In 2021, Focus unveiled its all-new gravel adventure bike, the Atlas. The aluminum frame featured multiple mounting points, optional racks, and Road Boost spacing. Focus’s slogan behind the bike was “Made to Lose,” a bike you would want to “lose” yourself on all day rides.
Two years later, the Atlas received a carbon makeover, creating a 6 Series (alloy) and an 8 Series (carbon) model. The same lose-yourself-in-adventure ethos carried over, as did the Boost spacing.
Now, as Focus heads into 2026, the brand is updating its popular gravel bike. While some aspects of the previous Atlases carry over, this latest version introduces significant changes.
What’s the “Same” on the New Focus Atlas?
Focus keeps the same naming scheme the brand used after introducing the carbon iteration of the Atlas. Both carbon and aluminum frames will retain the same numbering, with the 6 Series for aluminum and the 8 Series for carbon.
Within each of those series, Focus offers three different build options.
The Atlas 6 Series and 8 Series both feature multiple mounting points. From the frame to the fork, Atlas allows multiple bags (and racks) to be mounted all over the bike. The fork alone has three mounting points on either side, keeping adventure in the Atlas’s DNA.
Also making a return to the Atlas is the Focus Adventure Rack. The rack cleverly wraps around the bike’s stays, keeping the weight strapped to it relatively low. And three straps on each side keep cargo snugly in place.
Focus also carries over an EQP model — this time, the Atlas 6.8 EQP. From bikepacking to commuting, the EQP is up for anything. It features a rear pannier rack and front rack, fenders, and lights (F/R) that run off a Dynamo hub.
What Has Changed?
New for the Atlas 8 Series is in-frame storage, or, as Focus has dubbed it, the “Prep Pocket.” The Prep Pocket comes with a tool wrap called the Prep Pack, with enough space for a multitool, CO2 cartridge, and tire levers. Along with the Prep Pack, Focus says there is additional space for snacks or a spare tube.
Or, if you choose to purchase an additional one, there is space for two Prep Packs.
Focus has also made the Hawaii Rack (the front rack on the 6.8 EQP) available on any Atlas model. The rack holds up to 5kg (~11 pounds) and provides plenty of additional storage, perfect for multiday adventures. Call it a pizza rack if you want, Focus calls it the Hawaii rack, apparently in a nod to the Hawaiian pizza – which they joke could get you in trouble in Italy!
Unfortunately, for those with previous Atlas models, the Hawaii Rack is only compatible with the latest frames.
Other accessories are also available for the new Atlas. The pannier rack that is equipped on the 6.8 EQP is available on any new 6 Series (aluminum) bike. And both the 6 Series and 8 Series have fender options, with and without incorporated lights.
All of these mounting points and rack options bring the maximum system weight of the new Atlas to 135kg (~298 pounds). This is 15kg more than the previous Atlas.
Focus also refined the geometry on both the Atlas 6 and 8 Series. Both bikes are a touch more agile thanks to a shorter wheelbase, shorter trail measurement, increased fork rake, and a slightly lower stack. A shorter seattube also allows for a touch more flex, creating a more comfortable and stable ride.
But, perhaps the most significant change on the new Atlas is Focus moving away from the Road Boost standard. All new Atlas models will feature 12×100 and 12×142 spacing. Fewer complications, fewer standards, easier maintenance, and easier ownership.
Focus Atlas Details
Focus is offering each Atlas series in three builds.
Atlas 8.9
SRAM Rival groupset / Zipp 303 XPLR S carbon wheels / 8.6kg / 5,299 € (~$6,154)
Atlas 8.8
SRAM Apex and S1000 Transmission drivetrain / SRAM Apex brakes / DT Swiss G 1800 alloy wheels / 9.5kg / 3,499 € (~$4,064)
Atlas 8.7
Shimano GRX groupset / DT Swiss G540 alloy wheels / 9.7kg / 2,699 € (~$3,135)
Atlas 6.9
Shimano GRX groupset / Rodi Blackjack SL 25 alloy wheels / 10.3kg / 2,299 € (~$2,670)
Atlas 6.8 EQP
Shimano Cues groupset / Rodi Blackjack SL 25 alloy wheels / Pannier Rack and Hawaii Rack / 6V Dynamo rear hub / 13.2kg (without racks) / 1,999 € (~$2,322)
Atlas 6.7
Shimano Cues groupset / Rodi Blackjack SL 25 alloy wheels / 10.6kg / 1,799 € (~$2,089)
See all the details at focus-bikes.com.
