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Today’s DealsSAM 8.8
A 27.5″ carbon frame full suspension enduro bike with high-end components.
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| Weight | 14.6 kg |
|---|---|
| Frame | Carbon |
| Suspension | Full, 170 / 170mm |
| Fork | Fox Rhythm Float 36 |
| Shock | Fox Float DPX2 Performance |
| Wheels | 27.5″ Aluminum |
| Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
| Groupset | X01 Eagle, Truvativ Descendant |
| Brakes | SRAM Code RSC Hydraulic Disc |
| Seatpost | Dropper |
158cm – 170cm
168cm – 179cm
176cm – 187cm
🐐 Estimated
None yet.
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Summary
The Focus SAM enduro bike is praised for its agile and playful handling, making it a fun ride that excels in lively and precise direction changes. Its plush rear suspension and short chainstays contribute to a playful experience, 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 opinions vary on its value and braking performance.
Agile and playful handling
Plush rear suspension
Short chainstays for playful handling
Updated design with 170mm travel
Fun and lively ride quality
Rear suspension support issues
Underpowered brakes
Twitchy at high speed
Questionable value for money
Limited sizing options
If fun’s your primary aim, then SAM’s your man, but to really push your speed, I’d look elsewhere.
Freeride ain’t dead! The FOCUS SAM 8.9 is the modern version of a classic freeride bike.
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.

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.
| 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 Standard: BB86/BB92, Press Fit |
|---|---|
| Fork | FOX 36 Float Rhythm 27.5, Grip Remote, 110x15 mm, 44 mm rake, 170 mm travel 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 | RaceFace Turbine R, aluminium, 35,0mm |
| Handlebar | RaceFace Chester 35, aluminium, 780mm, rise: 35mm, backsweep: 8degree |
| Saddle | FOCUS Trail SL |
| Seatpost | KindShock E30i, 31,6mm, internal Type: Dropper |
| Grips | BBB Python BHG-95 |
| 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 |
| Brakes | SRAM Code RSC, 200 mm / 180 mm Type: SRAM Code RSC Hydraulic Disc |
| Brake Levers | SRAM CODE RSC |
| Rims | DT Swiss E1900, 584-30, 15x110 mm / 12x148 mm |
|---|---|
| Tires | Maxxis Assegai 2.5 3C MaxxTerra Exo+ TR |
First added 12 May
Last updated 23 June
Not listed for 2,166 days