Tech feature: 2011 Focus road and urban range

Image 1 of 68

How thorough is Focus's test lab? Yes, it evens tests everyday accessories like cargo racks because a component failure of any kind would ultimately reflect poorly on the brand.(Image credit: James Huang)

Focus's Izalco Pro flagship carbon road platform looks nearly identical to the current version but the company says new internal molds, updated fiber blends, and revised lay-up schedules have yielded lighter weights and more consistent tube finishes plus improvements in pedaling and front triangle stiffness.

Updates include one-piece chain stay and dropout assemblies and revised internal cable routing. As before, all of the lines enter the frame through molded-in ports in the head tube and are guided through full-length carbon tubes that are integrated into the frame structure – and reportedly add torsional stiffness to the tubes. But the rear derailleur line now stays inside the frame all the way until the end of the chain stay and a new access port beneath the BB30-compatible bottom bracket shell for the front derailleur makes for easier servicing.

Focus will offer multiple Izalco Team and Pro versions depending on region, with prices ranging from around US$3,100/€2,299 to US$7,700/€5,999, and drivetrain options that will include standard, compact and even triple cranksets on certain models. Focus is also planning to release a limited edition halo model called the Izalco Team Ultimate LTD with an array of high-end carbon bits from the likes of Schmolke, Tune and THM-Carbones. Total bike weight is just 5.0kg (11.0lb) but the corresponding price is a similarly staggering €9,999.

Focus's Cayo range of carbon road frames – the choice of the US-based Jelly Belly pro team – will carry on from before with rigidity figures approaching those of the more expensive Izalco but also a stiffer ride owing to the larger seat stays, conventional external cable routing, and slightly heavier frame weights of around 1,200g. Like the Izalco, though, Cayo frames will feature tapered head tubes and BB30-compatible bottom bracket shells plus a range of drivetrain options depending on model.

The top-end Mares CX 1.0 (US$4,000/€2,999) will come with a suitably premium SRAM Force transmission, FSA Energy BB30 46/36T cranks, Avid Ultimate cantilevers, and Focus carbon clinchers. However, we expect the Shimano Ultegra-equipped 2.0 model (US$2,700) to have greater appeal to privateer racers on a more realistic budget – many of whom wouldn't want the carbon clinchers of the 1.0 model and will already have their own race tubies anyway.

Focus may be a little late to the stylish urban bike market (not to confused with more utilitarian commuters with which Focus is already very heavily invested) but its new Planet line looks remarkably well sorted regardless with its double-butted alloy frames, well chosen upright-yet-nimble geometries, battleship-like grey matte powdercoat finishes, and weather-tolerant disc brakes used throughout.