Focus Izalco Max 2024

The road bike world presents itself today as varied and exciting as never before. From Aero to Lightweight to Endurance racers, from Cyclocross to Gravel to Adventure models – the choice seems to be almost limitless. However, in this wide spectrum, both beginners and experienced riders often lose track, even within the portfolio of a single manufacturer. Nowadays, some offer up to six different road bike models, in which time-tested classics and innovative new developments opaquely merge, while their intended uses overlap.

Instead of getting lost in the flood of options, Focus has carefully revised its road bike program for 2024 and proudly presents the 4th generation of their Izalco Max (RACE) – a no-compromise road bike that aims to excite racers, amateurs, and weekend warriors alike.

Let's now take a brief look at the other road bike representatives from Focus. The Atlas (GRAVEL) remains in the range and continues to cater to gravel bikers and adventurers with its comfortable, slightly upright seating position, wide tires, and mounts for mudguards and racks.
Last but not least, another new development from Stuttgart is waiting in the wings for the coming year, which will position itself between 'Race' and 'Gravel'. More details will be revealed at the end of this year.

But back to the new Izalco Max. NoPain was there for Bikeboard at the press launch in the French Vosges and had the opportunity to extensively test ride the UCI-approved road bike.

Without question, the development goal for the new Izalco Max was 'to build the fastest racing bike Focus has ever had in its range.' Although this was quickly defined and unanimously decided upon, the implementation turned out to be far less swift. Because for that, the Aero-Performance racing bike had to become more aerodynamic and stiffer, without gaining weight or losing too much comfort. Furthermore, it needed a more radical geometry for sportier handling. Oh, and it should still be fun to ride.

To put it upfront: The goal was ultimately achieved through an unrelenting pursuit of 'marginal gains'.

The weight of a frame depends on many factors: aerodynamics, stiffness, structure, and carbon fibers, to name just a few. If you change one of these factors, the weight will most likely also change - either for better or for worse.

So-called "Truncated NACA Shapes", or Kamm-Tail profiles, have always been considered the optimal compromise between good aerodynamics, high tube stiffness, and low weight. As usual, Focus developed several "Izalco Max NACA Shape" variants using CFD software and compared the promising prototypes in a wind tunnel. The winner of this internal comparison was used as the basis for the new Izalco Max frame.

In the concluding wind tunnel test of the finished bike, the in-house NACA frame shape was confirmed: By saving 6.6 watts at 45 km/h, the new Izalco Max is faster by 1 minute and 47 seconds over a distance of 45 km compared to its predecessor. In addition, the susceptibility to crosswinds could be significantly reduced.

And the resulting frame weight of 865 g for the 9 series and 1,050 g for the 8 series, each in frame size M with an additional 400 g for the fork, was also impressive.

As already mentioned, a lot of adjustments have been made to stiffness and comfort to find the perfect balance. Expressed in numbers, Focus reports a 15% increase in stiffness at the bottom bracket (Speed), an 8% increase at the head tube (Handling), and an 11% improvement in the stiffness-to-weight ratio. The same applies to the lateral stiffness of the fork, which has been increased by 16%, allowing the bike to handle higher braking forces even better.

In contrast, the current Izalco lost 48% in terms of comfort at the frame and 29% at the fork. Although these percentages sound relatively high, the racer still feels sufficiently comfortable in practice and by no means "too hard".

But how is that possible? On the one hand, the seating comfort could be greatly improved by the shorter seat tube. The longer protruding seat post and the setback design create more flex, which persistently dampens particularly hard shocks; in addition, Focus gave both the frame and the fork maximum tire clearance for 30-millimeter-wide tires.

The DT Swiss ERC wheels with 45 mm rim height, U-shape design, and 22 mm internal width also contribute to this. They allow lower pressures for more comfort and also perform really well from an aerodynamic point of view. In the wind tunnel, the ERC (Endurance) wheels on the Izalco Max with identical 28C tires were even faster than the DT Swiss ARC (Aero).

Note: Tires and wheels are TLR but are delivered with tubes.

Despite the strong focus on aerodynamics & Co., everyday practicality could not be neglected. Therefore, the C.I.S. road bike stem was further developed, which leads the cables on the underside nearly invisibly into the frame, yet can be exchanged at any time without a nervous breakdown. On the other hand, the complete handlebar stem unit can also be removed completely if the Izalco Max is to be stored in the bike bag.

"Hasslefree" despite the clean look and all aerodynamic advantages, the C.I.S. road bike stem also has an integrated bike computer mount for Wahoo and Garmin. You can even attach a light or an action camera to the mount.

Izalco Max 9.8

All frames of the Series 9 have a higher-quality carbon layup and therefore weigh only 865 grams in size Medium, with an additional 400 g for the fork.

They are, of course, UCI approved and explicitly cleared for smart trainers.

In addition to the lightweight frames of the Series 9, which weigh 865 g, there will also be another Series 8 with three models. The frames of the Series 8 are somewhat heavier at 1,060 g, as they have a more cost-effective fiber mix, but are also significantly more affordable.

Despite the differences in frame structure, both series share the same geometry, offer agile handling, have a clean and aerodynamic cockpit, and are also on the same level in terms of stiffness. They are also UCI approved and explicitly cleared for use with smart trainers.

Although the model name and designation have remained unchanged and it is still an aero road bike with Kammtail profiles and lowered seat stays, the new Izalco Max is clearly distinguishable from its predecessor at first glance.

The bike appears more harmonious due to the wider fork blades and the sturdier frame, while its noble paintwork and subtle lettering give it an exclusive touch. But many small details have also been improved: The newly developed C.I.S. road bike stem not only cleanly leads the cables into the head tube but also integrates seamlessly with its contemporary, distinctive shape into the overall appearance. The seat post clamp has also been integrated more attractively and proves to be exemplary and absolutely slip-proof in its handling. The Easton EC70 Carbon Aero handlebar remains unchanged and continues to impress with its ergonomic shape and the variety of grip positions.

Although the basic riding position has hardly changed - in the medium frame size, the reach was shortened by 10 mm while the stem was lengthened by 10 mm - significant differences from the third generation were noticeable from the first few meters. A multitude of minimal geometric changes made the aerodynamic racing bike posture even sharper. The steeper head angle, the raised bottom bracket, and various other adjustments led to a wheelbase shortened by 20 millimeters (!), resulting in a noticeably more agile handling.

In terms of riding dynamics, the handling was precise, quick, and still secure, the cornering characteristics were outstanding, and the bike remained stable on course even at higher speeds. The only drawback of this more progressive geometry I could find was the limited foot clearance at full turning of the front wheel.

Also, the significant increase in stiffness did not necessarily have a negative impact, and the Izalco Max 9.8 always felt 'sufficiently comfortable' and by no means 'too hard'. Given the communicated reduction in comfort (according to test bench -48% at the frame and -29% at the fork), I was wondering how that was even possible.

After the long test ride in the Vosges, I am convinced that the more than sufficient comfort was due to the combination of the more flexing seat post, the DT Swiss ERC wheels with 22 mm internal width, and the 28 mm wide, supple Vittoria tires, which were also not even ridden tubeless.

Despite the optimal equipment, it must be noted that the new Izalco Max feels noticeably stiffer, harder, and more direct compared to its predecessor - a fact that ambitious amateur cyclists and racers should hardly find bothersome. Everyone else should turn their attention to December when another new road bike from Focus will be released.