2021 Focus Sam2 First Look - A LONG reach LONG travel ebike!

[@RobRidesEMTB]

What a beauty! Super solid big hitting ebike from Focus. PS- Dropper lever will be different on the production version. You’ll be able to adjust it.

[@jonwhite182]

It’s not just that dropper lever Rob, it’s the poor I-Spec EV design from Shimano IMO. It won’t slide up higher than it needs to be. I have the same XT brakes and OneUp, PNW, and WolfTooth remotes don’t feel right. Like you, I have XL hands and like my levers at about -45 degree angle. I still have to push way underneath in an unnatural position. The only dropper lever I’ve found that works ok, is the stock heavy Specialized control remote. BTW, if I wasn’t such a Spec fan, I would get this bike in that price range. Your review was well good.

[@andrewgent5675]

Hi Rob, Thanks for the video. Based on your review I have ordered mine today from Je James. I hope to see it this side of Crimbo!

[@gavinpartlow]

Hi Rob, are you doing a long term review of this? And a long term review of the orbea wild fs? Thanks.

[@alanmcconnell5113]

Hey Rob. Is the in-depth review vid still dropping this week?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Yep!

[@angrymegamind5139]

I bought the Focus Jam2 6.7 nine for €3799 a few months ago and absolutely love it. I also bought the Jam 6.8 nine (non-eMTB) with all XT running gear for €2199 and this is a dream to ride as well. The reason I mentioned the prices is that I was originally going to buy the Specialized Turbo Levo Comp for €6199 but was totally blown away how good the Focus Jam2 was for almost half the price and I could also afford a normal MTB with the money left over.

[@beanucardwell8528]

Im really loving the Focus Vision. Thx again Rob.

[@rogerserafin]

I was just looking at the photos of this bike. Watching a video of the bike brought it up another notch. You're right about the rear chainstay being at 430mm. I don't know of any ebike that has the same or close to that. Can't wait to see you on the trails and your review Rob. Thanks for all your work.

[@Sarncho]

For me, this is probably best all-round eMTB. 29er, 170mm travel, do anything go anywhere bike! Better find some cash quick..

[@BoxofDemons]

Jam2 2021?

[@oddjob4877]

At last we are getting some ebikes coming on to the market with decent suspension travel.

[@michaelmazani]

Your videos are just so awesome Rob. I always watch right to the end. Great stuff. Focus is doing well.

[@Bruce.Wallace]

This to me looks like the ultimate e-bike.

[@deanpowell2924]

Fantastic looking bike and agree, can't wait for Bosch to sort out that handlebar thing!!! Any chance of a review on the Whyte E 180 Rob?

[@ericm8811]

Hey Rob Rides Emtb! Agreed that Bosch must come up with a better display position and design! They also should include maximum speed on the entry level unit instead of making you upgrade to the next level! Its dangerous to look down at the display at 60+ kmh! Ride ride ride!

[@cd9278]

Busy time for you Rob, new great bikes coming at ya thick and fast. This ones a weighty beast look forward to your follow up hopefully around Surrey Hills area where I go. Would love you to try a Samedi Trail 29 ??

[@marcianodemidof7135]

Yet another great looking bike 👌.

[@ShaneJackson]

Thank you sooo much this is the bike Im trying to buy and you have just confirmed my thoughts! I cant wait to see the full review 😊

[@chrisbailey4254]

I have last years model, bloody beaut point it where ya want to go and hang on !( one thing I usually fit a medium frame but I didn't feel at home if you know what I mean sat on a large and bit of twiddling with seat etc Bingos so ride them first as they seem to be just a tad sized differently to Scott, Specialized which I have had previously. Good luck !!)

[@ShaneJackson]

@@chrisbailey4254 thanks Chris I literally can't wait to get out on it! I'm 6ft so I'm guessing I'm a large but ill check it out with the bike shop to make sure. Im struggling to buy one at the moment with the supply side of things but hopefully they ring me Monday with an update.

[@chrisbailey459]

Cool ,wish you well

[@tomwilkins4554]

How you getting on trying to get hold of one? I ordered through my local shop yesterday but no idea on delivery time??

[@ShaneJackson]

@@tomwilkins4554 nothing yet I'm going to ring my dealer Monday.

[@dawn-moon]

Would love to see the rear triangle in action... maybe in another video :) ? Nice to hear you're not afraid to mention the bad points ! ( regarding the position for charging, I love it more on the side, cause my bikes are mounted on a pole on top of each other, so having to reach the charging point of the top bike would be troublesome for me with this bike, no a show stopper though :) )

[@julianassem2780]

Great 👍👌. Desperately waiting for more 2021 models !!!!

[@TheTimothyArch]

Hey Rob, loves your review of the Jam, looking forward to your review of the Sam. Just sold my old trail bike (1st gen Santa Cruz Tallboy LTc) and at 6’5” I’m looking forward to getting on board some modern geometry, as well as my first e-bike. Current shortlist is now Norco Sight VLT 29, or either the Jam or the Sam

[@leeteemtb9587]

Love the way all the cockpit cables go into the stem. Muy bien

[@zarabarti7146]

param pam pam paaam...I'm lovin it!

[@waveydaveydiver]

Nice review Rob.

[@danielshown2045]

You didnt mention those space age headtube spacers. Revolutionary

[@LUCKYLUCKYMULLEN]

Made me chuckle there Rob, well done 👏

[@borosgezaa]

when is the YT Decoy 29 Pro full review coming? Or did I missed It?

[@tomvanlimbergen3427]

Hey Rob, thanks for your excellent reviews! Need your opinion... I'm looking to buy a new MTB E-bike (I'm not that experienced as a rider), but I can't make up my mind between this Focus Sam2 and the 2021 Cube Stereo Hybrid 160HPC Actionteam. What do you think?? especially the difference between coil or airshock and the Bosch bikecomputer difference on both models? Thanks and keep up the good work. Thumbs up from Belgium

[@garyalexander3281]

Very nice bike with some lovely components, I particularly like the Bosch gen4 motor, same as my Stilus, thanks for review!

[@vaughanc4919]

Hey Rob, I have the luxurious position of choosing between the Jam2 6.9 and the Sam2 6.8 (the one down from this), I live in Switzerland and have amazing trails to ride, which way would you lean between the bikes? Cheers

[@danielshown2045]

Great review Robby! Thinking the same with Shimano. I need a set to try and break!

[@droneboy1562]

What a great looking bike!

[@JC-pm5sh]

Could you do like a long term review of Focus or any other trail bikes for that matter. cheers

[@brettwilson4258]

Any chance of a video doing a compare and contrast with the Jam2?

[@andrewengland8021]

Hi Rob, I've scanned through your vids, have you done any reviews of hardcore hardtail ebikes? Are they any out there worth the money? Cheers

[@danielekirylo]

This bike is in my top list

[@camwells9726]

That second best one with the rockshox suspension looks like a good value to ride quality bike , probably the one I would get because I’m a tight arse .

[@neilclark8087]

Buy it before the UK will trade with Germany under WTO conditions only. Coming up soon

[@carsten4524]

Nice Sam2 bike check But how is Sam2 vs kenevo????

[@RSvb4]

Hey Rob! Have you ridden the Norco Sight 29 VLT? Same reach at 510 and wondering your comparison between the 2? Any word on a new Sight VLT coming soon? Was dead set on the new commencal but the reach just isn’t there for me as I ride a XXL V2 sentinel currently and am 6’6” and ebikes are hard to come by that fit. Thanks!!

[@mariopistoia7828]

Stunning bike!! I've a question: which are the best brakes you have tried?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Honestly I like all of them, Magura MT7, SRAM CODE, Shimano XT or Hope. All work well enough for me :-)

[@mariopistoia7828]

@@RobRidesEMTB thanks for your answer 👍

[@dazbbgful]

Great honest first impressions mate. Especially for the taller riders. Will you be testing the trek rail anytime soon.?

[@BABALOOEY46]

Great to see that this year it comes with a Bosch motor and also comes in an extra large did you say Rob? The suspension setup would be awesome! Looks like a great bike, is the cornering on tight trails much better on the Jam2... is it less comfortable on long rides than the jam?

[@bluestraycat]

Absolutely gorgeous bike! Love at first sight for me. Surprisingly heavy though, hard to see where all that extra chunk is

[@Flash_of_the_peat_hill]

I wish I had waited for this now rather than getting my Cube. The Sam2 and Moustache Trail were both on my list but I was too impatient to wait.

[@Rednasnamsob]

@robridesemtb I use a wolftooth dropper lever. (light action). Better than anything I have seen.

[@ShaneJackson]

Just put a deposit down on the Sam2 6.9 and I can't wait. Is the full review coming out soon?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Yes next week 👍

[@BoxofDemons]

Why jam. Over Sam..? I can't decide which to. Buy..

[@lazyemtbnut9906]

That is an awesome looking bike my only issue now is I'm feeling left behind as I've only got a 2018 focus jam2

[@barome7236]

Rod, Can you test thé Cannondale moterra ? Thanks you.

[@colinlasenby1328]

Rob ,nice review on the focus sam2 ,any plans in the future for a review on 2021 cannondale moterra please.

[@ogden99]

Glad its so expensive because I pick up my Jam2 tomorrow haha. Upgrading the Jam2 with a Lyrik, Magic Mary/Big Betty Tires and a set of hope e4 brakes to make it a bit burlier.

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Nice. The 2021 Jam2?

[@ogden99]

@@RobRidesEMTB well I ordered it pre 2021 bike coming out. Its the Jam2 6.8 Nine and nothings changed on the spec except the tyres, I think. I'm hoping it turns up with a set of minions on though.

[@michaelmazani]

@@ogden99 I bought my minions for my jam2 from a German site, both dhr ll and dhf at the same time, saved £46 compared to UK prices. Got a free maxxis kit bag with each tyre. Two bags, gave one to my Mrs, she's well happy.

[@boggybigpants9462]

Callum Ogden ....dude have a look/read at the marzocchi Z1 bomber ...it’s a big hitting fork .....spring/air ....and it’s a brilliant price .....

[@scottweston8477]

Very similar to the 2021 Whyte 160 RS Which is an awesome all rounder. Not sure about the exposed no bash guard motor.

[@kwzon]

Nice detail. Would have been my next bike, but without a bash plate doesn't the motor seem to be vulnerable?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

No. Bosch are actually fine with it like this, they approve it. I took a bash guard of my own Bosch Gen 4 bike as I find it gets in the way. No issues do far and I wouldn’t worry about it.

[@BoxofDemons]

Jam2 or sam2 help can't decide.. I like getting up to dales and blasting down, single track and canal rides. 5ft 11.. Help..

[@59trevski]

Did you mention the price Rob ? And is it agile enough for trails as well.

[@TheOrangep7]

59trevski £5999

[@drjarvis2003]

Im looking for a new ebike for next year and this one has a lot going for it, but that display needs to be changed, how can you work on the bike upside down in the woods when you need to? looks like it would break to quicky . Worrys me the no bash guard too. Only other question i have, would be, do Focus stiil use their own cheap wiring like they have done in the past, which was the reason for a lot of breakdowns?

[@andresamson8859]

510 reach combine with 666 stack!!! It’s not just the reach that makes the difference. I just ordered the 2021 Metapower 29 in xl, im 191 cm tall. I was a bit concern about the sizing of it, which is 500/625, this Focus is like a XXL compare to the Meta

[@andresamson8859]

After some research, the CIS integration of the cockpit is a nice feature, but... there’s a but, you cannot had spacer to adjust the height , so this is probably why they came out with a very tall 666mm stack. Still very nice anyway

[@tonirathmann111]

Just bought it today

[@robbiesunshine]

How tall are you Rob ?

[@athiestwales]

Hey Rob how come we are being ripped of in the UK with the prices in the US being the same in Dollars and way cheaper in europe.?

[@tomwilkins4554]

I'm very close to ordering one. Not sure on how long the wait is. Also was it a spoke magnet or have they used disk mount for speed control?

[@alanmcconnell5113]

I contacted my local dealer today & they checked their B2B for dates and it said week 21-23 of 2021!!!!! Next May !!!!!

[@tomwilkins4554]

@@alanmcconnell5113 that's so annoying lol why release all these bikes on websites and stuff then make you wait 9 months haha

[@alanmcconnell5113]

Tom Wilkins I’m hoping that’s not accurate. They have focus UK Coming for a demo day on Monday so I’m booked in to test both models. Hopefully I’ll get a better idea of availability from the focus guys

[@tomwilkins4554]

@@alanmcconnell5113 can you let me know mate

[@alanmcconnell5113]

Demo day just cancelled due to newly introduced covid restriction

[@harisbuza8862]

What a beast!

[@RobRidesEMTB]

It really is!

[@juancatasus9709]

Kenevo 2018 is still ahead of its time then.

[@McShimi]

Great Reveiw again Matey GJ! But the Spaghetti Eating Extraterrestrial, SEE what i did there ;)

[@alanmcconnell5113]

Any word on uk availability Rob? My local focus dealer checked today & initial indication was May next year!

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Depends on when your dealer ordered it. Some dealers will get them real soon. Shipping next week.

[@thesoloenone8245]

So nice, you got the 2021 model. I ordered my 2020 model in the first week of March. The distributor still dont have it. /Salty

[@ShaneJackson]

Seriously your still waiting since March?

[@thesoloenone8245]

@@ShaneJackson No way. Requested a refund in mid June. Bought a Merida instead. But still in contact with the dealership.

[@davemagson4367]

Be interested to know how it compares with the haibike all mtn 7.0. As.it seems very similar apart from bosch motor.

[@davemagson4367]

Is the bosch motor that much better than the yamaha to spend an extra £ 400?

[@adrianjohnson971]

what will changing cables be like with that stem? it looks like very acute angle to go into the head tube.

[@tsalesto]

Isn't Fox Van the same as Marzocchi Bomber CR?

[@Lc_Sebastian]

Still waiting for the review on this bike, as im thinking getting this one instead of the Kenevo Expert.. This Focus looks sick in this colour and the specs are way up there, compared with what Specialized have on the Kenevo Expert, so pls, a review and a comparasion if possible with the Kenevo wich i know you own :). Thank u

[@BoxofDemons]

Sam2 jam2 or cube stereo hybrid team...?

[@BoxofDemons]

Sam2 jam2 or cube stereo hybrid team...?

[@trevorshields7347]

How does this compare to the 2021 Haibike all mtn 7?

[@DAMCN1]

Hi Rob I have a question I would like your advice on. How do i submit a question to you.

[@r6chrisk]

Where can I get one rob!!!

[@MrT0rres]

Will this be available in the usa?

[@Chromedome-ss6mg]

Why do they put an old coil shock on a new bike?

[@braddyboy83]

Looks like Norco Range imitation

[@ktm-bc1dw]

rob can you get a KTM bike to demo. their bikes look great

[@tony67jones91]

1k more than the focus Jam2.6.9 🤔 which you tested few months back 😁💪

[@pytek23]

I believe Mondraker XL is 510 reach

[@Daffy0208]

I bet Focus are glad they went with the Bosch motor . . . other bike manufacturers must be FURIOUS with Shimano!

[@blakkpatron]

Why?

[@Daffy0208]

@@blakkpatron Shimano have withdrawn/stopped/paused any of the new EP8 motor being released as there is an issue with the housing fracturing/failing. So if you are a bike manufacturer and all your bikes for 2021 have Shimano EP8 motors then they won't be able to sell them until Shimano fix the issue. Meaning 2021 bikes with other motor brands will be selling and Shimano behind. So yeah ... Focus must be delighted at going with the Bosch. 👍

[@blakkpatron]

@@Daffy0208 oh didn't know that, but focus has already announced bikes with the ep8 motor.

[@Daffy0208]

@@blakkpatron yeah they usually have a mix of motors .... just as well!

[@andrewtintin]

bike is nice except brake cable throught headset, control panel look bigger than shimano

[@graysquirreltreeservice7299]

Waiting on my 38 to come in😁😁😁😁👍😁😁👍

[@Chromedome-ss6mg]

Trying to figure out how those cables don't get bound up when you turn the bars. Is there like a slot in the fork tube or something?

[@alanmcconnell5113]

It’s a 1.5 steerer tube at the top with a slotted insert so the cables go into the frame either side of the steerer tube. Acros also do a headset with holes for the cables apparently so you can run a standard stem & feed the cables through that. Pinkbike just did a review that shows the details

[@TheBikePilot]

We rotated them many times getting it in and out of the van and they never fouled once. Rob dropped the stem as well and they have thought of that with the spacers, there is a break in them. Very clever design..

[@brazilduluwita]

Love your channel ❤️ keep up the good work buddy. I just subscribe to your channel. Thank you

[@karimayoubi74]

Don't mind the look of the Purion display as much as the position - it's going to get damaged as soon as you turn your bike upside down for maintenance. Needs to be in a protected position.

[@akabukiman]

Really nice but damn, the weight... seems more like a, shuttle bike than an enduro. And the colors... café... latté...cappuccino... pistachio... dustmen 😵. Why no nuts there? Or at least black with custom decals.

[@johnherbert5919]

I like that bike, hard to find bikes that fit you when your 196cm.. BTW the 2019 Kona Remote CTRL XL also had a 510 reach, I bought one a pretty good bike with long chain stays but only 132mm rear travel.

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Yeah, not many ebikes over 500mm in reach! Good to hear more link the Kona!

[@dannyfag1]

I have a mondraker in a large and that has a 495mm reach... The Xl is 510mm ish I think.

[@peterblakey9339]

@@RobRidesEMTB Commencal range in XL are 510 also

[@Luke_lw]

Such a nice looking bike spoilt by the Bosch control unit it’s so dated now! I hope someone brings out a small sleek controller that you can retro fit as it doesn’t look like Bosch will anytime soon

[@alanmcconnell5113]

Found a dealer with stock pre-ordered! Deposit paid & bike reserved

[@graysquirreltreeservice7299]

Cables are sick through stem ,sam pilgrim will love that🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@madmountainman5197]

Rob, only one other bike with over 500mm reach.... seriously? Kona Remote, Nicolai E-Boxx, Santa Cruz Heckler, Mondraker, both Level and Crafty... and I could go on. I guess there's some financial influence governing your statement on that one. I do like the look of the new Sam and it's great to hear your encouraging remarks for the taller riders out here, but get real. How many taller riders that will ride an XL/XXL bike weigh less than 95kg? Here you are, stating this is a burly monster of a bike, capable of smashing its way down some of the gnarliest of trails, yet only a feather weight rider can ride it. Would you please ask Focus why there's such a low weight limit on their bikes? Is it the frame not being suitably designed for purpose, or are there some component's that could be changed to make the bike suitable for less than stick thin taller riders?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Hi Richard, thanks for your feedback. I actually said “I can only think of one ebike over 500mm that *I’ve ridden*” sorry for any confusion, of course there are more but I’ve not ridden them 👍 I did ask Focus about weight limits and it’s something they (and all the industry) are working towards. Sadly it’s not just the frame, it’s the entire package that needs to be weight rated. So it they use a dropper post (just as an example) that isn’t rated to 150 then the entire bike cannot be rated to 150kg. They do realise the size of the prize in getting rated to 150KG so it’s not that they (or any other bike company) don’t want to do it. Anyway, no financial influence here by the way to talk about reach or other remarks, this stuff isn’t scripted, just what flows from my head when I’m filming. Cheers, have a good day - just off out for a ride now 👍 Rob.

[@madmountainman5197]

@@RobRidesEMTB Nice one Rob, apologies for insinuating about the bias, but it is something that's been used by many companies throughout history. It is a real shame that the weight limit's are so low for some manufacturers and, I think, a possible solution to this issue would be if we knew at least the frame was rated for 136kg or 150kg. That way, a potential purchaser could look up the weight ratings for individual parts, or ask the manufacturer directly, and swap them out for something stronger. Keep up the good work you're doing, I find your information sharing to be watchable and informative, but a real shame that you don't appear to have the ear of all the manufacturers, with them sending you their bikes to try, or inviting you to test ride them and report back. You've been ahead of the game in these stakes, with a lot of views and followers, so it would be great to see more support from the industry for genuine, non-biased reviews on their products.

[@tristantopambudi3186]

26 kgs is a lot especially if it fell on your I still saving for levo expert which is on sub 20 kgs

[@graysquirreltreeservice7299]

Lmao I just asked u 2 days ago I watching now😁😁😁😁😁😁😍😍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍😁

[@rterry2752]

Needs a bash plate and a 700wh bat !

[@RobRidesEMTB]

625 is good enough and I think it works well enough without bash plate 👍

[@alfredcinco]

How do I order that bike here in the U.S.?

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Sadly I don’t think Focus Bikes are available in the US

[@alfredcinco]

Rob Rides EMTB apparently it’s the same with Merida and Propain bikes 🙁

[@mr1982davies]

commencal meta power sx bike in xl is 510 reach 2021

[@putk1]

Nothing new. I holp 2021 brings bigger batterys, like 1000Wh. Bosch motor has power but you cannot adjust anything, thats why E8000 is still in going strong.

[@putk1]

@@chrislomas9886 Example the speed box is not working after the new update and computer and there is no way to adjust, tune or customize the motor.

[@prettyjohnshill76]

C'mon Rob, trek rail? or at least tell us what you have against testing it!

[@RobRidesEMTB]

I’ve asked Trek several times but they’ve never got back to me.

[@prettyjohnshill76]

@@RobRidesEMTB that's a shame, mine is on order and I would have liked to see your take on it.

[@ryanrodriguez70]

Norco range Xl has a massive reach

[@nobrakes7247]

Take it somewhere scary

[@RobRidesEMTB]

Yep. Got some epic riding planned!

[@graysquirreltreeservice7299]

I love spaghetti 🤣🤣👍👍👍honest opinion rules

[@ciprian_s]

YT XXL has 505 in reach.

[@andrewvickers5565]

That's a lot of bike for the money!! Not sure about the new trend in baby sh1t colours from some manufacturers though! And is anyone other than Com-mental making a longish travel enduro bike on 27.5 front and rear?

[@user-pp5or5og4k]

Add a Shimano dropper lever problem solved.

[@LarryRichelli]

Of course it it not for sale in the usa

[@leegibson8514]

How much? 🤤😍

[@RobRidesEMTB]

£5999