FOCUS PARALANE FACTORY
Its ride quality and comfort
The Factory’s sloping top-tube leaves a greater length of exposed carbon seatpost, and when said seatpost’s diameter has decreased to 25.4mm, there’s flex aplenty. Curved and flattened tubes in the rear triangle soak up rough surfaces, and the straight fork legs step down in diameter for bump absorption.
Its universal fit
Focus created the Paralane’s geometry for fast endurance riders with a penchant for adventure. It’ll take up to 35mm rubber, or 30mm with the supplied mudguards, which fit neatly and protect effectively. The 904g frame (54cm) has increased stack and less reach, but with the frame’s lowered bottom bracket and longer fork, the head-tube isn’t over-long. Our 56cm model’s 178mm head-tube still allows for an efficiently low position, and despite the relatively short 90mm stem, there’s room to stretch out.
Its performance
Zipp’s 30 Course wheels with Focus’ RAT [Rapid Axle Technology] thruaxles are a great match for the Paralane’s frameset, which oozes racy DNA and loves to accelerate hard. The single ring SRAM Apex gearing is spot on for laden gravel bashing, adventurous commuting, or fast training rides. That low bottom bracket increases stability and along with large, grippy tyres, gives enormous handling confidence. A 72-degree head angle and 1010mm wheelbase ensure unflappable directional stability, but always with a racy feel.
ONE THING WE’D CHANGE The bar
The Focus own-brand handlebar has a slim top and sharp 90-degree bend to the hoods, but we’d prefer a wider top with better purchase, and rather more gradual bend for greater wrist support.