Words and images by Andy Rogers.
Earlier this month, the whole range of Focus bikes were put on display for Focus shop staff and media people to come take a look at.
Walking into the showroom, one thing was very apparent – Focus had made a change that was immediately noticeable. It was almost like designers had accidentally kicked over a pile of paint tins and decided to roll with it. Okay, that takes away a lot of credibility from the designers’ hard work. What I’m trying to get at is, Focus has gone colourful!
Known pretty well for their very black colour schemes, Focus has decided to take a step away from this and add a splash of colour to their range – noted most by their ‘Freestyle’ range.
All hail the Focus Izalco
The Focus Izalco makes a welcome return. Available now in a few new, brighter colours and updated group sets, the rest of the Izalco Max that everyone has come to love is still there – and is still an industry leader in the weight department coming in at a featherweight 720g.
Starting with the Izalco Max Dura Ace Di2 (shown above) running full Dura Ace 9150, Mavic Cosmic Carbon Pro SL wheels and an Easton carbon cockpit coming in at $9,999, the range doesn’t disappoint at the next rung.
The Focus Izalco Max Etap model coming with a full Sram Etap groupset, ZIPP 302 carbon clinchers and Easton carbon cockpit at $9,499
Who needs wires anyway?
The now welcomed race-legal Izalco Max Disc Ultegra Di2 all decked out with a full Ultegra 8070 Di2 group set, Shimano RS770 carbon wheels and Easton alloy cockpit, the Izalco Max range on offer has you covered for any fast-paced racing action you could dream of.
This bike will be hot for many reasons!
Get more details from the Focus website.
Enter the Izalco Race
The ever-popular Focus Cayo has had a name change for this year and is now updated to the Izalco Race. Aimed at the majority of the market, the Izalco Race is available in everything from Dura Ace all the way down to Sora to open the carbon road bike model up to more riders.
The Dura Ace 9100 Izalco Race (above) opens it up at $4,999, followed by Ultegra 8000 Di2 at $4,499.
Focus also have an Izalco Race with Ultegra 8000 at $3,199, 105 5800 at $2,399 and Sora R3000 at $1,899 – all supplied with Mavic wheels, BBB finishing kit, full brand groupsets and a versatile 52/36t and 11-30t drivetrain, the Izalco Race range is aimed as Focus’ ultimate workhorse road bike option.
Get more details from the Focus website.
Set for adventure
Carrying over from last year, Focus has continued to bring the new Paralane to the Australian market – recognising the adventure/gravel road bike as an important area of growth.
With a geometry slightly adjusted to be better suited to some more adventurous riding while still retaining a sporty background the Paralane is perfect for someone looking to explore their surroundings more. With clearance for up to 35mm tyres, disc brakes and still only weighing in at 907g for a frame, it’s got your back.
The Paralane is available in 5 models; Etap with ZIPP 302 carbon wheels and an Easton carbon cockpit at $9,499 (up top), or a model with Ultegra 8050 Di2 with Mavic Ksyriums and alloy cockpit at $5,999 (above).
Sram Apex 1×11 hydro build with Mavic Ksyriums and BBB alloy cockpit comes in at $4,699 shown below, and following on there is an an Ultegra 8020 build with Aksium wheels and BBB finishing kit at $4,499, or a 105 5800 build with Shimano RS170 wheels and BBB cockpit for $3,499. Focus have made sure there is something for just about everyone!
Get more details from the Focus website.
Cross is still boss
Unsurprisingly, Focus is sticking with it’s heritage and continues to provide its wide cyclocross range. With updated paint jobs, everything that a large portion of the local cyclocross community has come to love is still there.
The Mares will be coming in four different models – the Mares Force 1 Hydro with full CX1 group set, Mavic Ksyriums wheels and BBB alloy finishing kit at $4,999. A Rival 1 Hydro build with Alex CXD wheels and alloy BBB cockpit at $3,999.
The Apex 1 Hydro with Alex wheels and BBB finishing kit at $3,499 and the Mares Aluminium Tiagra with full Tiagra 4700, Concept wheels and alloy BBB parts at $2199. A model from the top end Elite rider all the way to the first-timer.
Get more details from the Focus website.