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E-bike test Focus Sam² 6.8Full throttle to the price-performance tip!

Florentin Vesenbeckh

, Adrian Kaether

 · 06.10.2025

Length runs! The Focus Sam² is consistently designed for full throttle on difficult descents.
Photo: Max Fuchs

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Focus has designed the new Sam² 6.8 e-bike with a focus on downhill riding - including the blatant equipment. Has the E-Enduro from the Stuttgart-based company overshot the mark? We tested the Bosch CX bike in detail. What it can do - and where it reaches its limits!
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How do you build an e-bike that makes enduro and bike park riders completely happy? Focus has asked itself this question. The recipe for the new Sam² is simple but good: a solid aluminium frame is heavy but resilient. This means that the Focus can be approved for full downhill use (ASTM 5). And that with a confidence-inspiring weight rating of 150 kilos system weight. This is rare for e-MTBs. In addition, there is sufficient suspension travel and a long, flat geometry. The steel spring shock makes it clear that this bike is fully geared towards downhill riding.

Length runs! The Focus Sam² is consistently designed for full throttle on difficult descents.Photo: Max FuchsLength runs! The Focus Sam² is consistently designed for full throttle on difficult descents.

So: off to the bike park! The question remains as to whether a 26.5-kilo bike can be any fun at all on the trail. This heavy weight delivers the Sam² even with the small 600 battery in our test bike. 800 watt hours and therefore 900 extra grams are available as an option for an extra 300 euros. In many cases, however, the small battery is not a bad choice for the Sam², as this racy E-Enduro is not built for classic touring anyway.

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>> All Mountain E-Bike from Focus: The Jam² in the BIKE Test!

In the video: BIKE checks out the Focus Sam² 6.8

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The facts about the Focus Sam² 6.8

  • Motor: Bosch Performance CX, 85 Nm max. torque
  • Battery: 600 Wh (removable), 800 Wh battery for an additional 300 euros
  • Frame material: Aluminium
  • Suspension travel: 170/165 mm
  • Wheel size: 29/27.5 inch
  • Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
  • Price: 5699 Euro >> available here
  • Weight: 26.5 kg (test bike in size L, BIKE measurement)
  • Max. System weight: 150 kg
  • Warranty: 10 years
The chainstays can be adjusted long or short (-7 mm) using flip chips in the rear triangle. The steering angle can be adjusted by one degree using swivelling bearing shells.Photo: Max FuchsThe chainstays can be adjusted long or short (-7 mm) using flip chips in the rear triangle. The steering angle can be adjusted by one degree using swivelling bearing shells.

Bosch Performance Line CX - the drive

For a long time, Focus took a multi-track approach with its e-mountainbikes. In the Power class, the Stuttgart-based company had bikes with both Shimano and Bosch motors in its portfolio. Currently, the focus is clearly on the new Bosch Performance Line CX (here in the test!). After the latest software update to 100 Nm and 750 W the popular Swabian motor is now even more powerful and superior than ever. The new E-MTB+ mode is also a clear plus. The system really comes into its own on difficult climbs.

Bosch Performance CX // 100 Nm max. torque // 750 W peak power // up to 400 % assistancePhoto: Max FuchsBosch Performance CX // 100 Nm max. torque // 750 W peak power // up to 400 % assistance

But the Bosch drive is also impressive in terms of range. The Sam² is explicitly designed for a modular battery concept. This means that either 600 or 800 watt hours fit into the bike. All you need is a different cover. Our test bike comes with the smaller 600-watt battery, which of course delivers significantly less range than the 800-watt Bosch bikes. However, compared to other systems with around 600 Wh, it has a very good range.

The Powertube 600 can be quickly and easily folded out of the down tube. The battery is secured with a lock.Photo: Max FuchsThe Powertube 600 can be quickly and easily folded out of the down tube. The battery is secured with a lock.In keeping with the area of use, Focus has dispensed with a display. The bike only has a mini-remote and system controller.Photo: Max FuchsIn keeping with the area of use, Focus has dispensed with a display. The bike only has a mini-remote and system controller.The valve solenoid for the Bosch system is hidden in the WTB rim of the Focus Sam².Photo: Max FuchsThe valve solenoid for the Bosch system is hidden in the WTB rim of the Focus Sam².

The features of the Focus Sam² 6.8

DH casing: More puncture protection is not possible in the Maxxis portfolio. The rear tyre is significantly more solid than the DD version, which the majority of manufacturers install on downhill bikes.Photo: Max FuchsDH casing: More puncture protection is not possible in the Maxxis portfolio. The rear tyre is significantly more solid than the DD version, which the majority of manufacturers install on downhill bikes.The Deore stoppers with a 220 disc also work perfectly at the rear. Although the disc wore quickly, it delivered consistently good performance.Photo: Max FuchsThe Deore stoppers with a 220 disc also work perfectly at the rear. Although the disc wore quickly, it delivered consistently good performance.

No compromises! Focus goes all out when it comes to equipment. Although no high-end parts are fitted to the entry-level model, you don't have to make any serious compromises in terms of functionality. Off the shelf, the bike is ready for tough trail and park use. A thick steel spring shock from Fox works at the rear, while the front is fitted with a 38 mm shock from the affordable Rhythm range. A matching DH casing on the rear tyre and 220 mm brake discs on both wheels.

Although the Fox 38 only comes from the affordable Rhythm line, it still performs at a high level.Photo: Max FuchsAlthough the Fox 38 only comes from the affordable Rhythm line, it still performs at a high level.
  • Fork / shock: Fox 38 Rhythm / DHX Performance Coil
  • Gear system: Shimano Deore (12-speed)
  • Brakes: Shimano Deore / 220 mm
  • Wheels: WTB STi 30 / Formula
  • Tyres: Maxxis Assegai DD Maxxgrip / DHR II DH, 29/27.5 x 2.5
  • Telescopic support: Post Moderne / 200 mm
  • Special features: Airtag holder, tool bag, 800 Wh option
The steel spring damper at the rear gives the Focus Sam² massive traction and a lot of traction.Photo: Max FuchsThe steel spring damper at the rear gives the Focus Sam² massive traction and a lot of traction.

Focus Sam² 6.8: The geometry

Long, longer, Focus Sam²! On our geometry test bench in the BIKE test lab, we measured a wheelbase of 1312 mm on the size L bike. Even downhill-orientated E-MTBs are rarely this long. However, the wheelbase can be shortened using two variables. An angled headset makes a steeper steering angle possible and the chainstays can also be shortened using two flipchips. However, we found the long and slack setting to be very balanced and suitable for high-speed off-road use.

The measured values from the BIKE lab show the geometry of the Focus Sam² in size L in the long and slack geometry setting.Photo: BIKE MagazinThe measured values from the BIKE lab show the geometry of the Focus Sam² in size L in the long and slack geometry setting.

On the trail: Chasing the best times

The long geometry of the Sam² is also noticeable on the climbs. With its long chainstays and steep seat angle, the E-Enduro climbs very easily. The steel spring rear end offers plenty of grip even in adverse conditions and the suspension comfort is high. The long wheelbase can only be a hindrance in narrow passages. On the other hand, the Bosch motor is both lively and well-metered. The ingenious E-MTB+ mode can make a real difference on difficult climbs and the situational coasting helps you smoothly over some key sections.

Nothing can easily shock the Focus Sam² on the climbs either. It rides stably and confidently. As long as the line doesn't get too tight.Photo: Max FuchsNothing can easily shock the Focus Sam² on the climbs either. It rides stably and confidently. As long as the line doesn't get too tight.

Downhill, the Focus really comes into its own. Already a little overconfident due to the secure position on the bike and the enormous smoothness of the ride, we shoot full throttle onto the fast straights of the test track with the Sam². Perhaps a little too much on purpose? Not at all. The Sam² swallows even fast, big hits with such confidence that you'd expect 180 millimetres of travel in the rear suspension. The bike and suspension generate so much grip that control is maintained even at extreme speeds and in really rough sections.

False alarm! You don't really need to get big eyes on the Focus Sam². Full throttle in root staccato is one of the specialities of the aluminium racer.Photo: Max FuchsFalse alarm! You don't really need to get big eyes on the Focus Sam². Full throttle in root staccato is one of the specialities of the aluminium racer.

Heavy, but not cumbersome

The consistent spec further increases the reserves in the hunt for top speed, even in the most favourable spec of the Sam² 6.8, at least as long as the trail offers a decent gradient and allows for sufficient speed. Given the geometry and weight, it's obvious that the Focus is less in its element on flat trails. However, we were surprised at how well the long Sam², with its full cornering ability, also performs in fast berms and over jumps. Here, too, the bike is a lot of fun to ride.

Berms and cornering in the bike park? The Sam² feels amazingly lively here. The cornering is 1A.Photo: Max FuchsBerms and cornering in the bike park? The Sam² feels amazingly lively here. The cornering is 1A.

Thanks to the high feel-good factor, the rider always remains in an active riding position. The steering angle and chainstays can be significantly adjusted for more agile handling using an angled headset and flip chips in the rear triangle. However, we found the flat, long setting to be remarkably balanced and comfortable. The logical choice for real enduro missions. Minor weaknesses: Downhill, our bike rattled a little and bunny hops without a defined jump require a lot of physical effort. We found the bike a little sluggish and long when riding slowly and on really narrow trails.

High traction and safety: these are the defining characteristics of the Sam² 6.8.Photo: Max FuchsHigh traction and safety: these are the defining characteristics of the Sam² 6.8.

BIKE review of the Focus Sam² 6.8

Seating position, reach height and service friendliness of the Focus Sam² 6.8. Reach height determined during test rides on tarmac with a gradient of 12.2 per cent. Highest support level, 150 watts of rider power, rider weight 90 kg.Photo: BIKE MagazinSeating position, reach height and service friendliness of the Focus Sam² 6.8. Reach height determined during test rides on tarmac with a gradient of 12.2 per cent. Highest support level, 150 watts of rider power, rider weight 90 kg.

Strengths

  • Riding safety at DH level
  • Strong and sensitive chassis
  • well-chosen components

Weaknesses

  • Unhandy on very narrow stretches
  • slight rattling
  • High weight despite small battery
Our spider diagram shows the character of the Focus Sam² 6.8 in relation to the E-Enduro category.Photo: BIKE MagazinOur spider diagram shows the character of the Focus Sam² 6.8 in relation to the E-Enduro category.The BIKE grade for the Focus Sam² 6.8 in the E-Enduro category.Photo: BIKE MagazinThe BIKE grade for the Focus Sam² 6.8 in the E-Enduro category.The really strong riding characteristics at a fair price earn the Sam² 6.8 our "Price/performance tip".Photo: Max FuchsThe really strong riding characteristics at a fair price earn the Sam² 6.8 our "Price/performance tip".

The BIKE conclusion

Watch out, this is full throttle! Whoever wants the Focus Sam²* in suitable terrain, you get brutal riding safety and a great chassis. Riding fun is not neglected on fast, built trails. A consistent downhill rider with harmonious equipment and a fair price tag - but the Focus is not really made for leisurely trail rolling. - Adrian Kaether, BIKE Editor
Adrian Kaether is a BIKE editor and e-bike specialist.Photo: Georg GrieshaberAdrian Kaether is a BIKE editor and e-bike specialist.

Florentin Vesenbeckh

Florentin Vesenbeckh has been on a mountain bike since he was ten years old. Even on his very first tour, he focussed on single trails - and even after more than 30 years in the saddle of an MTB, these are still the quintessence of biking for him. He spent his youth competing in various bike disciplines and later his cycling career was characterised by years as a riding technique coach. Professionally, the experienced test editor now focusses on e-mountainbikes. In recent years, the qualified sports scientist and trained journalist has tested over 300 bikes and more than 40 different motor systems in the laboratory and in practice.

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