180418_Focus_izalco_björn_4_as2.jpg
180418_Focus_izalco_björn_4_as2.jpg

Review: A FOCUS Izalco Max Disc bike build

Building a bike for sportives can be difficult because comfort and speed are both important. Using the Izalco Max Disc as a base was the perfect choice.

This year I am taking part in a few cyclosportives, with my biggest and most demanding happening in the Alps. To conquer these rides, I decided to build up a new bike that would be both fast and comfortable for the long multi-day tours.

FOCUS Izalco Max Disc Di2 frameset

I based my build on the current Izalco Max Disc Di2 frameset by FOCUS. Its light weight, freestyle paint job and comfortable carbon layup all attracted me to the bike. To keep power moving from legs straight to the drivetrain, the Izalco features a BB30 bottom bracket. Additionally, it is outfitted with flat mount disc brakes, which helps me keep the bike under control.

SRAM Red eTap HRD WiFLi groupset

Classic cables and cable housings can’t be found on this bike. The eTap groupset uses wireless technology to shift both the front and rear derailleur, and the bike stops with hydraulic disc brakes. Taking on rainy alpine passes can be a little hairy with rim brakes, so I am happy to be using the hydro discs with 160 mm rotors front and back to bring me to a safe stop. Especially useful, is the WiFLi rear derailleur, which allows me to ride an 11-32 tooth cassette. Perfect for the long climbs ahead of me.

The WiFLi rear derailleur allows me to ride an 11-32 tooth cassette.

QUARQ Red DZero Compact BB30 crankset

To optimise my training and to pace myself up the mountain, I’ve installed a QUARQ Red DZero power meter. It features double sided measurement, ANT+ & Bluetooth tech and +/- 1.5% precision. When getting ready to take on one of the sportives, the Red DZero helps me stay in my training zones so that I get the most out of each pedal stroke. What once was purely professional cycling tool, can now be bought by amateur riders at reasonable prices.

The 11-32 tooth SRAM Red WiFLi cassette.

11-32 tooth makes climbing steep grades much easier.

SRAM Red eTap front derailleur.

The eTap front derailleur looks clean and shifts like a charm.

The SRAM Red eTap rear derailleur.

Not seeing any cables is refreshing.

SRAM Red hydraulic disc brakes on 160 mm brake rotors.

The Red hydro disc brake calipers look super sleek and have top stopping power.

The QUARQ Red DZero power meter crankset.

The Red DZero keeps my training in check.

The SRAM Red eTap shifter.

Just a click and then you shift.

LEVELNINE Pro Team cockpit

The handlebars, stem and seatpost all come from LEVELNINE. On the lightweight aluminium stem are Pro Team Carbon bars, which offer a modern drop and reach for a comfortable riding position. The carbon seatpost is also great for damping road vibrations, making my ride even cushier.

Flechtwerk Disc wheel

My wheels are a pre-production version of the bc Flechtwerk Disc carbon clinchers. The deep, modern rim walls make the bike look good and better its aerodynamics. The inner rim width of 17.5 mm and outer of 24 mm help the entire bike roll smoothly. Their weight comes in at less than 1.5 kg with a Center Lock hub. Thru-axles connect the wheels to the bike resulting in stiff ride.

bike-components' pre-production Flechtwerk Disc wheels.

The carbon braided rim is beautiful.

bike-components' pre-production Flechtwerk Disc wheels.

Stiff and fast, these wheels have earned the bc logo.

The LEVELNINE carbon seatpost

A super comfy and lightweight carbon seatpost.

LEVELNINE aluminium stem.

The LEVELNINE stem is stiff and holds the bars securely.

Other parts

To round out the build, I used orange Lizard Skins handlebar tape, Continental 4000S II 25 mm tyres and tune Wasserträger 2.0 bottle cages. I am a real fan of the Fizik Arione R1 saddle, so I also put it on the bike as well as LOOK Kéo 2 Max Carbon clipless pedals. All these parts complete the bike, made for speed as well as comfort.

The FOCUS Izalco Di2 Disc Frameset.

A sleek logo.

The FOCUS Izalco Di2 Disc Frameset.

Those colours!

The FOCUS Izalco Di2 Disc Frameset.

The multi-coloured stripes really spice up the otherwise black frame.

Ready for it all

This bike is built up just the way I like it. It is perfect for training as well as the sportives I will be riding this year. A mix of speed and comfort make it great for long days in the saddle and even multi-day rides that will test me more than bike. Of course it doesn’t hurt that it looks real good too.