The latest FOCUS IZALCO MAX models feature new colours and components for 2022, leaving nothing to be desired. Our highlight, however, is the C.I.S. stem, which was added to all models and allows the cockpit to be perfectly integrated. You can find all the details about the new bikes here.
More than just the fastest: this is German bicycle brand FOCUS’ slogan for their thoroughbred road bike, the IZALCO MAX. But what exactly do they mean by more? More wins, more fun, more comfort? Looking at the previous IZALCO models, FOCUS’ engineering team seem to have focused on two main aspects: integration and aerodynamics. Conveniently, these factors are relatively easy to combine, though they often come at the expense of weight and comfort. Read on to find out what the boys and girls from FOCUS have changed on the new IZALCO MAX and what models are included in the 2022 range.
Point 1 – More integration
The 2020 FOCUS IZALCO MAX that we tested for you on Mallorca’s fastest roads already boasted a high level of integration, though it was reserved for the flagship models of the 9-series. For the latest generation, FOCUS have also integrated all the cables around the cockpit of the more affordable 8-series IZALCO MAX, presenting the new aluminium C.I.S. aero stem. It’s available in five lengths from 70 to 120 mm and routes the cables internally throughout: from the aero bar, through the stem and headset, into the frame. In addition to making the cockpit look a lot neater, it promises improved aerodynamics and perfect functionality.
The new solution looks great and seems to offer a high level of everyday usability, though we’re yet to put it to the test. Thanks to the Universal Computer Mount included with every bike, you can mount your Wahoo or Garmin GPS computer to the bike and start training immediately. Those who want to capture their fastest descents or daring race manoeuvres for posterity can also mount an action camera beneath it. Regarding the stem height, you can easily adjust it to your desired position using the two-piece spacers. To slam the stem as low as possible, you could even remove the spacers completely as the stem and headset can join seamlessly without them. Excellent!
Point 2: Aerodynamics
Nowadays, neither the brands nor the pros in the peloton can afford to race on a bike that isn’t aerodynamically optimised. The advantages of an aerodynamically shaped frame and streamlined components are too big to ignore at racing speeds. Not everyone has the legs of Simon Geschke who can afford the additional wind resistance of a beard. FOCUS have constantly been tweaking the aerodynamics of the previous generations of the IZALCO MAX and they’ve continued making improvements on the 2022 model. In addition to the aerodynamically optimised stem and integrated cables, the German brand rely on streamlined Kammback profiles for the frame’s tubes and the seat post. That means the tubes are rounded at the front and flat at the back, which countless wind tunnel tests have proven to be the most aerodynamic shape.
The six 2022 FOCUS IZALCO MAX versions at a glance – Spec and prices
For the 2022 season, FOCUS will continue offering six different configurations as well as a frameset of the IZALCO MAX. By doing so, they can cover a wide price range, starting with the IZALCO MAX 8.7 for € 2,599 through to the IZALCO MAX 9.9 for € 9,499. Unlike many other manufacturers, FOCUS have managed to keep the flagship model below the €10,000 mark. Regarding colours, they aren’t taking any major risks, staying true to the pattern of the 2021 models and only changing the colours. The chainstays and seat stays of the 9-series models are painted black, whereas the 8-series models have a single-tone colour scheme.
Since all builds come equipped with the C.I.S. stem, the more affordable 8-series models differ primarily in the weight of the frame and fork and the groupset they come specced with. The size M frame of the IZALCO MAX 9.7, 9.8 and 9.9 weighs 890 g while the fork comes in at 360 g. The 8.7, 8.8 and 8.9 models weigh around 150 g more with a frame and fork weight of 1,040 g and 360 g respectively. While the models of the 9-series boast electronic shifting, the 8-series models all rely on mechanical groupsets. Of course, you can always upgrade to wireless shifting later if you like. See the table below for the details of the individual models.
| Modell | FOCUS IZALCO MAX 9.9 | FOCUS IZALCO MAX 9.8 | FOCUS IZALCO MAX 9.7 | FOCUS IZALCO MAX 8.9 | FOCUS IZALCO MAX 8.8 | FOCUS IZALCO MAX 8.7 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | € 9,499 | € 6,199 | € 5,199 | € 3,999 | € 3,499 | € 2,599 |
| Groupset | Shimano DURA-ACE Di2 | Shimano ULTEGRA Di2 | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Shimano ULTEGRA | Shimano 105 | Shimano 105 |
| Wheelset | DT Swiss ARC 1400 | DT Swiss ARC 1600 | DT Swiss ARC 1600 | Novatec R4 Carbon | Novatec R5 Carbon | Alexrims Boondocks 5 Aluminium |
| Weight | 7.3 kg | 7.7 kg | 8.1 kg | 8.0 kg | 8.3 kg | 8.7 kg |
The geometry of the 2022 FOCUS IZALCO MAX
In terms of geometry, FOCUS have chosen to rely on the tried-and-tested values of the 2021 range for 2022, featuring the same seat tube angle, which was steepened to open the rider’s hip angle and allow for a more compact yet aggressive riding position. The aerodynamic D-shaped seatpost is offset by 15 mm, thereby offering improved bump compliance, though the effective offset is just 2 mm. Smart! The bike is officially approved for tires up to 28 mm wide, but the frame shouldn’t have any issues clearing 30 mm tires. To accommodate as many riders as possible, all versions of the IZALCO MAX will still be available in seven sizes, ranging from XXS to XXL.
| Size | XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 430 mm | 470 mm | 490 mm | 510 mm | 530 mm | 550 mm | 590 mm |
| Top tube | 504 mm | 517 mm | 535 mm | 551 mm | 564 mm | 582 mm | 602 mm |
| Head tube | 80 mm | 80 mm | 100 mm | 115 mm | 125 mm | 150 mm | 185 mm |
| Head angle | 69.5° | 70.5° | 71.5° | 72.0° | 72.0° | 72.5° | 72.5° |
| Seat angle | 74.0° | 73.5° | 73.5° | 73.5° | 73.5° | 73.5° | 73.5° |
| Chainstays | 410 mm | 410 mm | 410 mm | 410 mm | 410 mm | 410 mm | 410 mm |
| BB Drop | 78 mm | 78 mm | 78 mm | 78 mm | 78 mm | 78 mm | 78 mm |
| Wheelbase | 975 mm | 975 mm | 985 mm | 997 mm | 1,010 mm | 1,024 mm | 1,044 mm |
| Reach | 360 mm | 368 mm | 378 mm | 390 mm | 400 mm | 410 mm | 420 mm |
| Stack | 502 mm | 506 mm | 528 mm | 544 mm | 554 mm | 579 mm | 613 mm |
The current availability of the 2022 FOCUS IZALCO MAX
Let’s address the elephant in the room: availability. Like many other brands, FOCUS are yet to find a way around this problem and are currently unable to offer all frame sizes of every model. On the brands’ website, you’ll see that many models are available in just two sizes or, as in the cases of the IZALCO MAX 8.9 and 9.9, no size at all. If you’re lucky, you can still find the desired bike at your local dealer. It was a major challenge in 2021 and won’t change for 2022 as delivery times and limited availability will continue determining the market. Those who can deliver are king. You’ll find more on this topic in a detailed article in our sister magazine E-MOUNTAINBIKE.
Our verdict on the 2022 FOCUS IZALCO MAX models
We were excited about the latest range of fast FOCUS IZALCO MAX bikes, and we weren’t disappointed. While FOCUS haven’t presented a new frame, the updates they’ve made to the previous year’s models make a lot of sense, including an upgrade to the cockpit, the latest groupsets and new colours. We’re happy to see that FOCUS haven’t limited the new C.I.S. stem to their high-end bikes, also making it available on the more affordable models. Excellent!
If you’re looking for a way to pass the time until the desired frame size becomes available, you can amp yourself up by reading the review of last year’s model.
For more information about the new FOCUS IZALCO MAX models, visit focus-bikes.com
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