Focus Atlas 8 Series

In 2021, Focus entered the gravel segment with the Atlas 6 series. Now follows the carbon counterpart with – if one is to believe our previous review results and Focus's current press materials – the same focus, but with changed (measurement) values.
Plenty of mounting points, generous tire clearance, functional equipment packages, and some clever details also make the Series 8 ideal for adventures in nature. At the same time, the bike, being 1.7 kg lighter, craves more speed, featuring a slightly shorter head tube and consequently a sportier geometry with a lower seating position.
Three models in the price range between 2,999 and 4,299 euros are offered – here are the details.

The combination of a longer reach and short stem, flat head angle, and low bottom bracket is designed to give the bike a smooth, steady ride. The retention of maneuverability is served by 425 mm short chainstays.
Although already lowered compared to the aluminum model, the front remains relatively high, which is supposed to provide safety especially on descents. However, for city limit sprints, it's probably better to approach with a last-place mindset to avoid disappointments right from the start.

Geometry

The five available sizes are delivered with 700C wheels, which can be equipped with tires up to 45 mm wide (max. 40 mm when using fenders). Even wider tires are possible with a switch to 650B wheels, thanks in no small part to Focus's special approach to hub spacing.
The Germans, primarily for reasons of stability, opt for the MTB-Boost standard, that is 110 mm at the front and 148 mm at the rear wheel, instead of the now quite established 100 and 142 mm in the disc-braked road bike sector.

Also on the carbon model, double cranks are not only possible, but also standard on the 8.8 and 8.7. At the front, changes compared to the Series 6 include an aerodynamic stem and the further developed Cockpit Integration Solution (C.I.S.) with improved cable routing. The handlebar height is adjusted individually using two-piece special spacers.

The aluminum models already come equipped with numerous attachment points for comfortably transporting bags and bottles, and even include a small Top Tube Bag (for retrofitting: €24.99) for storing small items like a mini tool or granola bars in the delivery scope. The carbon siblings go even further here and there:
The rear thru-axle contains a bottle opener as well as two hex keys (4/6 mm). Those who need an alternative to a saddle bag or want to travel with even more luggage can rely on the newly developed Adventure Rack. This rear rack can be mounted easily yet securely to the brake bridge and seat stays, and with the help of three straps on each side, it can hold three kilograms of load – from firewood and beer kegs to mundane luggage or a tent.

The 8th series, as already mentioned, is available in three equipment variants across the counters. The new flagship of Stuttgart's gravel universe is the golden-brown Atlas 8.9 equipped with the 12-speed Sram Rival eTap AXS (40/10-44), including 160mm rotors and the durable DT Swiss GR1600, which a set of WTB Riddler TCS tires envelop. Together with components from Easton (EC70 AX Carbon handlebar and seatpost), the top model, priced at 4,299 euros, weighs 8.7 kg according to the manufacturer.

Mechanical, only eleven-speed, but equipped with a double crankset, the two additional carbon representatives come to market. The Atlas 8.8 available for €3,499 relies on the GRX 800 with a 600 crankset and 105 cassette (46/30; 11-34) along with DT Swiss X1900 wheels.
Unlike the cream-white 9.1 kg mid-range, the even more affordable entry-level Atlas 8.7 in dark grey also uses 600-level (or even 400-level for the brake caliper) shift levers and brakes, and rolls on Novatec 25 Elite wheels, which according to the manufacturer adds up to 9.6 kg on the scale.