The Focus Izalco Max frame combines advanced aerodynamics and low weight in its premium 9-Series with this beauty coming in at 890g.
The lay-up on the Izalco frame combines 60-tonne and 40-tonne modulus fibres in search of class-leading stiffness to weight.
The stiffest ultra-high mod fibres are used in areas where total rigidity is required, so that’s wrapping around the head tube and through the bottom-bracket shell, while the rear triangle features tube shapes that offer some aero advantage and compliance and are made from more forgiving fibres.
Bike of the Year 2020
The Focus Izalco Max 9.7 AXS is part of our annual Bike of the Year test.
Head to our Bike of the Year hub for the full list of winners, categories and shortlisted bikes, as well as the latest reviews – or read our behind-the-scenes feature on how we tested Bike of the Year 2020.
The hydraulic brake hoses of this wireless eTap bike run through the Easton EC70 aerobar into the underside of the stem and route down the front end of the steerer tube.
The stem’s tilted 15 degrees to enable smooth, kink-free hose routing. This and the fork’s high-crown design give the illusion of a bike that’s much more slammed than it really is.
My large test bike (essentially 56cm) had a 554mm stack and 400mm reach. The steep 73.5-degree seat angle puts you in a racy position, while the 72-degree head angle keeps steering quick.
Focus Izalco Max 9.7 AXS kit
The DT Swiss ARC1450s wheels are the OEM (original equipment) version of the ARC1400s, which are available aftermarket. That means these are custom built to Focus’s specification and can deviate from the aftermarket versions. At 1,650g a pair, they’re light for a wheel of this depth.
The tyres are a more race-favoured 25mm size.
Holding the DTs in place are RAT thru-axles. I’m a big fan of this design, which works with a quarter-turn lock/unlock. It’s fast to remove and replace a wheel, which should appeal to more racy types.
The 9.7 is significantly cheaper than many of its superbike rivals, but even with its second-level SRAM group it doesn’t feel less ‘super’.
Some might argue that paying over five-and-a-half grand for a bike with ‘only’ Force AXS is a lot. Personally, it seems like a smart choice, and you can always upgrade to the £7,799 Red AXS model or the £8,199 Dura-Ace Di2 option.
Focus Izalco Max 9.7 AXS ride impressions
On the road, the 9.7 is everything the modern race bike should be. Handling is accurate, fast yet assured, and the frame and fork respond to pedal inputs with unmoving solidity.
The drivetrain of SRAM’s second-tier wireless Force is a joy to use, and I’d recommend experimenting with SRAM’s AXS app to tune the gear operation to your preferred mode.
I settled on the compensation option where the Force system automatically changes the rear gear to ensure you’re in the next best gear when you shift the front chainring.
On the 8-Series Izalco, I felt the front end was a little on the firm side. Here it’s a much smoother affair thanks to the combination of the carbon-encased stem and slick Easton carbon bar.
The deep aero-topped Easton bar is a fine place to spend plenty of hours riding with multiple options for bar holds; in fact, the broad top even makes riding in a faux time-trial position an option.
That said, if the bar doesn’t agree with you ergonomically, it’s easy to switch out to any other bar on the market.
Lightweight and aerodynamic, DT Swiss’s ARC1450 aero wheels are a true wind-cheating advantage with their blunt-edged 48mm deep rims paired with Continental’s legendary 4000 SII clinchers. Note that the 1450s are tubeless compatible so you could switch after adding tapes and valves.
Focus Izalco Max 9.7 AXS overall
The ride is brilliant – firm yet forgiving. It’s comfortable enough for long, hard rides, light enough to climb with the best.
The handling is sublime – nimble without nerves and with an agility that puts it up with the best of breed. Very impressive.
Focus Izalco Max 9.7 AXS geometry
- Sizes (* tested): XXS, XS, S, M, L*, XL, XXL
- Seat angle: 73.5 degrees
- Head angle: 72 degrees
- Chainstay: 41cm
- Seat tube: 53cm
- Top tube: 56.4cm
- Head tube: 12.5cm
- Fork offset: 4.6cm
- Bottom bracket drop: 7.8cm
- Wheelbase: 1,010mm
- Stack: 55.4cm
- Reach: 40cm
Product
| Brand | focus |
| Price | 8999.00 AUD,6199.00 EUR,5699.00 GBP |
| Weight | 7.9000, KILOGRAM (L) - |
Features
| Fork | MAX technology carbon |
| br_stem | Focus Izalco |
| br_chain | Sram Force AXS |
| br_frame | MAX technology carbon, disc |
| Tyres | Continental Grand Prix 4000 SII 25mm |
| br_brakes | SRAM Force |
| br_cranks | Sram Force AXS 48/36 |
| br_saddle | Prologo Dimension |
| br_wheels | DT Swiss Dicut ARC1450 |
| br_shifter | Sram Force eTap AXS |
| br_cassette | Sram Force AXS, 10-28 |
| br_seatpost | Izalco carbon |
| br_handlebar | Easton EC90 aerobar |
| br_availableSizes | XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL |
| br_frontDerailleur | Sram Force eTap AXS |
