It sounds trite, but there are bikes where you can tell after just a few meters that it fits! You can hardly wait for the first descent to start. Well, there are also those who look forward to the ascent more. But they probably don't bother with a 170-millimeter bullet either.

According to Matthias Minder from Pon.Bike Switzerland, the Sam has the following advantages over other similar bike models:

"The F.O.L.D. system is unique and can only be found on Focus bikes. The one-piece carbon rear triangle is very stiff and, in combination with the lateral rocker link, offers a certain amount of flex."

Focus equipped the Jam model with its new F.O.L.D. system (Focus Optimized Linkage Design) some time ago and is now following suit with the Sam. The linkage of the shock absorber is elaborately designed and ensures a sensitive response at the beginning, becoming more progressive as the suspension travel increases and only releasing the last bit of travel at the very end.

Equipment

The bike is no bargain and you would expect certain parts to be of a slightly higher quality. But after the first day on the trails, you don't care and you realize that you have invested in a very high-quality chassis, so you can cope with the sometimes cheap add-on parts.

A Rock Shox Lyrik is accompanied by the Super Deluxe RCT shock from the same company. Sram's GX Eagle helps with speed, while a Guide RSC brake slows the bike down if necessary. In addition to the rather affordable add-on parts from BBB, the "Race Face Turbine" wheels delight with a nice, fine whirring of the freewheel.

Processing & details

At first glance, the frame appears simple and adds some pizzazz with bright red accents. On closer inspection, there are various details that are beautifully designed. The transition from the massive head tube to the headset is a perfect fit. The reinforcement on the rear triangle matches the generally edgy design. Both the frame and the paintwork make a high-quality impression. The shock mount and the rocker of the rear suspension system look robust.

On the flat

The riding position is upright and pleasantly central above the bottom bracket. The acceleration is good for such a long-travel bike, only when pedaling out of the saddle does the bike bob noticeably. If you roll comfortably along the trail, you can indulge in the aforementioned great whirring of the hub and enjoy the landscape in a relaxed position.

Up the mountain

The Sam climbs nimbly up rough trails. The suspension and Maxxis tires provide plenty of traction. If it gets very steep, you need to push forward, but the rear still provides good traction. For a bike with so much suspension travel, the climbing characteristics are very good.

Downhill

Set the sag to 30 percent, check the rebound - it fits - and fire away on the 170-millimeter bullet. The Sam likes winding and exposed trails. Thanks to the short rear end, it is a real joy on technical terrain. The suspension really sticks to the ground. At the beginning of the travel you get good feedback from the ground, the deeper the shock sinks in, the more neutral it becomes. The bike quickly releases a lot of travel, but has a very well-chosen end progression. It doesn't bottom out with the right air pressure. At very high speeds, it is not quite as smooth as other enduro bikes. However, it can always be controlled perfectly. Even if you're going a little too fast, you never feel like you're just a passenger.

Conclusion

The Focus Sam is as nimble and agile as a trail bike, as nimble as an enduro bike and you quickly become one with the bike. It doesn't take much getting used to. The F.O.L.D. rear suspension system knows how to inspire. Whether you're rocking the home trails, destroying a lot of elevation and Elevation loss on day trips or taking the occasional detour to the bike park, the Sam copes with it perfectly.

Recommendation

This bike is ideal for riders who like to play with the terrain and "take off" and go airborne wherever possible. Those who love technical and rough trails and need a lot of suspension travel will have a lot of fun on the Sam.

Specifications

Manufacturer/distributor

www.focus-bikes.com

Test report published in issue 03/2019 of Ride magazine