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Interbike 2010: Focus Dumps Redskin Moniker, Names 29er Black Forest, Plus Other Updates for Range

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In addition to the prototype FSL full suspension bike they had on display, German brand Focus Bicycles had minor updates to some of their better known cyclocross and mountain bikes.

Shown in full production trim for the first time was their new 29er. You may remember that it was ill advisably codenamed “Redskin” when first shown as a prototype at Sea Otter. Well, fortunately, they took the advice of the Western sales and marketing team and came up with something different. Please welcome the Black Forest 29er.

Make the jump for weights, specs and photos of it and the other updates to their Raven, Thunder and Mares Cross bikes, too…

The top end Black Forest 1.0 29er model comes in at 27lbs 5oz spec’d with a Rockshox Recon fork, SRAM X0 derailleurs with X9 shifters and cranks, Avid Elixir 3 brakes and Continental tires.

Priced at $2,000, the highlight of the package is the triple butted aluminum frame that’s immensely upgradable.

The Black Forest also comes in a 2.0 spec level, and two 26″ models as well (named 3.0 and 4.0, with the 3.0 getting the best spec of the bunch).

The Raven, which debuted about this time last year (video at link) to much fanfare, gets internal shifter cables to join the internal brake hose runs and some sweet color matched Fizik grips.

Mares Cross gets updated spec and there are now two Shimano spec’d bikes along with the top of the line SRAM Red model (below). Most likely if you don’t already have one on order, you probably won’t be able to get one until the 2011/12 season…they’re all but sold out.

For 2011, the Thunder 130mm travel all-mountain bike gets some higher end spec with a full XTR drivetrain and Crank Brothers dropper seat post.

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indiefab
13 years ago

A 27# aluminum hardtail? In 2010? Really? I know its a 29er, but jeez. It has DT wheels and a x9-x0 drivetrain, so there is little room for easy weight cutting without going to exotic, expensive parts. This is the frame they chose to show off at Interbike? I’ll bet Focus wishes that BikeRumor didn’t open the article with pics of their toothpaste welds and a sales rep needing two hands to lift it off the ground.

Wanna upgrade the fork? Going to a Reba XX 29er only drops 0.1#.

Buy a bare frame off Ebay and build it lighter, cheaper and better than anything you’ll ever see in a store.
Sorry LBS, but this is what Focus is giving you to sell.

Gillis
Gillis
13 years ago

I’ve already stated my distaste for 29’ers as a marketing scam. But other than some slick looking designs i don’t see anything special going on here. I agree with indiefab on the peanut butter welds too.

bmorebustyafacemtnbiker
bmorebustyafacemtnbiker
12 years ago

cool it losers. focus bikes have good components for the price, are made in germany (not china, which is robbing the world blind), and who cares about a few pounds (besides a weight weenie like yourself, get some lbs. of muscle to offset it). plus all aluminum tig welds look like that without a (cosmetic) 2nd pass. those welds hold together indy/f1/nascar w/ no prob. so why wouldn’t it work for your pansy a$$?

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