Focus Atlas 8.7

Focus Atlas 8.7 – The entry-level model in the Atlas Carbon series

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 philosophy behind the Atlas is to combine sport, adventure, and the experience of 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. Exactly what a modern gravel bike needs.

The Atlas 8.7 launches the carbon series in style: Focus combines its Atlas carbon frame with tried-and-tested Shimano GRX components from the 610 and 820 groupsets. This simply means 100 percent performance and reliability, even in harsh gravel conditions. The 2 x 12-speed drivetrain offers a finely graded gear range that meets even the high demands of professional road cyclists. The hydraulic Shimano GRX disc brakes deliver endless braking power and are extremely easy to service. The tubeless-ready wheelset comes from DT, renowned for its high-quality manufacturing. If you want, you can convert to tubeless operation in no time at all.

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

While the fork is made of carbon on all framesets, 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 as 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 48 millimeters, and the forks allow up to 53 millimeters.