INTERBIKE 2009 – Focus Bicycles probably had more bikes crammed in their booth than any other brand, but we focused on the highest end offering for road, cyclocross and mountain bike.  Here, we’ve got their top of the line Mares Team ‘cross racer, a full carbon bike with tapered headtube and lots of nifty features to make it a solid performer.
Watch the vid, then hit ‘more’ for photos, specs and, of course, a pic of the bike on our scale!  Ready? Go…
The Mares Pro weighs in at 18lb 4oz…not bad for a 1200g frame with cyclocross tires and fork, and it’s not even the top level Team model, which uses the same frame but has a better (lighter) spec.
For $2,700, you get a lot of bike.  In fact, you get the same frame that some members of the Milram team rode in the Paris-Roubaix.
The thick carbon fork runs through a tapered headtube.  Stopping duties are handled by Prime Canti2C Race brakes.  The design of the spacers and brake cable ferrule on the top of the steerer tube are made to reduce vibrations on the handlebar.
The asymmetrical seat tube not only makes room for a fixed front derailleur mount, but Focus says it helps provide a softer ride without giving up lateral rigidity.
Cables run across the top of the top tube, and the underside of the top tube is flattened out to make it easier and more comfortable to shoulder.  The pulley shown here provides the u-turn and tension necessary for the front derailleur.
Underneath, you can see the bulbous bottom bracket shell made to hold the BB30 cranks.
Lots of tire clearance allows for some wide tires.
The Focus-made carbon fork is cyclocross specific.  The Fulcrum Racing 5 wheels are wrapped with Schwalbe Rocket Ron 700×35 tires.
Break the bank and step up to the Mares Team you you get better, lighter brakes, SRAM Red shifters and derailleurs with SRAM Force BB30 crankset, a full FSA cockpit with Prologo saddle and Continental tires.
RELATED: 2010 Focus Izalco Team Milram Edition road bike and Raven Hardtail XC mountain bike.
