Focus 650b carbon hardtail, Ag2r team replica - Sea Otter 2

[redplanet]

Focus 650b carbon hardtail, Ag2r team replica - Sea Otter 2

par redplanet » Dim Avr 21, 2013 1:57 pm

Following the launch of , German company Focus is now tossing its hat into the ring with its new Raven 650b 1.0 - a close cousin of the existing 26" and 29" Raven carbon hardtails but with specific geometry to accommodate the new 'tweener wheels.

Focus is offering the new Raven 650b 1.0 as a single complete build for now that includes a Shimano Deore XT 3x10 group, a RockShox Revelation fork, and house-brand aluminum clincher rims built around Shimano SLX hubs with a thru-axle front and quick-release rear fitment. Actual weight for the bike pictured here is right around 11kg (24.3lb).

[img:500:750]http://cdn.mos.bikeradar.com/images/news/2013/04/20/1366438390787-j5c4j57p8sam-500-70.jpg[/img]Lots of Bs: BB30 bottom bracket shell on the 650b Raven

We've yet to ride the new Focus hardtail but the geometry looks promising with a sub-70° head tube angle, 425mm-long chain stays, and 28mm of bottom bracket drop. Suggested retail price is $3,950 and bikes are available now.

Well-heeled fans of European road racing, on the other hand, might find interest in the new Izalco Team SL Ag2r team replica bike. Built around the company's top-end Izalco Team SL frame, the new replica machine features a Campagnolo Record EPS electronic group, 50mm-deep Fulcrum Racing Speed carbon tubulars wrapped with Schwalbe Ultremo tires, and a fi'zi:k Arione saddle.

[img:500:333]http://cdn.mos.bikeradar.com/images/news/2013/04/20/1366438691230-rd132yfrdwg8-500-70.jpg[/img]Ag2r replica bike, complete with Campagnolo Record EPS electronic group

The one major exception to the team spec is the FSA cockpit as fi'zi:k currently doesn't have its new bars and stems in sufficient quantities.

Suggested retail price is $10,000 and Focus will also offer a lower-priced version built around the Izalco Pro frameset with Campagnolo Chorus for $4,500. Shipping is scheduled to begin in July.
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