2011 Focus Mares CX 2.0 © Cyclocross Magazine
The Focus 2011 offerings range from the $1400 Mares AX 3.0, an aluminum-framed model equipped with the budget-minded Shimano Tiagra, to the Mares CX 1.0, an all-carbon model with SRAM Force which tops the line at $4,300. The bikes seem to be typical of past offerings from Focus — race-oriented, no-nonsense rides built to fly through any cyclocross terrain.
Focus gives the consumer aluminum or carbon frame options. The AX 3.0 features an aluminum frame and fork, Tiagra components complemented by a FSA Omega 50/34 crankset and Tektro Mini V-brakes. The $2100 AX 1.o steps up to a triple-butted alloy frame and carbon fork, Ultegra components and DT Swiss wheels.
Want to save some weight? The $3100 CX 2.0 uses virtually the same components of the AX 1.0, but hangs everything on the BB-30 equipped carbon frame – the same frame ridden by the Rapha Focus cyclocross team. The top-of-the-line $4300 CX 1.0 ups the ante to SRAM Force, Focus Carbon clincher wheels and Avid Shorty Ultimate brakes.
Incorporating features like tapered head tubes for front-end stiffness, stout forks to reduce brake chatter and top-routed cables for clearance, the Mares incorporate features that ‘crossers appreciate. From a bike company with little recognition in the US, these models, along with the hard-to-miss jerseys of the Rapha-Focus cyclocross team, should help get Focus noticed this season.
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