The Focus Mare's AX 1.0 polarizes like hardly any other aluminum crosser. Responsible for this is the special paintwork, which reflects the colors of the cyclocross team Rapha-Focus and is borrowed from the much more expensive carbon frame. The pink handlebar tape in particular stands out. In addition, the frame, fork and saddle also have pink accents. In addition, there is a lot of light blue and beige for the frame and fork. A matter of taste, but one that will surely find fans.
The Cloppenburg manufacturer Focus has a good name within the cyclocross scene. Not surprising given that Focus was co-founded by three-time cyclocross world champion Mike Kluge in 1992.
//Furnishing
The framework of Mare's AX 1.0 is very versatile. The seating position is neither extremely racing nor extremely upright. Rather, it is a successful mix of both, which can be easily adjusted in both directions thanks to different stem lengths, handlebar widths and seat post offsets. Furthermore, our test bike was neither sluggish in sharp corners nor restless on fast, rough or muddy sections.
There are mounts for fenders and luggage racks on the rear frame triangle. In addition, all cables and cable housings are routed inside, at least as far as the seat tube. Thanks to hydroformed and butted tubes, the frame is quite light and yet stiff. The full carbon fork, which Focus also uses in the carbon models of the Mares series, also contributes to this combination. The only small drawback is that the fork needs a powerful quick release due to its construction. With a lightweight quick release, the braking forces of the disc brake system can cause the front wheel to tilt. Sufficiently powerful quick releases are installed at the factory.
The components at Mare's AX 1.0 and the wheels are all from Concept. All these parts are solidly built and convince in practical tests. The shape of the handlebars with the lower links bent outwards is a matter of taste. A small drop of bitterness, however, is the relatively high weight that the components bring with them. In connection with the installed Schwalbe Racing Ralph wired tires, the wheelset in particular offers savings potential here. With other wheels and tires, you can quickly save one and a half kilograms for a surcharge of around 500 euros. This can also improve traction on wet meadows and in mud.
The shifting and braking group comes almost entirely from Sram. The gear ratio of 46/36 teeth at the front and 11-28 teeth at the rear is quite broad for a cyclocross bike and supports the wide range of uses of the Mare's AX 1.0. The combination of Rival rear derailleur, chain, cassette and the S-700 shift-brake levers works very well and precisely. We only found the operating forces a bit higher than in the Red or Force group. But this was not further disturbing. The hydraulic disc brakes deserve a particularly positive mention, as they are almost never found in this price category. They offer a lot of safety and, in contrast to the usual cantilever brakes, work excellently even in mud and rain. Only the setting is a bit more complicated.
//Conclusion
Overall, the Focus Mare's AX 1.0 convince as a very balanced and versatile cyclocross bike at a very good price. Whether as a crosser, touring bike or with slicks as a racing bike, the Mare's AX 1.0 cuts a fine figure everywhere. The existing weaknesses, especially with tires and weight, can be repaired relatively cheaply, especially since these are only noticeable in difficult terrain and during races. This is necessary from home Mare's AX 1.0 In any case, it cannot be hidden, after all there are only very few aluminum crossers who can take on the fight on an equal footing.
//Product highlights
- agile and light frame-fork-set
- Performance of the hydraulic disc brakes
- versatility
- Price-Performance Ratio
//price and web
- 1599,00 Euros
- www.focus-bikes.com