Focus has a new version of its SAM for those riders who believe in self-shuttling.
As e-MTB motors and batteries become lighter and more efficient, frame designers are finding them easier to package into long-travel bikes. The latest example of this is the Focus SAM², an e-MTB focussed on descending bike park and double-black diamond trails.
The redesigned frame has a new leverage curve which works with both the latest generation coil and air shocks, providing 170mm of linear suspension travel. Balancing the SAM²’s rear kinematics are a choice of 38mm stanchion single crown front forks, providing adequate stiffness for the calibre of terrain and severity of landings, this e-MTB is capable of.
Focus has upgraded the geometry from SAM to SAM² WITH 15mm more reach and a flip-chip, which allows the head angle to be adjusted from 65- to 64-degrees.
Powering the pedal-assist part of this Focus SAM² is a Bosch sourced CX e-drive unit. It features an integrated battery pack, rated at 625Wh of energy density and produces a torque output of 85Nm thanks to a 250W drive motor.
One of the SAM²’s most interesting features is its C.I.S. cockpit cabling system. This stem was designed by Daniel Frintz and provides a functional stem with internal cable routing for a mechanical shifting system. It looks terrifically tidy and allows for an exceptionally low stack height.
Rolling on 29x2.6in tires, the SAM² can build a significant amount of momentum and to control it, Focus offer riders a choice of the latest Shimano or SRAM four-piston caliper brakes, actuating a 200mm rotor at the rear and massive 220mm disc at the front.
Focus marketing two variants of its new SAM², both featuring the same aluminium frame construction, geometry and Bosch drive system. At £4,999 there is the SAM² 6.8 with its Rockshox ZEB 29 fork and Super Deluxe Select+ rear shock. The drivetrain is GX Eagle and Schwalbe Magic Mary tires roll it along, whilst SRAM Code brake get it to a stop.
For £5,999 you can upgrade to a SAM² 6.9, which adds Fox suspension components, in the guise of a Float Factory 38 fork and performance coil rear shock. The groupset is Shimano’s latest XT, including the updated four-piston brakes.
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