The new Focus SAM, a 650b wheeled 160mm travel enduro bike(Image credit: BikeRadar)
It uses a linkage driven single pivot system, using pinch bolts to secure the main pivot axles(Image credit: BikeRadar)
A 142x12mm rear axles aids stiffness, while the raised rear pivot improves chain clearance(Image credit: BikeRadar)
The top SAM uses a Rock Shox Pike RT3 fork in the tapered headtube(Image credit: BikeRadar)
Although top models some with sing ring SRAM XX1 drivetrain, there are front derailleur mounts for those who want a less race focused build(Image credit: BikeRadar)
The seatmast on the alloy frame means there's mountains of standover room(Image credit: BikeRadar)
The Focus Black Forest gets a redesigned alumnium frame for the top three models in the range.(Image credit: BikeRadar)
The 142x12mm rear axle is found on their higher end bikes, but it's introduced here to improve stiffness on more affordable models.(Image credit: BikeRadar)
For 2014, German brand Focus are aiming to make a serious impression on the growing enduro market with the introduction of an all-new 160mm travel, 650b (27.5in) bike called the SAM – or Super All Mountain. BikeRadar have just taken a look at it at the Eurobike 2013 Demo Day, and were told pricing is to be announced but that the bike should be available in the UK from late October/early November.
Instead of the knuckle box linkage system found on Focus' other full-suspension bikes, the SAM uses an all-new linkage driven single pivot design that's been a number of years in the making, with a pre-production prototype being raced in the Enduro World Series. The new setup is said to improve stiffness and suspension performance, with pinch bolt clamps securing the main pivot axles and a 142x12mm rear axle.
Elsewhere, it's all mod cons, with a tapered head tube and internal cable routing for gears, brakes and a dropper post. Three models will be available, the best coming with a top level SRAM XX1 drivetrain and RockShox suspension.
The focus sam uses a linkage driven single pivot system, with pinch bolts to secure the main pivot axles:
Black Forest 29er range 2014
Focus' Black Forest 29er hardtail series has had an update for 2014, with the top three models in the seven-bike range getting a new, lighter aluminium frame. It uses a 142x12mm thru-axle at the rear to help stiffness, and the weight is down to a claimed 1,700g, with full internal cable routing for clean lines.
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The bikes will vary in price from €1,299 up to €1,799 (no news on UK pricing yet).
