German brand Focus Bikes are imported to the UK market by top internet retailer Wiggle, and 2008 marks their third year. In that short time the blend of top specs and keen prices has quickly gained popularity for the new brand.
Wiggle don't import the entire Focus range, instead handpicking a smaller selection of bikes to suit the UK market, and used the recent London Cycle Show to launch the 2008 bikes.
Izalco Extreme
Kitted out with a pair of Lightweight wheels, a full complement of Shimano Dura-Ace components, FSA finishing kit and all hanging of a carbon frame with integrated seat tube, you won't find many other bikes offering such a spec for £3,499.
Izalco Extreme Campa
Stepping one rung down the ladder, the £2,799 Campa offers the same frame as the Extreme, but brings the price down by way of more affordably priced Mavic R-SYS wheels and a Campagnolo Record groupset to take care of shifting and braking duties.
Izalco Team
This is perhaps our pick of the Izalco range at £2,399. The frame is essentially identical to the two Extreme models, save for the lack of an integrated seat tube - which some might cite as a bonus anyway. You get a full SRAM Red groupset and Fulcrum Racing 1 wheels.
Izalco Chrono
As used by both the Australian and German national cycling teams, the £3,499 Chrono is a fully-fledged time trial bike with an impressive spec for the money. The frame has been designed and tested in a wind-tunnel for an optimum drag-reducing design. Spec highlights include the SRAM Red groupset and Easton EC90 Aero wheels.
Cayo
The £999 Cayo that we tested last year was a RCUK Best Value award winning bike, such was the incredible level of spec for the price. Well, for 2008, the frame has been updated with a solid array of Shimano Ultegra components, Mavic Aksium wheels and FSA finishing kit.
Cayo Pro
If you're a SRAM-convert, the £1,699 Pro sits at the top end of the Cayo range and uses a full SRAM Force groupset and Fulcrum Racing 3 wheels.
Summit
Don't be thinking that the Focus range is all about carbon bikes, as the aluminium-framed Summit offers a 6061 frame and Shimano Sora groupset for a great entry level machine at £499.
www.focusbikesuk.com
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