Focus Paralane 8.9 Long-Term Review

The aerodynamically optimized cockpit impresses both visually and functionally. The advanced C.I.S. road bike stem routes the cables almost invisibly along the underside into the frame and can be quickly and easily replaced at any time. Additionally, the entire handlebar-stem unit can be completely removed if the Paralane is to be transported in a bike bag during travel. However, converting it into a race gravel bike with a flared handlebar is also easily possible, as the brake lines run beneath the handlebar tape and thus outside the handlebar.

The stem comes from the factory with an integrated bike computer mount for Wahoo and Garmin, which can alternatively be used to attach a light or an action camera. In the optionally attached handlebar bag on the top tube behind it, the most important items for the road can be stored.

Paralane 8.9

* 8.6 kg weighed with top tube bag, with Garmin Mount, without fenders
** 9.2 kg weighed with top tube bag, with Garmin Mount, with fenders

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

Once adjusted and immediately deemed good. The geometry with the high head tube, long fork, and slack head angle is optimized for longer distances, which you can feel from the first few meters. I haven't sat this comfortably on a road bike in a long time. The first rides through the city and along the Danube are very relaxed. No pinching or pulling in the back, nothing. You just feel good on the Focus Paralane.

Additionally, the elevated seating position offers an excellent view of everything you might encounter on a ride in Vienna – children, dogs, frisbees, beer bottles, wheelchairs. This is especially important within the city or on busier routes.

Geometry

* In the stack-to-reach calculation, the stem height was considered in the stack and the stem length in the reach.

The new Paralane is available in five frame sizes, calculated based on a professional bike fitter database. However, since every cyclist is individually built and has different needs, great emphasis was also placed on ensuring that the selected bike can be adapted to personal requirements to the highest degree. Therefore, the seat tube was designed for round 27.2 mm standard seat posts to ensure maximum flexibility. In combination with the aerodynamic C.I.S. road bike stem, which is available in six lengths from 70 to 120 mm and can be changed more easily than ever before, everyone should be able to achieve an optimal riding position.

Of course, all frame sizes received adjusted layups to ensure that the bikes have nearly identical stiffness values and riding characteristics across all sizes.

A few words about the mudguards: Focus has not only equipped the Paralane with numerous mounting points but also developed a special and really affordable mudguard set (Art.No. 311048800 for 39.99 euros) that is supposed to neither negatively impact the sporty appearance nor the everyday usability. I tested them on the first winter and spring rides and found them to be good apart from the aesthetics.

Although you can talk up these things because of their function, in practice, you still have to be very careful about how you park the bike. If anything comes into contact with the mudguards, the fairly tight protectors quickly start to rub against the tires, which is immediately noticeable as acoustic feedback. Therefore, I soon picked up the screwdriver and removed the mudguards. This was absolutely easy and not a big effort.

Note: The curved, silver mounting plate on the rear fender is a prototype and does not correspond to the final series.

The mounting points are cleverly hidden: one under the fork crown, the second behind the bottom bracket, and a third on the removable seat stay bridge. For excellent stability and high load capacities, there are two threads in the interchangeable thru-axles, which are included in the fender set. The fenders weigh 535 g, including the seat stay bridge and all screws, are typically mounted in 5 minutes, and are optimally adapted to the tires. The maximum tire clearance is 33 millimeters with mounted fenders. Additionally, the fenders were designed longer than usual to improve protection.