Test: We had the chance to get to know the new Focus Jam Squared on the fabulous trails of southern France. Promising nothing less than redefining mountain biking, I was not disappointed, that much I can say. The Jam Squared is a 140 All Mountain that's a lot of fun on any terrain, uphill or downhill.
"We stop doing e-bikes..." was the sentence in the presentation that made me frown. But after a thorough explanation from the makers of the Jam Squared, I got the concept. The bike shouldn't ride like an E-MTB, it should feel like a mountain bike, with no ifs or buts. I only partially like the often somewhat special driving behavior of many motorized off-road bikes. This is not particularly noticeable on forest roads, but riders who want to actively ride their bike on demanding trails are often bothered by details. Sometimes extremely long chainstays, unnecessarily high weight, rattling batteries, exposed and sensitive displays... all things that don't actually belong on a mountain bike. With the Jam Squared, Focus has created a bike that is clearly aimed at "real bikers". It's also fun on forest roads and on easy terrain, but not only.
the bike
The Focus Jam has a compact and tidy appearance. The battery is integrated into the down tube, no bump on the down tube to conceal the battery. There's no bulky display perched on the handlebars; it's protected next to the stem. All cables and wires are routed inside the frame and only become visible shortly before their destination. The Jam Squared is available as a 29-inch or in the increasingly popular "Plus" format. The 29-inch version fits tires up to 2.6, while the 27,5-inch version comes with 2,8 Schwalbe tires. That's how we rode the bike. There will be six models, out of three.999€ to €6.499, 3 in 27,5+ and 3 in 29 inches. The designers deliberately opted for slightly less "anti-squat" at the rear, meaning the rear end resists pedaling less, but the rear end feels even more solid. A good idea for a bike where you pedal in the saddle significantly more than on a conventional mountain bike. The rear end is designed to be particularly sensitive at the beginning and becomes more progressive towards the end. Both versions have different bottom bracket heights and come with adapted crank lengths. There are two screws beneath the down tube that secure the battery without any play. These same screws can be used to attach the so-called "bone rail" to the top of the tube; this can accommodate a second battery or the Smart Rack. This can be used to carry all sorts of useful items such as a water bottle, tools, tube, etc.
Focus Jam: The Geometry
Depending on the suspension fork, a steering angle of 66,5 to 66,2 degrees ensures a very good compromise between smooth running and manoeuvrability. At 74 degrees, the seat angle is steep enough to be able to climb cleanly even on steep sections. The rear end of the Focus Jam Squared measures just 5 millimeters on the 27,5+ version. A value that is usually hardly lower even with non-motorized wheels with this tire size and is one of the reasons for the agility with which the wheel can be moved in practice. The Jam gets its own rear end for each size, not just one rear end for both wheel sizes. The reach of 457 millimeters with an M frame should make most riders happy.
Focus Jam: The drive
The choice of drive fell on Shimano's new E-8000. This is justified by Focus with optimal power development, a low Q-factor, the quick response to pedal movements, extremely low resistance when driving without motor support and intuitive usability. The Focus Jam is called a "tailored energy concept". What is meant is the complete integration of the battery in the down tube. In addition to a clean and modern look, it is also optimally protected here. In order to avoid heat accumulation in the down tube, which could impair the optimal work of the battery, "Airflow" was devised. A ventilation that allows the ambient air to circulate and should also bring a kind of wind chill effect when driving faster.
If the 378 watt hours of the battery doesn't seem like much, I can reply: We had fun with it on an extensive tour and still had reserves when we returned. There is also a solution for those who want to play it safe or drive very long tours. A second battery can be mounted on the down tube. This means that 760 watt hours are available, which is enough for everyone. The second battery with adapter plate and the Smart Rack mentioned will only cost €499. The cable to connect the second battery is elegantly hidden under the top tube. In addition to the trigger lever for operation, which is otherwise known from the Shimano gears for the front derailleur, the easy-to-read display that has been reduced to the essentials: everything fits, even the magnet that sits ugly in the spokes on many e-bikes is on the Hidden brake disc. The only thing I couldn't understand was why the pushing aid is designed in such a way that it can't be switched to when pushing. The 2,1 kilo heavier battery should still have at least 1000 percent of its capacity after 70 charging cycles. A quick charger should also be available for those in a hurry.
Focus Jam: test drive
The biggest compliment I can give the bike: Uphill I was always aware that I was riding a powerful e-bike and I often forgot it going downhill. The rear works excellently, the assertion that you need complicated multi-joints is taken to absurdity by the Focus Jam Squared. The single-pivot has a cleverly devised damper linkage and doesn't need a spectacular wheel elevation curve. In addition, the thick tires provide a lot of security in rough terrain and allow wild climbing. Every lever on the handlebars is where it should be and everything is easily accessible. It's rare that I don't change some settings on a test bike.
Of course, the Focus Jam is still heavier than a non-drive bike, but a weight under 21 kilos is a very good value for a bike with this configuration. With every pushing or carrying piece, even when loading the bike, you can feel every kilo. Also on the trail and so the relatively low weight supports the positive driving impression. The bike always conveys security and encourages ambitious line choices.
My personal opinion: Promise kept! If e-mountain bikes continue to develop in the direction that the Focus Jam Squared sets, then even stubborn e-MTB opponents will be convinced. The bike is incredibly fun and is one of my highlights for the coming season.
Website