Focus Bikes has announced a new Paralane for 2024. The latest iteration of their endurance-oriented comfort road bike is a little anonymous-looking, sharing a vast amount of design details with the more race-oriented Izalco Max that was updated last month.
With the Izalco Max, Focus wanted to make their fastest-ever race bike, prioritizing efficiency over comfort. Of course, they made it lighter, stiffer, and more aerodynamic than its previous iteration and were very open about how much less comfortable it was to ride as a result. And, while the 2024 Paralane may look a lot like the Izalco Max thanks to the use of the same NACA tube shapes, the ride qualities of the two are said to take somewhat diverging paths.
The Paralane was a little ahead of its time when it debuted in 2017. Indeed, its 35mm tire clearance put it ahead of the pack. In that department at least, the 2024 Paralane is unchanged. However, Focus continues to emphasize comfort with a new, more compliant carbon layup. And, there’s a reduction in proprietary technologies. A breath of fresh air, perhaps.
Quick Hits: 6 Things to Know About the 2024 Focus Paralane
- The 2024 Focus Paralane is available in 8. Series carbon only
- There are now only five sizes to choose from, as compared to the previous generation’s six
- Claimed frame weight (unpainted) is 1,050 grams in a size medium
- Head tube lengths are shorter, with longer reach and longer wheelbase for more stability on rough terrain
- All models come with 32mm tires, but there is clearance for up to 35mm tires
- It now runs a standard 27.2mm set back seat post
The 2024 Paralane goes 50g lighter than the previous generation and does away with some of the proprietary technologies that may have been off-putting for some. In its painted state, it has a claimed weight of 1,130 grams.
Spotting the differences between the Izalco Max and the Paralane is not an easy task. To that, Focus says that an endurance road bike doesn’t need to look slow. Just because you are going further doesn’t mean you want to go slower.
Like the Izalco Max, the new Paralane does away with Focus’ R. A. T. (Rapid Axle Technology) the brand developed to make wheel changes faster and easier. It replaces that with a standard thru-axle that offers an improvement on the front of aerodynamics, thanks to the flush interface at the dropout.
And, the fenders that Focus makes specifically for the new Paralane, are designed to mount directly at the axles. These full-coverage fenders are not included as standard, and retail at an additional €59,95 . What is included is a neat-looking top tube bag for easy-access carbohydrate storage.
While the previous Paralane ran a less common 25.4mm seat post diameter, the new one switches to the more ubiquitous 27.2mm post. That leaves customers with more options for aftermarket post upgrades, should they be left wanting with the stock post.
Finally, what is not visible to the naked eye is the new carbon layup. Focus says that, in comparison to the previous model, the tweaked carbon layup delivers a more compliant frame for better all-round comfort.
Geometry
While the original Focus Paralane was available in six sizes, this second generation of their endurance road bike is only available in five. The range of sizing is relatively unchanged, but of course, the gaps between sizes are a little bigger, something that could make the purchasing decision a little more difficult for some.
While chainstay length remains unchanged a 415mm, the wheelbase grows a little thanks to slightly longer reach figures combined with maintenance of the 70.5°-72.5° head tube angle. Focus says the new Paralane has more stability at speed over rough terrain.
Pricing & Availability
The 2024 Focus Paralane materializes only in their 8. Series carbon, in five frame sizes, and at three price points.
Most affordable of the lot is the Paralane 8.7, which will leave you €2,999 out of pocket. That money fetches you a Shimano 105 group, with a 50/34 up front and an 11-36 cassette. It rolls up on an Alex Rims Boondocks 5 Wheelset with Vittoria Zaffiro 32mm tires.
Middle-of-the-road is the Paralane 8.8 model, retailing at €4,299. Upgrades include the SRAM Rival AXS eTap group with a 46/33 arrangement up front and a 10-36 cassette, in addition to the DT Swiss E1800 SPLINE Wheelset with 22mm internal width rims.
Topping the range is the Paralane 8.9, priced at €5,299. This one runs a Shimano Ultegra DI2 R8200 group, with 50/34 up front and an 11-34 cassette. The cockpit is upgraded with a lighter carbon bar. 22mm internal width aluminum rims remain with the DT Swiss ER1600 SPLINE DICUT Wheelset.
For full spec details on the 2024 Paralane, and for pricing in your region, head to the Focus Bikes website.