Release your inner child with Focus' updated JAM and all-new THRON
Focus hasn't held back with updates for 2021. First off, there's the 2021 JAM which gets a more downhill orientated look with a slacker head angle, shorter rake, and a flip-chip. Then there's the all-new THRON which gets a pedal-friendly 130mm of squish and it's made to tackle both techy and flow trails. Last but not least, there's the updated F.O.L.D suspension platform which both of these bikes benefit from. Read on for all of the details.
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There's a lot to get through here so let's get on with it. The JAM is Focus' 150mm all-mountain bike that rolls on 29" hoops and gets a new look for this year.
With the introduction of the THRON taking up the duties as the trail all-rounder, Focus has been able to push the JAM to be a touch more downhill orientated. As such, it gets a 65° head tube angle with a fairly steep 76° seat tube angle. What's really neat is that Focus takes this measurement with the saddle at 750mm high to show the real seat tube angle. This is similar to what Stif has done with the Squatch.
Then a 44mm rake makes for easy steering.
On a medium frame, the reach has been stretched to 450, or 455mm (depending on how your chip is flipped) which should offer more room to move over the bike and make it more stable at speed, say the brand.
Then, of course, the bike gets a flip chip which alters those measurements by half a degree.
The most obvious change comes from the F.O.L.D suspension platform upgrade. Focus says this change has been made to offer even more progression for better bottom-out resistance and to offer more feedback from the trail. It also adapts to the latest shock developments.
Not only does the actual suspension feel get changed, but the new suspension layout means that the JAM could be built with a lower standover.
Another cool touch is Focus' C.I.S stem and that allows all of the cables (apart from the front brake) to be run from the bar, into the stem and then into the frame. Then, every JAM comes with a fitted tool bag that fits nicely above the shock, in between the top tube and downtube.
The JAM comes in three models, at the top end there's the 6.0 LTD which gets a RockShox Lyrik Ultimate RC2 with a Deluxe Select+ shock. Then it gets that brand new SRAM GX AXS drivetrain and a RaceFace finishing kit. This model rolls on a pair of DT Swiss EX 511 rims with hubs from the same brand.
Then the 6.9 model gets a Fox 36 Float Performance fork with a Fox Float DPS Performance shock and the bike is driven by a Shimano XT M8100 12-speed drivetrain.
Rounding off the JAM range is the 6.8 and on that one you'll find a RockShox Revelation RC fork with a RockShox Deluxe Select shock. SRAM has the drivetrain covered with the NX Eagle set up and G2 R four-pot brakes. It then rolls on a pair of RODI TRYP30 FOCUS rims on Novatech hubs, just like the 6.9 model.
All bikes get Maxxis rubber in the form of the DHF 2.5" WT 3C Grip EXO up front, and a 2.4" DHR II with a 3C compound and EXO casing at the rear. They all also get a Kind Shock RAGE I dropper post.
So that's the new JAM, now for the THRON.
The THRON gets 130mm of travel and it's made to be fun both through flow trails and techy tracks. Focus says that as the JAM's little sibling it stands out with its immediate and playful ride.
It gets a 66.5° head angle, a 75° seat tube angle (which has been measured in the same way as the JAM) but a 10mm shorter reach, so that's 440mm on a medium frame.
Much like the JAM, the THRON benefits from the updated F.O.L.D suspension package, 29" wheels, and that cool C.I.S stem offering super tidy cable routing. Oh, and it comes with a fitted tool bag too.
The THRON also gets three models, with the range topping 6.9 model coming sorted with a Fox 34 Float Rhythm fork and a Fox Float DPS shock. It gets a Shimano XT 12-speed drivetrain with XT brakes which includes a four-pot caliper up front. This one rolls on a pair of Rodi TRYP25 hoops and gets a Maxxis Dissector 2.4" at the front, and a Maxxis Rekon 2.4" at the rear.
Next up, the 6.8 gets a RockShox Recon Gold RL with a RockShox Deluxe select shock and it's driven by a Shimano Deore 12-speed drivetrain with the brand's MT420 four pot brakes. The rest of the bike gets the same kit as its spendier range-mate.
Finally, the THRON 6.8 EQP throws a bit of a curveball, coming kitted with fenders, a kickstand, carrier racks, and built in lights.
Both the JAM and the THRON come in four sizes, from S to XL.
Prices for the JAM start at £2,500 and go up to £4,200 for the 6.0 LTD.
Prices for the THRON start at £2,200 and top out at £2,900.