Focus adds carbon-framed JAM 8 with neat down tube storage to range

Focus's 2022 JAM 8-Series bikes have been designed to get the most fun out of every ride, like the best trail mountain bikes.

With a name like Focus you might expect the brand to be all about strict rules and ensuring every action is made with efficiency and purpose.

However, in the mountain bike side of the company, at least, the primary goal is having fun.

That’s certainly the intent with the new 150mm-travel, 29in wheel JAM 8-Series bikes. There are two new models; the higher-spec JAM 8.9 costs £4,799 / €4,799 / AU$6,999 and the more wallet-friendly JAM 8.8 is £3,699 / €3,799 / AU$5,799.

Both models use the same carbon fibre front triangle and its integrated details. The geometry, 7005 aluminium rear triangle, and suspension linkage follow the updates made to Focus’ 6-Series aluminium JAM bikes released last year.

Focus JAM 8-Series frame

The introduction of the carbon front triangle has allowed Focus to add a neat storage solution on the frame's down tube.

Abbreviated to ICS, the Internal Compartment Solution is an opening in the down tube that uses a pop button to release the cover. That gives access to a tool bag that can be removed easily. There should be plenty of space to stash your spares, so you’ll never be without what you need in a bike-fixing trail-side emergency.

The cables run internally through the frame, although they start by threading into the stem. This is Focus’ CIS (Cable Integration System) and is intended to give the cockpit a tidy and neat appearance. This can be changed, but you need to purchase a new ACROS headset top cap to thread the cables through it because there are no cable ports on the frame.

Inside the carbon front triangle, there’s space for a bottle cage. Other details include a press-fit bottom bracket, boost rear hub spacing and 180mm post-mount brake mount, and decent-looking chainstay protection.

Focus JAM 8-Series suspension

The 150mm-travel JAM Carbon benefits from the updated FOLD (Focus Optimized Linkage Design) suspension platform that Focus introduced on the JAM 6-Series bikes and the new JAM2 electric bike. This is a linkage-driven single-pivot design, which means Focus can control the leverage rate.

The new FOLD kinematics do away with a two-phase leverage curve where the old design was most supple at the sag point. Instead, the new design has a constant progressive leverage curve for a better supported mid-stroke to provide a more playful ride feel and strong bottom-out resistance.

The change of shock position from vertical to horizontally mounted under the top tube means Focus has been able to lower the standover height of the frame. That should give riders more space to move the bike around on the trail. The shock is mounted to the frame using bearings, which Focus claims should give the best sensitivity to the suspension.

Focus JAM 8-Series geometry details

If you’re familiar with the 6-Series Focus JAM, these numbers won’t be new, but here's an overview of the JAM Carbon’s shape. There are four sizes of the new bike, from small to extra-large.

First up, the bike includes a flip chip where the shock mounts to the yoke, which enables you to switch the bike between two geometries. That adjusts the head tube and seat tube angles, reach values and bottom bracket heights.

The JAM Carbon sports a 65-degree head tube and a 76-degree effective seat tube angle in the low setting. Focus is keen to point out that it measures this at the height of 750mm from the bottom bracket, which it believes to be a realistic riding saddle height. That’s done to show a realistic seat tube angle.

The bike is pretty low-slung, with a 30mm bottom bracket drop, and all four sizes share the same snappy 435mm chainstays.

Reach numbers grow from 420mm on the size small to 450mm, 480mm and 510mm on the medium, large and extra-large frames, respectively. Altogether, the geometry highlights the designers' intended sporty handling, while keeping the JAM Carbon capable enough when the trails get rowdy.

Changing the flip chip to the bike’s high setting steepens the head tube and seat tube angles by 0.5 degrees to 65.5 degrees and 76.5 degrees respectively. The bottom bracket drop raises by 6mm to a 24mm drop, and the reach values increase by 5mm across the four sizes.

Focus JAM 8-Series models and pricing

The Focus JAM 8-Series is available in two build options – the JAM 8.9, costing £4,799 and the JAM 8.8, at £3,699. The bike should be with dealers now. However, there is currently no US distributor for Focus. Here’s an overview of the specs and international pricing.

Focus JAM 8.9

• Frame: Carbon fibre front triangle, 7005 aluminium rear triangle, 150mm travel
• Shock: Fox Float X Performance
• Fork: Fox Float 36 Performance, 150mm travel
• Drivetrain: Shimano Deore XT (1x12) with Shimano SLX cassette
• Brakes: Shimano Deore XT M8120 4-pot, 200mm rotors
• Wheels: DT Swiss M1900, 30mm
• Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 3C MaxxGrip EXO TR 29x2.5WT (f), Maxxis Minion DHR II 3C MaxxTerra EXO TR 29,2.4WT (r)
• Dropper: Post Moderne dropper post
• Bars/stem: Race Face Chester 35 bars 780mm, Focus CIS stem 50mm,
• Price: £4,799 / €4,799 (€4,699 Germany) / CHF 5,399 / AU$6,999 / NZ$8,299
• Weight: 15.72kg (size medium without pedals)

Focus JAM 8.8

• Frame: Carbon fibre front triangle, 7005 aluminium rear triangle, 150mm travel
• Shock: RockShox Deluxe Select+
• Fork: RockShox Revelation RC, 150mm travel
• Drivetrain: SRAM SX Eagle (1x12)
• Brakes: SRAM Guide T, 200mm rotors
• Wheels: RODI TRYP30 FOCUS rims, Novatec D041 (f) Novatec D462 Disc (r) hubs
• Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 3C MaxxGrip EXO TR 29x2.5WT (f and r)
• Dropper: Post Moderne dropper post
• Bars/stem: Focus, 800mm, Focus C.I.S stem 50mm,
• Price: £3,699 / €3,799 (€3,699 Germany) / CHF 4,299 / AU$5,799 / NZ$6,799
• Weight: 15.3kg (claimed weight)