First ride review of the new FOCUS VAM² SL 9.0 light eMTB weighing in at just 16.7 kg – Touring or trail genes?

The new 2024 FOCUS VAM² SL 9.0 is a new light eMTB designed to offer optimal uphill performance and exciting downhill fun. The lightweight eMTB is equipped with a FAZUA motor and offers 130/125 mm of travel. But the question is: is the FOCUS a real shredder or more of a laid-back tourer?

FOCUS promise that with the VAM² SL you’ll forget to turn the motor on! The new light eMTB is designed for uphill efficiency and is particularly light at 16.72 kg in size L. But FOCUS haven’t forgotten about fun on the trail. This is why the manufacturer have opted for a new rear suspension system: a supported single pivot with flexstays that provides 125 mm of travel. This is combined with 130 mm on the suspension fork.

The VAM² SL is powered by the FAZUA Ride 60 motor with a 430 Wh battery. Its big brother, the JAM² SL, also uses this motor, so FOCUS already have experience with the motor system.

The 2024 FOCUS VAM² 9.0 SL rolls on 29″ wheels, and if you call it your own, you’ll have to pay an impressive € 10,999.

The Stuttgart-based company sent us the top-of-the-range model to test and we will let you know how it performed.

The new FOCUS VAM2 SL 9.0 2024 in detail

At first glance, the FOCUS VAM² SL 9.0 2024 looks a lot like its big brother, the JAM² SL. The two-tone paintwork emphasises the family resemblance. Both bikes also look quite voluminous. In the case of the VAM² SL, this is mainly due to the one-piece cockpit and main frame. Only the delicate seatstays don’t quite match the overall look. Their slender design is the result of the flexstay suspension concept, in which flexible seatstays replace one bearing point, simplifying maintenance and reducing weight.

For cable routing, the Germans rely on the revised version of their C.I.S. (Cockpit Integration Solution) routing system. With C.I.S. 2.0, the cables disappear directly via the spacers under the stem and through the headset into the frame, where they remain until they reach their destination. This innovative design ensures a rattle-free experience. However, the one-piece stem does look quite bulky due to accommodating so many cables.

To help you enjoy your bike for as long as possible, FOCUS have designed the VAM² SL with a number of protective features. For example, a large rubber guard runs the entire length of the chainstay to prevent loud chain slap.

A small, discreet rubber protector sits on the main bearing where the main frame meets the rear triangle. This feature is designed to prevent the VAM² SL from accidentally taking on the role of a stone grinder, thus preventing potential damage to your cables.

The FOCUS VAM² SL 9.0 2024 also comes with a frame protection film to protect the paintwork from scratches. In addition to film for the down tube and seat tube, the bike also comes with film for the seatstays and chainstays – you just have to apply it yourself.

But that’s not all. The motor cover blends elegantly into the top tube to protect your frame from flying stones and dirt.

The FAZUA Ride 60 motor system on the FOCUS VAM2 SL 9.0 2024

The VAM² SL is the second FOCUS bike to use the FAZUA Ride 60 motor, so the manufacturer already have experience with the 60 Nm motor. The motor has a power output of 350 watts, and with the use of the boost function, it is possible to achieve short periods of up to 450 watts. The power necessary for this is drawn from the 430 Wh battery.

The battery on the VAM² SL can only be charged in the bike, because it is permanently installed in the frame. The charging port above the main bearing is easily accessible. FAZUA plan to launch a range extender by the end of 2024 at the latest to increase battery capacity and therefore range.

The FAZUA LED Hub, located in the top tube, uses 5 coloured LEDs to indicate battery status and support level. The motor support can be adjusted using the ring control. The remote, however, lacks a high quality feel.

The spec of our FOCUS VAM2 SL 9.0 2024 test bike

Our FOCUS VAM² SL 9.0 2024 test bike has been trimmed for lightweight construction without compromising on trail performance. A prime example of this is the FOX FLOAT 34 Factory suspension fork with 130 mm travel and GRIP2 damping cartridge. FOCUS combine a lightweight fork chassis with the optimal trail performance of the finely adjustable cartridge. The FOX FLOAT rear shock provides 125 mm of rear suspension. Although it does not have many adjustment options, it is very light, offers a lockout lever and high trail performance. The FOX Factory Transfer SL dropper was chosen to match the Factory suspension. However, lightweight construction was prioritised over trail performance because the dropper post only supports the top or bottom position, and with a stroke of 150 mm, does not offer much freedom of movement.

Shifting is done by an electronic SRAM X0 Eagle Transmission wireless groupset. Perfect for ebikes because it works very well under load. A nice detail is the small chain guide, which prevents chain drops, even when the chainring and chain have reached the end of their life.

Deceleration is provided by a SRAM Level Ultimate Stealth brake and small 180 mm discs. The brakes are very light but threatened to overheat on long descents. They also reduced our sense of security.

FOCUS use their own components for the handlebar and stem, and integrate their C.I.S. 2.0 cable routing system into the 800 mm wide One Piece SL cockpit.

The high-end Mavic Crossmax XL R 29 carbon wheelset is fitted with Schwalbe Nobby Nic tires with a thin Super Ground casing and Soft rubber compound at the front, and Wicked Will tires with a Super Ground casing and Speedgrip rubber compound at the rear. This tire combination is ideal for all XC and touring riders who ride on gravel or light trails. The fast rolling tires will give you a long range without having to wait until the end of 2024 for the announced range extender ;).

For those who want to have fun on more demanding trails, we recommend a stronger casing and a tire profile with more grip. We would equip the VAM² SL with a Hans Dampf in Soft at the front and a Nobby Nic in Speedgrip at the rear. To protect the expensive wheels we would also upgrade to the Super Trail casing.

Tuning Tip: Fit tires with a robust casing.

Other variants of the FOCUS VAM2 SL 2024

In addition to the top-of-the-range model, there are three more budget-friendly versions. For € 8,699 you can get the FOCUS VAM² SL 9.9 with FOX Performance suspension. More affordable still are the € 6,899 FOCUS VAM² SL 8.7, also with FOX suspension, and the € 5,799 FOCUS VAM² SL. The cheapest version relies on a suspension system consisting of an SR Suntour Raidon34 suspension fork and a RockShox Deluxe Select+ shock. All three bike versions come with mechanical Shimano groupsets. Deceleration is provided by MAGURA brakes on the two cheaper models, while the VAM² SL 8.7 is fitted with Shimano XT brakes.

The geometry of the new FOCUS VAM2 SL 2024

The FOCUS VAM² SL is available in four sizes: S, M, L and XL. Size L has a moderate reach of 475 mm. The jumps in reach between the sizes are quite large at 25–30 mm, which increases the likelihood of ending up between two sizes, neither of which really fits. Apart from a low stack, which means a low handlebar height, the remaining geometry parameters are relatively conservative. Like the 440 mm chainstays, which are the same for all sizes, or the 65.5° head angle. You can increase the head angle by one degree by turning a headset shell. In addition to the head angle, this also changes the other geometry values, but only minimally, apart from the wheelbase. We mainly used the flat setting as the steering angle is already quite steep at 66.5 degrees.

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	576 mm	606 mm	635 mm	670 mm
Seat tube	390 mm	420 mm	440 mm	460 mm
Head tube	100 mm	100 mm	120 mm	140 mm
Head angle	65.5°/66.5°	65.5°/66.5°	65.5°/66.5°	65.5°/66.5°
Seat angle	75.5°	75.5°	75.5°	75.5°
Chainstay	440 mm	440 mm	440 mm	440 mm
BB Drop	35 mm	35 mm	35 mm	35 mm
Wheelbase	1,170/1,152 mm	1,200/1,182 mm	1,230/1,212 mm	1,270/1,252 mm
Reach	420 mm	450 mm	475 mm	505 mm
Stack	602 mm	602 mm	620 mm	639 mm

Riding the new FOCUS VAM2 SL 9.0 2024

The FOCUS VAM² SL 9.0 2024 welcomes you with a comfortable, slightly sporty riding position. On flat terrain you feel a slight pressure on your hands. When you reach hilly or mountainous areas, there is always enough pressure on the front of the bike to prevent it from lifting. The rear suspension remains active at all times and bounces slightly. As well as providing a great deal of comfort, the rear increases grip by always keeping the rear wheel in contact with the ground. We only used the easily accessible lockout on long climbs or long stretches of gravel on the flat.

With the summit cross behind you, the trail slopes down into the valley and you soon feel at home on the FOCUS VAM² SL, which gives a well-balanced impression. Except the front is a little low. You don’t have to actively push the front wheel in corners and you have good grip as long as the shallow-profiled Nobby Nic isn’t rolling on too loose a surface. Although when it gets steeper, you start to fear going over the bars. Beginners and less experienced riders would appreciate a higher handlebar to find some cover behind.

Downhill, you quickly realise that the VAM² SL is most at home on flow trails. Pushing over waves and through berms, it is easy to build up speed. This is not because the suspension is stiff, quite the opposite. The short travel minimises energy dissipation and allows for a fast and efficient ride. Negotiating tight corners remains a breeze, demonstrating the benefits of the FOCUS’ compact length. On milder, natural trails with small roots and rocks, the bike’s intuitive handling and ample suspension grip will inspire confidence in beginners and less experienced riders. However, when faced with large root patches, rock gardens and steps, the bike needs a more experienced rider and better tires to counteract its somewhat nervous handling and lack of composure, which is unsurprising given its short suspension travel.

Who is the new FOCUS VAM2 SL 9.0 2024 for?

The FOCUS VAM² SL 9.0 2024 is ideal for touring bikers who like to take it easy from time to time. It is also suitable for riders who want a sporty ride but don’t want to compromise on comfort. When it comes to downhill riding, the VAM² SL will appeal to bikers who prefer to tackle flow trails. However, to enjoy the FOCUS on technical trails, you really need to be an experienced rider.

Conclusion on the new FOCUS VAM2 SL 9.0 2024

Contrary to FOCUS’ claims, the VAM² SL didn’t make us forget to turn the motor on, even though this light eMTB is a good climber. Its comfort and relaxed, slightly sporty riding position make it ideal for long rides. Downhill, the bike convinces with its intuitive handling, as long as the trails don’t get too rough. The spec is high quality, as you would expect from a bike that comes with a hefty € 10,999 price tag, and the equipment is generally well suited to the FOCUS VAM² 9.0 SL 2024 and its intended use.

For more information, visit FOCUS.com

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Words: Sebastian Dirscherl Photos: Antonia Feder, Mike Hunger