{"id":55850,"date":"2023-10-25T14:00:14","date_gmt":"2023-10-25T12:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=750645"},"modified":"2023-10-25T15:35:41","modified_gmt":"2023-10-25T13:35:41","slug":"new-fastest-ever-focus-izalco-max-compromises-comfort-to-cut-weight-and-drag","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/new-fastest-ever-focus-izalco-max-compromises-comfort-to-cut-weight-and-drag\/","title":{"rendered":"New \u201cfastest ever\u201d Focus Izalco Max compromises comfort to cut weight and drag"},"content":{"rendered":"

Focus uses truncated NACA tubing to save 6.6 watts at 45km\/h compared to previous generation of its race bike <\/p>

By Jack Evans\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 25 October 2023 at 12:00 PM<\/p>

\n\n

Focus claims the new Izalco Max is its \u201cfastest ever bike\u201d thanks to redesigned tube shapes inspired by aeroplane wings.<\/p>\n

Acorn-shaped tubes contribute to the new Izalco Max being 6.6 watts more efficient at 45km\/h compared to the previous generation<\/a>, according to the brand.<\/p>\n

Focus says the Izalco Max\u2019s improved aerodynamics and increased stiffness have not imposed a weight penalty.<\/p>\n

Therefore, it remains an all-round race bike, being fast on the flat and climbs, according to the German brand.<\/p>\n

The Focus Izalco Max 8.7 starts the range at \u00a32,899 \/ \u20ac2,999. The top-spec Izalco Max 9.9 costs \u00a38,699 \/ \u20ac8,999 \u2013 that\u2019s \u00a31,300 \/ \u20ac500 cheaper than the previously most expensive model.<\/p>\n

Bikes are available now in Europe, with international availability and pricing to be confirmed.<\/p>\n

\u201c1 minute 45 seconds faster over 45km\u201d<\/h2>\n
\"Focus\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The head tube draws back more gradually to a squarer edge.<\/span><\/figcaption> Focus<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Focus has overhauled the Izalco Max frame shape, most prominently the head tube and down tube, to enhance aerodynamics.<\/p>\n

Before, the head tube tapered sharply backwards into a pointed edge behind the down tube-top tube junction.<\/p>\n

\"Focus\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The loss of angular edges from the previous head tube improves aerodynamics, according to Focus.<\/span><\/figcaption> David Caudery \/ Immediate Media<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Now, the front of the head tube remains slightly rounded but curves backwards more smoothly.<\/p>\n

The cylindrical down tube has been replaced by more angular tubing, the cross-section of which resembles an acorn.<\/p>\n

A 500ml water bottle <\/a>in the down tube bottle cage is almost completely concealed from the front and adds only 0.3 watts of drag, according to Focus.<\/p>\n

\"Cross\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The leading edge of the down tube is now more pointed.<\/span><\/figcaption> Focus<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The acorn-shaped tubing is inspired by the truncated NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) airfoil design, borrowed from aeroplane wings.<\/p>\n

Focus says its wind tunnel testing indicated the NACA shape produced a smaller area of turbulent air than the previous Izalco Max\u2019s rounder tubes.<\/p>\n

Focus also claims this shape is lighter and stiffer than the teardrop-shaped tubes used on some of the best aero bikes<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Focus\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The truncated NACA design is also applied to the seat tube and seatstays.<\/span><\/figcaption> Focus<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Extrapolated over 45km, the 6.6-watt saving at 45km\/h would make the new Izalco Max 1 minute 45 seconds faster than its predecessor.<\/p>\n

Focus says it calculated this figure based on computational fluid dynamic and wind tunnel testing, but not in real-world conditions.<\/p>\n

Increased stiffness, less comfort<\/h2>\n
\"Focus\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The press-fit bottom bracket is higher and stiffer.<\/span><\/figcaption> Focus<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

As well as being more aerodynamic, the new, fourth-generation Izalco Max frame is stiffer, lighter but also less comfortable, according to Focus.<\/p>\n

It says bottom bracket stiffness was 69 Newtons per millimetre (N\/mm) on the third-generation bike, versus 79N\/mm on the new bike, representing an increase of 15 per cent.<\/p>\n

The head tube is eight per cent stiffer on the new bike, at 110 Newton metres per degree compared to 102Nm.<\/p>\n

\"Group\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Focus says increased stiffness comes at the cost of comfort.<\/span><\/figcaption> Focus<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

However, the new Izalco Max frame is 48 per cent less comfortable, recording 156N\/mm versus 105N\/mm, according to Focus\u2019 tests.<\/p>\n

Focus claims the new fork is 14g heavier, laterally stiffer and less comfortable than the previous generation.<\/p>\n

In a bid to compensate for the stiffer frame, Focus says it has compensated by improving seated comfort through the seatpost.<\/p>\n

\"Focus\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
A shorter seat tube exposes more of the D-shaped seatpost in order to improve seated compliance.<\/span><\/figcaption><\/div>\n

The shorter seat tube exposes more seatpost, enabling it to flex more, adding to the compliance afforded by its set-back design, according to the brand.<\/p>\n

The seatpost clamp integrates into the top tube and has a rubber cover. Focus says the new clamping design prevents seatpost slippage because pressure is applied directly to the seatpost.<\/p>\n

An aero-optimised, customisable front end<\/h2>\n
\"Focus\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
You have a choice of six stem lengths, from 70mm to 120mm.<\/span><\/figcaption> Focus<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Focus says the Izalco Max cockpit delivers the aerodynamic benefits and clean aesthetics of internal cable routing<\/a>, with more flexibility than one-piece bars and stems.<\/p>\n

Focus pairs its own CIS (cockpit integration solution) stem with an Easton EC70 Aero Handlebar.<\/p>\n

The CIS stem integrates with the top cap so brake and gear cables (for mechanical or electronic groupsets<\/a>) run under the stem, through the headset and into the frame.<\/p>\n

\"Focus\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
Cables pass under the stem, into the headset and through the frame.<\/span><\/figcaption> Focus<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

You can swap in a shorter or longer stem and move spacers to adjust handlebar height <\/a>without the need to open brake lines, according to Focus.<\/p>\n

Focus supplies the Izalco Max with an integrated out-front mount compatible with Garmin and Wahoo bike computers<\/a>. A front light <\/a>or GoPro<\/a> can be fitted underneath the mount.<\/p>\n

Focus Izalco Max geometry<\/h2>\n
\"Cyclists\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The Izalco Max\u2019s geometry is typical for a modern race bike.<\/span><\/figcaption> Focus<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Focus Izalco Max\u2019s geometry is long and low, in line with racier road bikes, allowing the rider to adopt an aerodynamic position.<\/p>\n

Compared to an aero bike such as the Canyon Aeroad CFR Di2<\/a>, in a size medium, the 552mm stack is 8mm lower and the 380mm reach is 13mm shorter.<\/p>\n

In relation to an all-rounder race bike, such as a 54cm Specialized Tarmac SL8<\/a>, the Izalco Max has the same stack (including the stem height) and similar reach.<\/p>\n

\"Focus\n<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture>\n<\/div>
The handling should be sharp thanks to the relatively steep head tube angle and short wheelbase.<\/span><\/figcaption> Focus<\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Focus says raising the bottom bracket and steepening the head tube angle (by half a degree to 72.5 degrees) has made the Izalco Max stiffer and more responsive.<\/p>\n

However, the seat tube and head tube angles are still slacker than the Tarmac SL8\u2019s, by half a degree in a size 54.<\/p>\n

<\/colgroup> \n
\ufeffFrame size<\/th>XXS<\/th>XS<\/th>S<\/th>M<\/th>L<\/th>XL<\/th>XXL<\/th><\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Seat tube<\/b> (mm)<\/td>455<\/td>475<\/td>495<\/td>515<\/td>535<\/td>555<\/td>585<\/td> <\/tr>
Top tube<\/b> (mm)<\/td>504<\/td>517<\/td>530<\/td>543<\/td>568<\/td>582<\/td>607<\/td> <\/tr>
Head tube angle<\/b> (degrees)<\/td>70<\/td>72<\/td>72<\/td>72.5<\/td>72,5<\/td>73<\/td>73<\/td> <\/tr>
Seat tube angle<\/b> (degrees)<\/td>75<\/td>74.5<\/td>74<\/td>73.5<\/td>73,5<\/td>73<\/td>73<\/td> <\/tr>
Chain stay length<\/b> <\/td>410<\/td>410<\/td>410<\/td>410<\/td>410<\/td>410<\/td>410<\/td> <\/tr>
Bottom bracket drop<\/b> (mm)<\/td>72<\/td>72<\/td>72<\/td>72<\/td>72<\/td>72<\/td>72<\/td> <\/tr>
Head tube<\/b> (mm)<\/td>90<\/td>100<\/td>115<\/td>135<\/td>155<\/td>175<\/td>195<\/td> <\/tr>
Fork<\/b> (mm)<\/td>371.5<\/td>371,5<\/td>371.5<\/td>371,5<\/td>371,5<\/td>371,5<\/td>371,5<\/td> <\/tr>
Fork length<\/b> (mm)<\/td>46<\/td>46<\/td>46<\/td>46<\/td>46<\/td>46<\/td>46<\/td> <\/tr>
Wheelbase<\/b>(mm)<\/td>975<\/td>976<\/td>975<\/td>979<\/td>1,004<\/td>1,008<\/td>1,033<\/td> <\/tr>
Stack<\/b> (mm)<\/td>500<\/td>513<\/td>531<\/td>552<\/td>571<\/td>592<\/td>611<\/td> <\/tr>
Reach<\/b> (mm)<\/td>370<\/td>375<\/td>378<\/td>380<\/td>399<\/td>401<\/td>420<\/td> <\/tr>
Standover height<\/b> (mm)<\/td>743<\/td>757<\/td>773<\/td>795<\/td>815<\/td>834<\/td>855<\/td> <\/tr>
Stem<\/b> (mm)<\/td>80<\/td>90<\/td>100<\/td>110<\/td>110<\/td>120<\/td>120<\/td> <\/tr>
Crank length<\/b> (mm)<\/td>165<\/td>165<\/td>170<\/td>172,5<\/td>172,5<\/td>175<\/td>175<\/td> <\/tr>
Handlebar<\/b> (mm)<\/td>400<\/td>400<\/td>420<\/td>420<\/td>420<\/td>420<\/td>440<\/td> <\/tr>
Stack to reach ratio <\/b><\/td>1.35<\/td>1.37<\/td>1.4<\/td>1.45<\/td>1.43<\/td>1.48<\/td>1.45<\/td> <\/tr>
Wheel size<\/b> (mm)<\/td>700c<\/td>700c<\/td>700c<\/td>700c<\/td>700c<\/td>700c<\/td>700c<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table>