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2021 Focus

SAM 9.9

A 29″ carbon frame full suspension enduro bike with high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price

4499 €
Weight14,6 kg  
FrameCarbon
SuspensionFull, 170 / 170mm
ForkFox Rhythm Float 36
ShockFox Float DPX2 Performance
Wheels29″ Aluminum
Drivetrain1 × 12
GroupsetX01 Eagle, Truvativ Descendant
BrakesSRAM Code RSC Hydraulic Disc
SeatpostDropper
Where to Buy
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Insights
Ride Feel

Based on frame geometry and build specs.

Terrain
easyextreme
Handling
nimblestable
SAM 9.9
Other Enduro bikes
Gearing

A bike with lower gearing will be easier to ride up steep hills, while a higher top end means it will pedal faster down hills.

Lowest gear

(climbing)

44 km/h

SAM 9.9

41 km/h

Similar Bikes

Highest gear

(descending)

Sizing
SM

158cm – 170cm

MD

168cm – 179cm

LG

176cm – 187cm

🐐 Estimated

Rider Fit Notes

None yet.

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Reviews

Summary

The Focus SAM enduro bike is praised for its agile and playful handling, making it a fun ride that excels in lively geometry and short chainstays for playful handling. However, it faces criticism for its rear suspension performance, which can feel unsupportive and bobs on climbs, and its high-speed stability is compromised by its twitchy nature. The bike is seen as a modern take on freeride, offering a plush ride over obstacles but requiring an active riding style to manage its suspension quirks.

Pros
  • Agile and playful handling

  • Fun and lively geometry

  • Plush rear suspension over obstacles

  • Short chainstays for playful handling

  • Well silenced chainstay protector

Cons
  • Rear suspension wallows on descents and bobs on climbs

  • Twitchy at high speed

  • Underpowered brakes

  • Poor value for money

  • Hefty price

Key Quotes
If fun’s your primary aim, then SAM’s your man, but to really push your speed, I’d look elsewhere.
BikeRadar logoBikeRadar
Freeride ain’t dead! The FOCUS SAM 8.9 is the modern version of a classic freeride bike.
Enduro Mountainbike Magazine logoEnduro Mountainbike Magazine
Focus bikes are a familiar sight to anyone who follows Le Tour, but the range is more diverse than simply road bikes
Singletrack World logoSingletrack World

Feedback?

View all reviews

Enduro Mountainbike Magazine
FOCUS SAM 8.9 in review

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.

Highs
  • Agile and playful handling

  • A fun bike that's guaranteed to put a smile on your face

  • Sensitive rear suspension

Lows
  • Rear suspension wallows on the descents and bobs on the climbs

  • Brakes are underpowered

  • Poor value for money

Read Review

BikeRadar
Focus SAM 9.9 first ride review

May 2019 · Ed Thomsett

Well proportioned and specced, but limited sizes and rear-end support hold the SAM back

Highs
  • Impressive spec and lively handling

Lows
  • Cockpit set up, pronounced outboard lock-on rings on grips

Read Review

Singletrack World
Review | The 2019 Focus SAM 9.9 delivers a few surprises for a 170mm travel enduro bike

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.

Read Review

MBR
Focus Sam first ride - MBR

Sept 2018 · Danny Milner

Enduro race bike, super all-mountain tool or bike park toy? Before we tell you where this new Focus Sam sits in the Venn diagram, let's look at the details.

Read Review

Geometry
Specs
Build
Frame

Carbon front and rear triangle, 170mm F.O.L.D. kinematic, ISCG 05, PF30 BB, 148x12 thru axle, internal cable routing, Post Mount 180 mm

BB StandardBB86/BB92, Press Fit

ColorDesertstorm / #D0bd55

Fork

FOX 36 Float Rhythm 27.5, Grip Remote, 110x15 mm, 44 mm rake, 170 mm travel

Travel170mm

Spring TypeAir

Shock

FOX Float DPX2 Performance, 3-position lever, 230/65 mm, hardware: 30,0 x 8 mm, custom tune

Travel170mm

Bottom Bracket

PF92 BB

Headset

Acros AIX-322, tapered, IS 42/286-IS52/40

Stem

RaceFace Turbine R, aluminium, 35,0mm

Handlebar

RaceFace Chester 35, aluminium, 780 mm, rise: 35 mm, backsweep: 8°

Saddle

FOCUS Trail SL

Seatpost

KindShock E30i, 31,6mm, internal

TypeDropper

Grips

BBB Python BHG-95

Groupset
Rear Derailleur

SRAM X01 Eagle

Crank

Truvativ Descendant 6K DUB, 32T

Shifters

SRAM X01 Eagle

Cassette

SRAM PG-1230 Eagle, 12-speed

Chain

SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed

Brakes

SRAM Code RSC, 200 mm / 180 mm

TypeSRAM Code RSC Hydraulic Disc

Brake Levers

SRAM CODE RSC

Wheels
Rims

DT Swiss E1900, 584-30, 15x110 mm / 12x148 mm

Tires

Maxxis Assegai, 2.5 3C MaxxTerra Exo+ TR, 63-622

Rider Notes
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First added 24 September

Last updated 28 March

Not listed for 1,523 days