Focus’s SAM has been around for a few years now and its keen pricing and solid spec mean it’s hard to overlook if you’re in the market for a 160mm-travel bike. Its geometry isn’t too bad, although a slightly lower BB (it currently sits at 350mm) would be an improvement. As it is, it can feel a little nervous in loose turns or when hammering through high-speed chop – and this is only accentuated by the rear end, which uses its travel up too easily and lacks support when you’re trying to load the pedals and drive your weight down through them. The RockShox Yari RC fork is a spec highlight and great considering the price, but we’d swap the Continental Mountain King II tyres out for something a little more supportive and surefooted.
Price $3300