jroth

How is the Focus Mares line of cross bikes? They offer several price points with alloy frames, carbon frames and various components.

thanks.

joel

gus6464

I saw the Expert when I went to the Performance the other day. I love the color scheme and their prices are not bad for an Ultegra bike. It also comes with pretty decent wheels which is what most manufacturers tend to skimp on to keep the price low. Not many companies are making carbon cyclocross bikes because they take a beating if you are racing and I just don't see a carbon bike lasting as long as an alloy one.

One thing I have noticed with cross is that having the fanciest bike does not make you the fastest. I went to a cross race a while back and everyone was racing in alloy bikes and 105/rival components. I got to talk to some people that have been racing for a while and they said that it's a waste of money to have fancy components because they take a beating.

TimJ

They're good bikes, radar UK has reviewed a couple mares models.

plodderslusk

I have the basic 105-equipped Focus Mares and really like it. I have put old cantilevers on instead of the Mini-v's but aside from that it works great. I am amazed at the way the frame soaks up uneven forestroads and light singletrack.