Focus has long sponsored cross racer Jeremy Powers in the US, and the company was actually founded by German ex-cross racing superstar Mike Kluge. For the 2014/15 season, the company has updated both its alloy and carbon Mares framesets.
While a canti version is available in some countries, Focus has concentrated on displaying the disc braked versions of their frames. The CX0.0 is the top spec carbon framed bike, and will be the bike seen under its best racers this year. Powers has had a hand in the development of the bike, and it follows the American style of cross geometry with a lower BB height compared to more traditional Belgian brands. US cross courses are often fast and flowing, compared to Euro, stop/start affairs. To this end, handling at speed was of the essence and this should make it well suited to railing corners on fun days out, as well as between the tapes.
Perhaps one of the more interesting additions to Focus’ disc brake equipped cross, and road, bikes is called the RAT system. Firmly believing in the benefits of thru axles when it comes to disc brake alignment but unhappy with standard bolt through wheel release speed they decided to come up with their own answer.
Standing for Rapid Axle Technology, it uses the standard 100 x 15mm front and 142 x 12mm rear axle sizes, but rather than a threaded axle end, it has a T-bar shaped nubbin, that locates via a 90° rotation. Angled and lipped inserts hold the rotated T-bar in place. In use it feels very secure, exceptionally fast, and surprisingly intuitive: First, flip open the quick release, turn the whole axle 90° and pull out.
The dropout insert allows the QR lever to be positioned in one of seven orientations, and should mean it fits nicely against a wide variety of fork legs and chain or seat stays
As well as the carbon frame, the Mares CX 3.0 alloy frames bike also uses the RAT system. The alloy framed bike shares geometry with its carbon brethren, and is designed to offer a ready to race bike at a far lower price.
Equipped with a 105 groupset, its Euro price is €1999. Quality own brand finishing kit abounds, and Fulcrum Racing 7CX wheels will be fitted for production. Thankfully the skin wall tyres will also stay put – style points all round.
Cables run through the downtube, but exit at the BB and run, fully shrouded to the rear derailleur
It may be lower priced than its carbon cousin, but the CX3.0 maintains excellent tyre clearance.
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You say that the Mares CX “follows the American style of cross geometry with a lower BB height compared to more traditional Belgian brands”. The 2015 model actually had it’s BB raised by 5mm I believe. The 2014 bike had a 70mm BB drop but the new 2015 bike only has a 65mm BB drop so it’s not that low. eg: It’s only 1mm lower that a Ridley X-Night that has a 64mm BB drop.
You say that the Mares CX “follows the American style of cross geometry with a lower BB height compared to more traditional Belgian brands”. The 2015 model actually had it’s BB raised by 5mm I believe. The 2014 bike had a 70mm BB drop but the new 2015 bike only has a 65mm BB drop so it’s not that low. eg: It’s only 1mm lower that a Ridley X-Night that has a 64mm BB drop.
I know the Focus information label says CX 3.0 but I’m pretty sure that white bike pictured is actually the AX 2.0 which is also Shimano 105 equipped but with TRP HY-RD disc brakes and Focus Concept disc wheels & Concept finishing kit.
I know the Focus information label says CX 3.0 but I’m pretty sure that white bike pictured is actually the AX 2.0 which is also Shimano 105 equipped but with TRP HY-RD disc brakes and Focus Concept disc wheels & Concept finishing kit.