Focus Izalco Race 105

Focus’s aluminium Izalco proved something of a slow-burner. On our first ride, it lived up to German engineering stereotypes, aided by the stiff frame and firm ride. Oh yes, that great sense of ‘efficiency’ over everything else. But there’s a little more to this, which the Paul Smith-influenced paintwork should have provided a clue to; the black frame is enlivened by multicoloured stripes.

On subsequent rides, longer, more challenging affairs, the bike really came into its own. The frame has internal cable routing, the carbon fork is tapered and the bike has all the usual kit – Shimano 105 with a BSA bottom bracket, basic wheels and Continental Ultra Sport tyres. Geometry errs towards the racy, and the harder you push this, the more you put the hammer down, the more rewarding you’ll find it. The firmness never strays into harshness, but translates to a fast ride that will have you sprinting for the sheer thrill of it. Overcoming that superficial stereotype, the Izalco is actually great fun.

Handling is spot-on, climbing controlled if not exhilarating, but it bombs downhill without a murmur. The Germans may be serious about their engineering, but that just means they know how to put a more-than-decent road bike together.