Focus Izalco Max 9.8 Review

Mar 4, 2024 6 min

The underdog in the road bike scene

It's time again for a road bike review. After the big players from Canyon, Trek, and Cube have already taken a closer look, we now dive 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 the Focus's "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 more aggressively and aerodynamically. The carbon material and the aerodynamically optimized Kammtail tube shapes (round in the front and flat in the rear to minimize drag) ensure that your seating position ensures efficient power transmission. The bike shines in sprint situations and climbs correctly.

This 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 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 would not have hurt.

3. Components.

The Izalco Max 9.8 is equipped with the wireless Shimano Ultegra Di2 12-speed groupset, which 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, which 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. However, 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 routed internally, providing a clean look and improving the aerodynamics again. We need not go into detail here on the Fi'zi:k Antares saddle and the Vittoria Corsa Control tires; both are solid but not unique components. - Alice Huot @ buycycle.

4. Weight.

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

5. Price.

Considering the high-quality components and aero frame, the Focus Izalco Max 9.8's price is 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 that okay for you?

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

🚵🏽

The Focus Izalco Max 9.8 is ideal for ambitious and experienced hobby racers who want to make the most of their fast rides, even when riding on rougher asphalt. For beginners, the price is perhaps a bit too high and the nervous front may take some getting used to - you would be better off with the Izalco Max 8 series.

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

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