Focus Izalco Max 9.8 Review

The underdog in the road bike scene

It's time again for a road bike review. And after we have the big players from Canyon, Trek & Cube have already taken a closer look, we now dive a little deeper into the road bike scene. Today it's a true underdog to the collar: The Focus Izalco Max 9.8. It is supposed to be Focus' "all-rounder", but what can it really do?

1. Geometry.

Due to the long reach, the short stack and the short head tube angle you sit on it a little more aggressive and aerodynamic. Together with the lightweight and very stiff high-end carbon material and the aerodynamically optimized Kammtail tube shapes (which are round in the front and flat in the rear to minimize drag) your seating position ensures for efficient power transmission and that the bike shines in sprint situations and climbing properly.

Which does not mean that the Izalco Max is not also comfortable. The seatpost has an offset of 15 mm, but because the seat tube is pushed slightly forward, the actual offset is then but only 2 mm - this allows for improved compliance of the seatpost at the rear end, giving you more comfort on rough terrain. The carbon material also dampens lighter vibrations, although not particularly strong.

Thanks to the short chainstays, short wheelbase and head tube angle, the Izalco is agile and can be ridden precisely and nimbly even at high speeds and in corners. Compared to more classic road bikes, however, the wheelbase is slightly longer and the steering head angle is a bit looser. This makes the Izalco more stable and less nervous, even at high speeds.

2. Tire clearance.

The official tire clearance is 28mm, which is okay. However, since Focus advertises this bike as an "all-rounder", at least 32mm tire clearance in our opinion would not have hurt...

3. Components.

The Izalco Max 9.8 is equipped with the wireless Shimano Ultegra Di2 12-speed groupset that provides fast, smooth and quiet shifting. Depending on your ability and riding conditions, the semi-compact 52/36 chainring and 11-30 cassette will allow you to tackle climbs with ease and go all out on flats. You also get 160mm disc brakes that provide excellent stopping power in all weather conditions.

The wheel is equipped with the DT SWISS ARC1600 carbon wheelset with a rim depth of 48 mm, which also contributes to aerodynamics and lightness. But the aerodynamic optimization does not stop there: The infamous carbon seatpost has a D-profile, and the cockpit in the 9.8 model features the new, fully integrated, lightweight CIS Aero stem and Easton Aero carbon handlebar. Another highlight? All cables are completely routed internally, which provides a clean look and improves the aerodynamics again. On the fi'zi:k Antares saddle and the Vittoria Corsa Control tires we need not go into detail here, both are solid, but no special components.  

4. Weight.

Off to the scales: The Izalco 9.8 has a higher-quality and lighter carbon frame compared to the Izalco 8 series. This weighs in size M according to Focus 890 g and the fork is 360 g. If you then add all components, you end up with a 7.9 kg heavy bike. That's not particularly light, but it's still quite acceptable. After all, the comparatively high weight is also due to the aerodynamic tube shaping, which in turn brings its own advantages. In summary: Even if the Izalco Max is supposed to be an all-rounder, it is actually more of a fast sprinter than a persistent climber.

5. Price.

Considering the high-quality components and the high-end aero frame, the price of the Focus Izalco Max 9.8 is quite decent at 6,199 Euros. Comparable bikes with similar components are in the same price range, the Izalco Max is even cheaper than some models from Specialized or Trek. However, it also weighs more...

6. Is it for you?

If you're looking for an all-around road bike that has great components and aerodynamics, is incredibly efficient and fast on the flats, yet can tackle climbs with ease, then our underdog definitely has star potential for you. If you want to put it literally on the gold scale and take weight pretty strictly, then you will certainly find better bikes for you.

We would not be buycycle, if we would present you a bike , which you can not also find with us. If you are now on fire for the Izalco Max 9.8 or generally looking for a new road bike, gravel or mountain bike, then take a look at buycycle.com. For questions about the Izalco our team is always there for you and if you need more tips and tricks about bicycles, please have a look at the blog! Until then we wish you: Happy browsing, happy cycling!