Focus has launched an all-new version of the SAM enduro bike that’s been updated with longer reach, more suspension travel and improved standover clearance. There are two models in the range and both get a carbon frame featuring a tweaked version of the ‘FOLD’ suspension system.

While the 650b wheel size remains just the same, the linkage driven single pivot ‘FOLD’ suspension has had its travel bumped up to a fairly hefty 170mm at either end. As you’d expect from pretty much every new bike release these days, the frame reach has also been boosted up to a it’s-not-massive-but-it’s-the-new-benchmark 460mm for a size large, while chainstays and seat tube lengths have been trimmed, the later so you can fit a longer travel dropper post.

Focus_Sam_2019_Launch_6814.jpg
Focus_Sam_2019_Launch_6814 (Image Credit: Focus Bikes)

There are two bikes in the range and neither of them falls in the ‘affordable’ bracket, with the SAM 8.9 costing £3,599 and the top end SAM 9.9 being £5,499. The former has an aluminium rear triangle to go with the composite front, while the latter gets carbon everywhere, plus a high-end build kit to suit the price tag.

Focus_Sam_2019_Launch_6916.jpg
Focus_Sam_2019_Launch_6916 (Image Credit: Focus Bikes)

These updates mean that this new human-powered SAM now matches its electrically assisted SAM2 brother, which uses a neat system of piggyback batteries that can allow up to a hefty 756Wh of battery life.

Focus_Sam_2019_Launch_6939.jpg
Focus_Sam_2019_Launch_6939 (Image Credit: Focus Bikes)

The release says that the new bikes will be available from mid-September – we’re guessing that means now! For more details, head to:

You might also like: