The mission of the Design & Innovation Award is to shape the bicycle world in a positive way. It also serves as a forum for creativity, visionary ideas as well as the industry’s most innovative products. More than 40 experts from 10 countries joined this year’s event to test, analyze and judge the best and most innovative products of 2016 in Kronplatz/San Vigilio – Dolomites. The Award recognises either outstanding product design and function, or innovation that sets a new standard and inspires future product generations and forward-thinking approaches.

Focus Spine C 0.0

Focus-Spine-C-0.0-Award-FR

We all know that 120 mm travel full-suspension bikes are for easy trails, right? Well, nobody told Focus, as their new Spine trail bike is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. Taking lessons from its big brother, the Focus SAM, the new Spine offers nimble and playful handling that opens up home trails and makes you want to ride full gas everywhere. The Jekyll and Hyde qualities of the Spine win an award for versatility: it’s light enough to race marathons and XC, but also a weapon on rugged Alpine trails, a real quiver killer. We would recommend the cheaper Focus Spine C Factory model, as its 120 mm Rockshox Pike fork allows you to fully exploit the potent rear suspension and open up the Spine’s capabilities. The Spine refuses to be defined by category and is one of the best short-travel trail bikes money can buy.

Focus-Spine-C-0.0-award-cb

Price: € 6999 | Weight: 11.18kg | focus-bikes.com

Find out more about the other winners of the Design & Innovation Award 2016.


Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of ENDURO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality mountain bike journalism. Click here to learn more.