Focus splits the Max into different frame levels with the eight-series chassis sitting in the middle, meaning it’s designed for mechanical and electronic drivetrains, and weighs in at just 970g in a 56cm (claimed weight).
It’s all about kammtails, and Focus claims that tubing shape counts for 12 watts over the old, round-tubed Max design.
Bike of the Year 2020
The Focus Izalco Max Disc 8.8 is part of our annual Bike of the Year test.
Head to our Bike of the Year hub for the full list of winners, categories and shortlisted bikes, as well as the latest reviews – or read our behind-the-scenes feature on how we tested Bike of the Year 2020.
Like the Specialized Tarmac Disc Comp, the design follows the trend for dropped stays and generous tyre clearance.
The seatstays are almost bladed in profile for further aero gains, although they’re minimally sized for a hint of flex.
The chainstays, in comparison, are generously sized and almost triangular. The bottom-bracket shell is equally voluminous, while the carbon dropout features a 12mm RAT thru-axle that’s faster than a standard QR skewer.
Comfort is raised by the D-shaped carbon seatpost.
Upfront, the fork crown integrates quite far into the head tube. It looks more aggressive than it is and the huge gap this creates between the top of the tyre and the fork is, says Focus, more aerodynamic.
That said, the ride position of my XL is still race orientated, thanks to a low 579mm stack and long 410mm reach; a 72.5-degree head angle and steep 73.5-degree seat angle encourage you to ride hard.
Focus Izalco Max Disc 8.8 ride impressions
It runs Shimano's flawless Ultegra mechanical group and utilises the same 52/36, 11-30 gearing as the Tarmac.
The responsiveness of the chassis and low overall weight (8.51kg) results in swift ascents. Focus has chosen 160mm Ice Tech rotors front and rear on my XL (58cm) test bike.
The bike runs on Novatec’s R5 wheels. These 50mm-deep and broad aero rims are 26mm wide externally and 18.3mm internally.
They tip the scales at around 1,700g a pair and are highly responsive, while the blunted aero shape copes admirably in crosswinds.
The shape suits tyres up to around 28mm. They’re accompanied by Vittoria’s new graphene-infused 25c Rubino tyres and ride much better than standard Rubinos with a suppleness more akin to premium tyres.
The wheels, however, aren’t tubeless compatible.
The Izalco Max imbues everything that’s great about modern race bikes. The frame is stiff enough to sprint full gas or hammer into corners, but it never feels hard.
Yes, the ride is firm at times but the combination of frame, tyres, seatpost and cosy Prologo saddle nullify tiresome vibrations.
Focus Izalco Max Disc 8.8 overall
The Focus isn't online-only like the Canyon CF SL 8.0 Di2 Aero and Vitus Vitesse Evo CRS, also on test, but it still packs a value-packed punch with Ultegra throughout and highly responsive Novatec carbon wheels.
Ultimately, economics doesn’t dictate how you feel during every pedal stroke. And aboard the Izalco, life was an absolute joy, balancing comfort and maximum speed. It's a great evolution on the 8.7.
Focus Izalco Max Disc 8.8 geometry
- Sizes (*tested): XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL*, XXL
- Seat angle: 73.5 degrees
- Head angle: 72.5 degrees
- Chainstay: 41cm
- Seat tube: 55cm
- Top tube: 58.2cm
- Head tube: 15cm
- Fork offset: 4.6cm
- Bottom bracket drop: 7.8cm
- Wheelbase: 1,024mm
- Stack: 57.9cm
- Reach: 41cm
Product
| Brand | focus |
| Price | 5499.00 AUD,3699.00 EUR,3399.00 GBP |
| Weight | 8.5100, KILOGRAM (XL) - |
Features
| Fork | MAX technology carbon |
| br_stem | BBB Deluxe alloy |
| br_chain | Shimano CN-HG701 |
| br_frame | MAX technology carbon |
| Tyres | Vittoria Rubino Graphene 2.0 Tubeless 700 x 25c |
| br_brakes | Shimano Ultegra hydraulic 160/160mm Ice Tech rotors |
| br_cranks | Shimano Ultegra 52/36 |
| br_saddle | Prologo Scratch |
| br_wheels | Novatec R5 Carbon |
| br_headset | Acros |
| br_shifter | Shimano Ultegra |
| br_cassette | Shimano Ultegra 11-30 |
| br_seatpost | Izalco Max aero |
| br_handlebar | BBB Deluxe alloy |
| br_bottomBracket | Shimano Pressfit Road BB86 |
| br_availableSizes | XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL |
| br_rearDerailleur | Shimano Ultegra |
| br_frontDerailleur | Shimano Ultegra |
