FocusIzalco Max
Focus's race bike, which the brand pitches as a fast all-rounder balancing aerodynamics, stiffness and low weight. The fourth generation launched in October 2023 with truncated NACA tube shapes, a claimed 865 g frame in the top 9-series carbon and a claimed 6.6 W saving over its predecessor. For model year 2026 the 9-series builds gained a one-piece Reserve carbon cockpit, deeper carbon wheels and a power meter on every model.
- From
- €8,499€8,499€8,499
- Builds
- 3
- Sizes
- 7
- Frame weight
- 865 g30.5 oz
Design sketch, generated from the manufacturer's photo
Our verdict
Overall
out of 100, average of 7 categories
A light, well-priced race bike that balances aero and weight rather than chasing the last watt, now with a one-piece Reserve cockpit and a power meter on every 9-series build. You trade a 2023 frame with 30 mm tyre clearance, one stock cockpit size per frame, a press-fit bottom bracket and several Focus-specific parts.
Scored Oct 2026
- + Light
- + Premium frame
- + Top-tier build kit
AI-drafted from the specs on this page and reviewed before publishing. Scores are relative to every bike in the catalog when they were given, so they drop as newer bikes and parts raise the bar.
- Aero
- 80/100
- Frame
- 88/100
- Components
- 82/100
- Fit
- 72/100
- Practicality
- 66/100
- Price
- 80/100
- Weight
- 94/100
Aero claims and front-end integration
Carbon grade, weight and warranty
Groupset, wheels and power meter
Sizes and adjustment range
Travel, standard parts, servicing
From the cheapest complete-bike MSRP
From the lightest claimed weight (7.1 kg, size M)
Bike duel
Reviews
3 independent reviews of the Focus Izalco Max.
- WrittenSimon von BromleyTested: 9.8 (2024, Ultegra Di2)4.5/5
- WrittenJack EvansTested: 9.9 (2024)
- WrittenMartin Staffa
Frame & platform
Frame & fork
- Frame material
- Carbon ('MAX technology', 9 series)
- Fork material
- Carbon (same fork on the 8 and 9 series)
- Frame weight
- 865 g30.5 oz
- Weight measured on
- Frame, size M (9 series), as reported by BikeRadar from Focus's launch figures; Focus's product pages list 865 g without a size
- Max system weight
- 110 kg242.5 lb
- Frame sizes
- XXS (470), XS (500), S (520), M (540), L (560), XL (580), XXL (610)
- Colours
- Grey (9.9), Purple (9.8), Black or Silver (9.7)
- Also available as
- Izalco Max 8 series with a heavier carbon frame (1,050 g claimed)
- UCI frame approval
- On the UCI list of approved framesets as 'IZALCO MAX G4' (code DCW-IZ06) and 'IZALCO MAX G4 V2' (code DCW-IZ07), both approved 7 Jul 2021 in sizes XXS-XXL (7) (UCI list version 2026.10.02); the list doesn't say which entry is the 9 series
Compatibility & standards
- Brake type
- Hydraulic disc, flat mount (160 mm front, 140 mm rear mount)
- Max rotor size
- 160 mm
- Wheel size
- 700c
- Max tire width
- 30 mm
- Bottom bracket standard
- BB86 press-fit (86.5 mm)
- Front axle
- 12x100 thru-axle (117 mm, M12x1.75)
- Rear axle
- 12x142 thru-axle (169 mm, M12x1.75)
- Drivetrain compatibility
- All road groupsets, electronic or mechanical; designed for 2x but 1x is possible
- Mechanical shifting possible
- Yes
- 1x compatible
- Yes
- Max chainring
- 54T
- Front derailleur mount
- Braze-on, not removable
- Cable routing
- Internal through the Focus C.I.S. headset system
- Electronic battery location
- Internal battery mount
Fit & adjustability
- Cockpit
- One-piece Reserve carbon bar and stem on the MY2026 9-series builds (earlier and 8-series bikes use the Focus C.I.S. aluminium stem with a separate bar)
- Seatpost type
- Focus Aero Carbon D-shape seatpost, internal clamp; 0 mm setback on XXS-L and 15 mm on XL-XXL
- Fit notes
- Dealers supply the Reserve cockpit in the stock size for each frame (80-120 mm stem, 380-420 mm bar); Focus says Reserve will sell further combinations, some with narrower bars. Bikes ship with 35 mm of spacers. The C.I.S. stem comes in 70-120 mm lengths and can be swapped without removing cables. A 0 mm setback seatpost also comes in a 400 mm length.
Aerodynamics
- Manufacturer aero claims
- 6.6 W less drag at 45 km/h than the previous Izalco Max, about 1:45-1:47 quicker over 45 km (launch figures as reported by BikeRadar and Gran Fondo)
- Testing method
- CFD and wind tunnel (BikeRadar)
- Tube profile
- Truncated NACA-shaped tubes
Travel, maintenance & warranty
- Headset bearings
- Acros IS52 top and bottom (integrated C.I.S.)
- Derailleur hanger
- Focus-specific hanger; a Shimano direct-mount hanger is also listed
- Maintenance
- Disc mounts are flat mount 160 mm front and 140 mm rear (160 mm rotors stock on larger sizes). No mounts for mudguards or racks.
- Proprietary parts
- Reserve one-piece cockpit, C.I.S. stem and headset parts, D-shape seatpost, derailleur hanger
- Frame warranty
- 6-year warranty on the carbon frame and fork for the original owner (2 years on paint)
- Sold via
- Through Focus dealers, and online from Focus in some countries (e.g. Germany)
Photos
Design sketches
Builds & components
Highlighted rows differ between builds. Green marks the best value.
Izalco Max 9.9 | Izalco Max 9.8 | Izalco Max 9.7 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overview | |||
| Price (MSRP) | €8,499€8,499€8,499 | €6,799€6,799€6,799 | €5,999€5,999€5,999 |
| Weight | 7.1 kg15.7 lb | 7.7 kg17 lb | 7.5 kg16.5 lb |
| Weight measured on size | M | M | M |
| Type | Complete bike | Complete bike | Complete bike |
| Notes | Colour Grey. Claimed weight without pedals. EUR price from Focus's German shop; the UK shop lists the bike without a price. | Colour Purple. Claimed weight without pedals. EUR price from Focus's German shop; the UK shop lists the bike without a price. | Colours Black and Silver. Claimed weight without pedals. EUR price from Focus's German shop; the UK shop lists the bike without a price. |
| Drivetrain | |||
| Groupset | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200 | SRAM Force AXS E1 | Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100 |
| Launched | 2021 · current generation | 2025 · current generation | 2021 · current generation |
| Speeds | 12-speed | 12-speed | 12-speed |
| Electronic | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Wireless | — | Yes | — |
| Drivetrain | 2x | 2x | 2x |
| Shifters | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 ST-R9270 | SRAM Force AXS E1 | Shimano Ultegra Di2 ST-R8170 |
| Notes | Combined shift and hydraulic brake levers | Combined shift and hydraulic brake levers | Combined shift and hydraulic brake levers |
| Crankset | Shimano Dura-Ace R9200 | SRAM Force AXS Power Meter | Shimano Ultegra R8100 |
| Chainrings | 52/36 | 48/35 | 52/36 |
| Crank lengths available | 165 mm (XXS-XS), 170 mm (S-L), 172.5 mm (XL), 175 mm (XXL) | 165 mm (XXS-XS), 170 mm (S-L), 172.5 mm (XL), 175 mm (XXL) | 165 mm (XXS-XS), 170 mm (S-L), 172.5 mm (XL), 175 mm (XXL) |
| Power meter | 4iiii Precision | SRAM Force AXS Power Meter | 4iiii Precision |
| Bottom bracket | Shimano Dura-Ace | SRAM DUB PF86 | Shimano Pressfit BB86 |
| Standard | BB86 press-fit | BB86 press-fit | BB86 press-fit |
| Front derailleur | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9250 | SRAM Force AXS E1 | Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8150 |
| Rear derailleur | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9250 | SRAM Force AXS E1 | Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8150 |
| Cassette | Shimano Dura-Ace R9200 | SRAM Force XG-1270 | Shimano Ultegra R8101 |
| Range | 11-34 | 10-33 | 11-34 |
| Speeds | 12-speed | 12-speed | 12-speed |
| Chain | Shimano CN-M9100 | SRAM Force E1 | Shimano CN-M8100 |
| Brakes | |||
| Brake calipers | Shimano Dura-Ace BR-R9270 | SRAM Force E1 | Shimano Ultegra BR-R8170 |
| Type | Hydraulic disc, flat mount | Hydraulic disc, flat mount | Hydraulic disc, flat mount |
| Rotors | Shimano RT-CL900 | SRAM Paceline | Shimano RT-CL800 |
| Front rotor | 160 mm | 160 mm | 160 mm |
| Rear rotor | 140 mm | 140 mm | 160 mm |
| Mount | Center Lock | — | Center Lock |
| Notes | 160 mm rear on XL-XXL | 160 mm rear on XL-XXL | — |
| Wheels & tires | |||
| Wheelset | DT Swiss ARC 1400 Dicut | DT Swiss ARC 1600 Dicut | Reserve 40|44 Road |
| Front rim depth | 55 mm | 55 mm | 40 mm |
| Rear rim depth | 55 mm | 55 mm | 44 mm |
| Internal rim width | 22 mm | 22 mm | 25 mm |
| Material | Carbon | Carbon | Carbon |
| Notes | — | — | Internal width 25.5 mm front, 25 mm rear |
| Tires | Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR | Vittoria Corsa Pro TLR | Vittoria Corsa N.EXT TLR |
| Tire width | 28 mm | 28 mm | 29 mm |
| Notes | — | — | Listed by Focus as Corsa N.EXT wide |
| Cockpit | |||
| Handlebar | Reserve One-Piece Cockpit | Reserve One-Piece Cockpit | Reserve One-Piece Cockpit |
| Type | One-piece bar and stem | One-piece bar and stem | One-piece bar and stem |
| Integrated stem | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Widths available | 380 mm (XXS-S), 400 mm (M-L), 420 mm (XL-XXL); stem 80-120 mm by size | 380 mm (XXS-S), 400 mm (M-L), 420 mm (XL-XXL); stem 80-120 mm by size | 380 mm (XXS-S), 400 mm (M-L), 420 mm (XL-XXL); stem 80-120 mm by size |
| Bar reach | 75 mm | 75 mm | 75 mm |
| Bar drop | 125 mm | 125 mm | 125 mm |
| Flare | 6° | 6° | 6° |
| Material | Carbon | Carbon | Carbon |
| Weight | 330 g11.6 oz | 330 g11.6 oz | 330 g11.6 oz |
| Notes | Focus quotes 330 g raw. The spec list gives a -6° stem angle, Focus's FAQ -10°. | Focus quotes 330 g raw. The spec list gives a -6° stem angle, Focus's FAQ -10°. | Focus quotes 330 g raw. The spec list gives a -6° stem angle, Focus's FAQ -10°. |
| Headset | Acros IS52/IS52 (ICR), FOCUS C.I.S. | Acros IS52/IS52 (ICR), FOCUS C.I.S. | Acros IS52/IS52 (ICR), FOCUS C.I.S. |
| Saddle & seatpost | |||
| Saddle | Fizik Vento Antares R1 Lite | Fizik Vento Antares R5 | Fizik Vento Antares R5 |
| Seatpost | Focus Aero Carbon D-shape | Focus Aero Carbon D-shape | Focus Aero Carbon D-shape |
| Offset / setback | 0 mm (XXS-L), 15 mm (XL-XXL) | 0 mm (XXS-L), 15 mm (XL-XXL) | 0 mm (XXS-L), 15 mm (XL-XXL) |
| Material | Carbon | Carbon | Carbon |
Real-world weight
Scale weights of the Izalco Max from reviewers, next to Focus's claim.
| What | Measured | Claimed | Measured by |
|---|---|---|---|
| Complete bikeSize 56 · 2024 Izalco Max 9.8 spec (Shimano Ultegra Di2, DT Swiss ERC 1600 Dicut 45 wheels), not the current build | 7.9 kg17.4 lb | — | BikeRadar2024-05 |
Ownership checklist
2 of 4 known checks pass. Why these checks
- ✕
Threaded bottom bracket
BB86 press-fit (86.5 mm)
- ✕
UDH derailleur hanger
Focus-specific hanger; a Shimano direct-mount hanger is also listed
- ✓
Standard 12×142 mm rear axle
12x142 thru-axle (169 mm, M12x1.75)
- ✓
Works with mechanical shifting
Izalco Max geometry
| XXS | XS | S | M | L | XL | XXL | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stack | 500 mm19.7″ | 513 mm20.2″ | 531 mm20.9″ | 552 mm21.7″ | 571 mm22.5″ | 592 mm23.3″ | 611 mm24.1″ |
| Reach | 370 mm14.6″ | 375 mm14.8″ | 378 mm14.9″ | 380 mm15″ | 399 mm15.7″ | 401 mm15.8″ | 420 mm16.5″ |
| Seat tube angle | 75° | 74.5° | 74° | 73.5° | 73.5° | 73° | 73° |
| Head tube angle | 70° | 71° | 72° | 72.5° | 72.5° | 73° | 73° |
| Head tube length | 90 mm3.5″ | 100 mm3.9″ | 115 mm4.5″ | 135 mm5.3″ | 155 mm6.1″ | 175 mm6.9″ | 195 mm7.7″ |
| Effective top tube | 505 mm19.9″ | 517 mm20.4″ | 530 mm20.9″ | 543 mm21.4″ | 568 mm22.4″ | 582 mm22.9″ | 607 mm23.9″ |
| Seat tube length | 455 mm17.9″ | 475 mm18.7″ | 495 mm19.5″ | 515 mm20.3″ | 535 mm21.1″ | 555 mm21.9″ | 585 mm23″ |
| Chainstay | 410 mm16.1″ | 410 mm16.1″ | 410 mm16.1″ | 410 mm16.1″ | 410 mm16.1″ | 410 mm16.1″ | 410 mm16.1″ |
| Wheelbase | 975 mm38.4″ | 976 mm38.4″ | 975 mm38.4″ | 979 mm38.5″ | 1,004 mm39.5″ | 1,008 mm39.7″ | 1,033 mm40.7″ |
| BB drop | 72 mm2.8″ | 72 mm2.8″ | 72 mm2.8″ | 72 mm2.8″ | 72 mm2.8″ | 72 mm2.8″ | 72 mm2.8″ |
| Fork length | 371.5 mm14.6″ | 371.5 mm14.6″ | 371.5 mm14.6″ | 371.5 mm14.6″ | 371.5 mm14.6″ | 371.5 mm14.6″ | 371.5 mm14.6″ |
| Fork offset | 46 mm1.8″ | 46 mm1.8″ | 46 mm1.8″ | 46 mm1.8″ | 46 mm1.8″ | 46 mm1.8″ | 46 mm1.8″ |
| Standover | 746 mm29.4″ | 762 mm30″ | 778 mm30.6″ | 795 mm31.3″ | 814 mm32″ | 835 mm32.9″ | 857 mm33.7″ |
| Wheel size | 700c | 700c | 700c | 700c | 700c | 700c | 700c |
| Crank length | 165 mm6.5″ | 165 mm6.5″ | 170 mm6.7″ | 170 mm6.7″ | 170 mm6.7″ | 172.5 mm6.8″ | 175 mm6.9″ |
| Stem length | 80 mm3.1″ | 90 mm3.5″ | 100 mm3.9″ | 110 mm4.3″ | 110 mm4.3″ | 120 mm4.7″ | 120 mm4.7″ |
| Handlebar width | 380 mm15″ | 380 mm15″ | 380 mm15″ | 400 mm15.7″ | 400 mm15.7″ | 420 mm16.5″ | 420 mm16.5″ |
Side view
Drawn to scale (how to read it).
How the geometry rides
The Izalco Max in size M against the middle size of 65 other bikes: tendencies from geometry, not a ride review (how to read this).
- Wheelbase979 mm38.5″
shortestlonger than 19% of 65 bikeslongest
Short wheelbase: tends to feel more agile in corners and less planted on long straights.
- Chainstay410 mm16.1″
shortestlonger than 63% of 73 bikeslongest
Good to know
Aerodynamics
In TOUR's wind tunnel the 2023 version needed 222 W, which bike-magazin.de names as a weak point that the one-piece cockpit is meant to address.
SourceFit
From model year 2026 the 0 mm setback seatpost is standard on XXS-L and the 15 mm setback post on XL-XXL; earlier bikes came with the 15 mm post on every size. Both fit Izalco Max frames from MY19 on.
SourceCompatibility
Maximum chainrings: 54/40 (43.5 mm chainline, Shimano) or 50/37 (45 mm, SRAM) for 2x and 50 teeth for 1x per the MY24 exploded drawing; the FAQ gives 54/41. Tyres up to 30 mm, keeping 4 mm clearance.
SourceHistory
The fourth-generation Izalco Max launched in October 2023 as a 2024 model. Focus called it its fastest road bike yet; the size M 9-series frame is 56 g lighter than its predecessor, and changes at the seat stays leave more seatpost exposed so it can flex over bumps.
SourceVersions
For model year 2026 the frame was unchanged but the 9-series builds switched from the C.I.S. stem and separate bar to a one-piece Reserve carbon cockpit, gained a power meter on every model and new DT Swiss and Reserve carbon wheels.
Source
Izalco Max FAQ
Is the Focus Izalco Max UCI legal?+
Yes. The Focus Izalco Max is UCI legal, so it can be raced in UCI-sanctioned road races.
How much does the Focus Izalco Max cost?+
Manufacturer prices (MSRP): €5,999–€8,499 across 3 listed builds and framesets: Izalco Max 9.9, Izalco Max 9.8 and Izalco Max 9.7.
How much does the Focus Izalco Max weigh?+
The lightest complete build listed (Izalco Max 9.9) weighs 7.1 kg (15.7 lb) in size M. The frame weighs 865 g (30.5 oz) (Frame, size M (9 series), as reported by BikeRadar from Focus's launch figures; Focus's product pages list 865 g without a size).
What sizes does the Focus Izalco Max come in?+
7 sizes: XXS, XS, S, M, L, XL and XXL.
What is the tire clearance of the Focus Izalco Max?+
Up to 30 mm tires on 700c wheels.
Which groupsets are compatible with the Focus Izalco Max?+
Drivetrain compatibility: All road groupsets, electronic or mechanical; designed for 2x but 1x is possible. Mechanical shifting can be fitted. 1x drivetrains are supported. The largest chainring that fits is 54T. Bottom bracket: BB86 press-fit (86.5 mm).
What builds of the Focus Izalco Max are available?+
Izalco Max 9.9: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 R9200; Izalco Max 9.8: SRAM Force AXS E1; Izalco Max 9.7: Shimano Ultegra Di2 R8100.
What warranty does the Focus Izalco Max frame have?+
6-year warranty on the carbon frame and fork for the original owner (2 years on paint)
Is the Focus Izalco Max aerodynamic?+
6.6 W less drag at 45 km/h than the previous Izalco Max, about 1:45-1:47 quicker over 45 km (launch figures as reported by BikeRadar and Gran Fondo) (CFD and wind tunnel (BikeRadar))
Sources
- https://www.focus-bikes.com/int/izalco-max-9-9
- https://www.focus-bikes.com/int/izalco-max-9-8
- https://www.focus-bikes.com/int/izalco-max-9-7
- https://www.focus-bikes.com/de_de/izalco-max-9-9
- https://www.focus-bikes.com/de_de/izalco-max-9-8
- https://www.focus-bikes.com/de_de/izalco-max-9-7
- https://www.focus-bikes.com/gb_en/izalco-max-9-9
- https://www.focus-bikes.com/int/bikes/road/izalco-max
- https://cdn1-originals.webdamdb.com/13269_153430812?cache=1698225699&response-content-disposition=inline;filename=FOCUS_MY24_Explo_Web_Izalco-Max_PP2304_9S_231025.pdf&response-content-type=application/pdf&Policy=eyJTdGF0ZW1lbnQiOlt7IlJlc291cmNlIjoiaHR0cCo6Ly9jZG4xLW9yaWdpbmFscy53ZWJkYW1kYi5jb20vMTMyNjlfMTUzNDMwODEyP2NhY2hlPTE2OTgyMjU2OTkmcmVzcG9uc2UtY29udGVudC1kaXNwb3NpdGlvbj1pbmxpbmU7ZmlsZW5hbWU9Rk9DVVNfTVkyNF9FeHBsb19XZWJfSXphbGNvLU1heF9QUDIzMDRfOVNfMjMxMDI1LnBkZiZyZXNwb25zZS1jb250ZW50LXR5cGU9YXBwbGljYXRpb24vcGRmIiwiQ29uZGl0aW9uIjp7IkRhdGVMZXNzVGhhbiI6eyJBV1M6RXBvY2hUaW1lIjoyMTQ3NDE0NDAwfX19XX0_&Signature=JBXra4psPKQleEVj9Y6MUvuexwAm4Bz3dGsvtaQ0jhDolocFUDqVuKdZ0Rf138jJvtuA6RSrvNSFITyWDyvJL4Ls4JEORApTANygj0o545sXy8Qb7Oai-UUaekB-4L9hi2lLyplh1x6Gw2BoM3APLdoRsn0tpmrB4AWRABK-~T6-Sdk1QYKUqy50J4n5nGJRNMhzeL-P4z3KRjTyaNg2PoqSXSUJGZ4ZeGZRO~j9IsRDmPv3D-Co7-o6TDitiNKNQb0B0ud7yZbefdzZQ-a3cc6JQeD0L8HdhExTnxyqfu4YK2-eOnno9aT1XdurviFtL-c2vVnFbq6XJxgix6m0pA__&Key-Pair-Id=APKAI2ASI2IOLRFF2RHA
- https://www.focus-bikes.com/int/service/warranty
- https://www.bikeradar.com/news/2024-focus-izalco-max
- https://granfondo-cycling.com/focus-izalco-max-g4-review/
- https://www.bike-magazin.de/en/bicycles/racing-bikes/aero-road-bike/focus-izalco-max-competition-bike-gets-component-updates-what-s-new/
- https://assets.ctfassets.net/761l7gh5x5an/7jA9krKzzy3lRXPzlm4uyn/7982d7114b9d62978cb87876ea476535/58780c70-6247-4448-8384-b145fa30aba9.pdf
- https://www.bikeradar.com/reviews/bikes/road-bikes/focus-izalco-max-9-8-review
Focus Izalco Max data last updated · How the data is checked ·