Focus Atlas 6.8 EQP

Focus Atlas 6.8 EQP – Carefree gravel bike with complete bikepacking equipment

Gravel and cross bikes are the core competence of German manufacturer Focus. The bikes are developed in collaboration with former professional cyclists from cyclocross and road cycling. The Atlas is based on the philosophy of combining sport, adventure, and nature. Or to put it simply: you should have a good time on this gravel bike. To this end, both Atlas series, the affordable 6 series and the sportier 8 series, have been completely redesigned for the new season. You can look forward to even more agile handling that makes it easy to follow winding trails. The design focuses on maximum stability. The seat tube has been shortened so that the seat post improves comfort with increased vertical flex. For your bikepacking adventures, the frame has numerous mounting points for accessories such as luggage racks, mudguards, and three bottle holders. Just what a modern gravel bike needs.

The abbreviation EQP in Atlas 6.8 stands for “equipped,” meaning that this model comes factory-fitted with luggage racks, mudguards, and a lighting system. This makes it ideal for everyday use, but also for touring with luggage. The front rack, called the Hawaii Rack, was developed specifically for the Atlas and has a flange at the bottom for the front light. Incidentally, all add-on parts can be easily retrofitted to all current Atlas models. The other features have also been optimized for road use: Shimano Cues group with 2 x 10 gears and hydraulic disc brakes. Plus a tubeless-ready wheelset with 45 mm tires.

High-quality aluminum or carbon frames – depending on the price range

While the fork is made of carbon on all frame sets, the 6 series models come with an aluminum main frame and the 8 series models have a carbon frame. Visually, both versions leave nothing to be desired, especially since the aluminum frames with their perfectly smoothed weld seams are particularly eye-catching. Practical: All carbon frames have a storage compartment in the down tube under the bottle holder. An important issue with gravel bikes is tire clearance, because wide tires provide grip and comfort. Focus has built in sufficient reserves here: the carbon rear frames allow up to 45 millimeters, the aluminum frames allow up to 48 millimeters, and the forks can even accommodate tires up to 53 millimeters wide. Also worth mentioning are the optionally available rack systems, which are precisely tailored to the Atlas for space-saving luggage transport. These are already factory-fitted on the 6.8 EQP model.