First Ride: 2022 Focus Jam Carbon Gets Frame Storage & A Better Ride

Feb 7, 2022
by Seb Stott  



Focus overhauled their Jam trail bike earlier this year, with 150mm travel suspension and geometry which put it into the aggressive trail or all-mountain category. Now they have a new version: the Jam Carbon. It uses the same swingarm as the alloy Jam, plus identical geometry and suspension kinematics, but with a carbon front triangle which not only saves a little weight (the alloy bike was a bit of a porker) but also adds a downtube storage compartment.

Yep, like Trek and Orbea, Focus have copied Specialized's SWAT homework and entered the storage wars.
Focus Jam Carbon details
• Intended use: trail / all-mountain
• Wheel Size: 29"
• Travel: 150mm front and rear
• Aluminum swingarm, carbon mainframe
• Downtube storage
• Sizes S to XL
• 435mm chainstay
• 65-65.5-degree head angle
• Weight as tested: 15.6 kg / 34.4 lb (XL)
• £3,699 / €3,699 / £4,799 / €4,699
focus-bikes.com

But when it comes to how it rides, it's not the smuggling capabilities or even the reduced weight that sets it apart from the alloy version, but the suspension products which make it more engaging and predictable.

photo
photo

Frame Details

When Specialized first released the SWAT compartment for their carbon frames, they admitted the downtube door cancelled out much of the weight saving from going carbon. Even so, Focus claim their carbon frame weighs 760g less than the alloy version. I weighed my XL test bike at 15.6 kg - that's 600 grams less than the top-spec alloy bike (which has comparable but different parts) and slightly less than the claimed weight (15.8 kg). It's still far from the lightest trail bike, though.

Unlike most bikes with in-frame storage, Focus places the downtube door at the top of the tube, so you don't need to remove the bottle cage to access it and the supplied storage bag easily slides down (not up) the tube. It's easily big enough for a large pump or a medium-sized baguette.

photo
Om nom nom, cable spaghetti!

Although we've seen it before on Focus's Jam and Jam2 ebike, we have to briefly talk about the cable routing, which runs through the stem and the headset. There are no cable ports at the front of the frame or lugs for external cable routing, so cables have to be run through the headset. Focus still only offer their cable integration stem in this 50mm length. If you want to fit a different stem you'll need a special headset top cap from Acros with holes for cables to enter, plus a lot of patience in the workshop to disconnect the hoses and cables and rebleed the brakes afterwards.

photo

Suspension Design

The Jam alloy and carbon use exactly the same linkage driven single pivot suspension layout, which Focus calls Focus Optimised Linkage Design (FOLD).

photo
photo

According to Focus, the leverage ratio is progressive throughout the stroke, with a generous 23% progression from 0 to 100% travel. Thanks to a relatively low main pivot position, there isn't all that much anti-squat to hold the suspension up under power - at sag in a 32:16 tooth gear, there's about 77% anti-squat, whereas most bikes these days are over 100% in that configuration. That means the bike bobs and slouches into its travel more than most when pedalling.

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Geometry

The Jam C gets a flip chip to adjust the geometry. This changes the BB height by 6mm and the head and seat angles by 0.5-degrees. The effective seat angle (measured to the top of the seat post at a height of 750mm) is 76 degrees in the low setting and 76.5 degrees in high, while the head angle is 65 or 65.5 degrees. The chainstay length is slightly shorter than average, at 435mm, hinting at the Jam's playful intentions.

Models and Pricing

There are two models to choose from: the top-spec 8.9 (which I rode) and the 8.8. They have broadly similar components to their alloy equivalents (the Jam 6.8 and 6.9) and cost about £1,000 more.

photo
Jam C 8.9 - £4,799 / €4,699

Fork: FOX 36 Performance, Grip, 150 mm travel
Shock: FOX Float X Performance, 210x55 mm
Drivetrain: Shimano XT 12-S W/ SLX cassette, 10-51T
Brakes: Shimano XT M8120, 4 piston, 200 / 200 mm
Wheels: DT Swiss M1900
Tires: Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5 3C Grip EXO / DHR II 2.4 3C EXO+
Claimed weight: 15.8 kg

photo
Jam C 8.8 - £3,699 / €3,699

Fork: RockShox Revelation RC, 150 mm
Shock: Rock Shox Deluxe Select +, 210x55 mm
Drivetrain: SRAM SX/NX Eagle, 11-50T
Brakes: SRAM Guide T, 200 / 200 mm
Wheels: Novatec D041 / D462
Tires: Maxxis Minion DHF
Claimed weight: 15.3 kg



photo

Ride Impressions

I only had the Jam C for one day back in September, but I got to ride it on familiar trails in the Forest of Dean, some of which I had ridden the alloy Jam 6.0 a few months earlier. The Fox suspension on this bike was noticeably suppler and more linear than the RockShox SuperDeluxe shock on the alloy Jam. This made the bike work with less sag (just a little over 25%) while still doing a good job of soaking up the chatter. The reduced sag made the Jam Carbon a little more upright and spritely on the climbs. The suspension still bobs more than most under power, but with minimal sag and occasional use of the lockout lever it's not a bad climber at all, especially on mellower gradients where you're not punching on the pedals.

photo

Meanwhile, the Fox 36 fork offers impressive suppleness and mid-stroke stability. The more basic Grip damper doesn't hold it back much (if at all) when compared to the top-end version. Most importantly, the Fox suspension is well-balanced front to rear, which helps to keep the chassis stable while providing plenty of grip and pop at the same time. Though it's hard to be sure given the time between riding them, the Fox-equipped bike felt a little more forgiving and predictable than the RockShox-equipped alloy bike I rode a few months earlier. That's not to say the Fox products are necessarily superior, but the shock tune seems to suit the bike and the fork better.

I'd still prefer a 40 mm stem, and I think the head angle could afford to be a shade slacker when riding steeper, more demanding features, but for the terrain it's designed for, the Jam C is engaging, poppy and easy to get along with.




Author Info:
seb-stott avatar

Member since Dec 29, 2014
295 articles

178 Comments
  • 380 9
 I cannot express just how unacceptable through stem cable routing is.
  • 50 1
 Yeah it seems like they're almost trying to make it as laborious as possible.
  • 52 3
 I just don't get why they did it. It looks horrible, just pop a couple of nice little holes on the frame.
  • 56 1
 ..and that front brake line now looks like unwanted child
  • 23 1
 If only they could figure out how to route the front brake housing through the stem, steere, fork crown, stanchion, and then pop out the lower.
  • 13 3
 @sorryiamtheboss: Because they're copying the roadies, where aero is paramount
  • 28 0
 Road bike trends making their way to mountain bikes. I can't imagine it'll catch on like it has for drop bar bikes though. The cables are still visible here, so they've added all of the annoying parts of routing cables through the headset, without successfully achieving the look that road bikes are going for with full hidden cables. Hopefully it's a sales dud and no other brand tries to copy it.
  • 15 3
 @jaredmh: Where is WAKI to defend his octopus cabling patent?
  • 1 0
 @pakleni: yeah, the least they could have done it routed it down through the steerer (bar spin style) just to make it match.
  • 1 0
 Next up, fork and shock cable routing.
  • 30 2
 Please nobody buy this bike. They have to learn somehow.
  • 22 0
 -5 points for not routing the front brake cable through the fork stanchion.
  • 4 1
 @rocky-x: Octopus? Wasn't it more like Davy Jones or cthulhu?
  • 13 0
 They have the base "Zoidberg" model, and then the upgraded "Cthulu" model (most likely to be found on Scott bikes).
  • 4 0
 @blcpdx:

Black & Decker: *whizzzz whizzz*
  • 1 0
 @Quinn-39: yeah, after this service video ( www.pinkbike.com/news/video-fork-lowers-service-at-home-tech-tina.html ) I'm pretty comfortable with reengineering my fork Smile
  • 4 0
 Came here to express the exact same sentiment. Couldn’t even bother to make it past that picture and description… straight to the comments. Not cool, not cool.
  • 15 0
 The cable routing would stop me buying this bike.
  • 6 0
 Same, the megawatt and vitus ebikes have similar, and it is a MASSIVE ballache. I would never buy
  • 9 0
 They’re taking ideas from Scott.

Bad ideas, but ideas.
  • 1 0
 @chakaping: i know of at least one person that got the lithium version. Will see it in the flesh soon I guess. Pitchfork and torch are ready.
  • 2 0
 All they had to do was poll us on it. Dah
  • 2 1
 I bet they did the cable routing this way because the frame storage weakens the frame too much for cable routing holes.
  • 5 0
 Would have been a great selling point if top two bolts came with blanker plugs to make them look like eyes.
  • 5 0
 anything to convince us that the bikes we are currently enjoying, are inadequate. Am I to feel ashamed for buying 27.5 tires. or what about my head angle that is 1 degree steeper than this year's model, how do I even ride it?. And I won't even tell my friends about my hub width, I'm too ashamed.

And Now my cables are killing my aero coefficient?
  • 2 1
 @jaredmh: i dont think it is roadie trends.. it is just cheaper to manufacture a frame without holes
  • 1 0
 aesthetically I really dig the lines of this frame, but the stem routing is wretched
  • 3 0
 @blcpdx:
"If only"... a simple "Potts mod" BMX stem would do it. Straight down the steerer tube and out at the crown. A couple zip ties and you're done.
  • 1 0
 It just looks wrong.
  • 2 1
 @sorryiamtheboss: Through stem routing is quieter, and reduces cable rub. I think it looks better as well! Pain in the ass every time you have to swap a cable though.
  • 7 1
 My patent was never fully realized. Both of my stems Cthulhu and Dave Jones had integrated digital screen which put the whole thing at least 2 levels deeper in hell.
  • 1 1
 @calmWAKI: But did it double as the control screen for ebikes, but connect wirelessly and require its own battery?
  • 5 2
 The only thing I like about this stem is that you can put a cigar or a joint into its mouth.
  • 4 2
 @hamncheez: Yes all of that and it had a camera that would film you so that Mark Zuccerberg can watch you breathe hard
  • 2 0
 @Paco77: I would probably rather have this than having to run left rear brake through a port in the left side of the frame.
  • 4 0
 What happens if you want to pack one of these in a bike bag?
  • 2 0
 @heinous: I once tried to help a guy pack a triathlon bike in an Evoc bag... it turned a 5 min process into well over an hour.
  • 3 0
 @blcpdx: on the focus road bikes, it does all that, but it also goes half way down the down tube, has a 180deg bend, comes back up and goes around the lower headset bearing, back into the fork leg. It’s the weirdest thing I’ve seen on a bike, I guess it’s to stop the cable being twisted.
  • 2 0
 @pbuser2299: i hope you are not serious
  • 6 0
 I just quit wrenching at a shop that has taken on Focus. We had the demo truck around a few months ago had I had to bite my tongue when I saw the cable routing. Thankfully I left before we got any in because it looks like a f*cking nightmare and I wasn’t getting paid enough to deal with that!
  • 2 0
 who painted a focus name on a Orbea Occam frame.. and what's with the hideous stem-cables combos?
  • 1 0
 Needs googly eyes over the top stem bolts. then it looks like a dude slurping up spaghetti... Smile

But yea, just seems like this makes replacing my stem complex for NO F'n REASON... no way does this solve an issue that hasn't already been figured out another way...
  • 1 0
 @stiingya: the only issue it solves isca producțion one. Molds without especially designed wholes in them are cheaper on the bigger scale/long term. More efficient for them, same money to you.
  • 1 0
 @GZMS: Unfortunately there aren't enough mind altering drugs in the world, for me to make up something like this.
  • 1 0
 @pbuser2299: That's the fundamental solution. Don't buy the product. Buy what the creator was using.
  • 1 0
 @pbuser2299: Didn't realize bike companies were hiring topologists to design their cable routing...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2eiiROwuwtk
  • 1 0
 Henry is going to make an article about how good the stem cable routing is for the mtb industry.
  • 49 0
 I want to give out 10 pb tokens to Seb for „Om nom nom, cable spaghetti!“, very funny Big Grin
  • 8 0
 Great! I'll spend them on asking for test bikes that are easier to work on.
  • 47 0
 no Pros and Cons? ... guess I'll have to read the article
  • 15 0
 why not read the review tomorrow?
  • 6 3
 16kg for al all Mountain. Why read the article?
  • 35 2
 That stem cable thing is by far the ugliest thing I have seen in modern mountain bikes. I really can't see the problem with internal routing through the frame.
  • 5 0
 couldn't agree more.. plus, I have long legs and a short torso.. so, if I wanted to go with a large frame, but say a 35mm stem, then you would need to pull the cable through the top of the steerer tube.. please not...
  • 2 10
flag jclnv (Feb 7, 2022 at 8:14) (Below Threshold)
 Gearing will be 80% electric in a couple years. It reduces those ugly holes in your $4000 frame.
  • 2 0
 @jclnv: rear brake hose still needs to go somewhere?
  • 2 0
 I'm shocked they didn't route the front brake cable through the steerer tube.
  • 24 0
 "and the supplied storage bag easily slides down (not up) the tube"

Easily? Did you actually try that with a bag _full_ of stuff? That opening looks quite smaller then a SWAT opening, and I can tell you from experience that getting a full doesn't-want-to-bend storage bag in and out of a SWAT door is not the smoothest action. Now make the door smaller AND put the top tube right in the way? That thing is going to be a pain in the ass.
  • 28 0
 For example, there is no way you're getting a baguette in there without breaking it into a handful of pieces.
  • 33 0
 @justinfoil: as they’re ‘German engineered’ it’s probably more likely designed to fit some kind of sausage in and not a. Baguette
  • 2 0
 Same thought. And god forbid something fall down and out of reach. With the opening low, at least it falls towards the hole, not away from it.
  • 3 3
 @justinfoil: you must not break ze baguette! zat is not cowwecte!
  • 3 0
 First thing I thought when they showed that giant bag beside the hole... haha... maybe I'm wrong, but I need to see a video of someone shoving that full bag into there.

Also, with the hole at the top of the tube... I guess you have to use the bag? Because if you stuff various item in there without the bag... umm, you're not getting them back out. Maybe we'll have to start carrying a coat hanger strapped to the frame?
  • 1 0
 @islandforlife: I mean, you could always tip the bike on end so the hole is at the bottom. It would look a bit kooky tho. But yeah, seems it like a poor design decision.
  • 2 0
 @justinfoil: cut to Yoann Barelli, crying in a corner
  • 1 0
 @justinfoil: If the baguette gets wrecked just use soup instead.
  • 1 0
 @CustardCountry: my sausage has a nice curve so it should not be an issue.
  • 2 0
 @justinfoil: breaking baquette during insertion would be wurst...
  • 23 1
 I hope absolutely no one buys this. No cable routing options besides the stock stem or a super specific aftermarket headset is just fucking absurd in this day and age. A massive fuck you to shop mechanics and DIY riders everywhere
  • 1 1
 Too late. There's a ton of these being ridden around in Europe. Probably because the alloy model is actually fantastic value. Non-core buyers will not care in the slightest that it says "Focus" instead of "Specialized", "Scott" or "Trek" on the downtube and they also won't care about cable routing.
  • 21 0
 Proprietary stem and routing and enduro-to-ebike weight.
  • 3 0
 Best thing is they market it as "lightweight" on their social media and website. Compared to their mopeds maybe?
  • 19 0
 Nice looking bike but I’ll take my Focus elsewhere.
  • 17 0
 This just isn't my Jam
  • 13 1
 Front end looks like a... Salsa.
  • 11 0
 Brace yourselves. The time of tall aero carbon rims on MTBs is nigh.
  • 3 0
 It would not be the first time...
  • 2 1
 @Woody25: long overdue. DH races are won by hundredths
  • 1 0
 Bring it. I miss my Velocity Deep V.
  • 9 1
 So the cheaper one is lighter than the expensive one, but the expensive one is lighter than its meant to be.... but still heavier than the cheaper one. Glad that's all clear
  • 6 0
 I can't imagine one single experienced rider buying this bike solely because of the cable routing. New riders that don't know any better sure, but not one that likes to work on their own bikes and install their favorite components.
  • 7 0
 The integrated stem and the therefore super bulky headtube unfortunately destroy the looks of this otherwise good looking bike...
  • 7 0
 They took an innocuous frame storage cover and made it look like a e-bike battery cover.
  • 10 2
 Good looking bike, except for that stem, call me old fashioned.
  • 5 1
 O...k... You're old fashioned. You did ask.
  • 5 0
 How on earth is the cheaper bike with garbage SX/NX drivetrain half a kilo lighter than the better specced one? Also how do they manage to make a bike like that so heavy in the first place?
  • 1 0
 Asking the right questions here
  • 2 0
 Also the spec sheet for a £3700 bike!?!?
  • 8 0
 Looks like....an Orbea?
  • 1 0
 Yeah, at first glance I thought I was looking at an Occam, but the rear suspension is set up differently. Top tube is a dead ringer though.
  • 6 0
 Not sure if the stem design is an hommage to Italian cuisine or to the Call of Cthulhu book...
  • 4 0
 Its a Salsa Rustler with a Medusa head of snakes for a stem. PRO - it will turn any bike that looks at it, to stone. CON- it could accidently turn its owner to stone as well.
  • 6 0
 The stem choking on cables so perfectly encapsulates its designer's failure that it's almost art.
  • 5 0
 You gotta be quite isolated from, let's call it, the enthusiastic mountain biking community, or deliberately ignoring it, to include a stem like that on a bike.
  • 5 0
 I would actually consider this but with that horribly looking (in my opinion) stem its unfortunately a no go
  • 2 0
 Oh god. As a bike mechanic. That cable route is a nightmare. I rather cable route the Canyon Spectral over this. Imagine when you want to change the stem, you have to remove the entire cable first then install the special headset and put back it. Very time consuming and not worth every penny but this bike look really nice!
  • 3 0
 How does this cable thing work? Is there a hole midway down the steerer that exits into the frame? This does look like a maintenance nightmare
  • 1 0
 Its a spacer between the bearing (which is larger than normal) and the steerer
  • 5 0
 That stem routing is dreadful. Would not consider any bike that has it
  • 1 0
 "the leverage ratio is progressive throughout the stroke, with a generous 23% progression from 0 to 100% travel."

But most of the progression is in the first 2/3rds or so of the travel. Last 1/3rd only has like 5% progression (2.6 to 2.47), so it's not going to feel as bottomless as that 23% number implies.
  • 1 0
 Seen the spring rate on an air shock?
  • 5 0
 Where do the cables go if you want to change the stem?
  • 5 0
 Please dont shoot the messenger here. I am not defending this design. If you want to change the stem you need a special top cap, like the one from Acros, with holes in it.
  • 2 1
 In regard to all the hate around cable integration: You can be a fan or not (I am not a fan either), but the Focus stem solutions seems to be the best solution from a technical standpoint, because the cables flowing into the head tube in a quite big radius (compared to other bikes). It might just not be the most visual appealing one. However you can still just buy a new headset cover für under 15€ (acros-components.com/en/products/core/headsets/10275/zs56-headset-cover-integrated-cable-routing) and run any stem you want, so not a big deal breaker if you want to go that route. Ok, you have to open you hydraulic system once then, which sucks big time.

BTW I was in touch with the service team of acros recently. That headset cover works with all acros zero stack cable routing headsets (and there is an is versions as well), so you can upgrade/downgrade most bikes with cable routing out there quite easily and cheaply.
  • 2 0
 Ever since Focus ditched the American market and left people like me high and dry on warranties, they've been full steam ahead with eMTB's for the European market. Will never give them the time a day again.
  • 3 0
 looks good but is Jamis going to come out with a new 29er enduro or an xc race bike?
  • 1 0
 Their 3VO suspension looks dope. I wish they'd do something with it.
  • 1 0
 Their focus is on something else www.jamisbikes.com/bikes/e-bikes/hudsone2
  • 2 0
 @DHhack: I guess rip mtb side they had a good lineup two years ago
  • 1 0
 @kidracer: They're like an hour north of me, so I really want them to make rad bikes, especially for east coast riding. But they've been pretty dormant for like 3 years (though the socials are pretty active).
  • 2 0
 I'm glad to see the fork comes pre-raked, I hate it when a brand new bike straight out of the box needs the fork to be raked.
  • 3 0
 I feel like the bag would slide down the top tube and you would have a hard time getting it out.
  • 1 1
 i wonder which is easier completely reengineering something to put a hidden compartment in it, or design an item of clothing with pockets, trying to find your money for that coffee which is now trapped inside your frame is maybe not a great look
  • 2 0
 Seems they should be working on the bike’s bobbing traits and sticking you with one option on the headset instead of worrying about a lunchbox.
  • 3 0
 so this is a carbon version of an average trail bike? More monies, slightly less weight, but still average at best?
  • 1 0
 Did you expect the carbon to make it magically better?
  • 3 0
 @Tambo: nope, just wanted to confirm my suspicions.
  • 3 0
 But how much beer can you pour into the frame then? If I installed a tap into the frame, would it void the warranty?
  • 3 3
 In frame storage is just a stupid trend. I hope it will go away. Compromise strength for something so dumb and not really convenient. I have a swat compartment and for many reasons I don't use it...I have nothing against storage but what about an elegant frame bag....
  • 1 0
 My thoughts exactly.
  • 4 0
 heavy weight champion
  • 4 0
 hungry stem...
  • 1 1
 Underrated comment
  • 4 1
 TIL Focus still makes bikes.
  • 2 0
 I'd like to have full slx instead of full xt if I could have 1700 wheels instead of 1900 wheels.
  • 2 0
 Saw the cable routing an immediately lost interest. If I have buy a special proprietary headset or stem then I'm out.
  • 1 0
 Just here to pretend to complain about bike prices like all the pennyless knobs on here complaining on every new bike post. Pay to play folks!
  • 1 0
 Can we say this brand lost its focus on the American market. This will be my redeeming comments to make up for joking/poking at American First or perhaps last.
  • 2 0
 Fezzari Delano Peak much??
  • 1 0
 That is a direct copy. Was the Fezzari first out?
  • 1 0
 Do you guys, have push the curiosity to change a hose? Just to see how the process is. It can defintively be a deal breaker.
  • 1 0
 When is someone going to come out with electric brakes and get rid of cables for good?
  • 1 0
 Heavy and pedals like mush. They should market this in Texas; I hear they like em big down there.
  • 2 0
 Looks like an Orbea Occam
  • 1 1
 Butt uglier
  • 1 0
 @seb-stott: what's the point in reversing the images or did you ride two different bikes?
  • 1 0
 Funny looking, high prices, eccentric colours, poor reviews - no one cares. Just if there's stock.
  • 1 0
 Came here only to say, that it looks like as Orbea Occam. Hope it does not have issues with broken shock bolt.
  • 4 3
 This bike looks solid, I like it.
  • 1 0
 HEAVY. looks great though...
  • 1 0
 35 pound “carbon trail bike” ? Anyone else notice that?
  • 1 0
 Who remembers Wakis cthulhu cable management stem?
  • 1 0
 Seems like a great place to store a battery.
  • 2 0
 Hideous
  • 1 0
 but it has FOLD! because it looks like origami i guess...
  • 2 0
 1/2 carbon, you mean
  • 1 4
 If you're weakening the frame by creating openings, whether they're this monstrosity or the Specialized's swat BS, you're going to have to mess with layup and/or create compensating structures to deal with that. All of which increases the complexity of the molds and drives up cost and/or weight. All so folks can store shit in the bike, rather than on the bike. Unless that storage allows you to bring along a mini-kegerator, that's just plain offensive.
  • 1 0
 dat boi monchin on them noodles
  • 1 0
 Poke-us-jam weird name, better looking though than a Giant.
  • 1 0
 What this bike needs is an odyssey gyro to go with that stem…
  • 1 0
 £3700 for a spec straight outta Halfords lol someone's high
  • 1 0
 Ahh yes, hebelrverhältness *nods*
  • 1 0
 A Fatty Boom Batty
  • 1 1
 Boom biddy bye bye
  • 1 1
 love the through stem cable routing.
  • 1 1
 love the through stem cable routing.
  • 1 1
 U-G-L-Y
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