Focus release new SAM enduro machine
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.
- First Ride: 2019 Yeti SB150 - we take a spin on the updated enduro big wheeler
- The best hardtail and full suspension mountain bikes you can buy for under £1500
- Review: Mondraker Foxy Carbon RR SL - tippy top end carbon trail machine impresses
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.
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.
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.
The release says that the new bikes will be available from mid-September - we're guessing that means now! For more details, head to: