For 2018 Focus will be launching two e-mountain bikes in the US. The full-suspension JAM² and the hardtail BOLD² are designed around Shimano’s new STePS e8000 platform to provide a natural-feeling electric assist.

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Shimano’s new STePS e8000 e-bike drivetrain has been available on Focus e-mountain bikes (and others) in Europe for about a year, but will be offered for the first time on Focus models in the US this January. Compared to most electric bike motors out there, the e8000 system offers similar torque and battery life (250 watts, 70Nm torque) but it also boasts more user-friendly advantages, including a shifter-paddle control system, an easy-to-read bar-mounted display, and nearly drag-free pedaling.

Lydia Tanner

The system also has a Q-factor, or the "stance" distance between pedals, that is the same as Shimano's regular XT drivetrain. Since most e-bike motors and battery systems are housed near the bottom bracket, they often push the Q-factor wider. And because the e8000 motor is very compact, Focus was able to adopt a more modern short-rear, long-front geometry, which makes the bike ride more like we’ve come to expect from regular trail bikes.

Focus found that most e-bike rides were a couple hours or less, so rather than equip their bikes with a big (heavy), battery, they opted for a smaller, lighter, 378 watt-hour battery. Riders who want longer adventures need not have range anxiety: a rail on the down tube secures a second battery, doubling capacity to 756 watt hours.

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We had a chance to hop on the hardtail BOLD² at the Interbike Dirt Demo yesterday, and were blown away by the e8000 system, as well as the solid, capable feel of the bike. The motor was quiet, organic-feeling, and helpful without being obtrusive—and the slightly guilty feeling of not quite "earning" my descents was counteracted by the sheer range of trails the bike opened up. Love or hate the idea of battery-powered riding, I was able to see way more of Bootleg Canyon in far less time than I would have aboard a regular trail bike.

The Focus Jam² 29 Pro has 140mm of rear suspension travel Matt Phillips

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The BOLD quickly gained my trust with its predictable handing and planted feel. After a few minutes in the saddle, I was already pushing through corners, hopping drops and maneuvering through the Bootleg's signature loose, off camber rock gardens with relative confidence. With just 120mm of front travel and an aluminum frame, there’s a fair bit of jostling when the gnar factor cranks up, so the BOLD² would probably be best-suited to long XC exploration rides, rather than rowdier enduro shuttles.

We also took out a JAM² 29 Pro with 140mm of front and rear suspension. While many of the full-suspension e-mountain bikes we've tried are heavy, slacker, enduro-style bikes, the JAM² 29 is lighter and livelier: more like a light trail or cross-country style e-bike. It has quicker handling, and is more responsive. We'd estimate that it's also lighter than any full suspension e-mountain bike we've tried, which makes it ride more like a bike, and less like a motorcycle. The smaller battery is noticeable though: on the same loop we tested several other e-bikes, we used much more of the JAM²'s total capacity than any other bike we sampled.

Lydia Tanner

Both bikes come with 27.5" wheels and clearance for up to 2.8-inch tires (it comes with 2.8 Maxxis Rekons). The JAM² is also offered in a 29-inch wheel size, which can accommodate 2.6-inch tires. The hardtail BOLD² Plus will retail for $4,899 with an XT/SLX drivetrain and a 120mm Rockshox Revelation fork. The BOLD² is also available in an XS frame, with a 80mm Revelation fork and a lower standover for shorter riders for the same price. The full suspension JAM² Plus LTD starts at $4,999 for mechanical XT shifting, with the top-model JAM² Plus Pro running $5,999 for XT Di2 and a carbon front triangle. Both bikes come with a 140mm Rockshox Revelation fork and 140mm Deluxe RT Shock.

Focus e-mountain bikes will be available January 2018.

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