Highlights based on this e-bike’s specs, comparisons and practical strengths.
100
Excellent battery efficiency
The bike appears to get strong range from its battery size.
The bike appears to get strong range from its battery size.
The calculated range per battery unit is 100.53.
88
Excellent rider information and controls
The included display or control unit should give useful ride information and control.
The included display or control unit should give useful ride information and control.
Multiple ride modes should give the rider more control over assistance levels.
Torque and cadence sensing should improve how precisely the bike responds to rider input.
87
Excellent smooth power delivery
Torque and cadence sensing should help the motor deliver more natural and controlled assistance.
Torque and cadence sensing should help the motor deliver more natural and controlled assistance.
Multiple ride modes should help riders choose a smoother level of assistance.
The included display or control unit should make it easier to manage assistance levels.
86
Excellent downhill control
Front and rear suspension should improve control and confidence on descents.
Front and rear suspension should improve control and confidence on descents.
Hydraulic disc brakes should provide controlled braking on descents.
The mountain bike design should be better suited to controlled descending.
83
Good rough-road comfort
Front and rear suspension should significantly improve comfort on rough roads and uneven surfaces.
Front and rear suspension should significantly improve comfort on rough roads and uneven surfaces.
The larger wheel size should help roll over bumps and rough surfaces more smoothly.
The mountain bike format is generally better suited to rougher terrain.
Hydraulic disc brakes add useful control on rougher routes.
The bike weight may help it feel more planted over rough surfaces.
Frame material is listed as aluminium, which gives useful comfort and build context.
79
Good off-road capability
The mountain bike design should be well suited to off-road riding.
The mountain bike design should be well suited to off-road riding.
Front and rear suspension should improve control and comfort off-road.
Hydraulic disc brakes should help with control on loose or uneven terrain.
Torque is low compared with similar e-bikes, which may limit off-road climbing support.
The 27.5-inch wheel size is a strong option for off-road control and manoeuvrability.
76
Good braking confidence
Hydraulic disc brakes should provide strong and controlled stopping power.
75
Good technical trail control
The mountain bike design is well suited to technical trail control.
The mountain bike design is well suited to technical trail control.
Front and rear suspension should significantly improve control on technical trails.
Hydraulic disc brakes should provide the control needed for technical trail riding.
The 27.5-inch wheel size should help balance control and manoeuvrability.
Torque is low compared with similar e-bikes, which may limit technical climbing and control.
Torque-sensing assistance should help with smoother control on technical sections.
Multiple ride modes should help the rider manage assistance on technical trails.
68
Mixed trail control
The mountain bike format should feel well suited to trail riding.
The mountain bike format should feel well suited to trail riding.
Front and rear suspension should improve control on uneven trails.
Hydraulic disc brakes should improve control on loose or uneven trails.
The 27.5-inch wheel size should balance manoeuvrability and trail control.
Torque is low compared with similar e-bikes, which may limit control on steeper or looser trail sections.
Torque-sensing assistance should help with smoother power control on trails.
62
Mixed stable ride feel
The mountain bike format should feel stable on uneven or rougher routes.
The mountain bike format should feel stable on uneven or rougher routes.
The bike weight should help it feel more planted and settled on the road.
The larger wheel size should support a more stable and settled ride feel.
Hydraulic disc brakes should add confidence and control to the overall ride feel.
Suspension should help the bike feel more settled over uneven surfaces.
Frame material is listed as aluminium, which gives useful build and ride-feel context.
Overview
The Focus SAM² 6.8 2020 is a mountain bike designed for trail riding, offering a balanced mix of comfort and performance on rough terrain. Its front and rear suspension, combined with smooth motor support from a torque and cadence sensor, makes it a comfortable and controlled ride on uneven surfaces. While the motor provides adequate assistance for moderate climbs, its lower power and torque may feel less punchy on steeper inclines. The bike's efficient battery use delivers a reasonable range for shorter adventures, though its relatively small battery and slow charging time mean it's better suited for day trips rather than long rides. Hydraulic disc brakes offer confident stopping power, and the aluminium frame keeps the bike feeling lively for its weight.
Best For
✓
This mountain e-bike should suit riders who enjoy trail riding and want a balance of comfort and control on rougher terrain. Its smooth power delivery and responsive assistance make it a good choice for riders who value natural effort-to-power feedback. The front and rear suspension, combined with confident braking, should appeal to those seeking a stable and capable ride on uneven surfaces. Riders prioritising off-road capability and comfort over long-range or lightweight performance may find this bike particularly well-suited to their needs.
Who Should Avoid It
×
Riders seeking stronger hill-climbing performance or longer range may want to compare alternatives, as the motor power and battery capacity are below average for similar mountain e-bikes. Riders who prioritize fast charging or need a more powerful motor for aggressive trail performance could find stronger options in the same category. However, the bike still offers smooth power delivery and good off-road comfort, which may suit riders focused on trail control and ride quality over raw power or endurance.
Ownership considerations
These points highlight practical ownership factors such as maintenance, storage, charging, everyday
handling and bad-weather usability.
19
More maintenance likely
Poor
Chain drive is common and serviceable, but needs more cleaning and lubrication than a belt drive.
Chain drive is common and serviceable, but needs more cleaning and lubrication than a belt drive.
Hydraulic disc brakes are a strong everyday setup, though they may need occasional specialist servicing.
Tyres are listed, but there is no clear puncture-protection signal.
The aluminium frame material is practical for everyday use and general maintenance.
The mountain bike format may involve more wear from rougher riding and more complex components.
A higher number of gears can add drivetrain complexity.
Front and rear suspension can add maintenance complexity.
0
Limited storage practicality
Poor
The frame does not appear to fold, so storage will depend more on size and weight.
The frame does not appear to fold, so storage will depend more on size and weight.
A full-suspension mountain bike format is usually bulkier and harder to store indoors.
21
Harder to lift
Poor
The bike weight is average for this type of e-bike.
The bike weight is average for this type of e-bike.
The listed weight is 24.3 kg.
The aluminium frame material is a practical lightweight choice for many e-bikes.
The mountain bike format can be bulkier and harder to lift than simpler urban e-bikes.
11
No removable battery advantage
Poor
The battery does not appear to be removable, so the whole bike may need to be near a charging point.
The battery does not appear to be removable, so the whole bike may need to be near a charging point.
This bike type can be larger or heavier, so a removable battery adds useful charging flexibility.
The longer charging time makes it more useful to charge the battery separately from the bike.
0
Very slow charging speed
Poor
Charging time is longer than average for this type of e-bike.
Charging time is longer than average for this type of e-bike.
The quoted charging time is long in absolute terms.
100
Excellent battery efficiency
Excellent
The bike appears to get strong range from its battery size.
The bike appears to get strong range from its battery size.
The calculated range per battery unit is 100.53.
44
Some everyday equipment gaps
Weak
The included display or control unit adds useful ride information for daily use.
The included display or control unit adds useful ride information for daily use.
Multiple ride modes should help adapt the bike to different everyday journeys.
Hydraulic disc brakes are useful equipment for confident daily riding.
53
Mixed bad-weather practicality
Mixed
Hydraulic disc brakes should provide better control and confidence in wet conditions.
Hydraulic disc brakes should provide better control and confidence in wet conditions.
Built-in lights are not listed, so bad-weather visibility may depend on extra accessories.
The mountain bike format should offer useful control on rough or slippery surfaces.
Suspension can help control and comfort on rough, wet or uneven surfaces.
The bike weight may help it feel more planted in wet or windy conditions.
The wheel size should be workable for regular poor-weather riding, depending on tyre choice.
Frame material is listed as aluminium, which gives useful durability and maintenance context.
14
Limited family utility practicality
Poor
The listed maximum payload is practical for lighter utility use.
The listed maximum payload is practical for lighter utility use.
The listed maximum payload is 120 kg.
Hydraulic disc brakes are useful when carrying children, shopping or heavier loads.
350W more power32 miles less range7 Ah more battery0 kg heavierSame gears
Potential limitations
Areas where this e-bike may be less strong based on its specs and comparisons.
0
Limited motor punch
Motor power is low compared with similar e-bikes.
Motor power is low compared with similar e-bikes.
Torque is below average for this type of e-bike.
Power-to-weight is low.
Torque-sensing assistance should make the motor response feel more natural.
The calculated power-to-weight score is 10.29.
0
Not ideal for steep hills
Torque is below average for this type of e-bike.
Torque is below average for this type of e-bike.
Power-to-weight is low.
Motor power is low compared with similar e-bikes.
The torque-sensing assistance should help the bike respond more naturally on climbs.
The bike has 10 or more gears, which should help on varied climbs.
The calculated power-to-weight score is 10.29.
0
Limited commuting practicality
The mountain bike format is less commuting-focused and may be less efficient for daily urban use.
The mountain bike format is less commuting-focused and may be less efficient for daily urban use.
Range is low compared with similar e-bikes, which may limit commuting flexibility.
Charging time is longer than average, which may be less convenient for daily use.
Built-in lights are not listed, so commuting equipment may need adding.
A non-removable battery can make charging less flexible.
The display or control unit should make it easier to monitor assist level and battery use.
Hydraulic disc brakes are a strong practical feature for daily riding.
Front and rear suspension can add weight and complexity for normal commuting.
0
Low power-to-weight ratio
Power-to-weight is low compared with similar e-bikes.
Power-to-weight is low compared with similar e-bikes.
Motor power is low compared with similar e-bikes.
The calculated power-to-weight score is 10.29.
0
Limited storage practicality
The frame does not appear to fold, so storage will depend more on size and weight.
The frame does not appear to fold, so storage will depend more on size and weight.
A full-suspension mountain bike format is usually bulkier and harder to store indoors.
0
Very slow charging speed
Charging time is longer than average for this type of e-bike.
Charging time is longer than average for this type of e-bike.
The quoted charging time is long in absolute terms.
5
Limited longer-ride suitability
Range is low compared with similar e-bikes, which may limit longer rides.
Range is low compared with similar e-bikes, which may limit longer rides.
Battery capacity is low compared with similar e-bikes.
Battery efficiency appears strong, which should help stretch range on longer rides.
The battery does not appear to be removable, which can make charging less flexible on longer days.
Charging time is longer than average, which may be less convenient for back-to-back longer rides.
The display or control unit should make it easier to monitor assistance and battery use on longer rides.
5
Low battery capacity
Battery capacity is low compared with similar e-bikes.
Battery capacity is low compared with similar e-bikes.
The listed battery capacity is modest but still usable for shorter rides.
E-system & battery comparison
Motor Power
250 watts
▼ 190 W below average
Motor Torque
70 Nm
▼ 8.5 Nm below average
Power-to-weight
10.29 W/kg
▼ 10 W/kg below average
Battery Capacity
378 Wh
▼ 253 Wh below average
Claimed Max Range
38 miles
▼ 23 miles below average
Charge Time
6h
▲ 45 mins slower than average
Sensor Type
Torque and Cadence Sensor
Removable Battery
No
Motor Name
Shimano STEPS E 8000
This mountain e-bike offers legal-style pedal assist with strong torque support for its category, delivering a balanced and predictable ride feel on trails. Next to similar models, its motor may feel a bit less punchy and less lively for its weight, but the torque and cadence sensor should help maintain smooth and responsive assistance. Climbing steeper trails may require more effort from the rider, as the torque is more modest than many similar trail e-bikes. The motor’s sensor setup should provide a natural power delivery, making it easier to control on rough terrain or technical sections. Riders looking for a lightweight trail e-bike that prioritizes efficiency and smooth assistance over maximum motor punch may find this setup well-suited to their needs.
This explanation is based on the bike’s motor power, torque, battery capacity, claimed range, charging
time, sensor type and how those figures compare with similar e-bikes in our database.
eBike FAQs
Is this bike suitable for long off-road rides?
This mountain bike is well-suited for off-road trails, thanks to its front and rear suspension that improves comfort on rough terrain. However, its lower motor power and torque may make steep climbs feel less responsive, and the relatively small battery capacity limits its range for extended rides. While it's a solid choice for day trips and moderate off-road adventures, it may not be the best option for long or demanding multi-day rides.
How does the motor perform when climbing steep trails?
The motor provides smooth support for climbing trails, but its performance on steep inclines may be limited due to the bike's below-average torque and motor power for similar e-bikes. While the torque and cadence sensor helps deliver controlled assistance, the lower power-to-weight ratio might make steep climbs feel more effortful. This bike is better suited for moderate trails rather than very steep or technical climbs.
Does the bike offer enough range for multi-day adventures?
The bike offers a range of 38 miles, which is below average for similar mountain e-bikes, so it may not be ideal for multi-day adventures without frequent recharging. However, its battery efficiency is above average, meaning it gets good range from its 378Wh battery. If you plan long rides, you'll need to manage charging carefully, as it takes around 6 hours to fully charge and the battery capacity is lower than some competitors.
How comfortable is the bike on rough or uneven terrain?
The Focus SAM² 6.8 2020 is designed for rough terrain, with front and rear suspension that should significantly improve comfort on uneven surfaces. The hydraulic disc brakes provide confident stopping power, which is essential for maintaining control on rough trails. While the bike is well-suited for off-road use, its mountain bike format may not be as practical for daily urban commuting.
Is the battery efficient enough for regular use?
The battery efficiency is above average for similar mountain e-bikes, meaning you can expect a decent range for most trail rides. However, the battery capacity is below average, and the range of 38 miles may be limiting for longer rides or multi-day adventures. Charging takes around 6 hours, which is comparable to similar e-bikes, but the slower charging speed could be a consideration if you need to recharge quickly after a ride.
How practical is this bike for everyday ownership and charging?
This bike is reasonably practical for everyday ownership, but the charging time of 6 hours is longer than average for similar e-bikes, which may be a consideration if you need to recharge frequently. The battery capacity is also on the lower side, which could impact range for longer rides. However, the non-removable battery means you'll need to charge it at home or a fixed location, which may be less convenient for some users.
Is this bike good value for its price compared to similar e-bikes?
This bike offers a reasonable value for its price, especially considering its strong battery efficiency and good off-road comfort. While its motor power, torque, and range are below average for similar e-bikes, the price is favourable compared to others in its category. If you prioritize efficiency and trail performance over maximum power and range, this could be a solid choice.
What are the main compromises of this bike for serious off-road riders?
This bike is designed for mountain biking and offers good off-road capability with front and rear suspension and hydraulic disc brakes, which should provide confident braking on trails. However, serious off-road riders may find the range of 38 miles and a 378Wh battery capacity somewhat limited for extended or multi-day adventures. The mountain bike format is well-suited for trails but may not be as practical for daily urban use or more technical off-road conditions that require specialized features.
eBike Overview
eBike Type: Mountain Bike
The style of riding intended for this bike
Released:
2020
The bike was released 6 years ago
Screen
Torque Sensor
Lights Included
No
Weight (inc battery): 24.3 kg
The website average for electric bikes is
23.93 kg.
This electric bike is 0.36 kg over the average. Total bike weight may vary depending on frame size.
Sizing & Geometry
Min / Max Rider Height
SM: 155–170 cm, MD: 168–178 cm, LG: 175–185 cm, XL: 182–195 cm
Folded Dimensions
Unknown
Wheel & Tire Details
Wheelset Name
DT Swiss H 1900 Hybrid e-bike-specific aluminium wheelset
Wheelset Size
27.5 inch
Tires
Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5 3C EXO TR
Frame Info
Frame Material
Aluminium
Suspension Type
Front and Rear suspension
Foldable Frame
No
Max Payload
120 kg (264.6 lbs)
Drivechain Details
Groupset details
XT
Drivechain type
Chain drive
Shifters
Shimano Deore XT M 8100, 12-speed
Amount of gears
12 Gears
Rear Derailleur
Shimano Deore XT M 8100
Front Derailleur
None
Cassette
Shimano SLX M 7100, 12-speed with a 10-51 t gear range
Cranks
Shimano E 8000 dedicated e-bike alloy crank arms
Chain
Shimano SLX CN-M 7100, 12-speed
Bottom Bracket
Integrated directly inside the Shimano E 8000 motor housing
Brakes
Brakes
Shimano XT Hydraulic Disc
Brake Type: Hydraulic Disc Brake
Hydraulic operated discs brakes (Very good)
Brake Rotors
Shimano Deore XT M 8120 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes
