2021 Focus Atlas Gravel Bike | A Versatile Value-Packed Post-Brexit Unicorn

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Күн бұрын

The 2021 Focus Atlas is an all-new range of versatile alloy gravel bikes that could reasonably be turned to everything from day-to-day gravel shredding to fully loaded touring.
Here in the UK, the bikes are also something of a post-Brexit unicorn - where other brands have increased prices, the Atlas arrives with a range that looks smart value for money.
BikeRadar's Assistant Editor, Jack Luke, delivers his verdict on this minty-coloured do-it-all gravel wagon in this in-depth review.
If you want the full scoop on this bike, including a range overview, head to BikeRadar.com:
→ www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bik...
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#2021gravelbiketech #bikeradarreview #focusatlasgravelbike

Пікірлер: 209

@PathLessPedaledTV 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the shout! :)

@bikeradar 3 жыл бұрын

💋💋💋💋

@themoodyteam 3 жыл бұрын

Russ, Russ, Russ!!!

@Fatbutnotflat 3 жыл бұрын

Very well deserved!

@danielquinn8694 3 жыл бұрын

I was floored.

@alisafa2858 3 жыл бұрын

Watching Jack reviewing bikes is always a complete joy.

@jakubpu 3 жыл бұрын

This was somehow way more informative than most other gravel bike reviews! Especially the geometry discussion

@boethiusm8438 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome and polished delivery. Your presenting style is very believable, could be the jumper

@bikeradar 3 жыл бұрын

Stop, I'll blush 💋 Thanks for the comment! Jack

@themoodyteam 3 жыл бұрын

It’s a fleece! (I think?) Smart isn’t it? Patagonia?

@conorverbruggen5133 3 жыл бұрын

@@themoodyteam Yes ,and yes. Very nice

@bikeradar 3 жыл бұрын

A wee note - Focus has confirmed that you can fit a front pannier rack to this bike, so you can go full touring mode should you so desire. I also say the front axle is 15x110 - it is actually 12x110. Cheers! Jack

@Nioseful 3 жыл бұрын

Whats the size of the frame you've reviewed?

@themoodyteam 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the update 🙏

@brazzlerazzle3834 3 жыл бұрын

I think that's the only problem with it really, a 12x110 axle is quite uncommon, would have been good the have a 15x110 so you can use the MTB wheels you already own on it.

@matthewlewis2072 3 жыл бұрын

Even weirder.

@zachs6191 3 жыл бұрын

that's even worse, nobody makes that size. should have stuck with 15x110 so you can use standard mtb hubs

@Quevallyn 3 жыл бұрын

Shout out to Russ at Pathlesspedaled and the #supplelife. The alternative bike Avengers are coming together. I have 2x 11spd GRX with 46/34 11-34 on my gravel/commuter/audaxer and it’s the perfect gearing for all rides. I can’t spin out the top gear unless it’s downhill (so why are you pedalling anyway) but the bottom gears are great for keeping legs fresh over very long rides.

@TeoSluga 3 жыл бұрын

There are many gravel bikes available with ordinary 2x10 Tiagra 4700 (which is by the way shifting smoothly as butter), plenty of options for gear ratios (usually front 48/32 or compact 50/34), alu frame, weight of around 10kg and, what is most important, affordable price. Perfect for any kind of road or offroad abuse. Just saying, no need to go for more expensive Shimano GRX setup...

@Quevallyn 3 жыл бұрын

@@TeoSluga that’s a fair point. My drivetrain is built from bargains: 105 shifters, Ultegra RX derailleur and now GRX front derailleur and crankset. I used to run the Praxis Alba 48/32 which worked well with the Shimano stuff but once I needed to replace the cogs I found a new chainset was only about £10 less than an entire new crankset due to its one piece cold-forged construction and it was completely out of stock in the UK thanks to COVID. Perfect excuse to try out GRX which really does live up to the hype - the shifts are super smooth and the FD action is really light. Love it.

@themoodyteam 3 жыл бұрын

Loved the ‘Aldi Snicker’ story 😂

@maxrevell3830 3 жыл бұрын

flat pedals rock, been a revelation going back onto flats

@louis-charleslasnier2221 3 жыл бұрын

10:36 « full supple life » ! Is that a direct reference to Russ and Laura at Path Less Pedaled ?

@flyfreak23 3 жыл бұрын

He literally said “like Russ on path less pedaled”

@AWABALLO 3 жыл бұрын

Nice bike at a very interesting price... As always Jack is the best!

@antonkern4036 3 жыл бұрын

I need it so baad! Thanks for the great overview!

@bikeradar 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@themoodyteam 3 жыл бұрын

That’s enough about Jack’s fleece 🤩

@berale23 3 жыл бұрын

Great review. Thanks JDog.

@chazpilks 3 жыл бұрын

Not considering a gravel bike (yet), but always worth listening to Jack...

@robertmarshall72 3 жыл бұрын

I was thinking about getting a Ribble but this one may have changed my mind. Cool review 😎👍

@IsuckYoungBlood 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent review! Very competent and lighthearted at the same time.

@bikeradar 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment, subscribe for more great reviews!

@toscojimenez2483 Жыл бұрын

Gracias por la descripcion, me encanta este color y me ha resuelto varias dudas 😉 sobre esta bici..

@inspiredtotired8369 3 жыл бұрын

Never mind the bike review, we want a review of that jumper/carpet 👍

@campbell510 3 жыл бұрын

I just had a flashback to a forest in 1990

@themoodyteam 3 жыл бұрын

@@campbell510 …whilst injesting magic mushrooms 🍄

@matteodefrancesco1213 3 жыл бұрын

it's a Patagonia Vintage Fall 1996 Aztec Print Snap-T Synchilla Fleece ;-)

@redcloudmc 3 жыл бұрын

Love that green....and the stripy jumper 😉

@chefnigeltv8580 3 жыл бұрын

"Delicate flower" lol that's funny. Low key zing!

@kevinshort3943 3 жыл бұрын

Converters from non boost to boost wheels are available. The front one is easy (just spacers), but the back is more complicated because it involves some dishing.

@johnharrington7575 3 жыл бұрын

great review - thank you

@lenkiewitcz 3 жыл бұрын

Just when i was 90% set on the Surly midnight special.

@konradholland351 3 жыл бұрын

Lovin that Patagonia you got on! I can see he’s a man of taste. 👌

@bikeradar 3 жыл бұрын

Patagucci, darling x

@tomasmicola4319 3 жыл бұрын

"New year, new me" said Jack, as he chose top tube bag as his preferred bike bag for 2021

@ralphstieper3035 2 жыл бұрын

I had fun to look , well done.

@richcrompton6891 3 жыл бұрын

That does look like the bike to do it all! I’m never going to be a rad downhill freestyler on my MTB (hardtail). I’m not in line to win any races on the road on my old Trek 1.5. This looks like it does what both of my bikes do! Gulp. I may have to part with some cash!

@asier357 3 жыл бұрын

Nice review! Thank you! Could be used 28mm tyres with this rims? What is the rim width? I was absolutely keen on Trek Checkpoint, but after seen this superb video...

@MK-rn2hm 3 жыл бұрын

Love the sweater.

@MRubicon 3 жыл бұрын

Great review! Ever think of reviewing the Priority Apollo Gravel bike for comparison?

@penunka 2 жыл бұрын

Great review

@MrNunatack 5 ай бұрын

Lovely setup! I wonder if the 8l dry bags on the front fork are holding well when the underground gets rough?

@leejefferson7011 3 жыл бұрын

Great review Could you do a review on the gravel bike, On one space Chicken from Planet X. I’d love to see what you thought on the bike with the sram rival 1x group set. Thank you

@bikeradar 3 жыл бұрын

Here it is! Focus have released their all-new Atlas range of gravel bikes. What do you think? Are you a chilled out gravel grinder? Or would you prefer a more race orientated steed? Let us know in the comments!

@twatts4436 3 жыл бұрын

As always, options are always a good thing - what works for one doesn't work for all, so having different interpretations of the same thing is great! Spec seems fairly typical, just the wheels are interesting. Can you use 29er boost mtb wheels? If so, shouldn't be too much issue. If not, a custom wheel builder will do the job.

@rlemacs 3 жыл бұрын

@@twatts4436 It comes with boost 29:er.

@Anjenito Жыл бұрын

I like the conception of the bike, but how does the long reach fit to the more upright, stable biking experience?I I'm searching for a versatile bike for longer bikepacking tours, but I like the more upright position. Would you recommend it in this case?

@thomasmayo7317 3 жыл бұрын

Brilliant review thanks! Very entertaining yet descriptive style. Thinking about value gravel bikes, would you (bikeradar) be able to do a review of the Vitus Substance VRS 2 please/another Substance from the range? GRX600 and 650 compatibility for £1,300. Though the geometry looks interesting, with longish chainstays but a head tube angle on the steep-side of gravel, but I may be completely misunderstanding the numbers!

@bikeradar 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for your comment! The Vitus Substance VRS 2 looks to be a great value bike. I'll ask our test team to look into it. The Vitus Substance SRS1 is our bike of the week this week! ➡️ www.bikeradar.com/features/bike-of-the-week/vitus-substance-srs1/ Thanks, Felix.

@chrisandsamlivingthedream 3 жыл бұрын

Looks great buddy .. did not like the top tube bag .. but did like the bike when it was fully bagged out .. nice colour , looks copied off canyon grail gravel bike thou .. cheers Chris & Sam

@mediocrecyclist 3 жыл бұрын

PathLessPedaled getting the shoutout 👌

@McHayes76 2 жыл бұрын

Looking into this bike as gravel commuter. Look svery tempting. But wait..; I have to ask... Who choose the pink bottle cage??

@jameswoods4656 3 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed my Riddler tires but the tread wore down significantly faster than my Maxxis Ramblers.

@LRLiveUK 3 жыл бұрын

Would love to know how it compares to the Bivibikes Graveller.

@Hintonbro. 3 жыл бұрын

Bravo! An affordable bike review!

@matthewlewis2072 3 жыл бұрын

How do you know the review was affordable?

@GersonGilrandy Жыл бұрын

First of all thank you for the video! I was just wondering if anyone here knows what best for my size. Considering to grab one, I'm 182cm but not sure 54 or 56. I heard Focus sizing is a bit different... Any suggestion? Cheers!

@TheTK97 3 жыл бұрын

Very interested. Currently owning a Topstone, but now thinking about selling it. But what do my eyes see at 1:14 !?

@11downsey 3 жыл бұрын

Bought one based on this video, been looking for something for ages and tricky currently with stock availability and Bike to Work scheme compliant.

@kpj5 2 жыл бұрын

Do you like it? Just thinking about getting the Atlas 6.9

@Wxyyyftw Жыл бұрын

@@kpj5 Did you get it?

@garethhelliwell9736 3 жыл бұрын

That is a cracking looking bike and for £1900 it's a steal.

@themoodyteam 3 жыл бұрын

Nice err, fleece Jack 🤩

@themoodyteam 3 жыл бұрын

Seriously you should bring out a range of cycle wear. ‘Gravel themed’ obvs 🙄😀🙄

@soloist777 3 жыл бұрын

I've been looking at the Focus 6.8 at my LBS. I was initially going to stick with a carbon frame but do like these! As I'm no longer interested in going fast but more as they say...'made to lose' - going out and enjoying myself. The only concern I have is the weight. I would be interested to hear any feedback from any owners of the 6.7 or 6.8, thanks.

@magharibo 2 жыл бұрын

Hey, I bought the 6.7 and it's beautiful I chose it over Cannondale Topstone 2 because of the fully cable free cockpit and not having toe overlap

@emilianohasan 10 ай бұрын

@@magharibo hey how did you choose the size for this model? I'm finding hard to choose the right size on this brand seems it's not regular the sizes from 48-51-54-57 etc... thanks for any help on this!

@magharibo 10 ай бұрын

Just Go to your local dealer, and do a Test Ride

@stephanieperry1119 3 жыл бұрын

Are there test centers or stores that sell them in the US?

@hampuspersson7855 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for a great review! Just being curious, you tested the large, would you mind charing your height and inseam length? Would help a lot in deciding size! Or anyone else having any experience? Myself being 184 cm with inseam 88cm which puts me in the middle between Medium and Large I guess :/

@emilianohasan 10 ай бұрын

I have the same issue finally you bought it?

@pavlovzdog 3 жыл бұрын

I'm loving nearly everything about this bike and would consider ordering one. However I really like the deep rims, the just set it off. But... On the focus website those rims aren't on it🙈. Gutted, this would steer me away tbh, as once you see something you like the look of a backward step is just pants. I may have to contact Focus. 🤞🤞🤞

@joebob1994 3 жыл бұрын

it looks like focus have made their version of the Kona Sutra LTD, same saddle, tyres, stem length, and myriad of threaded fixing points. Difference in the BB, Sutra has MTB spacing so unfortunately the GRX crankset is out of the question. This bike look great.

@paolocapozzi927 3 жыл бұрын

That looks a really well thought bike! But how is the boost spacing making you able to fit wider tires? Sure you can use wider rims but the frame has to have the clearance

@Will99x 3 жыл бұрын

Boost rear end necessitates boost chainring spacing, I.e. the chain ring is further out and thus the chain is further from the tyre, allowing the frame to be made wider between the chain stays, thus accomodating wider tyres 🤓

@paolocapozzi927 3 жыл бұрын

@@Will99x Sure, I also thought about that :). But we are talking about 3mm more space on the chain ring side. Although yes...this is what they do with MTB anyway. I still think that the frame has to be made with enough clearance though. And the clearance they specify (although I'm sure is on the conservative side) can be achieved without boost spacing. I don't like the idea of a 12x110 front hub which will just cause headache. Sure you can put a sleeve but it will likely not be compatible with all 15x110 boost hubs. Having said all that, good to see companies making something a bit out of the ordinary

@Pillokun 3 жыл бұрын

The Cube Gravel bikes are pretty much sharing the many MTB and touring tech which of Focus have, probably the same OEM that does the frames. For 1000€ I would go with a Cube Gravel bike.

@HybrisParExcellence 3 жыл бұрын

Is this really true MTB boost spacing on the Focus Atlas? I am not familiar with MTB standards, but I thought that MTB boost spacing is 110/15 and 148/12. However, according to Focus, their' Road Boost standard measures 110/12 and 148/12. Does that mean you are not able to buy a set of wheels but have to buy two separate wheels?

@Swarm0r 3 жыл бұрын

Great review. You have convinced me I need one! Shame I cant seem to find stock of it anywhere in the UK :( Anyone seen it anywhere?

@samwebb585 3 жыл бұрын

Wait - a versatile bike that comes with internal routing, mounts for EVERYTHING, decent wheels and tyres and a complete hydraulic braked groupset from a mainstream manufacturer? AND you can get one for less than £1500? Holy crap. Focus might just have killed N+1.

@armadillito 3 жыл бұрын

Bloody well wish it had been an option when I bought my cyclocross bike a couple of years back!

@lenkiewitcz 3 жыл бұрын

£1849.99, can't find it cheaper anywhere.

@lenkiewitcz 3 жыл бұрын

You your right the 6.7 Atlas is £1499.

@samwebb585 3 жыл бұрын

@@lenkiewitcz yeah, and less than £1700 for one with mudguards and an installed dynamo! Mad spec.

@lenkiewitcz 3 жыл бұрын

@@samwebb585 Very impressive and very tempting.

@johnbuxton3841 3 жыл бұрын

Where does the rainwater that enters through the headtube cable routing end up , seizing the bottom bracket?

@MarlonSolisFallas 3 жыл бұрын

Kinda my thinking as well, sometimes I believe internal cable routing is very sexy, but sometimes I think it creates more problems.

@StefanoNucera 3 жыл бұрын

Can somebody tell me anything about that awesome bottle cage?

@fgfrissgereutel4832 3 жыл бұрын

@bikeradar Thanks for the great review! Which flat pedals are mounted in this video? I first saw this bike @fernwee his channel (highly recommended btw) and you guys are making me consider buying this 🙈

@bikeradar 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the comment! I'll ask Jack and get back to you. Good to hear your liked the review - Felix

@bikeradar 3 жыл бұрын

It's the Crank Brothers Stamp and it often found on Jack's tandem!

@troycollett8540 3 жыл бұрын

Surprised they haven’t got a carbon model but this bike looks good and I’m happy to see Focus do a full on gravel bike

@jeffservaas 3 жыл бұрын

That will be the 2022 model

@DanyVanDudeson 3 жыл бұрын

How tall is that guy how rides that Focus Atlas? And in what frame size M or L did he used it?

@scotchgod8478 3 жыл бұрын

Looks great to me and totally affordable too, the only question is: Do they offer x-large frame sizes for tall people? 6ft5 here

@bikeradar 3 жыл бұрын

They do! You can see the full details on BikeRadar: www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/gravel-bikes/focus-atlas-6-8-review/

@COYSMike 3 жыл бұрын

That rear pannier rack on the touring bike looks attached to the mudguard. No attachment to the chainstay looks a weak point.

@TeoSluga 3 жыл бұрын

I like the bike very much.

@skvedo 3 жыл бұрын

Specs according to Focus website: 12x110 mm front hub/axle, really another hub spacing? Either stick with MTB boost compatibility or already f...ed up but established 12x100.

@bikeradar 3 жыл бұрын

Ah - you're right. That's my mistake. In any case, it's possible to step down a 15mm axle to 12mm with a spacer like this: www.sjscycles.co.uk/hub-spares/halo-thru-axle-adaptor-sleeve-15-to-12-mm/

@skvedo 3 жыл бұрын

@@bikeradar Few years back wanted to try my RoadPlus 15 x100 wheel in friends Canyon Endurance with 12x100 axle to asses what size tire he could fit. Hub end caps were too big for dropouts so couldn't seat hub and insert axle.

@LordFata 3 жыл бұрын

To our british friends and others who ride mud all year: How do GRX brakes fare in mud? In 2.5 years with Rival, i've had constant trouble with those hydraulic brakes. Once I hit a few puddles, brakes start grinding. Sometimes for hours, sometimes they are basically locking up. Clearances between pads and disc are so tight in general, cylinders are rarely moving symmetrically. Even directly after cleaning and regreasing the cylinders and bleeding the brakes it is soon unbearable.

@vaneickelen 3 жыл бұрын

I'll get my 6.8 next week!

@soloist777 3 жыл бұрын

I'm very interested in getting the Atlas 6.8. Did you get yours? If so, interested in your thoughts on it now. Thanks.

@wbaareshit1981 3 жыл бұрын

I swear my science teacher from 1996 developed a time machine that or he donated his clothes to charity shop also nice bike!!

@pedeepete 3 жыл бұрын

any plans to look at the planetx options?

@bikeradar 3 жыл бұрын

We have a few reviews of PX gravel bikes on site if you're interested: www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/gravel-bikes/on-one-free-ranger-sram-force-1-review/

@tezzanewton 2 жыл бұрын

Why are there no reviews for the Atlas 6.9?

@JogBird 3 жыл бұрын

that would be a cool frameset to build up.. i would put flatbars and a 10sp mtb 1x drivetrain

@bikeradar 3 жыл бұрын

As far as I know, Focus isn't offering this as a frameset, but I may well be mistaken. I agree that a flat bar build would be really cool, maybe something with Jones bars 🤘

@peteroldwood5624 3 жыл бұрын

Are the brakes hydraulic or mechanic?

@SiopaoSauc3 3 жыл бұрын

That's a skyscraper of a fork crown. Also, plus points for nuts-to-stem fixie skidz.

@bikeradar 3 жыл бұрын

#messlife

@tvolkmeier 3 жыл бұрын

Looks like an aluminum Salsa Cutthroat. Great looking color. Nice and supple. Too bad it’s not available in the USA.

@sabamacx 3 жыл бұрын

Just after we have settled on 12x100 front hubs, now "road boost" is a thing with specialised doing 12x110, this doing 15x110... send help. :(

@JogBird 3 жыл бұрын

just think of this as a dropbar mtb... its not a new concept, e.g. salsa cuthroat and journeyman are the same thing

@bikeradar 3 жыл бұрын

That's a very good point - I hadn't even thought to mention the Specialized 'standard'. I reckon many manufacturers will move to Boost for gravel bikes of this ilk. At least the MTB wheelset market is full of suitable options!

@davissoggin2825 3 жыл бұрын

What top tube bag is that?

@hogdog567 3 жыл бұрын

It’s Focus’ own bag.

@terrancegrant1664 2 жыл бұрын

She's a beauty!

@bikepacking330 3 жыл бұрын

this bike is so cool

@manji001 3 жыл бұрын

This seems like a fabulous bike for most riders that want to have fun! *ADDS TO SHOPPING CART* great feature BikeRadar! ^_^ (also, its cool that you guys gave Russ a shoutout!)

@bikeradar 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching!

@maxleopoldmun 3 жыл бұрын

compared to the 6.9?

@karlarsch1627 2 жыл бұрын

anyone knows fender that fit to that bike?

@bikepackingadventure7913 3 жыл бұрын

Frame only option? 🤔

@stevecrump1375 3 жыл бұрын

Those gravel bikes will become good mountain bikes soon...

@kiltymacbagpipe 3 жыл бұрын

As gravel bike geometry gets longer and slacker we will soon see manufacturers offering the same frame to roadies as a gravel bike with drops bars, and XC mountain bikers with a suspension fork and flat bars. Different drive trains and tires on each.

@Lukearthwalker 3 жыл бұрын

Now if I could only purchase one in the US.

@cd0u50c9 3 жыл бұрын

I came here to cleanse my eyes after the latest Bianchi atrocity that was too kindly featured on your latest review....

@gabrieledalessio6707 3 жыл бұрын

....... but...... which are the reasons of increased prices in the bicycle industry? Why everyone (or almoust everyone) lifted the prices of new bikes in the last year?

@ek8507 3 жыл бұрын

jack, as a dynamo enthusiast, do you think there will ever be a dynamo hub roundup? i'm dynacurious. and while i'm feeling hopeful, possibly an internally geared hub roundup?

@bikeradar 3 жыл бұрын

Dynocurious, incredible. It's unlikely we would run a back-to-back comparison of dynamo hubs but I am looking to commission a buyer's guide to dynamo lights for the site. Cheers!

@MW-ud8zp 3 жыл бұрын

I love your outfit!

@bikeradar 3 жыл бұрын

I have a passion for fashion 💅

@themoodyteam 3 жыл бұрын

@@bikeradar No pressure for your next vid then 😉

@themoodyteam 3 жыл бұрын

This ‘touring version’ in a model’s range is very European. Bergamont do something very similar. EDIT: Grandurance RD7

@jamesgilbertuk817 3 жыл бұрын

If you watch this in 480p, it really looks like something from the 90s

@Tom-mb7cf 3 жыл бұрын

This video is nerd approved 🤓

@TLDT 3 жыл бұрын

I almost couldnt believe what I was hearing when Jack said "my rock solid p....each"

@AleksanderKrawczyk 3 жыл бұрын

Rock solid peach

@vanityshared 2 жыл бұрын

Would you suggest these bike to women?

@lexington476 3 жыл бұрын

Is this channel based in Merry Old England 😎? If so, why are all the good bike KZfaq channels in England 😀?

@davidhardstaff8110 3 жыл бұрын

G M B N

@lexington476 3 жыл бұрын

@@davidhardstaff8110 yes they are, what about bikeradar?

@matt_brk 3 жыл бұрын

10:40 You state you've been using flat pedals, but pretty much every clip looks like a set of SPD pedals!

@bikeradar 3 жыл бұрын

Correct - we filmed everything in the one day with a clipless setup. But in testing I used flat pedals a little bit for maximum Instagram points. Cheers!

@poziom79 3 жыл бұрын

What a times...such price for aluminum bike...and, at least, Grail is still cheaper, probably lighter and with not so long reach if I remember correctly...

@crypto_que 3 жыл бұрын

Just gonna mention if you’re gonna say mountain bike that many times a bike with MTB Boost spacing is also a MTB. This one really does just have drop bars this time.