JAM 2 8.8 or 8.0 experiences?

[Calinca]

Hi Everyone I've been really enjoying my EMTB.
My husband has some chronic elbow and shoulder issues but has been steadily recovering. So I want to surprise him with his own EMTB. My main issue is COMFORT. I want it to be a comfortable ride, he wont ride nothing extreme, but our home trails tend to have loose rocks, can be steep and are irregular tractor/fire roads.
I'm considering the Focus JAM2 8.8
Size L or XL (He is 187 cm with 88 inseam and 105 Kg)
Not really sure about sizing larger is supposed to be more stable, does it mean more comfortable as well in detriment to less maneuverability
Focus JAM2 8.8
Carbon frame around 25 Kg
Reach 485 mm
160 mm / 150 mm
FOX 36 Float Rhythm + FOX Float DPS
Magura MT5
XT

Any experiences with 8.0 carbon models?
Sizing wise I think it's the same geometry has the Jam2- 6.9
THANK YOU!!

 

[RustyMTB]

None on this generation of Jam2 but on geometry, the Jam has a 450mm chainstay length across all sizes which is relatively short. The effect is to make the bike fairly nimble on the trail but also a little prone to lifting the front wheel on steeper terrain. It's not a fault but a feature. Some people like it, others prefer a longer wheelbase & the stability that goes with that.

 

[Calinca]

None on this generation of Jam2 but on geometry, the Jam has a 450mm chainstay length across all sizes which is relatively short. The effect is to make the bike fairly nimble on the trail but also a little prone to lifting the front wheel on steeper terrain. It's not a fault but a feature. Some people like it, others prefer a longer wheelbase & the stability that goes with that.

HI Rusty

So probably XL will be better, more stable in general and you can always make the reach a bit smaller if necessary.

Thanks

 

[RustyMTB]

Maybe but it won't change the fundamental characteristic of the bike.

 

[Calinca]

Maybe but it won't change the fundamental characteristic of the bike.

From this you mean it's not Comfortable bike?considering the shorter chainstay and the front wheel lift tendency? is that it?

 

[irie]

HI Rusty

So probably XL will be better, more stable in general and you can always make the reach a bit smaller if necessary.

Thanks

Correct.

 

[RustyMTB]

From this you mean it's not Comfortable bike?considering the shorter chainstay and the front wheel lift tendency? is that it?

No, it's a comfortable bike if you buy the right size for the rider. I'm pointing out that Jams in any size come with a fixed length chain stay at 450mm & that gives it the characteristics I mentioned above. It has a relatively short wheelbase & that makes it prone to front wheel lift in steep climbs, that's all.

 

[steve_sordy]

@Calinca I can understand the joy for you of a surprise purchase when buying a bike for your husband, the "big reveal" is great fun. But the sizing of a bike is so important that you really need to get it right. Consider this:

Go to the bike shop and do the deal for the bike you believe is the right one. Tell them that this is conditional on it fitting your husband, the alternative is a different size or a different model of the same bike. The bike shop will want a happy customer as well as a sale. If they are not interested in working with you, then maybe you should go elsewhere!

While out shopping, you could wander in with your husband and say something like "Hey that looks nice, why not sit on it to see if it fits....." (Or something like that). Once he has a bike that he likes, tell him its already paid for. "SURPRISE!"

 

[Calinca]

HI thank you for your input. I'll have a talk with the bike shop this week. But the bikes shops here most 3500€ online bikes cost at least a 1000 more, that it's a lot, then again having the wrong size will be a problem as well.
I've got stores nearby with specialized, cube, cannondale, scott, orbea, moonraker. No Focus. But @steve_sordy do you have any FOCUS experience???

 

[steve_sordy]

...............
I've got stores nearby with specialized, cube, cannondale, scott, orbea, moonraker. No Focus. But @steve_sordy do you have any FOCUS experience???

Yes, in Jan'19, I bought a 2019 Focus Jam2 9.6 NINE (a carbon framed 29er). It had a Shimano e8000 motor and a non-removeable battery in the frame. I sold it in Aug'21 with almost 3100 miles on it (nearly 5000km). The battery was a Focus battery and charger. I had some problems with the charger not liking to be below 10 degC, but once I had that changed the ownership experience was faultless. No problems with the motor, the bike or the battery. It was my first emtb and I thought that it was a beautiful looking bike. The Shimano motor made me feel like I was just having a good day on the bike (but when I was ten years younger!)
Focus have made quite a few changes to the Jam2 since 2019 and I have no comment, good or bad, to make because I have not looked at reviews or ridden one.

Caution: The one thing I learned about riding that bike was that I don't suit a 29" rear wheel. When I get off the saddle when descending, the tyre would buzz my shorts. I had to ride with a mudguard to prevent my gentleman's area from being abraded. My next bike had a 27.5" rear wheel and a 29" front wheel. You should get your husband to check that when he is trying the bike.