Jam2 advice

[John_A]

Been looking at a new EMT,B, and after owing a Voodoo Zobop for a while I'm on the lookout for something better. Mainly trails, nothing too rough so thinking the Jam2 rather than Sam2. Is that the correct choice or will the Sam2 handle trails as well as endure stuff?

Also, cant find a size guide anywhere. The Focus site says there is a size guide on every product page, and find it for the life of me! I'm just short of 6' with a 33 inside leg, normally Id go for L, but some of the Jam 2 measurements look a bit smaller than average. What do you suggest, or can you point me in the direction of a size guide.

Bosch or Shimano is going to be a tough choice, had a shimano on the Zobop which was fine, but tempted by the Bosch. What's the consensus?

Thanks

 

[Husky430]

I bought a L Sam after coming of an XL in a Merida and the large fits like a glove. I'm a bit over 6' and they told me at the shop that the Focus sizes where a bit bigger than most brands. Not 100% sure if that is for all bikes in their range though or just the Sam.

 

[Husky430]

PS you won't be sorry with the Bosch, as I had trouble with both my Shimano e8000 motors.

 

[John_A]

I bought a L Sam after coming of an XL in a Merida and the large fits like a glove. I'm a bit over 6' and they told me at the shop that the Focus sizes where a bit bigger than most brands. Not 100% sure if that is for all bikes in their range though or just the Sam.

Thanks for the input. What’s ‘a bit’ over 6’? I’m 5’11.5 and the geometry measurements for the large look good. Suppose a lot of its down to take, some people prefer smaller frames, personally don’t like a cramped reach. Should really get out and try some.

what’s the Sam like for softer trails? Part of me thinks ‘you can’t have too much suspension travel’ but never had a bike with anything like the sam

im coming down on the side of a Bosch

 

[Zimmerframe]

I'm about 5'10 and have a Medium, I think you'd be comfortable on a Large - but everyone has a different size preference.

The Focus "M" is basically identical in size to a "L" 2019 Kenevo.

Personally, unless you're doing anything really crazy, I'd go for the Jam over the Sam. I think the Sam just feels a bit ungainly despite on paper there only being a small difference. The Jam just rides really well over everything and is surprisingly capable. I'm equally a firm believer that you can't have too much travel, but for whatever reason the Jam is just easier/more fun than the Sam (for me anyway).

The Bosch is a safer bet than the Shimano and will also give you more range for a similar feeling amount of effort.

 

[RustyMTB]

I'm dead on 6' have a roughly 34" inside leg & run a Jam2 L. I feel the bike is on the big side for me, I have to drop the seat post when I come to a halt or I'm on tiptoes. The Focus sizing thing assured me I needed a large but if I was doing it again, I'd definitely try a medium.

I agree with Zimmer, I've had a Sam & a Jam & the Sam is a big hitter with geometry aimed more at downhill than trail riding. it also has a category five frame, so if you're doing bike park stuff or big Enduro, it's a good choice. For trail riding I'd opt for the Jam all day long.

ETA You mentioned reach. There's 3cm difference between the medium & the large on the 6 & 7 series, which you should easily be able to recover via the saddle or stem if needed.

 

[John_A]

Thanks everyone. Sounds like the only real was I'm going to find out is to try them. It's funny that 6' sits right between sizes when it's such a typical height for a man.

Yes, I'm pretty set on the Jam, just thought I'd get an opinion on the Sam

Question is buy one now as there's some good offers around, or wait to see what 2023 brings. It probably wouldn't get much use this year, but I want one now!

Found this online which suggests anyone between 5'9 and 6'5 should get a large Jam, not much help at all really

 

[John_A]

I'm dead on 6' have a roughly 34" inside leg & run a Jam2 L. I feel the bike is on the big side for me, I have to drop the seat post when I come to a halt or I'm on tiptoes. The Focus sizing thing assured me I needed a large but if I was doing it again, I'd definitely try a medium.

I agree with Zimmer, I've had a Sam & a Jam & the Sam is a big hitter with geometry aimed more at downhill than trail riding. it also has a category five frame, so if you're doing bike park stuff or big Enduro, it's a good choice. For trail riding I'd opt for the Jam all day long.

ETA You mentioned reach. There's 3cm difference between the medium & the large on the 6 & 7 series, which you should easily be able to recover via the saddle or stem if needed.

just had a reply from a guy selling a large who’s 5’ 10 and says it’s just right for him. Obviously note one right answer

 

[RustyMTB]

He is of course... motivated. The right answer is to swing a leg over it & make your own mind up.

 

[Kevlasultanpus]

Been looking at a new EMT,B, and after owing a Voodoo Zobop for a while I'm on the lookout for something better. Mainly trails, nothing too rough so thinking the Jam2 rather than Sam2. Is that the correct choice or will the Sam2 handle trails as well as endure stuff?

Also, cant find a size guide anywhere. The Focus site says there is a size guide on every product page, and find it for the life of me! I'm just short of 6' with a 33 inside leg, normally Id go for L, but some of the Jam 2 measurements look a bit smaller than average. What do you suggest, or can you point me in the direction of a size guide.

Bosch or Shimano is going to be a tough choice, had a shimano on the Zobop which was fine, but tempted by the Bosch. What's the consensus?

Thanks

Im 6ft and had a jam2 in large. Was great for me. Best to test ride

 

[Husky430]

Thanks for the input. What’s ‘a bit’ over 6’? I’m 5’11.5 and the geometry measurements for the large look good. Suppose a lot of its down to take, some people prefer smaller frames, personally don’t like a cramped reach. Should really get out and try some.

what’s the Sam like for softer trails? Part of me thinks ‘you can’t have too much suspension travel’ but never had a bike with anything like the sam

im coming down on the side of a Bosch

Used to 6'2" but figure I'm more like 6' to 6'1" now . Reach is great tho I did swap out the 35mm riser bars off my old bike and I definitely feel at home on the bike.
I ended up mulleting the bike, so slightly slacker and a bit shorter in the rear end but I left the flip chip on the axle on the high position. Really should try it the other way just to be sure, but loving how it is and I'm a 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' kind of guy. So getting back to your question about softer trails, figure your meaning single twisty type tracks, it's not quite as responsive as my Merida used to be but holds it own with all my mates and think it comes down to the rider and their imput.
And your right, you can never have enough suspension I reckon as well and the Bosch is FANTASTIC, especially in the EMTB auto mode. Try and get a demo ride on one I'm sure you wont be disappointed

 

[John_A]

Think I’m pretty much settled on a Jam2 6.9, just juggling some cash about and I’ll get one

 

[Major Stare]

View attachment 98104

What front mud guard is that? (Sorry for the thread hijack).

 

[Zimmerframe]

What front mud guard is that? (Sorry for the thread hijack).

RRP Proguard - Standard.

Bolts/Screws onto the Fox.