For model year 2020, FOCUS have focussed on updates to their existing bikes with the Stuttgart-based giving various models in their portfolio a facelift. We took a closer look at the new 2020 FOCUS IZALCO MAX and PARALANE².
After the overhaul of the FOCUS IZALCO MAX DISC earlier this year, the brand has updated it’s top-end racer with new spec options and paint jobs. In addition, FOCUS are expanding the opportunities to use their FAZUA Evation equipped bikes off the beaten track as well with the introduction of the PARALANE² 6.8 GC and PARALANE² 9.6 GC. While these E-allroad/E-gravel models share many of the features of the standard PARALANE² 9.6 and 9.9, the new builds are intended to significantly widen their range of application. In addition, the new PARALANE² 6.6 COMMUTE adds a flat bar option for relaxed commuting to the mix.
FOCUS IZALCO MAX DISC 9.8
The new IZALCO MAX DISC 9.8 has been equipped with a SRAM RED eTap AXS 2×12 groupset. Along with the unchanged MAX Aero carbon frameset, FOCUS’ in-house carbon stem and their R.A.T thru-axle system, the bike rolls on DT Swiss ARC 1450 DICUT DB wheels with 48 mm deep carbon rims. The spec is completed with 25 mm Vittoria Corsa Graphene 2.0 tires, a Prologo DIMENSION saddle and Easton EC90 Aero carbon bars. The 9.8 will be available for € 8,499.
FOCUS IZALCO MAX DISC 9.7 AXS
As the name might suggest, the IZALCO MAX DISC 9.7 AXS is also fitted with a SRAM AXS groupset: Force eTap AXS in this case. Drivetrain and brakes aside, the 9.7 model shares exactly the same components as the € 2,300 more expensive 9.8 and in turn seems to offer excellent value for money. We also rather like the subtle blue of the frame paired with the Vittoria tan wall tires. This bike will set you back € 6,199.
FOCUS IZALCO MAX DISC geometry
| 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 | 534 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 |
| 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 | 505 mm | 528 mm | 544 mm | 554 mm | 579 mm | 613 mm |
FOCUS PARALANE² 9.6 GC
Equipped with a Shimano GRX 810 11-speed groupset and with clearance for up to 35 mm tires, the new PARALANE² 9.6 GC wants to awaken your inner explorer and make it possible to ride further than just paved roads too. As with the road version, a FAZUA Evation motor with its 60 Nm torque and 250 Wh battery provides an extra helping hand. The flared BBB Gravel alloy bars and the 700x33C Vittoria Terreno Zero TLR tires are intended to offer increased comfort and control for riding gravel roads. In this guise, the 9.6 GC costs € 5,399.
FOCUS PARALANE² 6.8 GC
The beating heart of the FOCUS PARALANE² 6.8 GC is also a Fazua Evation motor with 60 Nm torque and a 250 Wh battery. The system is integrated in the down tube of the aluminium frame and is controlled with a bar-mounted remote. The motor/battery unit can be completely removed and replaced with a cover. This basically allows the 6.8 GC to be ridden just like any other bike, with the added advantage of a fairly spacious stowage compartment in which you can easily fit snacks and a jacket. With a Shimano GRX 400 drivetrain, Alex Rims Boondocks wheelset and 700x33C Vittoria Terreno Zero TLR tires, this E-allroad bike weighs in at 15.65 kg and costs € 4,199.
FOCUS PARALANE² 6.6 COMMUTE
With the PARALANE² 6.6 COMMUTE, FOCUS offer an E-commuter version of the PARALANE² platform in elegant silver. Equipped with a BBB alloy flat bar, neatly integrated Curana CLite mudguards, reliable Shimano 105 R7000 drivetrain and the 700x32C VIttoria Zaffiro Pro tires, everyday practicality and reliability are the clear priority. Coming in at a claimed 15.95 kg in size M, the 6.6. COMMUTE costs € 3,599.
FOCUS PARALANE² geometry
| Größe | S | M | L | XL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 480 mm | 516 mm | 540 mm | 570 mm |
| Top tube | 525 mm | 545 mm | 568 mm | 590 mm |
| Head tube | 150 mm | 165 mm | 190 mm | 215 mm |
| Head angle | 71.5° | 72.0° | 72.5° | 72.5° |
| Seat angle | 74.5° | 73.5° | 73.5° | 73.5° |
| Chainstays | 415 mm | 415 mm | 415 mm | 415 mm |
| Wheelbase | 990 mm | 996 mm | 1,014 mm | 1,036 mm |
| Reach | 370 mm | 375 mm | 390 mm | 405 mm |
| Stack | 564 mm | 580 mm | 605 mm | 630 mm |
With its 2020 range, FOCUS has made sensible updates and offers fetching paint jobs throughout its road range. You can find more information about the new bikes at focus-bikes.com.
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