With the JAM² and the BOLD² marking two brand new entries on the market, FOCUS aim to redefine the handling of E-MTBs: consequently, the innovative German bike brand haven’t just wholly redesigned the rear end, but they’re also gone all-in for pretty revolutionary battery management. So what exactly sets it apart from the rest? How will this new technology translate on the trails? We’ve been exclusively testing the JAM² before it hits the stores, and here’s the latest:
Fun squared – the concept of the FOCUS JAM²
From their own admission, FOCUS haven’t just designed a new E-MTB in the conventional sense – this, for them, is a mountain bike 2.0. And as cocky as it sounds, the new JAM² is reputed to handle much like a classic mountain bike, even with the powerful Shimano Steps MTB motor. It’s a feat that they’ve purportedly achieved by opting for their new F.O.L.D. rear suspension design, aggressive geometry and the Tailored Energy Concept, which gives riders the choice to rely on the integrated battery, or add an external battery to take on rides.
FOCUS T.E.C. – your choice when it comes to battery capacity
FOCUS’s latest concept to hit their rigs goes by the name T.E.C., their Tailored Energy Concept, which leaves the rider with the choice of just how much battery capacity to take on a ride. In the case of the new JAM², there’s not just an integrated 378 Wh battery…
On the downtube you’ll find rails that can take a second battery pack in a matter of seconds, mounting an additional 378 Wh capacity for your ride, and thereby bringing the whole capacity up to a generous 756 Wh – which should be ample for extremely long rides. If the extra battery isn’t required, then you can mount a bottle cage and tube.
The FOCUS F.O.L.D. rear suspension design in detail
F.O.L.D. stands for FOCUS OPTIMIZED LINKAGE DESIGN, and there’s essentially a multi-link rear end design with two rockers (the guide link and the main like), which FOCUS claim are responsible for a number of advantages. Plus, their painstakingly designed kinematics result in a dual-phase spring rate for optimal traction.
The system is divided into two main steps, known as its two-way travel arrangement. Within the lower 30% of travel, the system works degressively for super sensitivity, thereby eliminating micro-bumps and generating immense grip. For the remainder of the travel the spring rate is progressive, keeping firm in its travel and delivering a lot of feedback.
As many of the bearings, rocker arms and the rear shock are located inside the frame, the engineers were able to optimally position the centre of gravity, keeping it low and centralized. The one-part rear triangle on the JAM² has no bearings and tips the scales at a mega low weight – a fact that further improved the responsiveness and ride characteristics.
The geometry of the FOCUS JAM²
By designing the JAM² with their own F.O.L.D. rear suspension design and marrying this with the new Shimano Steps MTB motor, FOCUS were able to lend the bike almost conventional mountain bike geometry – we’re talking 457 mm chainstays (arguably pretty short for an E-MTB), a nice, long reach of 445 mm (size L) and a pretty slack 66.5° head angle. It’s a combination that promises the ultimate mix of great agility and sufficient stability. There’s also a flipchip at the rear that alters the chainstay lengths, so that you can mount 29″ wheels if you like.
The geometry of the FOCUS JAM² PLUS
| Size | S | M | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head tube angle | 66.5° | 66.5° | 66.5° | 66.5° | |
| Seat tube angle | 74.5° | 74.5° | 74.5° | 74.5° | |
| Stack | 606 mm | 606 mm | 625 mm | 643 mm | |
| Reach | 415 mm | 430 mm | 445 mm | 460 mm | |
| Top tube | 582 mm | 602 mm | 622 mm | 647 mm | |
| Head tube | 120 mm | 120 mm | 140 mm | 160 mm | |
| Chainstays | 457 mm | 457 mm | 457 mm | 457 mm | |
| Wheelbase | 1,182 mm | 1,202 mm | 1,215 mm | 1,248 mm | |
| Seat tube | 410 mm | 440 mm | 470 mm | 500 mm | |
| BB drop | 20 mm | 20 mm | 20 mm | 20 mm |
The geometry of the FOCUS JAM² 29
| Size | S | M | L | XL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Head tube angle | 66.5° | 66.5° | 66.5° | 66.5° | |
| Seat tube angle | 74.5° | 74.5° | 74.5° | 74.5° | |
| Stack | 606 mm | 606 mm | 625 mm | 643 mm | |
| Reach | 415 mm | 430 mm | 445 mm | 460 mm | |
| Top tube | 582 mm | 602 mm | 622 mm | 647 mm | |
| Head tube | 120 mm | 120 mm | 140 mm | 160 mm | |
| Chainstays | 470 mm | 470 mm | 470 mm | 470 mm | |
| Wheelbase | 1,190 mm | 1,210 mm | 1,232 mm | 1,255 mm | |
| Seat tube | 410 mm | 440 mm | 470 mm | 500 mm | |
| BB drop | 20 mm | 20 mm | 20 mm | 20 mm |
The spec of the new FOCUS JAM²
FOCUS have launched the JAM² in six build specs, of which three have wide 2.8″ plus-size tires, and three roll on 29″ wheels. All six feature the Shimano Steps MTB motor and a RockShox suspension setup. The two Pro models are kitted out with electronic Shimano Di2 shifters. The Factory model has a SRAM 1×11 drivetrain, while the remaining five models have regular Shimano 11-speed shifting.
An overview of the build specs
FOCUS JAM² PLUS PRO
Fork: RockShox Yari RC 140 mm
Shock: RockShox Monarch RT
Drivetrain: Shimano XT Di2 1×11
Brakes: Shimano XT 200/180 mm
Wheels: DT Swiss XM 1501
Tires: Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.8
Price: € 6,499
FOCUS JAM² 29 PRO
Fork: RockShox Yari RC 140 mm
Shock: RockShox Monarch RT
Drivetrain: Shimano XT Di2 1×11
Brakes: Shimano XT 200/180 mm
Wheels: DT Swiss E1700 29″
Tires: Continental Mountain King 2.4
Price: € 5,999
FOCUS JAM² PLUS FACTORY
Fork: RockShox Yari RC 140 mm
Shock: RockShox Monarch Plus
Drivetrain: SRAM NX 1×11
Brakes: Magura MT2 203/180 mm
Wheels: DT Swiss XM 1501
Tires: Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.8
Price: € 5,499
FOCUS JAM² PLUS
Fork: RockShox Secor Silver 140 mm
Shock: RockShox Monarch RT
Drivetrain: Shimano XT/SLX 1×11
Brakes: Shimano BR-M615 200/180 mm
Wheels: Concept EX
Tires: Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.8
Price: € 4,599
FOCUS JAM² 29
Fork: RockShox Secor Silver 140 mm
Shock: RockShox Monarch RT
Drivetrain: Shimano XT/SLX 1×11
Brakes: Shimano BR-M615 200/180 mm
Wheels: Concept EX
Tires: Continental Mountain King 2.4
Price: € 4,499
FOCUS JAM² 29 LTD
Fork: RockShox Secor Silver 140 mm
Shock: RockShox Monarch R
Drivetrain: Shimano XT/SLX/Deore 1×10
Brakes: Magura MT2 203/180 mm
Wheels: Concept EX
Tires: Continental Mountain King 2.4
Price: € 3,999
First Ride of the new FOCUS JAM²
We’ve had the exclusive opportunity to trial the new FOCUS JAM² in the idyllic scenery of South Tyrol. Unfortunately, due to logistical reasons, the optional T.E.C battery wasn’t available, so we were limited to the JAM²’s regular integrated battery.
As you’d expect from a modern mountain bike, the riding position on the FOCUS JAM² is incredibly central and comfortable. Thanks to its steep seat angle and powerful Shimano motor, it takes an almost playful approach to technical climbs. Unfortunately, as we’ve already mentioned in the past, the grades between the levels of pedal-assist are just too vast, which takes some getting used to. With the integrated 376 Wh battery, we ticked off around 1,000 metres of climbing with ease.
Once you hit a descent, the FOCUS JAM² is truly in its element. We threw it down some mountains as well as manmade bike park trails and expected the JAM² to perform – fortunately it didn’t let us down. Its handling package is super agile and highly reminiscent of a regular mountain bike. Plus, even though it is no lightweight at 21.3 kg, the JAM² with its plus-size tires is a lively and nimble bike to ride, which corners playfully, responds well to the rider’s input and offers a real sense of efficiency. On tricky, technical sections with big boulders, it inspires confidence with its ability to keep it line, tracking like a pro hunter on a scent.
First thoughts on the FOCUS JAM²
If you haven’t picked up on the general vibe of positivity, we’re stoked with the FOCUS JAM². We haven’t had chance for a seriously thorough test ride just yet, but even these initial test rides have convinced us of its super agile handling. On descents, it rides much like a conventional mountain bike. Its battery range without the second battery is sufficient for half-day rides. And the idea of seeing how the bike rides with the additional 378 Wh at its disposal is one that excites us. Is the system going to match FOCUS’ promises? Only time will tell, so stay tuned for more.
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