Focus presents the new electrics Jam2 and Sam2

Mountain bike 02/03/23 12:17 Migue A.

Focus has presented a renewed version of two of the brand's flagships: the Jam2 and the Sam2. As good siblings, they have much in common, such as the motor, the battery and their off-road nature, although they are also separated by important differences. Both have an entry price of 5,499 euros.

Focus updates Jam2 and Sam2

The German firm has brought to light three renovations that affect two of its great creations. After entering the lightweight e-MTB market a few months ago with the Jam2 SL, it is now the turn of two already consolidated models. This is the case of the Jam2 series 6 and 8 (series 7 remains unchanged) and the Sam2.

The two share the same electric drive unit. For the motor, the renowned 85 Nm Bosch Performance CX has been chosen, which comes with four different modes that offer the possibility of customizing them through the eBike Flow application. And they also feature intelligent ride assist or hill-hold, among other functions.

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In the case of the top of the range - the 8.0 on the Jam2 and the 6.0 on the Sam2 - the motor is replaced by the most racing version, the Bosch Performance CX RACE. This evolution provides essentially two advantages: less weight and a race mode that gives more speed and acceleration. According to Focus, it provides energy equivalent to 400% of the pedaling power.

In most of the set-ups the battery is 750 Wh and can be charged as desired, as it is removable and also comes with a charging port integrated in the seat tube.

Another element shared by these two models is the FOLD (Focus Optimised Linkage Design) kinematics. The system has already been seen in the past, but now it has been optimized and the number of parts used has been reduced, resulting in a lower weight.

On the other hand, both have the battery located as far down the down tube as possible to lower the center of gravity and give the bike more stability on descents.

Finally, they have integrated cables, which enter the interior of the bike through the handlebars, a tool bag between the top and down tube and 29" tyres with a maximum width of 2.6".

The Jam2, an e-MTB ready for any terrain

One of the most interesting changes of the Jam2 is its revamped geometry. Focus's intention with this model is to offer a balanced bike; that is, it avoids any extremism and becomes an option for those who want a versatile and capable bike.

In this way, the manufacturer has tried to combine agility and stability. The steering angle is 64.5°, although with a change of the cups it can be set to 63.5° for better performance on descents; the saddle angle is 76.5° and the chainstay length is 450 mm.

The most notable difference between the 6 and 8 series is the frame material: aluminum for the former and carbon front triangle for the latter. It should be noted that all models come with a 750 WH battery except for the 6.7 and 8.7 which come with a 625 Wh battery.

Suspensions are 160 mm at the front and 150 mm at the rear. The rear shock is horizontal and in the case of the 8 series it is semi-integrated.

Sam2, a step further to overcome greater challenges

The bigger model is an enduro bike made to withstand downhills and jumps typical of those who practice aggressive MTB or ride on demanding terrain. It has a suspension travel of 180 mm in the fork and 170 mm in the coil shock.

Focus has given a very prominent role to the FOLD system on this bike. The goal was to get an e-MTB that can handle almost anything, and it is designed so that the shock works better, according to the brand.

As with the Jam2, the head angle is 64.5° with the possibility of adjusting it to 63.5°.

In most of the setups, the 750 Wh battery is used. This is true in all cases except for the 6.7, which uses a 625 Wh battery.