Focus Black Forest 09?

Dougie89

Hi,

I'm looking for a bike around the £700 mark and came across the Focus Black Forest 09 and couldn't believe the price for the spec! (£711.75)



Focus Black Forest 2009
Specifications
Frame Aluminium 6061 Double Butted Frame
Fork Fox 32F 100 RL 100mm travel
Rims Alex EN24, Disc, Aluminium
Front Hub Shimano M525, Disc, QR
Rear Hub Shimano M525, Disc, QR
Tyres Continental Race King 2.2
Cassette Shimano Deore CS-HG50 9 speed, 11-32
Crankset Shimano Deore LX 44/32/22
Shift Levers Shimano Deore M530, Black
Rear Derailleur Shimano SLX
Front Derailleur Shimano Deore LX
Chain Shimano CN-HG53
Brakes Tektro Auriga Comp, hydraulic disc brake
Stem Concept SL 100mm, 31.8/28.6mm
Handlebars Concept SL Riser 31.8/22.2mm
Saddle Concept SL MTB
Seat Post Concept SL

The only main issue I see if that you can't really try before you buy but they have the 7 day test ride facility which defeats that problem. For a novice, how does the spec look i.e. what would be the first things you would replace after riding it for a while. My only issues with it are the handlebars (easy fix) and that the brakes could be on the cheap end of the scale but the forks are £585 (I think) alone which must make up for that, plus it is only 11.65kgs.

Any views/criticisms on this or any other betterbuys/must haves at a similar price?

Cheers

The Northern Monkey

nice bike with nice spec

Why don't you like the bars?

supersonic

Very good for the money!

If I had to be hyper critical I would say the wheels could be better - I'd rather see a Reba and a decent wheelset than a Fox and a heavyone like that.

supersonic

Now I am confused, check the spec list here:

http://www.focusbikesuk.com/focus-hardt ... forest.php

Also that float looks like a Vanilla.

Dougie89

That's what I thought as well, but that's the spec of the 08 model. The 08 model had Mavic Crossride 559-19 wheels which is what I see as the only downgrade. What are floats out of interest? In response to the bars, they seem to be very risen which I would imagine to be quite uncomfortable, but then again I havn't ridden it yet and have no idea what benefits a high riser has compared to a mid or low riser bar.

Which forks would you take: Manitou R7 or Fox 32F 100 RL or Rockshox Recon Race 100mm?

and

What wheels would you recommend to replace the ones listed and then would you recommend replacing the hubs?

Dougie89

Oh, and I sent an email to wiggle to get them to confirm the forks as I couldn't see a remote lock cable or even if it is meant to have one

supersonic

Yeah, is a confusing spec - be interested to see what they say! I meant F series rather than the Float fork.

I'd put the crossrides as ahead of a Deore/Alex set up.

manitou R7 is more of a racers fork - a bit slimmer, I think lighter, while the Reba errs more towards harder riding whiel the F series sits in the middle.

Airienteer

Have to agree, very confusing. But going from the pic and spec posted they have also gone for a downgraded (only very slightly) transmission and splashed out on the fork. Nice move in my opinion. Tempted myself....

canada16

I have a focus superbud and love it so much I was even taking to work in the snow.

My specs varied as well as the german model had little thing on it that were not the same as wiggle.

But TBH I was happy with the wiggle specs and did not question it.

Fox 32FLR 100
Fox RP2
LX and XT equip
With Mavic Cross rides.
LX Hollowtech crank.
Schwalb Nobby nic's
Magura brakes
£1000.00, but got it on C2W for 13.00 a month, then left the company for better job after 2 months and only paid £26.00 and they told me to just keep the bike, they could not be bothered chasing me.

But took alot of stuff off it now, like bars, which have been replaced with Ritchey WCS Carbon, Carbon post, and wet Ricthey stem, then some blue skewers and Hope headset cap. Looks really sweet. And got it down to about 25-26lbs on a Full suss, and have not done the cranks yet. I reckon If I swap the cranks and wheels, I might get it down to 23-24ish,

I LOVE MY FOCUS. 8)

Dougie89

reply from wiggle:

The Focus Black Forest is equipped with a SLX drivetrain i.e. derailleurs and cranks. As far as I am aware the forks are the latest Fox 32F forks but these don't come with a remote lock out. The tyres supplied are Race King 2.2's.

So apparently it has Fox floats with a whole SLX drivetrain, even though the spec says just a SLX rear derailleur and Deore LX crank and front derailleur. To clarify, what components does a drivetrain entail?

Torres

Cranks, mech's, possible shifters.
Got to say it's a cracking deal. I have last years and the frame is spot on; i would recomend it for sure.

supersonic

Full SLX drivetrain is:

Shifters, front mech, rear mech, crankset, bottombracket, chain, cassette.

If they can't clarify (as far as I am aware?!), and have the wrong info on the page: well, it's a bit pathetic really isn't it?

Dougie89

"equipped with a SLX drivetrain i.e. derailleurs and cranks" is what was to me via email

From that I would be hoping for front and back mech, crankset & cassette with the hope that the shifters would be upgraded from "Shimano Deore M530" and the chain upgraded from the "Shimano CN-HG53" which makes me wonder what else has been downgraded to compensate. The forks have definately been clarified as the Fox 32F 100mm floats (though I'm sure when I eventually get it through it will be vanilla) and there is surely nowhere else to down-spec

supersonic

God knows why it says Recon in the BF spec list! But then again you are buying from Wiggle, not them.

That pic of the crank isn't an LX either - looks like a non series FC M542L:

http://cycle.shimano-eu.com/publish/con ... nents.html

Does not have hollow arms like old LX and SLX.

Dougie89

Agreed, I was trying to find what crank it had in the photo, thats a bit crap if it came with that. If i order this bike and it comes with all the wrong gear it would be time to slam trading standards on wiggles ass (excuse the pun) and get them to send me all the quoted gear!

max丨mo

Those forks are worth over £600 alone!! surely wiggle has made a printing error here, or I would buy this bike in a flash.

canada16

Look at the pic on wiggle then look on the specs.

If it arrives different tell them to pick it up, at no charge to you and call your bank to make sure they get the money back.

I can see why they would lie about specs.

I still ask them questions about my focus superbud 2008 and they still know evey size, mm, cm, part and even down to the bolt.

They have emailed you back, if your happy with the answer then go for it.

It says on the email Fox 32F?

I got the Fox 32FR100, But pic shows different, they have not really expanded on the SHocks.

But hey the forks are still sweet ,

blablablacksheep

something that you should look at.

Top Features of the Focus Black Forest 2009

* 6061 Aluminium MTB Frame
* New Shimano SLX 27-Speed
* Schwalbe Road Cruiser Light Tires
* Fox 32-F 100 RL Suspension Fork
* Weight: 11.65 kgs



Note: Manufacturer may reserve the right to change the specification of that listed or shown on this page.

supersonic

You need to get a definitive spec before the buy. Then you can hold them to it.

Dougie89

i'll keep you posted as to when i get a reply..

Dougie89

so finally, i think, i have the definitive spec list for this bike. the reply i got was the exact same as the website suggests (see below) but it is still crap that the guy at wiggle said it had "SLX drivetrain i.e. derailleurs and cranks" when it has a Deore LX crank and most of the rest of the Deore LX....

Frame Aluminium 6061 Double Butted Frame
Fork Fox 32F 100 RL 100mm travel
Rims Alex EN24, Disc, Aluminium
Front Hub Shimano M525, Disc, QR
Rear Hub Shimano M525, Disc, QR
Tyres Continental Race King 2.2
Cassette Shimano Deore CS-HG50 9 speed, 11-32
Crankset Shimano Deore LX 44/32/22
Shift Levers Shimano Deore M530, Black
Rear Derailleur Shimano SLX
Front Derailleur Shimano Deore LX
Chain Shimano CN-HG53
Brakes Tektro Auriga Comp, hydraulic disc brake
Stem Concept SL 100mm, 31.8/28.6mm
Handlebars Concept SL Riser 31.8/22.2mm
Saddle Concept SL MTB
Seat Post Concept SL

enrnwilk

Hi, did you purchase the bike in the end? I've been eyeing it up over the last couple of weeks but have been concerned about the conflicting spec. What are your thoughts?

enrnwilk

Dougie89
Hi, did you purchas the black forest? Was the spec as suggested by Wiggle? Were the forks Vanilla's or Fox 32F 100 RL?

Cheers

Neil

Dougie89

Spec is exactly the same as listed which is immense value for money, although the front mech is SLX which is a bonus. Just back from riding it and given it a quick rinse down, tempted to jump on it again and go for another jaunt. Everything seems really good (bog standard pedals) and very happy with purchase.

Dougie89

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/h/option/testride

7 day test ride info

SiCo

Dougie89, can I ask what size you went for and how tall are you? I'm 6ft and tempted to go for the 20" frame. I'm looking for a bike for xc/trails but do you think the black forest is more of a pure xc racer?
Cheers

Dougie89

I went for the XL 55 frame but then again I'm 6"4/5 with a 34/36 inseam. I would recommend the L 50 frame.

Frame Inside Length Leg Height
S/40 28-32" 5'6"-5'8"
M/45 30-32" 5'8"-5'10"
L/50 32-34" 5'10"-6'1"
XL/55 34-36" 6'1"-6'3"

The best place to ask would be emailing bike@wiggle.co.uk They have been very helpful to me thus far and pretty speedy. I'm literally only just getting in to MTBing so not the best person to ask, I would say it leans towards the racer but can still easily handle anything you would want to throw at it xc/trails-wise.

Any more info get it touch

SiCo

Yeah L frame size is what I meant. Thanks for your help. Looks like a sweet machine, enjoy!!!

Dougie89

in addition if anyone is ordering either this bike, or a bike from wiggle, please give me your email address so you get free glasses worth £25 and i get a voucher.

Get your friends free stuff and make yourself some money!

How's this for a deal?
Your friends will get a free pair of dhb triple lens glasses
You will get a voucher for 10% of their first order total!

1. Enter a mates email address below
2. They follow the link in the email we send them and make their first order at wiggle.
3. As long as it's over £50 we'll send them a pair of dhb triple lens glasses, normally £24.99, for free with the first items despatched from that order.
4. We'll send you a voucher for 10% of the value of your friends invoiced order.

Here's the regularly sized small print:

* You must be a wiggle customer and must have ordered from wiggle before.
* Your friend must spend over £50.
* Your friend must make a purchase within 6 weeks of being referred using the email address you have given us below.
* It must be your friends first wiggle order - we will be checking.
* If their order is shipped in multiple despatches we will send your 10% voucher out to you when each package is sent.
* Each 10% voucher will be valid for 90 days.
* You cannot use any other gift voucher with your order.
* This offer applies only to purchases made solely online.
* We do not condone the willful sabotage of your friends bike in order that he has to spend more giving you a bigger voucher!


And that's it!

Cheers

SiCo

Hey Dougie,
I would have done the recommend a friend thing but unfortunately for you I've ordered from Wiggle before. Anyway, got by Black Forest today. Taken it out for a quick ride and first impressions are goooood!

wheres the mountains

love my focus's