FOCUS JAM 8.9
£4,799 Does prioritising fun over speed make the new JAM even sweeter?
The 8-series JAM is the latest addition to Focus’s trail/allmountain range. Essentially, the German brand have taken the rear end of the aluminium 6-series JAM released last year and added a new carbon fibre front triangle, while keeping the same design focus on having fun.
THE FRAME
Focus have updated the kinematics of their FOLD (Focus Optimized Linkage Design) suspension system – a single-pivot design with linkage-actuated shock – so that the JAM 8 has a constant progressive leverage curve, for a better-supported mid-stroke and stronger ramp-up towards the end of its travel. This has been done to create a more playful feel and give better bottom-out resistance on bigger hits. The shock is positioned horizontally under the top tube, allowing Focus to keep the standover height nice and low, and give you more space to move around. It’s mounted to the frame using bearings, for improved sensitivity.
With the geometry flip-chip in the ‘low’ setting, the JAM 8 sports a 65-degree head angle and 76-degree effective seat tube angle. The reach on the medium frame we tested is 450mm, paired with snappy 435mm chainstays and a 420mm seat tube. BB drop is low, at 30mm. Flipping to the ‘high’ position steepens the head and seat tube angles by 0.5 degrees, lengthens the reach by 5mm and lifts the BB by 6mm, for a less aggressive ride character.
The new carbon front triangle features Focus’s Internal Compartment Solution (ICS) – storage in the down tube for a tool bag –and a set of bottle cage bosses. Other frame details include a pressfit BB, Boost rear hub spacing, a post-mount brake attachment (sized for a 180mm rotor) plus chunky chainstay protection.
THE KIT
This top 8-series JAM is reasonably priced, with a well thought-out spec. You get a Fox 36 fork and Float X shock, both Performance-level, so they aren’t the brand’s most high-spec or adjustable units, but are still very capable. The drivetrain is mostly Shimano Deore XT, with an SLX cassette and chain downgrade. This is matched by four-piston XT brakes with 203mm rotors. The wheelset consists of DT Swiss M 1900 wheels shod with Maxxis Minion DHF/ DHR II tyres. Rounding the build off are a Race Face Chester 35 bar and Focus’s own integrated stem, plus a Post Moderne dropper post.
THE RIDE
There’s no denying the JAM 8.9 is a hefty machine for its 150mm of
travel, but judging this bike on its weight would be missing the point – it’s been designed for fun and reliability. The seat tube angle puts you in a strong position over the BB for winching up climbs and, with the effective top tube not being too stretched-out, it’s a comfortable bike to ride uphill. On more technical terrain, rear-wheel traction is good, although on smooth ascents we used the shock’s climb lever to firm up the rear end, because the suspension is sensitive. If you’re after climbing KOMs we’d look elsewhere, but the Focus will at least get you to the top of the trail in relative comfort.
However, it’s on the downs that this bike comes alive. While the JAM 8.9’s geometry isn’t boundary-pushing, it makes for great handling, and we could happily carve from one turn to the next without a ton of rider input. The short chainstays keep the bike feeling agile. While their length doesn’t give the most stability at high speeds, the Focus’s weight helps to keep it trucking on and we didn’t notice any nervousness or twitchiness while bombing downhill.
In the ‘low’ setting, the 65-degree head angle offers precise steering while still giving confidence when the descents get rowdier and steeper. The relatively short reach adds to the bike’s lively feel, but should you want more stability, the JAM 8.9’s short seat tube lengths should allow most riders to go up a frame size.
As for suspension, the new FOLD platform creates a very active rear end, so the back tyre tracks the terrain well. This is especially noticeable on rougher trails and under braking, when the bike remains very composed and you can find plenty of grip when pulling on the anchors. There’s enough mid-stroke support to add a little pop to the Focus’s ride, but it’s still happy to use all of its travel.
This stable suspension blends well with the agile handling to create an exhilarating ride. You can manoeuvre the JAM 8.9 with ease, knowing that the grip and control will be there, and it doesn’t feel skittish underneath you. Suspension progression is good, and we never had any harsh bottom-outs, even when getting a bit carried away by what this bike can do.
If your riding is all about kilometre counting, the JAM 8.9’s weight and sensitive suspension probably mean it isn’t for you. However, if you like heading to woods with your friends and lapping out your favourite trails at your own pace, with enjoyment, fun and thrills at the top of your list, along with well-performing parts, then the Focus is a good choice.