REVIEW

Focus Urban 8

Author: Wizard Posted: 2012-07-14

Buffer

The first ride on the new Focus Urban 8 commuter bike was positive. Quick, responsive, sturdy/durable feel, not to mention extremely efficient, the Urban 8 was impressive. Schwalbe Kojaks coupled with the Gates carbon belt make for a smooth and quiet ride. Tackling hills is actually fun again thanks to the Shimano Alfine 8 speed internal hub. The single speed bikes, I must admit, are not always the most pleasurable to take up hills. Hydraulic disc brakes provide easy stopping while protecting the coloring of the rim.  Focus bikes production facilities are based out of Cloppenburg, Germany and started up in 1992. Craftsmenship and attention to minor details are definitely noticeable on this bike. From the chain guard cover (pant protection) to high quality welds, the Urban 8 certainly seems like it provides a quality package for the money. The 2013 model comes in at $1900, while the 2012 edition costs a mere $1400. I was able to get a  few extra hundred taken off thanks to this being a closeout model! So I really do feel as if I got a bargain for this particular bike. I know this is a bike I'll have for quite sometime.

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