Focus Bikes

The Mares AX 4.0 is based on the successful Mares series cyclo-cross frame. However, despite sharing the same starting point, this bike is a little less purist than its big brothers. Its mudguards and lightly profiled Continental cross tyres make the Mares AX 4.0 an absolute all-rounder. The aktiv Radfahren editors share this view and attest that the Mares AX 4.0 model can equally be used for four alternative purposes: all-weather bike, cyclo-cross, road racer (with running tyres measuring 23 mm in width) and trekking bike (with luggage rack and lights). Testers' verdict:

“Fantastic concept: An all-weather racer! The Focus Mares AX 4.0 is a multi-purpose bike that is extremely enjoyable to ride. It fully deserves the label ‘all-rounder’.”

The FOCUS Mares AX 4.0 was tested in the racing and fitness bikes category. A total of ten bikes were tested, of which nine were rated “Very Good” and two were tipped as great all-rounders.

The whole test report can be found in: Aktiv Radfahren, issue 1/2-2012