[News] Focus VAM2 SL is the new lightweight eMTB bike

Thanks to advances in engine technology, e-MTBs are becoming lighter and just as agile as normal pedal-assist mountain bikes. And with the new VAM2 SL, that's exactly what Focus has tried to create.

Built around a carbon frame, Focus paid close attention to the VAM2 SL's rear triangle to design a carbon rear end that balances what the brand considers to be the ideal bending behavior for an e-MTB, while keeping it as light as possible. This meant analyzing a number of suspension layouts to finally decide to build the bike with a flexible suspension, making the VAM2 SL one of the first electric mountain bikes to have a suspension layout of this type.

By choosing the flexible pivot design, Focus says it was able to reduce the amount of frame material and fixings, creating a frame that weighs 2,172 grams in its MAX Carbon 9 Series version, while the slightly more economical model, the 8, weighs 2,545g in the medium frame size. Of course, as the frame uses fewer bearings due to the flexible suspension, the VAM2 SL requires less maintenance.

Also to keep the weight of the bike as low as possible, there is a fully integrated battery and the head tube has an integrated cover to give the bike a sleek look. As usual with Focus, the C.I.S (cockpit integration solution) system is present and runs the cables internally, going right under the stem of the bike. Then, the VAM2SL 9.0 and 9.9 models have a new Focus One Piece SL cockpit made entirely of carbon.

Although reducing weight was a priority for Focus, the brand didn't want to sacrifice its ability to meet and exceed industry standards and Focus managed to get the VAM2 SL to meet the 4 classification for bicycles. And instead of using several frames for each test, Focus used the same one for all the tests, adding weights higher than those required by the EN ISO 4210 standard, so that the customer can be sure that the frame is built to last.

As far as the frame's features are concerned, the VAM2 SL has been fitted with extensive protective equipment, such as a pad on the downtube and plenty of stanchion protection. There's also a mudguard at the top of the stanchion to prevent dirt from getting between the stanchion and the bottom bracket. Focus wants the bike to be well protected when you ride it a lot, and this is evident in the inclusion of a set of stickers on the box. These stickers provide additional protection for the chainstay, seat stay, seat tube and down tube.

As for suspension travel, this bike has 125 mm at the rear and 130 mm at the front, however Focus says that if you want to get more turbulent, this bike can accommodate a 140 mm fork. This loosens the geometry by half a degree, making it more capable.

Moving on to the geometry, the VAM2 SL sits correctly in its trail category with a head angle of 65.5 degrees, a chainstay of 440 mm and a head tube angle of 75.5 degrees. A large frame has a reach of 475 mm and a wheelbase of 1230 mm. An interesting feature is that the head angle is adjustable, offering the option of tilting it a full degree.

The VAM2 SL's 60 Nm of torque is provided by Fazua's Ride 60 drive system, which delivers a maximum power of 450 W. The bike is equipped with a 430Wh battery that can be increased by 210Wh with an additional range extender.

There are four models available, all equipped with Fox suspension and Shimano drivetrains, in addition to the entry-level SL 8.7 bike which benefits from RockShox suspension.

Prices start at €5,099 and go up to €9,699 and each bike is available in four sizes, from S to XL.

For more information visit focus-bikes.com.