German Bicycle Brand Focus Became Even Lighter with Its New Model, New Focus VAM2 SL E-MTB 2024
- 3 months ago
In its lightest configuration, the e-MTB weighs just 35 pounds.
What makes a good mountain bike? Of course, you need a durable frame, good suspension, and capable wheels and tires. Things get a little more complicated when you get into an electric motor. Sure you can have tons of power, but on a mountain bike this blurs the line between e-bike and e-motorcycle. This is exactly why e-bike brands are reducing power and weight in the hopes of preserving natural pedal feel and riding dynamics.
We get a good example of this from the German bicycle brand Focus. The company has long been producing non-electric bikes with a particular emphasis on performance, and so when it came time to develop the VAM2 SL, the recipe was pretty much ready in its pocket: a lightweight frame, a premium suspension and a compact bike.
Tipping the scales at 16 to 19 kilograms (35 to 41 pounds), it's only a few pounds heavier than a mid-level non-electric full-suspension mountain bike, but thanks to the Fazua Ride 60, it means riders can save energy to enjoy going downhill rather than cranking it up the climb. VAM2 SL manages to keep its weight so low thanks to the carbon frame. It also features a one-piece handlebar and handlebar setup, also made from carbon, and the internal routing of cables and hoses adds a touch of stylish elegance to the equation.
At the heart of the Focus VAM2 SL is the Fazua Ride 60 engine. The e-bike motor manufacturer, owned by Porsche, is known for its compact motors with significant power outputs and, above all, for its natural-feeling pedal assist. Here the engine has a torque of 60 Nm (approximately 44 pound-feet) and provides support up to a top speed of up to 25 kilometers per hour (15 miles per hour). As for the battery, the 430 watt-hour battery pack promises a large range, which is made even better thanks to the motorcycle's low weight. For drivers who want to cover more miles, a 210 watt-hour range extender can also be chosen.
Focus VAM2 SL offers three boost modes for a more fine-tuned experience and an additional "boost" feature for high-powered bursts when running uphill. Additionally, the Fazua app allows drivers to customize additional settings such as maximum power, pedal assist ratio, responsiveness and acceleration. Of course, all three modes optimize these settings for efficiency, smooth performance, or direct power.
The Focus VAM2 SL 9.0 is a very impressive machine at its highest trim level. It ensures that the Fox suspension is complemented by the Kashima coating for smooth suspension operation. Moreover, it rocks Sram's top-of-the-line X0 12-speed powertrain. However, it has an astronomical price tag of 10,999 Euros or approximately $11,875. However, more "affordable" versions of the VAM2 SL are also available with equipment from companies such as Shimano and SR Suntour. Prices of these models vary between 5,799 euros ($6,260) and 8,699 euros ($9,391).
Source: https://www.rideapart.com/news/708266/focus-vam2-sl-electric
What makes a good mountain bike? Of course, you need a durable frame, good suspension, and capable wheels and tires. Things get a little more complicated when you get into an electric motor. Sure you can have tons of power, but on a mountain bike this blurs the line between e-bike and e-motorcycle. This is exactly why e-bike brands are reducing power and weight in the hopes of preserving natural pedal feel and riding dynamics.
We get a good example of this from the German bicycle brand Focus. The company has long been producing non-electric bikes with a particular emphasis on performance, and so when it came time to develop the VAM2 SL, the recipe was pretty much ready in its pocket: a lightweight frame, a premium suspension and a compact bike.
Tipping the scales at 16 to 19 kilograms (35 to 41 pounds), it's only a few pounds heavier than a mid-level non-electric full-suspension mountain bike, but thanks to the Fazua Ride 60, it means riders can save energy to enjoy going downhill rather than cranking it up the climb. VAM2 SL manages to keep its weight so low thanks to the carbon frame. It also features a one-piece handlebar and handlebar setup, also made from carbon, and the internal routing of cables and hoses adds a touch of stylish elegance to the equation.
At the heart of the Focus VAM2 SL is the Fazua Ride 60 engine. The e-bike motor manufacturer, owned by Porsche, is known for its compact motors with significant power outputs and, above all, for its natural-feeling pedal assist. Here the engine has a torque of 60 Nm (approximately 44 pound-feet) and provides support up to a top speed of up to 25 kilometers per hour (15 miles per hour). As for the battery, the 430 watt-hour battery pack promises a large range, which is made even better thanks to the motorcycle's low weight. For drivers who want to cover more miles, a 210 watt-hour range extender can also be chosen.
Focus VAM2 SL offers three boost modes for a more fine-tuned experience and an additional "boost" feature for high-powered bursts when running uphill. Additionally, the Fazua app allows drivers to customize additional settings such as maximum power, pedal assist ratio, responsiveness and acceleration. Of course, all three modes optimize these settings for efficiency, smooth performance, or direct power.
The Focus VAM2 SL 9.0 is a very impressive machine at its highest trim level. It ensures that the Fox suspension is complemented by the Kashima coating for smooth suspension operation. Moreover, it rocks Sram's top-of-the-line X0 12-speed powertrain. However, it has an astronomical price tag of 10,999 Euros or approximately $11,875. However, more "affordable" versions of the VAM2 SL are also available with equipment from companies such as Shimano and SR Suntour. Prices of these models vary between 5,799 euros ($6,260) and 8,699 euros ($9,391).
Source: https://www.rideapart.com/news/708266/focus-vam2-sl-electric