Issue #020, Review - January 18, 2016

FOCUS SAM LTD Review

For racers by racers: the team of designers behind the SAM even includes current German Enduro Champion Fabian Scholz. So how will the FOCUS SAM LTD fare when we take it away from the racetracks of the world?

FOCUS SAM LTD | Travel 160 mm | Price € 2,599 | Weight 14.04 kg

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Linear and business-like in form, the bright blue colourway on the SAM gives it a sense of speed – and rightfully so, as even a few pedal strokes on the trail demonstrate the proof is in the pudding. With its long and slack geometry, this FOCUS model is essentially made for high speeds.

In the mind of the SAM, the concepts of ‘too steep,’ ‘too gnarly,’ or ‘too technical’ just do not exist. The SAM manages to ease its way over rock gardens as if on rails, with the rear end and the FOX 34 fork efficiently ironing out whatever the trail throws at it. Exit speeds are the bike’s forte, with chain torque stiffening the rear end and helping the bike to accelerate.
However, such aggressive geometry isn’t going to suit every rider. The tighter the corners, the more skill is needed on the part of the rider to hold one’s line with enough pressure on the front wheel. A shorter and higher cockpit could be useful here. But if you’re already on the issue of exchanging parts, then the cheap Shimano brakes need to go: even on short, gentle downhills, they quickly reach their limits and demand a lot of exertion from the rider as they fade. The rest of spec fortunately doesn’t give any reason to complain – the parts function well and suit the bike’s intended use. We’re stoked to see that FOCUS have chosen a 1×11 drivetrain for all the SAM models this year, which suits the very apt ‘less is more’ ethos. The gear ratio on the SAM is more than capable of tackling steep gradients, the only sore point being the slightly twitchy front wheel when the uphills get technical. Just remember that climbs are never going to be the end-all and be-all for the SAM.

Details of the FOCUS SAM LTD

Tune-up potential: Neither the 60 mm stem length nor the shape of the bars earned the approval of our testers. If you’re looking for tune-up potential on the SAM LTD, it’d be a good idea to invest in a new cockpit.

Generous: The inexpensive RockShox Monarch rear shock soaks up uneven terrain expertly and still delivers sufficient ground feedback. Risk of harsh bottom-outs? Not a chance.

Incompetent: Even though the SAM is prepped for high speeds (and everyone knows the later you brake, the faster you go), the budget Shimano brakes just won’t cut the biscuit with their poor performance. As a result, the fun is marred and you risk losing crucial seconds in a race.

Cleaned up: FOCUS have given the SAM a super-clean silhouette by routing the cables in at the head tube and threading them internally.

Specification: FOCUS SAM LTD

Fork: FOX 34 Float FIT4 Performance 160 mm
Shock: RockShox Monarch RT (160 mm rear wheel travel)
Drivetrain: SRAM GX 1×11
Brakes: Shimano M396
Seatpost: Concept EX Drop
Stem: Concept EX
Handlebar: Concept EX
Tyres: Continental Maountain King 2.4″
Wheelsize: 27.5″
Wheelset: Concept EX
Weight: 14.04 kg
Price: € 2,599

Conclusion of the FOCUS SAM LTD

The FOCUS SAM begs to be ridden hard and fast, so seek out the gnarliest trails around. All it asks for in return is a dynamic and confident rider who’s capable of exploiting the SAM’s strengths. Less experienced riders searching for a playful bike for slower, more mellow trails had better look elsewhere. The SAM is the ideal bike for racers pushing themselves on technical routes!