Focus Jam² SL 9.9 Long-term review

I want to have fun on the bike! I want to sweep over carpets of roots, confidently master big drops, jump a little here and there, lean the bike toward the ground in fast sequences of turns, feel the physical inertial forces and push the rear wheel into the berm until the universally known "Braaaaap". Also, I don't want to exert myself too much on climbs and might try one or two technical uphills.
More or less like that must have been how the wish list read to the developers at Focus when they in Stuttgart set about planning the new, pared-down Jam² version. Furthermore, the bike should look sporty and, under certain circumstances, still be rideable without electric drive.
Sounds like the fabled egg‑laying wool‑milk‑sow — too good to be true. Or maybe not?

The model used for the review is the Jam² SL 9.9 at € 8,499. There are three other equipment variants, of which the "cheapest" (8.7) starts at € 6,199. For the top model 9.0 you pay a hefty € 11,499.
Besides the fitted components, the bikes also differ in terms of frame material. Although the more affordable models also feature full-carbon frames, the two pricier chassis are made from an even higher-quality fiber mix, namely MAX Carbon. In addition to High Strength and High Tenacity fibers, this also includes High Modulus fibers, resulting in higher stiffness at lower weight.

In the version I reviewed, the matte-black frame and rear triangle look very high-quality and are aesthetically impressive. But the Jam² SL isn’t just notable for its minimalist, clean look. The frame design also includes some technically well-thought-out details.

The slight kink in the slender top tube results in a low standover height, which promises increased freedom of movement on the bike and should particularly benefit smaller riders.
The Fazua drive’s LED hub is also integrated into the top tube. It features a USB-C slot. If you don’t already carry enough electronics with an e‑bike, you can use this connection to charge devices such as a bike computer, phone, or lights. On my previous test rides this was never necessary, though. Before the battery of a charged Garmin Edge 130 or similar runs out, it’s more likely that the e‑bike’s own battery will give out. But yes, better be safe than sorry!

In the downtube, which is not overly bulky, the 430‑Wh battery is concealed; it powers the compact Fazua Ride 60 drive unit. The 2.3‑kg battery can be removed for charging via a plastic cover that is opened with an Allen key. That not only saves weight but also avoids an unsightly charging socket somewhere on the frame. However, you can’t just quickly plug it in on the go, and the cover and screw should always be handled with care.
Nice: the supplied Allen key is housed in the rear axle, as we’ve seen from other manufacturers.

Geometry

Individualization is highly valued. And the product designers of the Stuttgart-based bicycle manufacturer have taken that into account. Both the head angle and the rear-end length can be varied.
The head angle changes by simply rotating the headset cups by 1° — so either 64.5° or 65.5°. For the rear end you can choose between 440 mm and 447 mm using a flip chip. That's a great feature, because it allows the e-bike to be well adapted to personal needs and riding style.

Geometrically, the 150-mm full-suspension sits between a trail bike and an enduro. Focus itself calls it All Mountain. The bike features a downhill-oriented geometry which — as described above — can be adjusted a bit. Playful and shorter with a steeper head angle, or stable and longer with a slacker head angle.
With the F.O.L.D. system — Focus's in-house linkage system for the rear end — the Stuttgart-based company reduced parts and thus weight without compromising functionality. Quite the opposite: under braking the new design is supposed to generate more traction at the rear wheel.

The attractive frame is equipped by the Stuttgart team — or rather the Cloppenburg team, since the bikes are assembled there — with a tasteful mix of components based on Shimano XT and the Fox 36 Float.
But let's better start with the heart of every e‑bike: the motor with its associated battery and control elements.

The Bavarian company Fazua originally began as a student project, developed very successfully and has become so popular with its relatively small drives that next year will already mark its tenth anniversary. As of this year the e‑motor manufacturer belongs to Porsche eBike Performance GmbH. So much for Fazua’s history.
Admittedly I was initially skeptical because of the small 60 Nm motor and the rather spindly battery — at 430 watt-hours Bosch enthusiasts may yawn, since their batteries now offer up to 750 Wh. Nevertheless, the integrated battery is sufficient for sporty rides of two to three hours with around 1,000 meters of elevation — depending on the assistance level used. There are three of those, and there is also a walk-assist.

These can be easily adjusted via the minimalist Ring Control on the handlebar. Although the plastic rotary knob may look a bit cheap, at the end of the day it reliably does its job. I really like the unobtrusive design; it fits well into the bike’s overall concept and lets you switch through the support modes quickly and easily.
These are displayed on the integrated LED hub, which — besides the aforementioned USB‑C port — also comes with ANT+ and Bluetooth. The support levels can be customized in a smartphone app.

Tech Specs

Depending on the level of assistance and the battery charge, the five LEDs indicate the current status by color and number. When I left the Vienna Woods barely exhausted after rides of around a thousand metres of elevation gain, that glow reassured me: I would still be able to get home without major exertion. Who wants to labour for kilometres into their comfortable apartment on a bike — which suddenly becomes quite heavy without pedal assistance?
Luckily, on all my rides I never found myself in that situation, but I did always keep an eye on the coloured LEDs and didn’t necessarily always use the strongest mode.
Although the bike can be pedalled relatively well — compared with the heavy e‑bikes over 25 kg — it’s not exactly a pleasure. Definitely not uphill.
It might be different if you ride without the battery. But let’s be honest: who would set out on the e‑bike without a battery if they also have a conventional mountain bike? In any case, I haven’t tested that scenario yet. I will provide an addendum on that in the second part of the long-term review. After all, two bikes in one is a rather tempting idea that I can appreciate.

The motor provides good feedback with its three assistance levels, responds well and has enough power to master even difficult uphill trails. The 60 Nm of torque shrug off terrain steps and loose surfaces — none of that is a problem for the Focus Jam2 SL with the Ride 60 Murl. In addition, the little powerhouse at the bottom bracket is whisper-quiet — a treat for the ears when you’re riding in a quiet forest and don’t want to be constantly accompanied by a monotonous, annoying whirring.