2016 Focus Izalco Max Disc Review by Dave Chong

Hi Paul,

I would like to send in my review of my Focus Izalco Max disc.  Sorry I took a while because of recent biz travel.

I was somewhat skeptical of the adoption of disc road, especially a race bike.  Disc road generally being heavier, comfort setup, disc brakes reliability and noise.  I guess these are standard concerns to be an early adopter to road disc.  I was contemplating between Tarmac disc and Izalco disc.  Eventually I took the bite on Izalco because such a great value with semi Dura-ace setup in your shop.  Gosh, I think I made the best bike purchase of the year.  First ride immediately concluded the bike is indeed worthy labelled as disc bike of 2016.

The ride was plush and yet stiff at BB to experience instantaneous acceleration.  Comparing against my titanium bike, I think my butt likes Izalco Max more.  The disc brakes set new grounds in road braking.  The brake bite is just so modulated and effective.  I tried on a wet day at Mt Faber and the braking at downhill ride was so much more consistent and predictable than rim brakes.  Definitely it is going to be my wet day bike as default.  The good tire space will enable 28mm and that will make the ride more forgiving on poor roads.

While Izalco Max disc is claimed to be lightest disc road frame, I find the complete bike build is relatively decent weighted at 7.6kg (with enve bar).  There is definitely potential to lighten up more with a new set of carbon wheels.  To make this conclusion after having it for 2 months, it has upgraded to be my main road bike in all-weather of Singapore and no more butt aches for Round Island rides.   Now I need to scout for a good set of lighter carbon disc wheels.  😉

Regards,
Dave