Recently, I had the unique opportunity to test the new Focus Jam² E-MTB at an event in the Vosges, France. Invited by Focus, I experienced the newly revised version of the Trail E-MTB in one of the most picturesque mountain biking regions in Europe, which was completely unknown to me until then.
As an "old Focus veteran" (after all, I’ve spent quite some time riding the Thron², Jam² SL, and Sam² in recent years) I was quite familiar with the main reason for my trip, the 150-mm full-suspension bike with a Bosch motor, which is one of the most popular models in Focus’ E-Bike lineup. After all, I was present at the presentation of the predecessor model nearly two years ago in Spain. Accordingly, I was quite excited about the current facelift.
If anyone, like me, is wondering about this relatively short product cycle: firstly, it is less about fundamental innovations and more about thoughtful details. Secondly, the modernization of the Jam² is to be seen as part of a rejuvenation for the entire Bosch-powered lineup — with details on Thron² and Sam² to be announced early next year.
In this new, holistic concept, the Jam² is intended to be the bike for all those who "just want to mountain bike" — get on, start riding, and have fun. And all without having to think much about suspension tuning, geometry adjustments, etc., beforehand.
The facts about the Bosch Performance Line CX Motor Gen5
More dynamics on the mountain, more agility on the trail, more smoothness on the tour - that's what Bosch promises with the presentation of the latest evolutionary stage of its mid-motor Performance Line CX (BDU384Y).
The performance data of the new model: 85 Newton meters of torque, 600 watts of maximum power, and up to 340 percent support. So, there are no changes compared to the predecessor.
But bare numbers aren't everything. It's also, and above all, about the fine-tuning of the motor. And here, according to Bosch boss Claus Fleischer, the CX Gen5, which is 100 g lighter at 2.8 kg, is said to shine: "Whether during sensitive starting on steep trails or during powerful, perfectly dosed exits from corners: Our new drive unit allows sporty e-bikers to experience a unique ride dynamic for the perfect eMTB experience with its precise, sensitive response." The newly interpreted sensor technology with over 1,000 measurements per second (from cadence and torque to acceleration and rotation rates to vibrations) makes it possible.
So far, so Voodoo. However, first testers noticed something entirely different: The motor, completely redesigned inside and out (and therefore not simply installable in an older E-MTB), operates significantly quieter in normal use and apparently no longer rattles on rough terrain.
The optimized gearbox is likely responsible for this. When riding downhill, the external drive train (chain, chainring, cassette) is decoupled from the internal drive train (freewheel, gearbox, motor). A plastic component - may it withstand the occurring forces - provides additional damping.
Furthermore, the new interior design results in less pedaling resistance - Bosch claims 50% - when pedaling.
- The latest evolutionary stage of the CX weighs 3.8 kg. Both the magnesium housing and the interior have been revised. The sensor technology has been reinterpreted. Decoupled drive trains and a new plastic component ensure noise reduction.The latest evolutionary stage of the CX weighs 3.8 kg. Both the magnesium housing and the interior have been revised. The sensor technology has been reinterpreted. Decoupled drive trains and a new plastic component ensure noise reduction.
The update also includes two Powertubes with new cell technology and less weight, as well as the Purion 400 display. The latter was designed with e-mountain biking in mind, extra minimalist, and positioned protected within the handlebar triangle. The transmissive 1.6-inch screen provides an overview of essential riding and fitness data such as speed, range, power, or total distance.
With the 3.9 kg PowerTube 800 (for comparison: the previous 750 Wh weighed 4.3 kg), the largest integrable battery to date enters the smart Bosch ecosystem. Moreover, it offers, according to the manufacturer, the highest energy density in the portfolio with approximately 205 Wh/kg.
A "smaller" brother offering 600 Wh capacity with 3.0 kg complements the new battery range - visually recognizable by the fact that it is no longer colored black but proudly displays its also newly developed aluminum housing.
Since both PowerTubes are the same length, they can be easily removed and swapped, provided it is intended by the bike manufacturer. Additionally, they are DualBattery-capable.
All you need and nothing you don't
Focus positions the Jam² MY25 as an uncomplicated, fun all-rounderFirst Impressions
Basically, the recent innovations concern the 6 series of the Jam², meaning the models made of aluminum.
Here, one might be inclined to immediately ask: "Really, this isn't carbon?" Because at first glance, the frame, especially around the headset and the now semi-integrated shock absorber, looks so seamless that it's hard to believe it's made of 7005 aluminum. Hydroforming as well as meticulously ground and filled weld seams make it possible.
Overall, the MY25 appears much more graceful. Especially around the bottom bracket area, which previously resembled almost a cube, it has shed a lot of weight and now resembles a bio-bike much more than a motor housing.
The distinctive kink in the top tube remains, but it has moved further forward - to where the front mount of the shock absorber, now half concealed by the frame, is located.
Speaking of kinks: The seat tube no longer enters the lower junction point straight, but with a noticeable backward bend. This has not negatively affected the travel of the dropper posts (depending on the model 125 or 150 to 200 or 210 mm); on the contrary: the predecessor was equipped with a maximum of 170 mm variants.
As far as the essential specifications and features are concerned, hardly any changes can be seen: The Twentyniner remains with 150 mm of rear travel, which is combined with 160 mm forks.
The Stuttgart-based company remains loyal to the F.O.L.D. kinematics (Focus Optimised Linkage Design) as well as the Bosch Performance Line CX motor and the standard tire width of 2.6". However, the key point is: The electric drive is a Gen5 model, which offers a smoother, more refined thrust and, above all, operates significantly quieter.
The geometry table shows only slight deviations in reach (- 5 mm) and head tube length (+ 10 mm, consequently more stack) as well as standover height (- 17 mm); furthermore, a departure from the head cap rotation adjustable head angle - instead of 64.5/65.5°, there is now a uniform 65°, which is the golden mean between stable and agile. This also corresponds to the aforementioned positioning of the Jam2 as an E-MTB, with which you can simply have fun without having to invest much time in the setup.
The wheelbase remains relatively long (1,268 mm in L), the reach, although - surprisingly - has become slightly shorter, with, for example, 480 mm in L oriented towards downhill.
Geometry
Size | S | M | L | XL | |
Seat Tube Length (mm) | 390 | 420 | 440 | 460 | |
Head Tube Length (mm) | 110 | 120 | 130 | 140 | |
Top Tube Length (mm) | 576 | 608 | 636 | 668 | |
Chainstay Length (mm) | 450 | 450 | 450 | 450 | |
Head Angle | 65° | 65° | 65° | 65° | |
Seat Angle | 76.5° | 76.5° | 76.5° | 76.5° | |
Bottom Bracket Drop (mm) | 25 | 25 | 25 | 30 | |
Offset (mm) | 44 | 44 | 44 | 44 | |
Wheelbase (mm) | 1205 | 1239 | 1268 | 1303 | |
Standover (mm) | 783 | 783 | 783 | 783 | |
Stack (mm) | 630 | 639 | 648 | 657 | |
Reach (mm) | 425 | 455 | 480 | 510 |
The Jam² also appears very tidy again - not least due to the well-thought-out cockpit design with the in-house C.I.S. system in its second generation, which immediately directs the cables into the frame interior. For work on Bowden cables or headsets, it presents, despite the clean appearance and smooth operation, a significant additional effort.
Last but not least, the paintwork seems more elegant. On the one hand, probably because the two-color principle is now implemented with a subtle gradient instead of a strict line and metallic tones prevail; on the other hand, because the rocker is also colored.
Choose your reach: 600 - 800 - 850 - 1050 Wh
The battery concept: Small or large PowerTube, with or without Range ExtenderIn the predecessor, a 750-Wh battery was mostly used (cheaper models with 625 Wh). The 25 models and their down tubes have been optimized for Bosch's new PowerTube 600, giving the bike a sleek silhouette despite its power (still 85 Nm, by the way). Cool: There's also space for an AirTag in the battery compartment, mountable behind the PowerTube with a special plastic clip.
For longer tours or more range, it is optionally possible to ride or purchase the Jam² with an 800-Wh battery (the top model is only offered with the small battery as standard, which is perfectly sufficient for most uses). Only a different down tube cover is needed for this.
Additionally, all four available frame sizes are compatible with the Range Extender (which remains at 250 Wh). This results in a total individually selectable battery capacity of 600 to 1050 Wh - not bad at all!
Last but not least, Focus emphasizes sustainability: All plastic parts used in the Jam² are made from recycled material, showing that environmental awareness also plays a role in the high-end mountain bike sector.
First Ride
The Vosges are full of quiet, idyllic villages where time seems to stand still. But on the trails that wind through the dense forests, the opposite is true: Pure dynamism, breathtaking descents, and technical challenges await all who venture into this MTB paradise.
The weather on the first day was magnificent: bright sunshine, but not too hot. The forest offered a pleasant coolness, making the ride a real pleasure. As soon as I was in the saddle of the Jam², I felt that this e-MTB is a true all-rounder not only in theory but also in practice.
Our first ride also included a delicious lunch in a mountain hut, from which we had a fantastic view of the surrounding mountains. The French cuisine was hearty and rustic, featuring cheese in every imaginable form – leaving me in a true cheese coma as I returned to the trails after the meal. Yet, I effortlessly mastered the ride even with half a cheese loaf in my stomach. With the powerful Bosch Performance Line CX motor, you can sit back and enjoy the breeze...
Tech Specs Jam² 6.0
Frame: | 7005 hydrof. Aluminum, 150 mm F.O.L.D. Kinematics, 148x12 mm, PM 180 mm | Derailleur: | Sram GX Eagle AXS, 12-speed |
Sizes: | S/M/L/XL | Cassette: | Sram GX Transmission, 12-speed, 10-52 teeth. |
Drive: | Bosch Performance CX Smart Gen5, 85 Nm, 250 W | Wheels: | DT Swiss HX1700, Aluminum, 29" |
Battery: | Bosch PowerTube, 600 Wh | Tires: | Schwalbe Albert Super Trail Addix Ultra Soft, 65-622/Schwalbe Albert Trail Addix Soft 65-622 |
Display: | Bosch LED Remote + Kiox 300 | Headset: | Acros ZS56/ZS66 (ICR), Focus C.I.S. Integrated. |
Fork: | Rock Shox Lyric Ultimate, Debon Air+, Charger 3.1 RC2 w/ButterCups, 160 mm | Grips: | Odi Elite Pro |
Shock: | Rock Shox Super Deluxe Select+, Debon Air+, 150 mm | Saddle: | Fizik Aidon X5 |
Crank: | Sram GX Eagle, 165 mm | Seatpost: | OneUp V3, 34.9 mm; S 150/M 180/L 180/XL 210 mm |
Handlebar: | Focus One Piece SL Cockpit, 800 mm, rise 25 mm, stem 50 mm | Brake: | Sram Code Silver, 4-piston, HS2, 200 mm |
Chain: | Sram GX Eagle 12-speed | Weight: | 24.3 kg (according to manufacturer) |
Shift lever: | Sram AXS POD Controller | Price: | € 7,999,- |
The Focus Jam² – test bike was the top model 6.0 – impressed me from the start with its balanced combination of power and control. It showed its strengths especially on steep climbs: Thanks to the powerful, noticeably more natural support of the Bosch motor, the Jam² climbs effortlessly even up the toughest ascents. With the new Schwalbe Albert tires, which offer excellent grip, I felt safe on any terrain.
Even when it became foggy on the second day and rained in parts, the tires perfectly kept their track on wet roots and stones. Even on a steep rock roller, they kept me securely and firmly on course. These tires seem, I must honestly admit as a Maxxis fanboy, to be truly made for any challenge.
The Sram Code Silver brakes also performed flawlessly at all times and, with their 200-mm rotors, brought the over 24 kg heavy machine to a stop seemingly effortlessly.
What also immediately caught my eye was the agile handling of the Jam². Although it is an e-MTB, which is naturally a bit heavier than a conventional mountain bike, it felt surprisingly light and agile. Especially on the narrow, winding trails in the Vosges, the Focus showed how precisely it can be controlled.
A very sensitive suspension that excels both on flowy trails and in challenging terrain
What the new Focus Jam² can score withAnother highlight of the new Jam² is the excellent noise reduction. This is partly thanks to Bosch – hats off to the Gen5! On the other hand, Focus has also made a real effort to eliminate all disturbing noises that could occur during intense rides.
The rubberized contact surfaces and contact points on the battery cover ensure that the battery sits firmly and does not cause any rattling or vibrations. Particularly good is the rubberized frame protector on the chainstay against chain slap: A hollow chamber damping on the top of the chainstay combined with additional protection on the bottom and on the seat stay ensures that no disturbing noises occur even on rough descents.
Hats off to the development teams at Focus and Bosch! With the new Jam², you are truly acoustically undercover compared to its predecessor.
The suspension of the Jam² is in a class of its own. All dampers have been individually tuned to optimally bring out the specific character of the bike in every variant. This is particularly noticeable on technically demanding trails, where the damper works precisely and absorbs even hard hits perfectly. The fork also benefits from an optimized air chamber characteristic, achieved through carefully selected volume reducers.
As a result, you get a very sensitive suspension that excels on both flowing tracks and challenging terrain. The bike absorbs every bump in the ground without sacrificing too much pop. Whether on fast flow trails or steep, rocky descents – the Jam² always felt safe and controlled. In conjunction with the tires, the Focus always conveyed the confidence to master even the most difficult passages.
Models and Prices
The E-Allmountain is offered in four model variants, which differ both in equipment and in frame color.
The top model, the Jam² 6.0, costs €7,999 and is the only representative of the series equipped with an electronic shift (Sram GX) and a handlebar-stem unit made of carbon. Rock Shox Lyrik Ultimate and Super Deluxe Select+, DT Swiss HX 1700 wheels, and Sram Code Silver 4-piston brakes are among the other spec highlights. However, the 6.0 is only available with a 600-Wh battery, while the other equipment packages offer a choice between a 600-Wh and an 800-Wh battery (price difference: 400 euros).
The Jam² 6.9 (€6,599/6,999) comes with Fox suspension (36 Perf. Elite/Float X Perf.), a Shimano Deore XT 12-speed transmission, and powerful TRP Evo Pro 4-piston brakes, making it an excellent companion for demanding trails.
The Jam² 6.8 also offers solid performance for €5,999 or 6,399, albeit with slightly reduced equipment – for example, Rock Shox Lyrik Select/Super Deluxe Select suspension, Sram GX/Samox drive, Sram DB8 Stealth brakes.
However, those looking for a particularly affordable model will find it in the Shimono Cues-equipped, Rock Shox Psylo/Deluxe Select-suspended, Tektro Gemini-braked Jam² 6.7, which is available for €4,999 or 5,399.
Conclusion
The new Focus Jam² has impressed me in every way. Its versatility, combined with well-thought-out technical features, makes it an ideal companion for all types of trails. Whether you let it run on fast descents or conquer steep climbs - the E-Fully with its 150 mm travel and the powerful Bosch CX motor offers the perfect balance of power and control.
I was particularly impressed by how well the bike performed even in adverse weather conditions. The combination of a smooth, yet still powerfully pushing motor, excellent suspension, and grippy tires ensures that you maintain control even in the rain and on slippery surfaces.
The bike is the ideal all-rounder for those who like it uncomplicated. Just hop on, ride off, and - not least thanks to the significantly reduced noise level - enjoy! A bike without unnecessary frills, with balanced geometry and sensibly selected components.
In my eyes, the new Jam² represents a significantly improved version of the previous model, which you can not only see but also hear and feel.
Focus has given its best horse in the stable a rejuvenation treatment - and very successfully at that.
The facts about the Bosch Performance Line CX Motor Gen5 |
First Impressions |
Geometry |
First Ride |
Tech Specs Jam² 6.0 |
Models and Prices |
Conclusion |
Links |