Focus Izalco Max 9.6

AS OTHER MANUFACTURES HAVE been pursuing optimal aerodynamics, often at the cost of weight saving, Focus’s Izalco Max 9.6 seems to take a different path and do something differently.

My first impressions soon into several hundred kilometres of testing was this – the German designers have sharply focussed on producing a racing bike that is lightweight and aerodynamic, but also a bike that is compliant and comfortable.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS MATTER

My first impression was that the 9.6 is aesthetically very pleasing very neat and tidy with no cables to bee seen. The build features a two tone paint job consisting of rust red with a gloss black seat tube and rear triangle. White Focus decals on the down tube are nice and simple yet still striking, particularly