Forget about shuttles

The new Focus Sam2 is an electric assist enduro mountain bike with 170mm of travel at either end and a modular two-battery system called TEC.

Read more: First ride review on Focus Sam2 6.9

focus sam2

Focus Sam2 need to know

  • 170mm travel enduro e-MTB
  • 65° head angle
  • 75° seat angle
  • S, M, L sizes (455mm reach on L)
  • Tailored Energy Concept (TEC) 1-or-2 battery system
  • Alloy frame
  • FOLD suspension ssytem
  • 27.5 x 2.5in tyres
  • 21kg claimed weight
  • Prices £3,999 to £6,699

focus sam2

The TEC stuff basically means it uses a smaller than usual battery (380Wh as opposed to the more common 500Wh) which is tucked away inside the down tube. The idea of a smaller battery, with less run time, is that for most rides (2-3hr) it will be enough and the rider will benefit from lugging less weight around.

focus sam2

For longer rides there is the ability to attach a second 380Wh battery on top of the down tube (via a bracket on the bottle bosses). This adds another 2kg to the weight. It’s an interesting idea and further shows how Focus are deliberately thinking outside of the box much like they did with the unique Raven2.

focus sam2

With the battery being inside a frame tube, not attached externally or forming part of the down tube integration, the frame is lighter for its strength. The potential for battery overheating is addressed by air intake vents up near the head tube and exhausts through the motor.

focus sam2

Although it’s a long travel enduro bike like the non-electric Focus Sam, the electric Sam2 doesn’t use the same suspension system. The Sam2 uses Focus’ Focus Optimised Linkage Design (FOLD) design.

focus sam2

FOLD a single pivot design that uses a linkage arrangement to drive the shock. The linkage is falling rate for the first part of its travel ie. to the sag point at 50mm, and from sag onwards it’s progressive. The idea being that it’ll be plush and floaty around the sag point and then ramp up once into its travel proper.