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Focus Mares CX gets an update for 2017

New features include 12-mm RAT thru-axles and flat mount disc brakes.

Even though Spring has just arrived, Focus Bicycles showed off their updated cyclocross range at the Sea Otter Classic. The carbon Mares CX  was completely revamped last year, so is largely unchanged for Fall 2016. Across the line, all bikes receive flat mount disc brakes and are outfitted with 12-mm thru-axles front and rear. The bikes also feature Focus’ RAT thru-axle, which requires a quick quarter turn to undo, in order to facilitate wheel changes. The bikes should arrive late August, just in time for ‘cross season, pricing is yet to be announced. Look for the Mares CX to be piloted by an, as of yet unnamed Canadian CX team, with Aaron Schooler amongst others, on the roster.

>>Cyclocross bike gallery from the 2015 CX championships

The Focus Mares CX Force is the top level bike equipped with Sram’s Force 1x groupset and  DT Swiss Spline R23 wheels. The 42 front chainring comes standard issue with a stout chain catcher that is easily removable. The Focus CPX Comfort seatpost offers compression flex and comes in both a straight and setback design.

For a slightly more traditional setup, the Mares CX Ultegra comes with a Shimano Ultegra mechanical groupset, hydraulic disc brakes and DTS Spline R24 wheels. It has 46-36 Ultegra chainrings, the Focus CPX Comfort carbon seatpost and like the Force model full internal cable housing to keep cables protected from the elements. The front of the bike is also updated with the RAT 12-mm thru-axle and flat mount disc brake
The Focus Mares AX Commuter features the same geometry as the carbon bikes, but comes equipped with fenders, and rack mounts. It is built up with Tiagra 2 x 10, and looks to be a choice option for Vancouver riders looking for a racer that can do double duty as a commuter/winter trainer.