weight 26 kg
Perm. total weight 150 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 124 kg
Trailer approval yes
Kickstand mount yes

Specific Features

Toolmount bag

Tuning tip: Shorten the handlebars

What is the new FOCUS JAM² 6.9 capable of on the trail?

As soon as you swing your leg over the saddle, the FOCUS JAM² 6.9 places you in a pleasantly central, compact pedalling position. The suspension responds sensitively to bumps and ensures a high level of touring comfort. Small details like the frame bag on the downtube, the USB-C port, trailer approval and kickstand adapter make the JAM² a formidable tourer. The soft-ish suspension tune ensures not only a high level of comfort, but also good traction in steeper climbing sections. The central pedalling position and sloped saddle edge allow you to negotiate climbs without having to get out of the saddle or shift your weight forward to prevent the front wheel from lifting. On steep climbs, the powerful Bosch Smart System motor does the lion’s share of the work and only requires you to actively weight the front wheel on very steep sections. Once you get the hang of it, you’ll be able to keep up with the best climbers in this test field, like the FLYER Uproc X and the Orbea WILD.

The JAM² is a relaxed companion for tours and climbs, provided you don’t get too excited!

Pump up the Jam – Despite the plush shock tune, active riders can generate speed by pumping through rollers. For riders without much 90s dancefloor experience and powerful legs, the suspension offers too little counter support.

Riding downhill, the suspension isn’t as pleasantly balanced as it is on the climbs. However, active riders will get enough support to pop off ledges and pump through corners, provided they’re careful not to blow through the travel. The high front end integrates you nicely with the bike, inspiring huge amounts of confidence in all situations. In tight corners and with spontaneous direction changes, the heavy weight and somewhat sluggish handling become evident, and the wide handlebars don’t help either. The suspension feels even less balanced on fast, rough descents, where the JAM² ploughs its way through nasty rock gardens and root carpets, but doesn’t provide enough feedback from the ground. Especially in open corners, it’s hard to predict at what point you’ll run out of traction. If you try to keep up with the most potent bikes in this test field, the SIMPLON Rapcon and Orbea WILD, you’ll notice an evident lack of final progression, which causes the JAM² to quickly blow through its travel when things get rowdy.

Fancy a longer tour or a little climb? Let’s Jam! If you’re not too fussed about turning up the heat on the trail, you’ll have a great time with the JAM² 6.9.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	578 mm	608 mm	637 mm	672 mm
Seat tube	390 mm	420 mm	440 mm	460 mm
Head tube	100 mm	100 mm	120 mm	140 mm
Head angle	64.5/65.5°	64.5/65.5°	64.5/65.5°	64.5/65.5°
Sitzwinkel	76.5°	76.5°	76.5°	76.5°
Chainstays	450 mm	450 mm	450 mm	450 mm
BB Drop	25 mm	25 mm	25 mm	25 mm
Wheelbase	1,200 mm	1,230 mm	1,263 mm	1,302 mm
Reach	430 mm	460 mm	485 mm	515 mm
Stack	616 mm	616 mm	634 mm	652 mm

**Helmet** Sweet Protection Trailblazer MIPS | **Glasses** SCOTT Shield
**Backpack** POC Column VPD Backpack 8L | **Jacket** POC Pro thermal vest
**Jersey** POC MTB Pure LS Jersey | **Shorts** POC Essential Enduro Shorts | **Kneepad** POC VPD System
**Shoes** Unparallel Up Link | **Socks** H&M Blinky the three eyed fish

Who should take a closer look at the FOCUS JAM² 6.9 and who should look elsewhere?

The JAM² is a reasonably-priced companion for intrepid tourers and eMTB newbies alike. On moderate trails, it strikes a great balance between riding comfort and predictable handling, provided you don’t get too excited. Loyal FOCUS aficionados with a sporty riding style are better off looking at the nimbler JAM² SL Light-eMTB or even the SAM², which is a whole lot rowdier. If you like your eMTB to be slim and discreet, the JAM² might be a little bit too much.

Riding Characteristics

DESIGN

unbalanced
coherent

USER FRIENDLINESS

cumbersome
clever

VALUE FOR MONEY

flop
top

TREKKING & COMMUTING SUITABILITY

low
high

HANDLING

demanding
intuitive

FUN FACTOR

boring
lively

Intended Use

Gravel roads

Technical climbs

Flowtrail descents

Technical descents

Conclusions about the new FOCUS JAM² 6.9

The FOCUS JAM² 6.9 is a relatively affordable, beginner-friendly eMTB that feels at home on both moderate trails and tours. The well-considered spec is rounded off by countless practical features. On demanding descents, however, it’s very challenging, whether you’re a newbie or seasoned trail pirate. As a result, the FOCUS JAM² falls far behind the best all-rounders in this test, placing itself roughly in the middle of the test field.

Tops

Clever touring features
Predictable handling on moderate trails

Flops

Motor integration and design aren’t exactly graceful
Sluggish in tight corners

You can find out more about at focus-bikes.com

The test field