A few days ago I was chatting to a buddy of mine who had been up spectating at the Scottish EWS, and we soon got talking about bikes. He is a serious bike riding fanatic, and is normally quite pragmatic so it was a surprise to hear him state quite openly “Those Focus guys were on the best bikes”! After he had watched the entire top field charge through, he was most impressed with the Focus SAM. The Focus Trail Team all finished within the top50, just a few seconds apart and their bikes looked super composed in the corners. We caught up with the youngest of the Focus Trail Team, Tobias to check out his team edition Focus SAM 1.0

Tobias and his team issue Focus SAM 1.0
Tobias and his team issue Focus SAM 1.0
The geometry on the Focus screams "race".  With a 75 degree seat tube and slack 65 degree head angle it is all about aggressive attack!
The geometry on the Focus screams “race”. With a 75 degree seat tube and slack 65 degree head angle it is all about aggressive attack!
The 438mm chainstays provide stability in the turns and the full XX1 drivetrain keeps things light and simple!  An FRM chain guide keeps the chain secure!
The 438mm chainstays provide stability in the turns and the full XX1 drivetrain keeps things light and simple! A Carbocage chain guide keeps the chain secure!
Tobias chose to run a Maxxis High Roller 2 front and Minion DHR in the rear!
Tobias chose to run a Maxxis High Roller 2 front and Minion DHR in the rear!
The Monarch Plus shock has the new black coating, but the team are still waiting for the Debonair version.  All 3 on the team run 4 volume spacers in the shock to boost progressiveness at race speeds!
The Monarch Plus shock has the new black coating, but the team are still waiting for the Debonair version. All 3 on the team run 4 volume spacers in the shock to boost progressiveness at race speeds!
The Reynolds AM 27.5 Carbon wheels keep weight down to just over 1600g a set!
The Reynolds AM 27.5 Carbon wheels keep weight down to just over 1600g a set!
Custom graphics for the RockShox Pike Forks.
Custom graphics for the RockShox Pike Forks.
Tobias is the youngest of the  Focus Trail Team!
Tobias is the youngest of the Focus Trail Team!
The SAM is proving to be a fast bike on the German circuit!
The SAM is proving to be a fast bike on the German circuit!

To follow the team, check out their Facebook page.

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Words and Photos: Trev Worsey


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