For the silly sport of cyclocross with its somewhat schizophrenic equipment demands, the Focus Mares Force 1 is an excellent bike. It's stiff when you stomp on it out of corners, yet it damps rough chatter. It's old school in the short head tube, but new school in the relatively slack front end and execution of the latest technology. Plus, it has some cool features like RAT axles and internal routing. If you want a lively race bike that won't beat you up, the 2017 Mares Force 1 could be a great companion.
While the road world continues to debate rim brakes versus hydraulics, it's pretty much a given in cyclocross. Yes, many Belgian pros still race on cantilevers, but for the rest of us, the vast improvement in brake performance makes it a no-brainer. What isn't settled, however, is exactly how said hydraulics will integrate with the bike. Should we use 12mm or 15mm thru-axles? (Some brands are still using quick releases.) Should we use 140mm or 160mm rotors? And should we commit to flat-mount brakes or stick with post-mount?
For 2017, Focus switched to flat-mount calipers, and plowed ahead with 160mm upfront with a 140mm in the rear and the German brand's distinctive RAT axles in a 12mm diameter.
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Besides looking more integrated with the frame, flat-mount calipers make for better braking and less fiddling, as connecting parts are minimized. The larger front rotor (many brands argue that 140mm is plenty for ’cross) mean braking power is never a question.
As for 12mm versus 15mm, honestly I couldn't feel a difference when Focus made the change to the smaller diameter from last year. I can say that we at BikeRadar are big believers in thru-axles for ’cross for the simple reason that your axle won't budge like it can on a quick-release bike. (Don't believe me? Slam that front wheel into a barrier at speed on a QR bike, get annoyed at the resulting rotor rub, and then get back to me.)
Race geometry with real-world gearing — and fat tires
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