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Today’s DealsSAM 8.8
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension enduro bike with upper mid-range components.
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Manufacturer Price
€3,299($3,836)| Weight | 33.4 lbs |
|---|---|
| Frame | Carbon |
| Suspension | Full, 170 / 170mm |
| Fork | RockShox Yari RC |
| Shock | Fox Float DPX2 Performance |
| Wheels | 29″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | SX Eagle |
| Brakes | SRAM Guide R Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
5'2" – 5'7"
5'6" – 5'11"
5'9" – 6'2"
🐐 Estimated
None yet.
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Summary
The Focus SAM enduro bike is praised for its lively and playful handling, making it a fun ride that excels in agility and quick direction changes. Its plush rear suspension and comfortable setup are highlights, though some reviews note issues with rear suspension support and high-speed stability. The bike's design updates and burly build cater to enduro enthusiasts, but its value and braking performance have been points of contention.
Lively and playful handling
Plush rear suspension
Comfortable setup
Agile and lively geometry
Updated design for enduro riding
Rear suspension support issues
High-speed stability concerns
Underpowered brakes
Value for money questioned
Twitchy at high speed
If fun’s your primary aim, then SAM’s your man, but to really push your speed, I’d look elsewhere.
The springy suspension feel, in combination with the small sizing, makes the bike feel super-agile, but also a little twitchy at high speed, which holds it back when racing.
Freeride ain’t dead! The FOCUS SAM 8.9 is the modern version of a classic freeride bike.
It’s not a high-speed plough on the hunt for seconds on the clock, but it’ll turn any trail into a large playground.
This big and burly 27.5in wheeled 170mm enduro bike is an update on the older 160mm SAM model, with changes to the linkage.
Feedback?
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Jul 2019 · Christoph Bayer
In times when the routine watchwords in bike development are "longer" and "slacker" the FOCUS SAM 8.9 looks almost old-fashioned.
Agile and playful handling
A fun bike that's guaranteed to put a smile on your face
Sensitive rear suspension
Rear suspension wallows on the descents and bobs on the climbs
Brakes are underpowered
Poor value for money

May 2019 · Ed Thomsett
Well proportioned and specced, but limited sizes and rear-end support hold the SAM back
Impressive spec and lively handling
Cockpit set up, pronounced outboard lock-on rings on grips
Mar 2019 · Rik Legge
A fun, all-mountain style bike rather than a dedicated race bike, the Focus SAM 9.9 shines on the flowing jumps and berms of the bike-park.
| Frame | Carbon front and alloy rear triangle, 170mm F.O.L.D. kinematics, ISCG 05, PF30 BB, 148x12 thru axle, internal cable routing, Post Mount 180 mm BB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press Fit Color: Olijfgroen / #556638 |
|---|---|
| Fork | Rock Shox Yari RC 27.5 Boost, DebonAir, 110x15 mm, 37 mm rake Travel: 170mm Spring Type: Air |
| Shock | FOX Float DPX2 Performance, 3-position lever, 230/65 mm, hardware: 30,0 x 8 mm, custom tune Travel: 170mm |
| Bottom Bracket | PF92 BB |
| Headset | Acros AIX-322, tapered, IS 42/286-IS52/40 |
| Stem | BBB Jumper BHS-138, 31.8 mm |
| Handlebar | BBB Ascension BHB-110, aluminium, riserbar, 780mm, rise: 20mm, backsweep: 9degree |
| Saddle | FOCUS Trail SL |
| Seatpost | Kind Shock E30i, 31,6mm Type: Dropper |
| Grips | FOCUS Locker SL |
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed |
|---|---|
| Crank | SRAM SX Eagle |
| Shifters | SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed |
| Cassette | SRAM PG-1230 Eagle, 12-speed |
| Chain | SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed |
| Brakes | SRAM Guide R Type: SRAM Guide R Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | SRAM Guide R |
| Rims | RaceFace AR30 Offset |
|---|---|
| Front Hub | Novatec D041, 15x110 mm thru axle |
| Rear Hub | Novatec D162 Disc, 12x148 mm |
| Tires | Maxxis Minion DHF, 2.5 Dual Exo TR, 63-622 |
First added April 4
Last updated May 21
Not listed for 1,469 days