My bike Monday: Focus Izalco Max Disc Red

A performance road bike equipped with disc brakes with refined geometry for increased comfort

Philippe Tremblay July 25, 2016

Hydraulic disc brakes offer extra control and as they become increasingly popular more companies are outfitting their top road bikes with them. Enter the Focus Izalco Max Disc. The frame I had look at in the 11 inc. is very similar to the one you will find under the riders of Ag2r-La Mondiale. However frame has been refined to accommodate the disc brakes and that gave Focus the opportunity to design a more comfortable ride and make room for more tire clearance. Aesthetically the frame keeps its clean lines. As a performance bike the frame is light and this one is built up with SRAM Red 22.

SRAM Red direct mount disc brakes

Focus use R.A.T. thru axles on the Izalco Max Disc

SRAM Red leavers

Mechanical groupset for this build

Mid-compact 52/36 tooth chainrings

Focus uses thru-axles that are threaded into the dropout with a 15-mm diameter axle in the front and 12-mm in the rear. All that is required is a 180-degree turn to take the wheel out making it quicker and easier to make wheel changes. The chainstays were lengthened making for a smoother ride but Focus says performance of the handling for those seeking a racy feel need not worry as it’s still a very responsive bike.

External cable routing is used for the shifting making it easy to work on

Increased tire clearance

Without a brake bridge, Focus were able to refine the seatstays for better compliance

Glossy on matt black for this model of the Izalco

With disc brakes, riders are given more choice in their tire selection. Additionally, Focus were able to refine the seatstays for improved compliance reworking their shape and carbon layout. This Izalco uses the odd looking Concept CPX Expert seatpost with a 27.2mm diameter which is designed to flex and provide a comfortable ride.

Red details on a matt black frame

DT Swiss RC 38 wheels on the Izalco

Schwalbe One 25 mm tires

A Fizik cockpit on this stock build

The Focus Izalco Max Disc 1.0 is available for $8,500 at the 11 inc.