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Focus Bikes have launched their new 2011 Cross Bikes for the start of the Cyclo-Cross season and we have a taster of the Focus Izalco Range with the Focus Izalco Pro 1.0.
What is Cyclo-Cross?
Cyclocross bikes are similar to road bike, they are lightweight, with narrow tyres and drop handlebars. However, they also share characteristics with mountain bicycles in that they utilize knobby treaded tyres for traction, and cantilever style brakes for the clearance needed due to muddy conditions. They have to be lightweight because competitors need to carry their bicycle to overcome barriers or slopes too steep to climb in the saddle.
The sight of competitors struggling up a muddy slope with bicycles on their shoulders is the classic image of the sport, although un-ridable sections are generally a very small fraction of the race distance. Cross bikes also make good winter bikes or commuters, their frames have plenty of clearance which allows for mudguards, while the upright angles make them agile around town, meaning you can hit the trails at the weekend and then fit some road tyres and commute on them during the week.
New For 2011
New for 2011 we have on site the Focus Mares AX series which is availaibe in three superb specifications.
The Focus Mares AX 3 combines the lightness of aluminium coupled with Shimano Tiagra/Concept components to produce a lightweight and affordable cyclo-cross bike. Continental Cyclo Cross speed tyres provide the grip you need and are settled on a pair of Rodi Stylus Race wheels.
The Mares AX 2 features Shimano 105 components and FSA’s Gossamer 46/36 chainset with Avid Shorty 4 calipers and Tektro RL721 levers providing the stopping power you require. The Mares AX 2 features a triple butted frame with Focus carbon forks and is ready for competition whatever the weather. A reliable, comfortable and well spec’d machine that is able to withstand the rigours of cyclo cross as well as having a nice price tag.
The Mares AX 1 is a purpose built cyclo cross bike ready to race. Using Shimano’s Ultegra components and FSA’s Gossamer 46/36 chainset, the Mares AX 1 can, and will, withstand the rigours of cyclo cross racing. The alloy triple butted frame coupled with the carbon forks provide the lightness and stiffness required and with the quality of the componentry, this bike will not let you down. DT Swiss R1900 provides the strength as regards to the wheelset which are wrapped with Schwalbes Racing Ralph tyres, and Avid Shorty 4 calipers coupled with Tektro RL721 levers provide the stopping power you require. The finishing kit includes Concept and FSA components.
Road Bikes
Also new for 2011 is the Focus Izalco Pro which is a sporty, super-stiff and yet comfortable race machine. This Izalco is the perfect answer to all that a racing cyclist demands. Brimming with a variety of technologies and equipped with the finest racing components, this is a top-class racing bike for professionals and all those wanting to invest in a high-end machine as ridden by the world’s fastest racing cyclists. The Izalco frame features many techologies. These include:-
Integrated Cable Tunneling: The frame’s tunnel – a cable conduit connected to the main cables – unites an elegant look with optimal practicality. This means more torsional stiffness and ensures that tricky internal cable replacement is a thing of the past. Less bending also reduces friction, enabling direct gear changing and braking.
BB30 (Bottom Bracket): The BB30 system complements the hollow chamber technology by using an oversized shaft and oversized industrial bearings. The frames are lighter, stiffer and more efficient. BB30 also allows more room for rider’s feet – the crucial Q-factor.
SSPS: (Stable Stiffness Per Size) This system is one of the major strokes of genius by FOCUS production managers. In the past every aluminium/carbon frame, regardless of size, had the same tube dimensions. Now – due to SSPS – the tube dimensions grow with the frame’s size. That means optimal handling rigidity, suspension behaviour and weight – whatever the rider’s height.
We’ll keep you posted on more new Focus arrivals soon!