Focus bikes has re-organized their bike lines to give a clearer understanding of models. The number system for models is gone, replaced by the more descriptive group name.
For cyclocross there is the Mares and Mares Aluminum which share the same geometry, the former being the carbon version raced by none other than National Champion Jeremy Powers. Powers and Focus now go back a number of years and the two have seen changes come and go in the world of cyclocross. For the coming year, Powers will continue his Aspire Racing program, which has an expanded roster with Ellen Noble coming on board and Focus, whose cyclocross offerings were revamped for 2015, will see a few changes too.
The Focus carbon Mares CX Rival 1. © Clifford Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
New for 2016, both the Mares and Mares Aluminum get 12mm thru-axle, both versions sharing the same all carbon tapered fork with flat mounts for disc brake calipers. The Mares Aluminum frame has rack and fender mounts, though the fork does not and the aluminum models still uses post mounts on the rear for the brake caliper. The top end Mares Force 1 is exactly as described, and the other bikes in the line follow suit with SRAM Rival, Shimano Ultegra and Shimano 105 builds rounding out the line.
The new Focus Mares Commuter. 2016 Sea Otter Classic. © Andrew Yee / Cyclocross Magazine
There is also one unique version of the Mares Aluminum called the Commuter that actually comes equipped with full fenders that customers in the Pacific Northwest have been begging for. It comes with an all aluminum fork that has fender eyelets and even low-rider mounts.
We have a few images of the new bikes, as well as few of Jeremy Powers' National Championship-winning ride, in the slideshow, below and will be bring you updates as we have them.
More info: focus-bikes.com
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Focus Bikes’ carbon Mares CX with Shimano Ultegra mechanical shifting and R785 hydraulic brakes. © Clifford Lee / Cyclocross Magazine
