The Focus Jam2 SL – a return to its roots!

Did you know the SL bikes date back to 2018? The old Focus Jam2 C SL was a 150mm travel bike with a smaller battery and carbon frame. Surely this was the direction emtbs would take? But no! Later versions of the Jam2 came with big detachable batteries and increased weight. Thankfully, the Focus Jam2 SL has returned to set things straight.

Rob has seen the Jam2 SL 9.9 up close. Check out his video, or keep reading below for specs and a look at the details.

Fazua Ride 60 motor​

The Jam2 SL belongs to the lightweight category. It’s got the Fazua Ride 60 system. The motor is rated at 60Nm and 450W max. Maximum power is available using the Boost mode, which is a time limited burst of power.


Fazua Ride 60, inconspicuous and silent.

And the 430Wh Fazua battery​

The Fazua battery is detachable, which is a good thing. There is a downside to it though. The detachable battery needs a more complex battery mount and a hole in the frame. A hole that needs to be reinforced. This adds weight. Where many of the mid-range lightweight emtbs are 18-19 kg, the cheaper versions of the Jam2 SL are 19-20kg.

The 430Wh battery is easily detachable. Battery cover opens with an allen key, there is one supplied in the rear axle.

Part of the weight increase is down to the bigger 430Wh battery. Most competitors are around 320-380Wh. Also, the 3 lower end models come with nice and burly tyres, that explains another chunk of the weight increase.

Optional charge port and range extender​

Most brands come up with ways of keeping the weight down on their superlight emtbs. It seems Focus decided to forgo the charge port and save 200g. This means removing the battery for charging. But, if you buy the 210Wh range extender, the bike gets retrofitted with a port for the extender battery. This allows you to charge the internal battery through the range extender.

Adjustable geometry​

Where most lightweight emtbs are 140-150mm travel, the Jam2 SL takes it up a notch to 160mm front and 150mm rear. Set the geometry to Low & Long, and you get a very long 1.274mm wheelbase for size L. Head tube angle is 64.5*. This bike could very well be more stable and capable than the 150mm competition. If you go for the Short & Steep setting, wheelbase is down to 1.247mm and head angle is 65.5*. These are figures we are used to from the other lightweights.



There are four ways of adjusting the geometry. The headset cup can be rotated to adjust head angle by 1*. Then there are 4 chips in the rear triangle that can be flipped to alter chainstay length between 440 and 447mm.

Four models​

There are two different carbon frames in the lineup. The two cheaper models get the standard carbon technology frame. The two more expensive bikes get the “Carbon MAX” technology which saves 300g. Check out the photos below for weights and specs, click to enlarge.

Prices​

• Jam2 SL 9.0: € 11.490
• Jam2 SL 9.9: € 8.499
• Jam2 SL 8.8: € 6.999
• Jam2 SL 8.7: € 6.199

Our take​

Finally, another lightweight emtb with a detachable battery is introduced. Up until now, most have got fixed batteries. It comes with a slight weight penalty though. But it's not just the battery integration. It seems burlier than most 150mm travel lightweights, with heavier tyres and the option of running a very long wheelbase. It's something new, it looks cool, and I need to try one.