Test: The cyclocross season has now officially started in Europe. Time for us to take a close look at the latest bikes in addition to trendy components. We'll start with one of the most exciting bikes currently on the market - the Focus Mares CX.
As a test model, we received the Mares CX 3.0, the entry-level carbon model from Cloppenburg. The equipment is solid, although the mix of components is not commonplace. This is how the current one comes in terms of the drive 105 used by Shimano. However, the crank is from FSA, the tried and tested shortie 4-Avid cantilever brakes. These should be the aluminum flanks of the Fulcrum WH-CEX 7.0 keep in check, on the swallow RocketRon are raised - true to style as white wall. Focus provides the remaining components itself with its own brand Concept. And although the saddle, seat post, handlebars and stem seem more robust than light, it is Mares CX 3.0 anything but a heavyweight.
This is mainly due to the frame. The Cloppenburgers have that Mares got a complete facelift at the beginning of the year and developed the frame from scratch. The result can certainly be regarded as groundbreaking when it comes to cyclocross.
The framework of Mares CX hardly brings 1.000 Gram, with the tubes machined at the relevant points to ensure no loss of rigidity. The head tube is tapered, the bottom bracket area is bulbous and equipped with an ISCG05 mount. It also features a 65-millimeter drop, allowing for more ground clearance and a higher center of gravity. The stays, on the other hand, are slim and designed for comfort. A positive: Although our bike doesn't use electronic shifting, the frame is still prepared for it.
What applies to the frame can also be applied to the fork. Here the shaft was reinforced and the bridge provided with a cable guide. This effectively prevents fork stuttering, which may be familiar from older models. Unlike the disc version, which uses thru-axles, the cantilever model still has traditional dropouts.
But how does the bike perform in practice? The answer is quick: excellent. This is evident from the first pedal revolution Mares CX 3.0 agile. The frame looks balanced but agile. It allows quick changes in pace without missing out on smoothness. The higher bottom bracket, which conveys much more safety in curves than you know from other cross bikes, is particularly positive.
The brakes also do their job reliably according to the instructions. Although they offer less pressure than disc brakes, they can be dosed well and are sufficient for 99 percent of all routes in our region.
The mix of components does not cause any problems. The 105 shifts smoothly and quickly, even with dirt on the cassette. With a gear ratio of 11 to 28 teeth, this is wide spread, but well chosen - especially in combination with the graduated from 46 to 36 teeth on the crank.
Another exciting detail is the bashguard, which is familiar from MTBs but new to the cross world. It weighs barely 50 grams and effectively prevents shifting errors and chain jamming, which not only cost time but can also damage the frame.
The tires offer enough grip on wet ground, but there are smoother models for hard floors.
Conclusion
Sure, it always gets better. In the case of Mares CX 3.0 However, this is difficult and probably only feasible with lighter and higher quality components. But it doesn't really need it. Because what Focus offers with this bike can make many other manufacturers sweat. The Focus Mares CX 3.0 is a bike that you fall in love with from the first moment and with which you can really accelerate on the racetrack. Although the bike with the built-in equipment is intended as an entry-level model, the cleverly designed frame set also makes it interesting for experienced crossers.
product Highlights
- light but still stiff frameset
- System integration with Bashguard and Di2 compatibility
price and web
- EUR 1.999,00
- www.focus-bikes.com