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Mountain Bike

Sea Otter 2013: Focus 650b carbon hardtail, Ag2r team replica

published 20 April 2013

Raven 650b 1.0 sits between 26in and 29in Raven hardtails

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Focus has developed a new Raven 650b 1.0 carbon hardtail around 27.5-inch wheels. Actual weight as pictured is right around 11kg (24.3lb).(Image credit: James Huang)

Unusually, Focus includes tubular tires as stock equipment - be sure to glue them on securely.(Image credit: James Huang)

The top-end Focus Izalco Team SL Ag2r comes with a Campagnolo Record EPS electronic group and Fulcrum Racing Speed 50 carbon tubular wheels.(Image credit: James Huang)

The front end features a 1 1/8-to-1 1/4" tapered head tube.(Image credit: James Huang)

The seat tube on the Focus Izalco Team SL Ag2r is highly asymmetrical.(Image credit: James Huang)

The new Focus Izalco Team SL Ag2r team replica uses the same frame as current models but with an upgraded build kit.(Image credit: James Huang)

Fans of the Ag2r-La Mondiale squad can now purchase the Izalco Team SL team replica.(Image credit: James Huang)

Save for the XS size pictured here, all Focus Raven 650b 1.0 frames feature a straight top tube.(Image credit: James Huang)

Focus equips the new Raven 650b 1.0 with a BB30 bottom bracket shell.(Image credit: James Huang)

The rear brake caliper is mounted to the chain stay on the new Focus Raven 650b 1.0 carbon hardtail. The hose is internally routed.(Image credit: James Huang)

Impressively, Focus equips the complete Raven 650b 1.0 carbon hardtail with genuine Shimano SLX hubs whose well sealed and adjustable bearings should last for ages. While the front hub uses a 15mm thru-axle, the rear carries on with a traditional quick-release.(Image credit: James Huang)

The internally routed lines are fed into the frame just behind the tapered head tube. External ribs supposedly add stiffness to the structure.(Image credit: James Huang)

Focus builds the new 27.5"-wheeled Raven 650b 1.0 carbon hardtail with shaping similar to other Raven models. Design language is shared among several Focus bikes on both the road and mountain sides.(Image credit: James Huang)

The one major exception to the team replica spec is the FSA cockpit - a necessary substitution since fi'zi:k doesn't yet have its bars and stems in sufficient quantities.(Image credit: James Huang)

This article first appeared on Bikeradar.

Sea Otter: Continental goes all in with 650b

Following the launch of Scott's new Scale 700-series of 27.5-inch carbon hardtails, German company Focus is now tossing its hat into the ring with its new Raven 650b 1.0 – a close cousin of the existing 26" and 29" Raven carbon hardtails but with specific geometry to accommodate the new 'tweener wheels.

Focus is offering the new Raven 650b 1.0 as a single complete build for now that includes a Shimano Deore XT 3x10 group, a RockShox Revelation fork, and house-brand aluminum clincher rims built around Shimano SLX hubs with a thru-axle front and quick-release rear fitment. Actual weight for the bike pictured here is right around 11kg (24.3lb).

We've yet to ride the new Focus hardtail but the geometry looks promising with a sub-70° head tube angle, 425mm-long chain stays, and 28mm of bottom bracket drop. Suggested retail price is $3,950 and bikes are available now.

Well-heeled fans of European road racing, on the other hand, might find interest in the new Izalco Team SL Ag2r team replica bike. Built around the company's top-end Izalco Team SL frame, the new replica machine features a Campagnolo Record EPS electronic group, 50mm-deep Fulcrum Racing Speed carbon tubulars wrapped with Schwalbe Ultremo tires, and a fi'zi:k Arione saddle.

The one major exception to the team spec is the FSA cockpit as fi'zi:k currently doesn't have its new bars and stems in sufficient quantities.

Suggested retail price is $10,000 and Focus will also offer a lower-priced version built around the Izalco Pro frameset with Campagnolo Chorus for $4,500. Shipping is scheduled to begin in July.