Almost decided... Thron2 vs Jam2

[salubrious_k]

Newbie here from west London. I'm in the middle of choosing my first EMTB so I've been loving reading various posts from the community. I've cut it down to two choices that are coming in to my LBS in the next few weeks - the Focus Jam2 6.8 Nine or the Focus Thron2 6.8.

I was at first leaning towards the Thron2 and the ability to add a rear rack to go bikepacking but after reading a lot of reviews I'm now fairly set on the Jam2 - better trail riding and I can always use handlebar and seatpost bags if I go bikepacking. Would be interested to hear people's views though?

I do like the sound of a relaxed upright geometry but I also want to go fast at times so the Jam2 sounded like the right balance. So far my only EMTB experience is hiring the Vitus E Escarpes that they have at Swinley Forest.

Anyway, good to meet everyone!

 

[steve_sordy]

Both are excellent bikes, but which one is better for you depends upon you being honest with yourself about your needs. But....

One thing is for sure, whether it's an MTB or an EMTB, your ambitions may develop. You may want to do "more". It may be more miles, rougher trails, more skill development..... You have to decide.
But this will not be a once and for all decision, you can change the bike if you don't like it or find it is inhibiting you. But I don't know anyone that having bought an EMTB buys one that can do less (unless it's a second bike of course!).

By the way, you do know the "never fails" method of decision making?
Assign each choice to one side of a coin. Promise yourself faithfully that you will go for whatever the coin chooses.
Toss the coin, catch it and bang it face down on a table (no peaking beforehand). If the face up does not make you smile, choose the other bike!

 

[Phil_st]

I just went through a similar story. And ended up with a totally different bike than what was on my short list.
The Jam2 6.8 is an absolute gem of a bike as is the tron2 the only major difference is they travel suspension set up And ergo’s , Tron is a much more comfortable bike to ride in every way. So if it’s all day riding and hitting trails with the odd jumps and step downs etc etc, it is a perfectly capable bike, if your more into hitting lines fast and pushing the bike to its limits it’s the Jam2.

 

[salubrious_k]

Thanks both! At the moment I'm leaning towards the Jam2 because I'm thinking about that "do more" factor. I think I'm more likely to want "do more" on the trails than in terms of full days in the saddle. From what I can tell from the review the comfort and geometry of the Jam2 is still pretty good for touring (it's worth pointing out I'm 6'6" so might benefit from the extra reach).

I haven't tried the "never fails" method yet. Instead I went with the "what's coming into the bike shop first?" method. The Jam2 arrives end of May. The Thron2 end of June. I thought maybe that's the universe deciding for me?

 

[Phil_st]

Thanks both! At the moment I'm leaning towards the Jam2 because I'm thinking about that "do more" factor. I think I'm more likely to want "do more" on the trails than in terms of full days in the saddle. From what I can tell from the review the comfort and geometry of the Jam2 is still pretty good for touring (it's worth pointing out I'm 6'6" so might benefit from the extra reach).

I haven't tried the "never fails" method yet. Instead I went with the "what's coming into the bike shop first?" method. The Jam2 arrives end of May. The Thron2 end of June. I thought maybe that's the universe deciding for me?

The Jam2 is an excellent bike I was going to purchase but was 6week wait, with no guarantee it would only be that. So I took a Norco off the floor as I didn’t want to wait, you’ll love it it’s a Gem of a bike

 

[Mr_Price]

Buy the bike that suits 90% of your riding.

 

[steve_sordy]

The Jam2 is an excellent bike I was going to purchase but was 6week wait, with no guarantee it would only be that. So I took a Norco off the floor as I didn’t want to wait, you’ll love it it’s a Gem of a bike

I too have a Jam2 and after 2 years and 4 months, I still love it!

 

[TrailBoB]

I too have a Jam2 and after 2 years and 4 months, I still love it!

I bought a Jam2, just over 12 months since. Love every minute of it. Go for the Jam2. As once you have an emtb, you’ll be out doing a lot more than you think on it, & might regret the compromise of the thron2.?? Enjoy. Let us know what you choose?

 

[Tubby G]

Newbie here from west London. I'm in the middle of choosing my first EMTB so I've been loving reading various posts from the community. I've cut it down to two choices that are coming in to my LBS in the next few weeks - the Focus Jam2 6.8 Nine or the Focus Thron2 6.8.

I was at first leaning towards the Thron2 and the ability to add a rear rack to go bikepacking but after reading a lot of reviews I'm now fairly set on the Jam2 - better trail riding and I can always use handlebar and seatpost bags if I go bikepacking. Would be interested to hear people's views though?

I do like the sound of a relaxed upright geometry but I also want to go fast at times so the Jam2 sounded like the right balance. So far my only EMTB experience is hiring the Vitus E Escarpes that they have at Swinley Forest.

Anyway, good to meet everyone!

I'd definately go for the Jam2. I wanted one myself not long ago as my closest LBS is a Focus dealer but couldn't get any stock. I went for a Haibike Allmtn in the end from another lbs and don't regret my decision at all as the Haibike is awesome, but that's not the point of my post

You mentioned you're looking at the Thron for bikepacking. In my opinion an emtb isn't the best choice for bikepacking. You'll only get three to four hours ride out of a battery unless you ride in Eco all the time, and the fun is to be had in the higher modes. Where will you charge the battery ? If you're staying at campsites will you be happy leaving a £700 battery on charge overnight in a communal area ? I wouldn't. Where would you lock and leave the bike when sleeping in your tent ? I'd be so paranoid about someone stealing the bike I'd have to bring the bike in the tent with me! Even if you're statying in hotels or B&B's, again where would you leave the bike? I'd want to take it in my room with me! I've toured numerous times on my motorbike and I have to consider where I'm staying, where I can leave valuables, the bike etc at every location. An emtb on tour would be far too much hassle trust me

Get yourself the Jam2, have a fantasitic time on the trails, and if you really want to bikepack in the summer months buy yourself a cheap leg powered hybrid tourer and take the route at a slower pace

 

[salubrious_k]

@Tubby G - Thanks! That's really good advice! II hadn't thought about security when bikepacking and you're quite right. I guess it's still possible with something like an AirBnb where you're hiring somewhere where you can bring the bike inside but that would get expensive very quickly.

 

[steve_sordy]

Ref touring, or even just a B&B overnight when you go somewhere. Even if there is a secure shed to store your bike, what if the shed does not have power and the battery does not come out of the bike?

 

[The Hodge]

Does anyone else here from reading his first post think that Mr.Sordy is close to having a gambling addiction ?
Backing both contenders in a two horse ( bike ) race ..
Get some help Steve ..before its too late ..?

 

[RoyRoy]

Newbie here from west London. I'm in the middle of choosing my first EMTB so I've been loving reading various posts from the community. I've cut it down to two choices that are coming in to my LBS in the next few weeks - the Focus Jam2 6.8 Nine or the Focus Thron2 6.8.

I was at first leaning towards the Thron2 and the ability to add a rear rack to go bikepacking but after reading a lot of reviews I'm now fairly set on the Jam2 - better trail riding and I can always use handlebar and seatpost bags if I go bikepacking. Would be interested to hear people's views though?

I do like the sound of a relaxed upright geometry but I also want to go fast at times so the Jam2 sounded like the right balance. So far my only EMTB experience is hiring the Vitus E Escarpes that they have at Swinley Forest.

Anyway, good to meet everyone!

Man i know your pain. I was deciding between the same bikes also. I had a spreadsheet with every bike, specs and prices.. then plot twist.. went the other way, took a massive gamble and got a pre-built Deng-Fu E10/M600 from a local shop. Hopefully i dont regret it. But i have local warranty so here’s hoping! Enjoy riding!

 

[steve_sordy]

Does anyone else here from reading his first post think that Mr.Sordy is close to having a gambling addiction ?
Backing both contenders in a two horse ( bike ) race ..
Get some help Steve ..before its too late ..?

Hmm, I think I'll toss a coin on that one....

 

[Jessmolly007]

Newbie here from west London. I'm in the middle of choosing my first EMTB so I've been loving reading various posts from the community. I've cut it down to two choices that are coming in to my LBS in the next few weeks - the Focus Jam2 6.8 Nine or the Focus Thron2 6.8.

I was at first leaning towards the Thron2 and the ability to add a rear rack to go bikepacking but after reading a lot of reviews I'm now fairly set on the Jam2 - better trail riding and I can always use handlebar and seatpost bags if I go bikepacking. Would be interested to hear people's views though?

I do like the sound of a relaxed upright geometry but I also want to go fast at times so the Jam2 sounded like the right balance. So far my only EMTB experience is hiring the Vitus E Escarpes that they have at Swinley Forest.

Anyway, good to meet everyone!

Heyup Salubrious, I'm a newbie too, but already learning things from the community, great set of opinions and thoughts, good luck in your choice, whichever you choose stick with it..
Paul

 

[salubrious_k]

Hello all, I realised I never updated everyone on my choice and my thoughts about it.

In the end I went with the Jam2 6.8 and I am very, very happy with it. I'm using it almost entirely for cross-country tours (sections of King Alfred's Way - that kind of thing) or trail riding Surrey Hills of Bracknell Forest. I'm starting to learn to do things like small jumps and drops and so I'd guess I'm already making use of the extra 30mm travel.

As to my concerns around bike touring, firstly I haven't looked into actually doing this yet. But bearing that context in mind, during my decision process I worked out I could probably fit a Thule Tour Rack if I wanted a rear pannier. I also have fitted front and rear RRP mudguards, which whilst they don't protect my back and ass from mud splatters on the trails, they do make cleaning the bike easier. Finally just the other day I got a Ravemen PR1200 light, partly for my road bike and partly for my Jam2 just in case I want to ride a bit as it's getting dark, this seems a damn good light with a dipped beam for road biking and full beam for off-road (or flashing cars!). So all in all, I feel that my fears about not having mudguards, pannier or light were not really relevant.

The only other slight downside to choosing the Jam2 over the Thron2 is the more aggressive lean forward position for long rides, but I've found that unlike my road bike I can put the seat down, sit upright and let the motor do all the work if I want a rest. And of course the aggressive position is much safer when doing the more dangerous stuff on the trails.

Battery life seems excellent. I can do about 50-60km on the trails on the Surrey Hills (I'm 85kg) and I reckon on longer bike tours I could probably do about 100km on Eco

@steve_sordy's advice about wanting to do "more" was spot on. And I worked out that in my case the "doing more" was doing more aggressive trail riding.

All in all a big thumbs up for the Jam2, but also for Focus EMTBs in general. It seems like an excellent make.