Focus Paralane 2024

The renowned German bicycle manufacturer Focus has given its racing bike program a comprehensive refresh for the upcoming season. In particular, the 4th generation of the Izalco Max was proudly introduced just last month - a racing bike that aims to excite both racers and amateurs, as well as weekend adventurers alike. We have reported on it. Now, the brand new Focus Paralane Endurance Racing Bike expands the product range and bridges the gap to the successful Atlas Gravel Bikes, which have also been available on the market with lightweight carbon frames since last year.

The special thing about the new Paralane: At first glance, it may seem almost as fast as the new Izalco and has strikingly similar Kamm-tail profiles; yet it has been optimized for long-distance suitability in every respect. This includes a modified carbon layup, a significantly more relaxed geometry, generous tire clearance, and a round seat post for increased comfort. Optional fenders further enhance the feel-good factor in bad weather.

NoPain was present for Bikeboard at the Press Launch in the French Vosges and had the opportunity to extensively test ride the new endurance racer.

Under the term 'comfort', Focus does not only understand the flexibility of the frame, but above all the successful combination of all relevant components. This includes a pleasant geometry that still allows for brisk riding, as well as 32 mm wide tires in the standard equipment with the option to mount even wider ones. Additionally, a special set of mudguards is available to protect both the rider and their companions behind them from wetness. And, of course, the balanced vertical compliance of the frame and fork was also taken into account.

In simple terms, the graphic means: Compared to the also new Izalco Max, the new Paralane is slightly heavier and a bit less aerodynamic. However, it promises nearly identical stiffness values as well as good riding characteristics and a significantly more comfortable riding experience.

The weight of a frame depends on many factors: aerodynamics, stiffness, structure, and carbon fibers, to name just a few. 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.
Thus, for the Paralane, the decision was made for Kamm-Tail profiles based on the Izalco Max; however, the NACA shape of the frame was modified to achieve more compliance, and combined with a round seat post for added comfort.

A higher weight does not necessarily mean a compromise in performance or quality. The Paralane weighs 1,130 grams in size M and is therefore light enough to effortlessly tackle even the longest and steepest climbs. At the same time, it is robust enough to withstand even the toughest stresses.

With an approved system weight of 120 kg, the Paralane is suitable for both heavy riders and radical bikepacking adventurers. The screwed BSA bottom bracket, the detachable front derailleur mount, and a standard dropout that is also used by other brands ensure smooth functionality in the long term and avoid potential technical issues or supply difficulties.

As with the Izalco Max, the aerodynamic cockpit impresses both visually and functionally. The further developed C.I.S. road bike stem routes the cables almost invisibly on the underside into the frame and can be quickly and easily exchanged at any time. In addition, the complete handlebar-stem unit can be completely removed if the Izalco Max is traveling in a bike bag. But even converting to a race-gravel bike with a flared handlebar is easily possible, as the brake lines run below the handlebar tape and thus outside of the handlebars.

The stem comes from the factory with an integrated bike computer mount for Wahoo and Garmin, on which alternatively a light or an action camera can be attached. In the optional handlebar bag mounted on the top tube behind it, the most important utensils for the road can be stowed away.

Paralane 8.8

Although the designations have remained the same for the new Focus Paralane models 8.8/8.9, they cannot be compared to their predecessors in any way. "Racing bikes from Germany, comfortable and ready to go." Not much else connects these endurance bikes, as the second generation is playing in a completely different league both visually (of course, there can be a splendid debate over the little pouch) and technically.
It is particularly interesting that at first glance they can hardly be distinguished from the equally new Izalco Max racing bikes. A real advantage for superficial posers like me who, in the past, always had to go for the pro racing bike with an uncompromising and far too aggressive geometry because the stars on TV were riding the same bike, and I wanted to look fast too. Problem solved. In our opinion, the endurance racing bike is the better choice for >95% of all racing cyclists, looks extremely sporty, and offers almost* only advantages in everyday life. (Of course, the little pouch has to go, that's clear, but it's only two screws.)

* Note: "almost" is a little play on words that one could understand, unless one speaks English even worse than NoPain, then it gets difficult.

The same principles apply to the Paralane as we've already written about the Izalco Max:

"With wider fork blades and a sturdier frame, the bike appears more harmonious than its predecessor, while its noble paint finish 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 leads the cables cleanly into the head tube but also integrates seamlessly into the overall appearance with its contemporary, distinctive shape. The seat post clamp has also been integrated more attractively and proves to be exemplary in handling and absolutely slip-proof." But also the Easton EC70 Carbon handlebar (without Aero-Shape) fits perfectly into the overall appearance and impresses with its ergonomics and the easily accessible handlebar bends.

I do not want to delve deeper into the geometry differences to the predecessor. The new Paralane is designed exactly as a modern endurance bike should be, with which you want to ride both fast and long distances. The longer fork and the raised head tube allow for a more upright sitting position and provide a great deal of control, especially when it gets faster downhill. Stack, reach, and head angle are not as radical as on some other endurance bikes of the competition, but are still quite sporty.
As it should, the Paralane scores with a successful mix of high directional stability and good agility, because despite the pleasantly flat head angle (72 degrees in Medium and Large), the wheelbase is comfortably short. Another positive side effect is the generous tire clearance towards the tips of the toes – even when balancing at traffic lights or in tight turning maneuvers, you do not bump your shoe against the wide tires. Here, Focus has done everything right.

Otherwise, the rule is: 'Sit on it, feel good.' I spent most of my time with the Paralane 8.8, which according to the chart weighs 9.3 kg. What sounds like a lot was not an issue at all while riding. Thanks to its aerodynamic factor and the successful geometry, it was fast, climbed hills effortlessly, and was stiff enough for the village sign sprints.

Despite the stiffer Kammtail profile tubes on the frame and fork, the Paralane impressed with its high comfort. I attribute this to the combination of the flexing seat post, the DT Swiss wheels with a 22 mm internal width, and the 32 mm wide Vittoria tires. Furthermore, the wheels were not even ridden tubeless. With smoother high-end tires and a TLR setup, you could certainly squeeze out a bit more. But even with tubes, the bike rode extremely comfortably and quietly on all surfaces. The handling was secure and precise, the cornering characteristics outstanding. At higher speeds, the bike remained stable on course.

In summary, the Focus Paralane 8.8 is an excellently equipped endurance road bike with an attractive price-performance ratio and sovereign riding characteristics - perfect on the road and very comfortable on poor or unpaved paths. If you want to save 700 grams in weight, you add a 1000 on top and grab the Paralane 8.9 with Shimano Ultegra Di2 2x12 and the DT Swiss ER1600 Spline Dicut wheels.

To be continued...
In the meantime, a Paralane 8.9 test bike in size Large has also arrived at our office, which our new editorial member NoGold will subject to an extremely tough test over the next few months.