German brand, Focus, proved a popular draw on home soil at Eurobike in Friedrichshafen.
Its parent company, Derby Cycle, merged with PON Holdings last year (a Dutch group that acquired Cervelo in February). Focus will return to the WorldTour peloton in 2013, although their representatives were unable to tell us with whom. “Contractual agreements are in place,” was as far they would go. Team members are expected to ride either the Izalco Team SL-1 (see below) or the Cayo Evo, another UCI approved frame ridden by the Pro Continental Aqua and Sappone Pro Continental team this year.
Izaclo Team SL
The flagship Izalco will be called the Team SL in 2013. The weight of the frameset has been reduced to 930 grams in its 54cm incarnation and this sub-kilo frame chassis will feature on four models. Focus say the weight saving has been yielded from a new carbon lay up.
The top-of-the-line SL-1 model pictured here will retail at £6499, with the latest iteration of the SRAM Red groupset and Zipp 404 wheels. Two further models will offer 11-speed electronic shifting: Shimano Dura Ace Di2 and Campagnolo Record respectively. Both will retail at £5999. The entry point to the range, the SL-4 with SRAM Red, will sell for £3699.
Izalco Pro
The Izlaco Pro range has an unchanged frame, but will feature Focus’ own T4 fork on 2013 models where last year’s had a 3T unit. Focus claim reduced weight and greater rigidity for their own fork. The Pro 1 will come with Dura Ace 11-speed and sell for £2899. Next down, the Pro 2 will feature Shimano Ultegra Di2 with an FSA Energy chainset, and will sell for £2699. The well-received Pro 3 will remain at £2099 despite the new T4 fork. Wheels will change from DT Swiss to Fulcrum.
Mares CX
The full carbon Mares CX-1 Team bike is an exact replica of the machine the Rapha team will use this season, equipped with latest the latest iteration SRAM Red groupset, Easton carbon wheels, and signature pink detailing in the handlebar tape and Fizik Arione saddle. It will sell for £3999. More affordable aluminium-framed models with a full carbon fork will perhaps offer broader appeal. The Ultegra version will sell for £1299, while its 105 equivalent is a Cycle To Work Scheme friendly £999. For another £100, you get a disc brake, which struck us as good value.
Ergo
Last year saw Focus introduce a ‘sportive’ bike to its range, the Ergo Ride, a machine with a more relaxed geometry and greater compliance than the Izalco and Cayo models. The 2013 range will feature three models. The Ergo Ride 1 will come with mechanical Dura Ace 11-speed and a Rotor crank and will cost £3,000. The £2099 Ergo Ride 3 is equipped with SRAM Force and offers a price and component match with the Izlaco Pro 3. A version with full Ultegra will cost £1999.
Cayo Evo
The Cayo marque has been discontinued, and replaced with an extended Cayo Evo range. The 2013 frame and fork remains unchanged from last year’s range. The Cayo Evo 1 will come with and 11-speed Campagnolo Chorus set up, and sell for £2899 with an FSA Vision carbon wheelset. The Cayo Evo 2 we tested earlier this year will remain unchanged in its 2013 incarnation (Ultegra Di2), while the Cayo Evo 1 will come with a SRAM Force groupset and Fulcrum 1700 wheels, so called because of their 1700 gram weight (they’ll sell to the aftermarket as Fulcrum Quattros). The Cayo Evo 4 will come with Shimano Ultegra components and FSA energy chainset, and will cost £1899. The 5 and 6 models will have an earlier fork, used by the Milram WorldTour team three years ago,
Colebro
The price of aluminium framed models continues to tumble across the industry. Focus’ £999 Culebro SL-2 features a triple butted frame, carbon bladed fork, and Ultegra mechs and shifters, and could become a popular choice with riders with access to the Cycle To Work Scheme, either as a first bike or commuting steed.
