Named after the world’s biggest bike park, the good-looking Focus sounds like a serious off-road contender. But even on relatively easy trails it soon becomes clear that the ‘Lite’ part of its name is probably the more accurate take-home.
Looks the part
The Whistler frame certainly looks burly, with a big flare to the square-headed down tube that supports the whole rear face of the head tube. The tapering top tube slopes steeply down to an extended seat tube with a welded reinforcing wedge for crotch clearance and a lower centre of gravity.
The 31.6mm seat tube is dropper post compatible and the steering geometry is relaxed for extra confidence without being too lazy and floppy on climbs. The control lines run neatly under the top tube and seatstays, and there are rack mounts for commuting or exploring too.
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You can remove the plastic trouser protector from the Alivio crankset, and the Shimano bottom bracket is very durable
The bargain price tag is all too obvious in the kit levels. While the rear derailleur is Shimano Deore, there’s no clutch mechanism to stop the chain whipping about and the shifters are cheaper nine-speed Altus. The Tektro Auriga brakes are consistent but very basic in feel and the 160mm front rotor means power is meagre.
Impressive, en route to the trailhead
Grip deficiencies
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