Focus VAM² SL 8.7 Review

Even steep ramps are surprisingly easy to climb with the Fazua motor. With its boost function, which provides 450 watts of support for a short period of time, the Fazua Ride 60 reduces the gap between light and classic full-power motors. At the moment, hardly any other light motor offers such a good combination of natural support, dynamic power delivery and capability. The average range can become a problem especially for long mountain bike rides. The integrated battery gives developers constructive freedom when designing the frame. However, to charge it, the bike always has to be brought near an outlet.

Carbon is considered a premium material in the bike industry. In the price range about 6000€, aluminium is usually the frame material used. With the carbon frame, Focus can clearly differentiate itself from many competitors. Rough descents take away some of the fear thanks to the average chassis. At the brakes, Focus middle class four pistons in front and two pistons in the rear brakes by Magura are used. The drivetrain and components have a subordinate but not to be neglected importance when it comes to EMTB. Even the bike brand product managers know this and don't aim too high with mostly average components. The handling of the bike is pleasantly balanced due to the moderate geometry. This allows you to intuitively control the bike over the trails. The bottom bracket is high, which costs handling points. This tends to make the rider stand on the bike. On other EMTBs it feels better integrated. Due to the short chainstays and the shallow seat angle , when climbing steep sections, it requires active weight shifting to prevent the front wheel from lifting. The scale stays at 19,1 kg with this model. That makes the VAM² SL 8.7 one of the light Trailbikes.