If you like your e-MTBs big, burly, and unapologetically downhill-focused, then the FOCUS SAM² 6.9 is about to be your new best friend.
This beast rolls on 29-inch wheels, packs 180/170mm of travel, and tips the scales at a hefty 27.1 kg (size L). Yeah, it’s a tank—but one built to absolutely destroy descents.
The SAM² 6.9 isn’t here to mess around. Its robust alloy frame is one of only two alloy rigs in this category (shoutout to Moustache), and it looks damn near indestructible. With raw weld seams, a straight-lined top tube, and an overall beefy stance, this bike screams confidence. The internally routed cables disappear into the proprietary C.I.S. stem (Cockpit Integration Solution), giving it a sleek, clean look—but fair warning, home mechanics might curse a little when it’s time for a service.
Focus also threw in some cool, well-thought-out details, like mounting points for their in-house frame bag behind the head tube. Handy for stuffing snacks, tools, or whatever else you need for big days in the saddle.
Powering this brute is Bosch’s Performance Line CX motor, delivering 85Nm of torque with a 750Wh PowerTube battery. Instead of seamlessly integrating it like some of its competitors, Focus opted to tilt the motor upwards, making space to remove the battery from the bottom of the downtube. That means you’ll need to either lay the bike on its side or flip it upside down to take it out—a bit of a struggle at nearly 30kg. But hey, at least there’s a key lock for security.
Prefer to charge on the bike? No problem—there’s a charging port on the seat tube above the motor.
Controlling the system is Bosch’s chunky LED remote, which, let’s be real, isn’t the most intuitive. A more compact, streamlined remote would’ve been a better fit for this bike’s rowdy personality. On the bright side, the Kiox 300 display is neatly tucked away behind the bars, keeping it protected from mud, crashes, and those inevitable “oops” moments.
Focus went all-in on suspension, and it pays off big time. Up front, you get a 180mm FOX 38 Factory fork with the GRIP2 damper—aka, the most adjustable, most badass fork in this category. It soaks up hits like a pro and gives you full control over your setup.
Out back, there’s a FOX DHX Performance coil shock, delivering 170mm of plush travel. While the coil shock is a great match for the SAM² 6.9’s aggressive character, it lacks an external compression adjustment—so you better make sure you’ve got the right spring rate from the get-go.
Climbing: It’ll Get You to the Top, but That’s Not the Fun Part. Yeah, this big beast isn’t exactly built for KOMs on the climbs… But, thanks to the Bosch motor, it still gets the job done. The upright pedaling position is comfy, and the rear suspension keeps things smooth, giving you solid traction on technical climbs. Sure, you’ll feel the weight, but the motor’s punchy power makes it manageable.
Descending: On the other hand, point this thing downhill, and it’s game on. The SAM² 6.9 puts you in a central, balanced riding position, spreading the weight evenly for predictable, intuitive handling. Despite being the heaviest bike in this test, it’s surprisingly nimble through corners and doesn’t require massive body shifts to stay in control.
When things get rough and rowdy, the high front end and composed suspension give you all the confidence in the world to charge straight through rock gardens, root carpets, and whatever else the trail throws at you. It’s stable, supportive, and built for speed. The only downside? The coil shock’s ultra-plush feel means you don’t get a ton of ground feedback—but honestly, that’s not a bad trade-off when you’re smashing through gnarly terrain.
Final Verdict: The Focus SAM² 6.9 isn’t trying to be the lightest or most agile eMTB on the market—it’s here to charge hard, plow through the rough stuff, and keep you grinning all the way down. If you care more about capability than flickability, and don’t mind a little extra weight, this rig is a seriously compelling option at an equally appealing price point. If your idea of fun involves monster descents, full-send lines, and a bike that laughs in the face of tech, the SAM² 6.9 is calling your name.
A Heavy Hitter for Riders Who Like It Rowdy!
KEY INFO
Frame // Full Alloy
Size: S M L XL
Wheels // 29″
Travel // 180mm front, 170mm rear.
Motor // Bosch Performance Line CX
Battery // 750Wh
Spec // Fork FOX 38 Factory GRIP2 fork, FOX DHX Performance Coil rear shock, 170mm dropper post, Shimano XT 4-piston brakes, Shimano XT/SLX 1×12 Drivetrain,
Weight // 27kg
Price // $8999.00
Browse // www.focus-bikes.com