FOCUS JAM² 7.0 SL – In our big 2022 eMTB group test

The new Shimano-based FOCUS JAM² relies on a big 720 Wh battery – the days of the modular battery system are over! The new JAM² 7.0 also features brand-new rear suspension, clever new details and retails at a fair price! Is that enough to assert itself against the strong competition in our 2022 eMTB group test?

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2022 – 13 models in review

Like its predecessor, the JAM² is available with either a Bosch or Shimano motor. For 2022, FOCUS have redeveloped the Shimano model from the ground up, with the aim of creating a true eMTB all-rounder. To achieve this, the German manufacturer has integrated the long 720 Wh battery deep into the down tube and right in front of the motor, to ensure a central and low centre of gravity. To remove the battery, you’ll have to pull it out of the base of the down tube. Moreover, the updated JAM² features FOCUS’ new FOLD 2.0 suspension, which generates 150 mm travel at the rear. The in-house C.I.S. stem routes all cables internally through the headset directly into the frame, ensuring a tidy cockpit and unique look. Speaking of looks, it’s hard not to notice the frame bag on the down tube. While it’s very practical, allowing you to carry a spare tube and all your trail essentials, the look may take some getting used to. The same goes for the fork bumper on the downtube, which looks a bit crude but allows for a wider steering angle than conventional headset bump-stops. With the second highest maximum payload in the entire test field (124 kg), trailer approval and a discreet kickstand mount, the FOCUS JAM² 7.0 doesn’t shy away from everyday use either – awesome!

Designed to be reliable and perform on the trail – The spec of the FOCUS JAM² 7.0

With the spec of the 25.66 kg JAM², FOCUS have done almost everything right, offering reliable performance-oriented components at the fair price of € 7,799. Highlights are the SRAM CODE RSC brakes with 220 mm rotors front and rear, which proved to be the best brakes in the entire test field! The DT SWISS HX1700 wheelset, wireless SRAM GX Eagle AXS 12-speed drivetrain and fork aren’t too shabby either! The RockShox ZEB Select+ fork controls 150 mm travel gives no ground to its high-end Ultimate counterpart when it comes to sensitivity and overall performance. Only riders who use lots of high-speed compression will notice a difference. At the rear, a FOX FLOAT X Performance shock controls 150 mm of travel and, unfortunately, tends to blow through its travel abruptly. Regardless of your riding style, a few more volume spacers, both front and rear, will improve suspension performance. For the tires, FOCUS combine a Schwalbe Magic Mary at the front and Big Betty at the rear, both in the Super Trail casing. For heavy riders, a robust and puncture-proof Super Gravity casing at the rear would make more sense. Given that the JAM² is the third-cheapest bike in this test, the spec is very good, except for FOCUS’ in-house 170 mm dropper and the wobbly, stiff remote.

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The best tourer in the entire test field – The FOCUS JAM² 7.0

The pedalling position is comfortably upright, making the FOCUS JAM² 7.0 the ideal companion for long rides! Weight is evenly distributed between the hands and saddle, allowing you to focus on the trail ahead. Together with the comfortable suspension and USB-C charging port on the top tube, this makes the FOCUS the best tourer in the entire test field. If you’re planning to embark on epic backcountry adventures, you should take a closer look at the Norco, which has similar touring qualities but an even larger battery.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	572 mm	602 mm	637 mm	671 mm
Seat tube	390 mm	420 mm	450 mm	470 mm
Head tube	105 mm	110 mm	130 mm	150 mm
Head angle	65.5°/65°	65.5°/65°	65.5°/65°	65.5°/65°
Seat angle	76.5°/76°	76.5°/76°	76.5°/76°	76.5°/76°
Chainstays	448 mm	448 mm	448 mm	448 mm
BB Drop	20/25 mm	20/25 mm	20/25 mm	20/25 mm
Wheelbase	1,191 mm	1,223 mm	1,261 mm	1,300 mm
Reach	425 mm	455 mm	485 mm	515 mm
Stack	609 mm	613 mm	637 mm	655 mm

The FOCUS JAM² 7.0 uphill

Uphill, the FOCUS JAM² 7.0 tackles flowing climbs in comfortable and relaxed fashion. Handling is predictable and forgiving, making it easy to negotiate climbs without too much physical effort. Just steer it in the right direction and the JAM² 7.0 will go exactly where you want it to. Unlike the Orbea, the FOCUS is fun because it’s predictable and not because it lets you play with the terrain. Even on climbs, it retains that character, generating plenty of traction and only reaching its limits on very steep and technical climbs, where the suspension sinks into its travel, causing the pedals to smash into obstacles.

While the spec, handling and high level of comfort make the FOCUS JAM² 7.0 the perfect tourer, there are far better bikes for challenging and fast trails.

Let’s go downhill – The good-natured FOCUS JAM2 7.0 on the trail

Downhill, it’s a similar story. On moderate descents, the FOCUS is predictable and easy to manoeuvre, regardless of your riding skills. The excellent traction combined with the high front and consistent braking performance inspire huge amounts of confidence. Only on very steep trails does the JAM2 require an active riding style and good riding skills. On technical singletracks and at high speeds, the FOCUS ranks in the mid-field, assuming that you’ve added more volume spacers to the shock and fork. If you’re looking for a bike that helps you explore your limits and progress on technical descents, the 7.0 is an excellent learning companion, but if you’re a seasoned high speed junkie, you’d be better off looking elsewhere. Unfortunately, there’s one downer: downhill, both the EP8 motor and battery make a loud clunking noise.

Tuning tips: add volume spacers to the shock and fork | upgrade the dropper post remote e.g. Wolf Tooth Components ReMote with Matchmaker X

Conclusion

The FOCUS JAM² 7.0 is the best tourer in the entire test field and only reaches its limits on extremely steep terrain. If you can live with that, the FOCUS is a good all-rounder with a coherent overall package, great motor integration and excellent spec at a fair price. The intuitive, precise and confidence-inspiring handling make the FOCUS JAM² a great option for beginners and an excellent learning companion for riders who want to improve their technique.

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

The test field

For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2022 – 13 models in review

All bikes in test: FOCUS JAM² 7.0 | MERIDA eONE-SIXTY 10k (Click for review) | Norco Sight VLT C1 (Click for review) | Orbea Rise M-Team (Click for review) | Rocky Mountain Altitude Powerplay C70 (Click for review) | ROTWILD R.E375 PRO (Click for review) | SCOR 4060 Z ST XT (Click for review) | SCOTT Ransom eRIDE 910 (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Turbo Levo (Click for review) | Specialized S-Works Turbo Kenevo SL (Click for review) | Trek Rail 9.9 XX1 AXS (Click for review) | Yeti 160E T1 (Click for review) | YT DECOY MX CORE 4 (Click for review)

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Words: Photos: Julian Lemme