FOCUS JAM² 6.9 NINE in review – Half as expensive, twice as much fun

How is it possible that the spec of the cheapest bike in our test leaves almost no room for criticism? For the JAM² 6.9 NINE, FOCUS chose a clever mix of components rather than shiny bling, proving that they care more about trail performance than looks. How does their approach work out in practice?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2021 – 25 models in review

**FOCUS** JAM² 6.9 NINE | Bosch Performance Line CX/625 Wh | 150/150 mm (f/r)
25.58 kg in size L | € 5,499 | Manufacturer’s website

FOCUS have shrunk and simplified the JAM² model range. Except for the JAM² 9.9 DRIFTER, all other models rely on an alloy frame designed around Bosch’s Performance Line CX motor. At € 5,499, the FOCUS JAM² 6.9 NINE is the high-end version with a Bosch motor, yet still the cheapest bike in the entire test field – which means that it has had to prove itself both in our big group test and budget group test. For the FOCUS JAM², the German brand has integrated the 625 Wh battery into the down tube just as neatly as the speed sensor into the dropout and the charging socket into the top tube. One special feature is the C.I.S. stem developed in-house by FOCUS, which routes the cables internally from the cockpit directly into the frame and ensures a tidy cockpit, especially from the rider’s perspective. On the other hand, the 85 Nm motor integrated into the frame of the 25.58 kg bike is clearly visible and thus exposed, with no skid plate or motor cover protecting it from impacts. While on the trail you wouldn’t think that JAM² is the second heaviest bike in test, weight is a major issue for the FOCUS. With its low maximum permissible weight of 120 kg, a fully geared rider weighing more than 94 kg (and adding 26 kg for the bike itself) is officially too heavy for the JAM².

The spec of the FOCUS JAM² 6.9 NINE makes some of the most expensive bikes in this test look dated!

Despite the aggressive pricing, FOCUS don’t compromise on-trail performance – the spec speaks clearly. This includes 150 mm FOX suspension combining a 36 Rhythm fork and DPS shock. While these offer fewer adjustment options than most suspension setups in our test, the traction on the trail is more than decent. Talking of which, the 29 x 2.6″ Schwalbe Magic Mary tires with their robust Super Gravity casing generate excellent grip and allow for low tire pressures in combination with the DT Swiss alloy rims. As with many other bikes on test, the KindShock Rage seat post draws serious criticism: the remote is hard to operate and positioned too far away from the grip. Shimano XT four-piston brakes with 200 mm rotors provide reliable deceleration and a 12-speed Shimano drivetrain with mixed XT and SLX components takes care of shifting. The XT shifter/rear derailleur are combined with an SLX cassette, shifting gears just as smoothly as the high-end drivetrains in this test!

**Tidy**
All cables in the cockpit area are neatly routed through the C.I.S. stem and run from the headset directly into the frame. However, the frame of the JAM² 6.9 NINE still comes with cable ports, which have now been covered.

**Traction fest**
The F.O.L.D. suspension generates 150 mm travel and provides good traction, comfort and a very defined progression. However, for an active riding style, the chassis doesn’t offer enough support.

**Unreachable**
The remote of the KindShock dropper lacks ergonomics and is hard to operate. Every time you want to drop the post, you have to take your hand off the grip.

FOCUS JAM² 6.9 NINE

€ 5,499

Specifications

Motor Bosch Performance Line CX 85 Nm
Battery Bosch PowerTube 625 Wh
Display Bosch Purion
Fork FOX 36 Rhythm 150 mm
Rear Shock FOX DPS 150 mm
Seatpost KS Rage-i 150–170 mm
Brakes Shimano XT M8120 200/200 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XT 1x12
Stem FOCUS C.I.S. 45 mm
Handlebar Race Face Chester 35 780 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss H1900 29"
Tires Schwalbe Magic Mary Super Gravity Soft 2.6"

Technical Data

Size S M L XL
Weight 25.58 kg
Perm. total weight 120 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 94 kg
Trailer approval no
Kickstand mount no

**This far and no further**
The fork stop on the down tube prevents the fork from damaging the frame and cables in the event of a crash. Trek, SIMPLON and others have solved this more elegantly.

**Bravo!**
After criticising FOCUS’ choice of tires on several occasions, the German brand finally decided on some serious rubber: the Jam2 6.9 NINE comes with Schwalbe Magic Mary tires in the robust Super Gravity and lighter Super Trail casings at the rear and front respectively.

**Perfect mix**
FOCUS combine an SLX cassette with XT derailleur and shifter. This gives you all the advantages and shifting performance of the XT groupset at a lower price point.

Via a flip chip in the dropout, the geometry of the JAM² 6.9 NINE can be adjusted to suit the respective wheel size. Above all, the changes affect the chainstay length and bottom bracket height. While our test bike with 29” rear-wheel is relatively average geometry-wise, the seat angle is rather slack. We recommend pushing the saddle all the way forward, as this will ensure a comfortable riding position both uphill and on the flats. If you spend long days in the saddle you’ll appreciate the sensitive suspension and voluminous tires of the JAM² 6.9 NINE.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Seat tube	400 mm	420 mm	450 mm	490 mm
Top tube	573 mm	600 mm	630 mm	661 mm
Head tube	110 mm	115 mm	130 mm	150 mm
Head angle	66.0°	66.0°	66.0°	66.0°
Seat angle	75.0°	75.0°	75.0°	75.0°
Chainstays	427 mm	427 mm	427 mm	427 mm
BB Drop	10 mm	10 mm	10 mm	10 mm
Wheelbase	1,163 mm	1,190 mm	1,221 mm	1,254 mm
Reach	420 mm	445 mm	470 mm	495 mm
Stack	607 mm	612 mm	625 mm	644 mm

**Helmet** SCOTT Vivo Plus | **Glasses** SCOTT Shield | **Hippack** EVOC HIP POUCH 1l
**Jersey** Fox “Grind Trail”-Shirt | **Shorts** SCOTT Trail Vertic | **Kneepad** SCOTT Soldier 2
**Shoes** Five Ten Kestrel Lace | **Socks** SCOTT Performance Crew

Does half as expensive necessarily mean half as good? The FOCUS JAM² 6.9 NINE on the trail

Uphill, the comfortable pedalling position and plush suspension have their drawbacks. As the dropper extends, tall riders, in particular, will find themselves sitting far back over the rear wheel, which causes the shock to sink into its travel on steep climbs and the front wheel to lift too easily. To prevent this from happening, you have to actively weight the front end. If you fail to do so, the front wheel loses traction and slides uphill sideways as you turn the handlebars – we definitely recommend activating the climb switch on the shock. This prevents the shock from sinking into its travel and the rear end from bobbing under pedalling while still allowing for sufficient traction to overcome obstacles. This done, the FOCUS is easier to manoeuvre and lots of fun to ride, especially on moderate trails with tight switchbacks.

EA good eMTB doesn’t have to cost € 10,000. The FOCUS JAM² 6.9 NINE is proof!

Tuning tips: dropper post remote (e.g. Shimano SL-MT800-IL to match the brake levers) | riders with long legs should push the saddle all the way forward

Downhill, the FOCUS JAM² 6.9 NINE is a smooth ride for pros and newbies alike. The high front combined with the excellent traction inspires tons of confidence and delivers uncompromised riding fun. The balanced geometry and even weight distribution make the JAM² carve through open corners like no other bike in this test.
When riding through berms on flat trails, the bike lacks support and fails to generate speed and flow. The FOCUS prefers to stay on the ground and requires great physical effort to pull off ledges. The JAM² feels at home on winding, technical natural trails. Here it literally sucks itself into the ground and inspires confidence even on slippery roots while negotiating steps, drops and impacts without blowing through its travel. Downhill, inexperienced riders will benefit from the good-natured character of the FOCUS. Only at high speeds does the suspension show limitations compared to the much more expensive high-end bikes in the test field.

Riding Characteristics

Agility

sluggish
playful

Stability

nervous
stable

Handling

demanding
balanced

Riding fun

boring
lively

Motor feeling

digital
natural

Motor power

weak
strong

Value for money

poor
top

Application

Forest road

Flow trail uphill

Flow trail downhill

Technical single trail uphill

Technical single trail downhill

Downhill tracks

Conclusion

The FOCUS JAM² 6.9 NINE offers an excellent price/performance ratio and strikes with its good-natured, predictable character on the trail. This instils you with confidence and provides predictable and easy handling at low to medium speeds, making the FOCUS is the optimal choice for beginners and advanced eMTBers alike. While the smart features used to integrate the Bosch motor are great, the low maximum payload isn’t, particularly for heavier riders.

Tops

great value for money
confidence inspiring
predictable handling
neat cable management

Flops

dropper post/remote
lowest permissible maximum weight in the entire test field

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

The test field