The new Focus Mares CX in its cantilever brake versionRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
The new geometry includes a taller head tube than the old Mares model and internal cable routingRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
The fork legs taper much more than before, and feature the rarely seen UCI fork certification decalRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
Fizik supply the aluminium bar, stem and seatpost as well as the saddleRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
A fork crown mounted cable hanger and front Avid Shorty Ultimate cantileverRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
The rear brake bridge is well above Dugast’s finest for maximum mud clearanceRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
Decent clearance too at the bottom bracket and chainstay junctionRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
Some classic cyclocross races are commemorated behind the head tubeRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
Front view of the chain guard showing how it widensRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
The ISCG-05 standard mountings allow for other compatible designs to be fittedRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
Left side view of the chain guide that protects the carbon frame as well as preventing chains unshipping on the insideRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
An early Mike Kluge race frame, built in conjunction with Alan, and using carbon and aluminium tubing. Note the internal cable routing, steel fork with Magura hydraulic brake, bar end front shifter and Sachs Ergopower rear shifter. Possibly also the first sighting of Kluge’s brand name, FocusRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
At 50, Mike Kluge is as passionate about his bikes as ever, and still very useful on a cyclocross bikeRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
Cutaway view of the Mares CX frame’s PF30 bottom bracket areaRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
Cutaway view of the head tube area, showing the carbon headset bearing seatsRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
The seat tube cluster shows how the top tube and seat stays butt on to the seat tubeRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
Mike Kluge’s test Mares CX was one of the few disc versions currently in existenceRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
The two frame models are differentiated by the UCI as MA for the canti version, and MADI for the Mares DiscRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
A Fizik stem, Di2 control box and hydraulic hose connectors for the Shimano brakes to ease servicingRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
Shimano’s R785 Di2 hydraulic levers have no groupset allegianceRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
This bike was fitted with Shimano Ultegra Di2Robin Wilmott/Future Publishing
The clean lines of the fork crown, unencumbered by brakesRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
The rear seat stay bridge looks to be in a similar place to that on the canti versionRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
Focus’s innovative RAT – Rapid Axle Technology – thru axle combines the convenience and speed of a quick release with the security and accuracy of a thru axleRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing
DT Swiss disc hubs and Ultegra Di2Robin Wilmott/Future Publishing
The drive side fixed insert that accepts the axle’s T-pin, and is secured with a quarter turn before closing the quick release leverRobin Wilmott/Future Publishing