Flexstays and Fazua motor help bring down weight of flagship Focus eMTB
Our latest Bike of the Week is the Focus VAM2 SL 9.0m, which we were lucky to get hands-on time with ahead of a full test at Bike Connection, Italy.
The lightweight electric mountain bike uses a Fazua Ride 60 drive system. This produces 60Nm of torque and is neatly integrated into the bike’s carbon frame.
Focus says this is the lightest e-mtb frame it has ever produced, topping the scales at 2,172g for a size medium, with this top-of-the-range VAM2 SL 9.0 full build weighing a claimed 16.2kg.
This all comes at a high asking price, with the flagship bike priced at £9,699 / €10,999 / AU$15,999.
Let’s take a closer look at this downcountry-focused electric mountain bike.
Flex-stay frameset
The VAM2 SL 9.0 features a full carbon fibre frameset. This uses Focus’ Max Carbon Technology, which is said to be ultra-high modulus for weight savings and increased rigidity.
Similar to many of the best cross-country bikes, the VAM2 SL 9.0 uses flexstays in its rear linkage design.
Focus says its Flex Pivot Design reduces the amount of frame material, bearings, and bolts required in the suspension linkage, saving weight.
This does mean the bike is only rated to EFBE Category 4, making it good for everything apart from bike park and downhill trails.
At the centre of the bike is a Fazua Ride 60 drive system.
We’ve seen this system used on other lightweight electric mountain bikes, such as Pivot’s Shuttle SL, to great effect.
A 430Wh is integrated into the bike’s downtube. Focus says that in the worst case, the VAM2 SL’s efficiency and lightweight will also enable you to pedal home with an empty battery.
The VAM2 SL 9.0 is the first model to feature Focus’ MTB One Piece SL Cockpit – an integrated handlebar and stem that allows for internal headset cable routing.
The German brand says this weighs 290g in a standard width of 800mm but can be cut down for shorter riders, or those looking to save every gram.
The 25mm rise bar includes a mount for adding accessories such as action cameras and bike computers.
Focus VAM2 SL 9.0 geometry
Four frame sizes, ranging from S to XL, are available, with a 450mm reach measurement for the size medium bike.
The VAM2 SL 9.0 has an angle adjust headset, which enables you to run a 66.5-degree or 65.5-degree head angle.
Effective seat tube angles are relatively slack at 75.5 degrees, which is against the norm for bikes with a focus on climbing, as steeper seat tube angles position you further over the bottom bracket on steep climbs.
Chainstay lengths are short for an e-bike at 440mm, which will likely add a quick-to-turn feel to the bike.
Kashima-sparkled spec list
Being the flagship model, the VAM2 SL 9.0 features a lust-worthy spec.
A 130mm Factory 34 fork sits on the front of the bike, while a Float Factory shock sucks up the bumps in the frame.
Adding even more Kashima-coated colouring to the bike is a Fox Transfer SL Factory dropper post.
SRAM’s X0 Eagle Transmission groupset is paired with a Rotor crankset – a relatively rare sight.
SRAM also handles the braking, with Level Ultimate Stealth 4-piston brakes used to shed speed.
The bike rolls on Mavic’s carbon fibre Crossmax XL R 29 wheels, with Schwalbe Nobby Nic 2.4in SuperGround tyres providing grip.