No trophies but a big fat grin: the brand-new FOCUS JAM² 7.0 with its Shimano motor and whopping 720 Wh battery doesn’t care about winning races. It just wants to deliver fun and score points with its clever details. Can the new FOCUS JAM² eMTB live up to its ultimate all-rounder claim to fame?

In music, jamming is all about improvising and letting yourself be propelled through the music by spontaneous ideas. FOCUS’s brand new musical instrument is called the JAM² 7.0, has two wheels, a motor and should be a lot of fun to play. Where you have strings on a guitar, the JAM² 7.0 has 29” wheels, suspension with 150 mm travel front and rear, the new F.O.L.D. 2.0 suspension and a Shimano EP8 motor with a large 720 Wh battery. So, is the FOCUS an electric guitar with a fully cranked amp? No, because while the JAM² can be loud, it also comes with other exciting features that should make it surprisingly versatile. Does that make the FOCUS JAM² 7.0 less of a deafeningly loud electric guitarist and more of a keyboard player with the right sound for almost every song? And does that leave the JAM² with the typical keyboardist’s dilemma of being able to play everywhere but not really being cool enough for any genre? What does an eMTB have to be capable of so that anyone can enjoy it? How much of a focus on a specific application does it need? And, most importantly, does the FOCUS JAM² 7.0 live up to its claim of being fun for everyone? Don’t be too quick to judge, because there are some damn good keyboardists out there!

FOCUS Jam² 7.0 | Shimano EP8 / 720 Wh | 150/150 mm (v/h) | 29’’ | 7.999 € | Manufacturer’s website

The FOCUS JAM² 7.0 in detail

The mint green FOCUS JAM² 7.0 is powered by a Shimano Steps EP8 motor which is controlled via the Shimano Steps EM800 handlebar remote. A USB port is integrated into the power button on the top tube, allowing you to charge a mobile phone or navigation device on the go. The motor is powered by an in-house FOCUS battery with a 720 Wh capacity, which is integrated neatly into the closed down tube of the aluminium frame. A charging port by the bottom bracket lets you charge the battery on your bike. If you do want to remove it, you can loosen the massive retaining bolt with an Allen key and pull the battery out of the base of the down tube. The easiest way to get at it here is to turn the JAM² upside down. According to FOCUS, the slight curve of the down tube and the battery that matches this profile is how they have reconciled the large 720 Wh battery with their desired geometry across all four, S, M, L and XL, sizes.

The Shimano EP8 motor is nicely embedded in the aluminium frame of the JAM².
The colour display is well protected from impacts and damage in its position between the stem and handlebars.

The power button on the top tube is where you wake up the new FOCUS JAM² 7.0 2022 and can charge your mobile phone.

The 720 Wh battery can be removed after loosening a massive bolt. This is best done with the bike upside down.

The down tube reveals even more details. The rubber bump stop by the head tube cushions the fork crown and limits the steering angle. It might be a bit crude in appearance but it works effectively. The bike comes with a pouch that screws onto the front end of the down tube, providing a place to store tools, spares or emergency food supplies. We filled it with a mini-tool, spare tube, pump and tire levers and were just about able to close the somewhat stiff waterproof zipper, leaving the stash stored securely and in an easy to access location. A plastic adapter is used for the bottle cage, positioning it so that all frame sizes from M and above can accommodate a large 750 ml bottle. This also lets the JAM² fit a piggyback shock to better suit the new F.O.L.D. 2.0 suspension. At its core, this consists of a rigid rear triangle, which actuates the horizontal damper under the top tube via two linkages and a virtual pivot point kinematic. The JAM² meets the Cat. 4 standard and is thus also approved for larger jumps. That all comes with a maximum permissible weight of a whopping 150 kg. Weighing in at 25.50 kg itself, that leaves a good 124 kg for fun-hungry rock’n’rollers and their gear!

The down tube has it all: it fits a frame bag for all kinds of useful items as standard…

… as well as the bottle cage adapter, which creates space for lots of water and a piggyback shock.
The F.O.L.D. 2.0 rear end of the JAM² 7.0 2022 controls a horizontally positioned shock.

The flip chip by the shock bolts provides a high and low setting.

FOCUS’ new E-fully reveals more strengths on closer investigation. The JAM² looks very clean, mainly thanks to its sophisticated cable routing. The in-house C.I.S. stem disappears all cables directly inside of it, avoiding the need for any cable ports on the frame. Snazzy! Exposed parts of the frame are covered with protective film from the factory, stopping your JAM² from looking as worn out as Curt Kobain’s electric guitar after just a few weeks.

FOCUS’ C.I.S. stem routes all the cables into the frame. This eliminates the need for cable ports.
The chainstay protector extends generously up to the chainring…
… and is even secured by two screws. Solid!
Did you spot it? The stand adapter is inconspicuous and the bike is no worse for it.

Spec of the FOCUS JAM² 7.0 2022 – A fair price for mostly flawless parts

FOCUS do almost everything right with the trail-worthy spec of the new JAM². On our top-of-the-line, size XL, JAM² 7.0 test bike, we found exactly what we needed to head off-road at the price of € 7,999! The good decisions start with the suspension. The RockShox ZEB Select+ suspension fork with 150 mm travel uses the same Charger 2.1 damper cartridge as the more expensive Ultimate. While it lacks high-speed compression adjustment, it doesn’t sacrifice any performance. Only if you want to start some in-depth tinkering with your suspension setup could this end up being a trade-off. At the rear, a FOX Float X Performance shock controls 150 mm travel.

The RockShox ZEB Select+ has the same sensitivity as the top-of-the-line Ultimate, just a little less adjustability.
The FOX Float X Performance shock completes the capable and sensible suspension selection of the FOCUS JAM² 7.0 2022.

The 29” aluminium rims of DT Swiss’ HX1700 wheels are shod in Schwalbe rubber. The 2.6″ wide Magic Mary Super Trail makes sense on the front wheel. However, the Big Betty on the more heavily loaded rear wheel would have benefitted from the puncture-proof Super Gravity casing. FOCUS’ ambition to create a reliable, all-rounder, fun machine that offers full-bore trail performance can also be seen in other parts like the brakes. When a solo on the trail gets a bit too hot, the well-modulated and enormously powerful Code RSC brakes come into the limelight, especially in combination with the 220 mm brake discs front and rear. Shifting is handled by a SRAM Eagle GX AXS 12-speed electronic drivetrain. Only FOCUS’ own Post Modern dropper falls a little short. Its vague-feeling remote is wobbly and the dropper offers 170 mm travel at most. That’s okay for size L but not enough for XL. Sizes S and M offer 125 mm and 150 mm respectively.

Schwalbe’s 2.6” Magic Mary Super Trail tire at the front gives the JAM² grip for pretty much any surface.
Unfortunately, the Big Betty at the rear also has the Super Trail casing. This end of the bike could do with better puncture protection.
A reassuring sight. If you pull the lever of the SRAM Code RSC brakes, you’ll be reliably brought to a stop. The thumb remote for the motor is right next door.
Is that it? 170 mm isn’t enough travel for a dropper on the XL frame size. The insertion depth of the seat tube has room for more.

Wireless: the trigger for the SRAM Eagle GX AXS derailleur commands…
… and the rear derailleur obeys immediately and precisely.

All in all, the FOCUS comes with almost everything it needs to make trail riding fun for a wide variety of riders. Carbon bling? Mega fancy and exclusive? Nope! What for?! The JAM² 7.0 keeps a low profile and doesn’t start with a solo right away. With its solid spec and clever features, it manages to position itself broadly without committing to any single style. The versatile keyboardist continues to score points.

FOCUS JAM² 7.0

€ 7,999

Specifications

Motor Shimano Steps EP8 85 Nm
Battery FOCUS Integrated 720 Wh
Display Shimano Steps EM800
Fork RockShox ZEB Select+ 150 mm
Rear Shock FOX Float X Performance 150 mm
Seatpost FOCUS Post Modern Dropper Post 125-170 mm
Brakes SRAM CODE RSC 220/220 mm
Drivetrain SRAM GX Eagle AXS 1x12
Stem FOCUS C.I.S. 50 mm
Handlebar Race Face Chester 35 780 mm
Tires Schwalbe Magic Mary/Big Betty Super Trail

Technical Data

Size S M L XL
Weight 25.5 kg
Perm. total weight 150 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 124 kg
Trailer approval yes
Kickstand mount yes

Further FOCUS JAM² 2022 models

In addition to the top-of-the-line JAM² 7.0, FOCUS’ new eMTB is also available in two other builds, the JAM² 7.9 and JAM² 7.8. The motor, control unit and battery remain unchanged across all models. The JAM² 7.9 swaps the RockShox ZEB suspension fork of the 7.0 for a FOX 36 Float Rhythm, though the FOX Float X Performance shock remains the same. In addition to wheels built up from Race Face and Novatec components, the JAM² 7.9 uses XT and SLX drivetrain components and Shimano four-piston XT brakes – not top-of-the-line, but honest and reliable workhorses that will hardly diminish your fun. If you can do without the electronic SRAM shifting of the JAM² 7.0 and don’t fiddle around with your suspension settings anyway, you’ll find a lot of trail performance for a competitive price in the JAM² 7.9 for € 6,299. However, it’s a shame that only the top-end model comes with 220 mm disc rotors. The JAM² 7.8 is also equipped with parts from RockShox, Shimano and other renowned manufacturers. Unfortunately, at € 5,399 and a further step down the range, you’ll also have to forgo four-piston brakes, which are a must for a maximum potential weight of 150 kg on the trail.

The spec of the FOCUS JAM² 7.9 2022

FOCUS JAM² 7.9

€ 6,299

Specifications

Motor Shimano Steps EP8 85 Nm
Battery FOCUS Integrated 720 Wh
Display Shimano Steps EM800
Fork FOX 36 Rhythm 150 mm
Rear Shock FOX Float X Performance 150 mm
Seatpost FOCUS Post Modern Dropper Post 125-170 mm
Brakes Shimano XT M8120 4 Pistons 200/200 mm
Drivetrain Shimano XT/SLX 1x12
Stem FOCUS C.I.S. 50 mm
Handlebar 800 mm
Tires MAXXIS Minion DHF/DHR 2

Technical Data

Size S M L XL
Perm. total weight 150 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 125 kg
Trailer approval yes
Kickstand mount yes

The spec of the FOCUS JAM² 7.8 2022

FOCUS JAM² 7.8

€ 5,399

Specifications

Motor Shimano Steps EP8 85 Nm
Battery FOCUS Integrated 720 Wh
Display Shimano Steps EM800
Fork RockShox 35 Gold RL 150 mm
Rear Shock Rock Shox Deluxe Select 150 mm
Seatpost FOCUS Post Modern Dropper Post 125-170 mm
Brakes Shimano MT520 2 Pistons 200/200 mm
Drivetrain Shimano SLX 1x12
Stem FOCUS C.I.S. 50 mm
Handlebar 800 mm
Tires MAXXIS Minion DHF/DHR 2

Technical Data

Size S M L XL
Perm. total weight 150 kg
Max. payload (rider/equipment) 125 kg
Trailer approval yes
Kickstand mount yes

Availability of the FOCUS JAM² 7

FOCUS currently have 1,000 units of the new JAM² models ready for you. Click and collect is also available, allowing you to order online and pick the bike up from your local dealer.

Geometry

The geometry of the FOCUS JAM² can be adjusted between low and high positions using a flip chip underneath the shock. This can be done in less than three minutes with an Allen key and a little dexterity. We recommend riding the FOCUS JAM² 7 in the low setting. This gives you a head angle of 65.0° and a reach of 510 mm in size XL. The reasonably steep 76.0° seat tube angle positions you comfortably in the middle of the bike. With no kink in the seat tube, the effective seat tube angle does not slacken, even with the seat post extended, meaning that tall riders will continue to be positioned centrally on the bike.

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°
Chainstay 448 mm 448 mm 448 mm 448 mm
BB Drop 19.5/25 mm 19.5/25 mm 19.5/25 mm 19.5/25 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

On test: The FOCUS JAM² 7.0 2022 uphill and on the flats

When you first ride the FOCUS JAM² 7.0, you immediately notice the relaxed, upright riding position you’re put in. The long frame doesn’t result in a stretched out position as the steep seat tube positions the saddle further forward and maintains a compact riding position. Together with the comfortable suspension, touring is a real pleasure. When going uphill on moderate and flowing terrain, there is always enough pressure on the front wheel. In combination with the head tube angle of 65°, the JAM² 7.0 2022 feels agile and nimble and willingly follows your chosen course uphill. The front wheel of the JAM² does directly what you want it to and the rear suspension provides plenty of traction too. This way, even beginners will enjoy riding uphill on trails instead of gravel roads. Only when it gets really steep does the FOCUS reach its limits. Here, you end up sunk deep into the suspension travel and the front end needs to be actively loaded to stay on the ground, despite the steep seat tube angle.

Thanks to its steep seat tube angle, agile front and powerful Shimano motor, the JAM² 7.0 moves well uphill. Only when it gets really steep does it reach its limits.

The FOCUS JAM² 7.0 2022 downhill and on trails

And downhill? The tall cockpit of the JAM² doesn’t just ensure a relaxed riding position on the flats but also offers security on steep slopes. In open corners, the FOCUS JAM² 7.0 is easy to control and generously forgives riding mistakes, making it well-suited to beginners as well as advanced trail riders. On flow trails, it benefits from its agility and manoeuvrability. However, if you turn up the volume and let the JAM² loose on steep and rough terrain, there is a lack of support from the rear and even experienced riders will end up struggling to keep the JAM² on track. That lack of support extends to flow trails, where the bike would benefit from more agility and pop.

We quickly settled on our preferred flip chip setting. In the low tuning, the bike gains some stability but still remains agile.
The FOCUS JAM² 7.0 is also agile and manoeuvrable downhill. However, it gets nervous at high speeds.
With a solid spec and versatile geometry, the FOCUS JAM² 7.0 is a pleasure to ride on a variety of trails.
And we also had fun flying above the trails.
Leave the stopwatch at home! Come and play instead.

Real talk: the new F.O.L.D. 2.0 rear end offers plenty of traction but is also very linear, meaning it can occasionally blow through its travel. Simply increasing the air pressure in the shock isn’t a good solution because while you can avoid excessive bottom-outs, the rear end’s sensitivity becomes about as refined as that of a hardtail. To resolve this balancing act, we recommend adding volume spacers to the JAM²’s FOX Float X shock for more spirited riding. This way, you can get the best possible response from the suspension, keep unnecessary bottom outs in check and experience the JAM² as a poppy bike with solid support from the suspension. Our crucial tuning tip!

FOCUS can’t be held responsible for one last point of criticism: as noted on every other bike with a Shimano EP8 motor, the JAM² 7.0 2022 also rattles on the descents.

Tuning tips: Add some volume spacers to the shock…

… and fit a better dropper remote.

Even true all-rounders have their weaknesses and, admittedly, blasting trails at high speed isn’t the JAM²’s strength. But that’s not what FOCUS have planned for the new JAM². That would be like asking the keyboard player to prove himself in a long-haired, grunting metal band. On the other hand, on the trails away from extremes the JAM² is at home. The keyboardist really has a lot going for him. And if you’re still bothered by the fact that the JAM² has a stand mount – it’s not the bike, it’s just your one-sided taste in music.

The FOCUS JAM² 7.0 2022 can do a lot of things really well. The all-rounder boosts the fun factor in most situations and scores with sensible geometry, rich features and a fair price. For the perfect suspension setup, you should add volume spacers to the shock and tall riders may need a longer-travel dropper. Then, at the very latest, both beginners and experienced eMTBers will be able to play almost everywhere with the JAM². This bike is just as versatile as a keyboardist – a good one at that.

Tops

  • versatile all-rounder
  • nice integrations like cable routing, stand mount and frame bag
  • 220 mm brake discs front and rear

Flops

  • linear suspension from factory
  • loud rattling of Shimano motor
  • nervous at high speeds

Visit focus-bikes.com for more information.


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Words: Moritz Geisreiter Photos: Christoph Laue, Manuel Sulzer