Focus Izalco Team Milram 2010 review

Long hours on the often bumpy roads proved no problem on the Izalco, leading us to conclude that the rear-end modifications are also a success for Focus. We got the distinct impression from the mechanics that the internal cabling was way too fiddly, but other than that, there seems very little for which to mark it down.
-
+
Improved ride thanks to new rear end
-
+
Light
-
+
Looks great
-
-
Fiddly internal cabling
You can trust Cycling Weekly.
Focus began its relationship with Team Milram in 2009 and this 2010 Focus Izalco is simply the result of listening to what the pros wanted. It's Focus's top trump, and identical to the bike that Milram's boys will be racing this season.
Gone are the oversized seatstays and integrated seatpost from 2009, replaced by a 27.2mm seatpost and much skinnier, flattened stays, to dampen a previously over-stiff rear end. Also removed are external cables in favour of internal routing within specially formed tubes, like veins, within the frame structure, reducing weight and improving aerodynamics. Visually the result is exceptionally neat.
Focus uses the highest grade, high-modular carbon, for the Milram edition, making for a very light and stiff frame, backed up by the immediately appreciable benefit of the BB30 bottom bracket and laterally very stiff, tapered 3T Funda Pro forks. SRAM Red as the running gear, and Lightweight Standards, are hard to surpass, although we grabbed a set of SRAM's new hybrid toroidal, aluminium S30AL Race wheels for our initial test.
Through a week in the Majorcan mountains, the new Izalco barely put a foot wrong. It climbs superbly; light and nimble with an impressive response to out-of-the-saddle efforts. During high-speed straight-line descending, the stiffness of the front end gave the odd twitch, but nothing alarming, and it pays you back with very precise steering through tight hairpins.
Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Get The Leadout Newsletter
The latest race content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, direct to your inbox!
Founded in 1891, Cycling Weekly and its team of expert journalists brings cyclists in-depth reviews, extensive coverage of both professional and domestic racing, as well as fitness advice and 'brew a cuppa and put your feet up' features. Cycling Weekly serves its audience across a range of platforms, from good old-fashioned print to online journalism, and video.
-
Romain Grégoire descends to take Tour de Suisse opening stage win
The 22 year-old Frenchman attacked the day’s final descent in pouring rain to win from a huge breakaway take the overall lead
By Owen Rogers Published
-
Tadej Pogačar wins the Critérium du Dauphiné as Lenny Martinez bags the final stage at Plateau du Mont-Cenis
Pogačar lays down a Tour de France marker, comfortably resisting a late attack from Jonas Vignegaard to take the overall honours
By Owen Rogers Published
-
Marlen Reusser wins Tour de Suisse Women final stage to take overall victory
Swiss rider leads the four day race from start to finish, taking GC and her second stage win with a tactically perfect attack
By Owen Rogers Published