What is an absolute no-go for some is part of the specification for others. Not everyone only rides their bike on trails. There is a target group for E-Fullies that have the necessary equipment to mount mudguards, pannier racks or kickstands. This makes trekking tours, trips or everyday rides more comfortable.

It goes without saying that such concepts are geared more towards beginners than ambitious riders with a sporty focus.

Focus Bikes sees the following advantages in the new Throne²:

"With the development of the new, more compact Bosch e-drive Performance CX 2020 (4th generation), we were able to combine two decisive e-bike characteristics: agile, perfectly balanced handling on the trail and yet a removable battery.

Equipment

The Thron² 6.9 is one of the first bikes to be equipped with the new Bosch Performance Line CX motor. Although the Kiox display is nice and slim, it is unfortunately mounted above the stem, which makes it impossible to turn it upside down in the event of a puncture. The tried and tested Focus Fold suspension is fitted with a Float DPS shock from Fox. A "Float 34 Rhythm" fork is used at the front. Both elements offer 130 millimeters of suspension travel. Shifting is done with Shimano XT and braking with an "unnamed" brake from the same manufacturer. There are four brake pistons at the front and two at the rear. Unfortunately, the brakes are not entirely convincing, they require a lot of manual force and are somewhat insensitive in terms of modulation. The Maxxis tires with skinwall make the bike a real eye-catcher.

Motor / battery

Bosch Performance Line CX / Bosch Power Tube
Power: 250 watts
Torque: 75 Newton meters
Battery capacity: 625 watt hours

Processing & details

The Thron² has a solid 1.5-inch head tube. This not only provides increased stiffness, but also offers sufficient space for the internally routed cables. The battery is integrated into the frame and can be easily removed. Large rubber bumpers are fitted to prevent the suspension fork from damaging the down tube in the event of severe twisting. As mentioned at the beginning, the bike is designed as an all-rounder, and for this purpose there are threads for mounting pannier racks, mudguards and a kickstand. The workmanship of the frame and details looks solid and of high quality.

On the flat

The frame is short, the riding position is upright and designed for comfort. As a result, the ride is pleasant and relaxed. But be careful when pedaling in the bends: With the low bottom bracket, it's easy to hit the cranks. The suspension behaves neutrally

Up the mountain

Uphill, the Focus rear suspension provides good traction, absorbs the slightest bumps and provides sufficient feedback from the ground. The high front tends to climb when the terrain becomes very steep

Downhill

The bike likes flow trails and trails with long berms. If you want to ride fast in tight, technical terrain, you need a lot of physical effort. The rougher and more open the trail, the better the suspension works. The 34 mm Fox fork can't quite keep up with the rear end. It is somewhat insensitive and not as forgiving as the rear shock for lighter riders. However, the end progression is impressive

Conclusion

The Focus Thron² 6.9 delivers what it promises. It is an all-rounder trail bike that has a wide range of uses. Be it for classic trail riding, extended tours on gravel or for comfortable cruising in the city with full equipment. The highlight is clearly the Fold suspension and the brakes are the only thing that is not convincing.

Recommendation

Sporty and experienced bikers are more likely to opt for the Focus Sam2 or Jam2, while the Thron² is ideal for beginners. Likewise for people who also want to use the bike off the trails.

Specifications

Manufacturer/distributor

www.focus-bikes.com / www.pon-bike.ch

Test report published in issue 02/2020 of Ride Magazine