The FOCUS SAM² PRO should please those of us who love good design! With its slender silhouette and harmonious proportions, it can’t, at first glance, be identified as an eMTB. But is it more than just a good-looking bike?
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2018 – 12 dream bikes go head to head
The simple act of switching on the FOCUS SAM² PRO is fun. Instead of fumbling around somewhere for a tiny, hidden power button, you turn the on bike via the attractively presented button on the top tube with pleasant haptic feedback to it. As soon as the LED lights up blue, the bike is ready for action. The motor is powered by a 378 Wh rechargeable battery which is permanently installed in the downtube. If that’s not enough, you can double the capacity to 756 Wh using an external battery pack called the TEC pack. In practice, the internal rechargeable battery was sufficient for about 1,000 meters of altitude with economical (!) riding – results may vary for heavier riders.(We would advise buying the additional € 499 TEC pack.) Unfortunately, the FOCUS will no longer look as clean and sophisticated with the additional battery attached, and the handling suffers too – but more about that later. For the price of € 7,699 (without TEC pack) you get a well-rounded componentry package, though some parts are lacking sophistication. The FOX 36 FLOAT Factory suspension fork works excellently, and the SRAM CODE brakes offer good bite. The reasonably priced BBB cockpit, on the other hand, is functional but does not do justice to the price tag of the bike. The SRAM EX1 drivetrain impresses with its reliability and low wear and tear, but the large gear steps take getting used to and become annoying when riding in a group. Due to the angular way the shifter cable is laid out, it takes a lot of force to shift gears.
The FOCUS SAM² is an aggressive eMTB, and this becomes clear the moment you take a seat on it. Due to the long front triangle, the riding position is slightly stretched. The SAM² encourages the rider to pedal hard on flat sections. Once things start getting a little steeper going uphill, the rear end of the sags a little, which gives you the feeling of pedalling less efficiently, seated farther back over the rear wheel. It is advisable in those instances to stiffen up the rear shock using the adjustment lever.
The SAM² is a bike for lovers of good design!
When things start going downhill, the SAM² is in its element. It impresses with very sensitive suspension, which makes it supremely comfortable, filtering out blows of any size. Unfortunately, however, the F.O.L.D. rear suspension system lacks some support in the middle stroke, causing it to go through a lot of its travel too quickly. Riders looking for comfort will love the linear progression curve, but those with an active riding style will probably prefer something with a little more feedback. The SAM² feels very spritely through curves. However, it requires a very deliberate weight shift to keep the front wheel tracking and sufficiently weighted – at least when you haven’t got the additional the TEC pack mounted. The additional battery increases the weight and raises the centre of gravity; the handling becomes slower and less playful.
The FOCUS SAM² PRO in detail
Fork FOX 36 FLOAT Factory 170 mm
Shock FOX FLOAT DPS Factory 170 mm
Motor/battery Shimano STEPS E 8000 378 Wh* FOCUS T.E.C
Drivetrain SRAM EX1
Brakes SRAM Code RSC
Seatpost FOX TRANSFER Factory
Stem BBB Alu 55 mm
Handlebar BBB Di2 Riser 760 mm
Wheelset Race Face Turbine
Tires Maxxis Minion DHF 3C 2.5″
*optional battery: +378 Wh (€ 499)
No eMTB can be switched on better. The power button integrated into the top tube is a haptic dream.
Not only are the cables routed through the openings, but the scoops direct air to flow to the battery to cool it.
The FOX 36 FLOAT Factory is currently the best suspension fork on the market, offering unbeatable performance.
The rear linkage is very linear and provides a lot of comfort. Playful riders will want more feedback.
The geometry of the FOCUS SAM²
| Size | S | M | L |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seatpost | 420 mm | 440 mm | 480 mm |
| Top tube | 585 mm | 604 mm | 624 mm |
| Head tube | 118 mm | 118 mm | 138 mm |
| Head angle | 65° | 65° | 65° |
| Seat angle | 75° | 75° | 75° |
| Chainstays | 455 mm | 455 mm | 455 mm |
| BB Drop | 12 mm | 12 mm | 12 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1196 mm | 1217 mm | 1240 mm |
| Reach | 425 mm | 440 mm | 455 mm |
| Stack | 607 mm | 607 mm | 625 mm |
Conclusion
The FOCUS SAM² PRO suits riders who are happy to ride uphill mostly with low levels of support and therefore want a bike that is agile going back downhill, offering plenty of reserves in demanding terrain. Mounting the TEC pack doubles the range, but the handling and clean aesthetics suffer.
Pros
– super-stylish look
– very comfortable
– very stable in rough terrain
Cons
– suspension provides little feedback
– cable routing makes shifting gears hard
– handling suffers with the additional TEC battery pack
Uphill | Downhill | Stability | Agility | Value for money
For more info head to: focus-bikes.com
The testfleet
For an overview of the test fleet head to the group test: The best eMTB of 2018 – 12 dream bikes go head to head
All bikes in test: BMC Trailfox AMP LTD | BULLS E-CORE EVO EN Di2 | FANTIC XF1 Integra Enduro 160 | Giant Full-E+ 0 SX Pro | Haibike XDURO Nduro 10.0 | Moustache Samedi Race 11 | ROTWILD R.E+ ULTRA | SCOTT E-Genius 700 Tuned | Specialized Turbo Levo S-Works Carbon | Thömus Lightrider E1 – Team Di2 | Trek Powerfly 9 LT Plus
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of E-MOUNTAINBIKE, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.
Words: Photos: Christoph Bayer, Valentin Rühl
