Where can I buy the Focus Izalco Pro 3.0

00lk

All,

Can the Focus Izalco Pro 3.0 be bought new in Ireland at any store??

I had a look at Wiggle but it doesn't seem to be available on their site right now either

Was looking into buying it. Gets good reviews and same frame as Katusha used (last season) appparently. SRAM Force Brakes & gears. DT Swiss RR 1850 Wheels

kennyb3

The big bit in red here is funny - seems Focus dont want to sell their bike

This area may help you.

Bunnyhopper

Eurocycles stock Focus. I don't see the Izalco Pro on their site, but they might be able to tell you whether it's available or not.

http://www.eurocycles.ie

loinnsigh

Wheelworx in Liffey Valley do Focus bikes - might be worth a try.

tdo

I bought the izalco 3.0 from wheelworx last month. They have some of the focus in stock and a max 10 day delivery time based on my own experience. Good customer service in wheelworx too, though bike fit, while thorough, is based on observation rather than detailed measurements, so you might need to go to e.g. Bikefit

Great ride, love it, though SRAM took a little bit of getting used to, moving from Shimano. Also see that just recently is Cycling plus bike of the year, which was a nice affirmation of purchase

ck101

Delivery date 1st week in April fingers crossed.

vision267

00lk wrote: »

All,

Can the Focus Izalco Pro 3.0 be bought new in Ireland at any store??

I had a look at Wiggle but it doesn't seem to be available on their site right now either

Was looking into buying it. Gets good reviews and same frame as Katusha used (last season) appparently. SRAM Force Brakes & gears. DT Swiss RR 1850 Wheels

I had a 2008 focus cayo yeah its a nice bike,I'm sure the Izalco is a better bike again.

I'm of an opinion that focus bikes are overated.Yeah there great value for money and are brilliant descenders.The headtubes are very short and it might be a problem for some people it was for me anyway.

Just be careful take it for a good test run before you purchase.Katusha only used the focus for a year,they were suppose to have a 3 year deal with focus.

I now have a cervelo RS and its a much much much better bike.The RS is the slowest cervelo by far,yet it climbs better and is just as quick on the flat.I found my cayo frame a little harsh and it just felt well sort of heavy.


I read the cycling plus reviews,if it was me I would get the giant or the trek.Giant are quailty frames,just my 2 cent.

ednwireland

vision267 wrote: »

I had a 2008 focus cayo yeah its a nice bike,I'm sure the Izalco is a better bike again.

I'm of an opinion that focus bikes are overated.Yeah there great value for money and are brilliant descenders.The headtubes are very short and it might be a problem for some people it was for me anyway.

Just be careful take it for a good test run before you purchase.Katusha only used the focus for a year,they were suppose to have a 3 year deal with focus.

I now have a cervelo RS and its a much much much better bike.The RS is the slowest cervelo by far,yet it climbs better and is just as quick on the flat.I found my cayo frame a little harsh and it just felt well sort of heavy.


I read the cycling plus reviews,if it was me I would get the giant or the trek.Giant are quailty frames,just my 2 cent.

oooh a cervelo RS is better than a 2008 cayo, shock


focus currently sponsor 5 teams those teams must not have clue (Acqua&Sapone)
anyway thats not what i'd base a bike buying decision on

tdo

vision267 wrote: »

I'm of an opinion that focus bikes are overated.

Basis? You can't compare your experiences on a cayo with an izalco. Different frame etc. that's like saying a Lexus is overrated because you don't like the drive on a corolla!

The headtubes are very short and it might be a problem for some people it was for me anyway.

Agreed, the izalco is also reasonably aggressive. Not pitched at the sportive market though; It's a pro frame

Katusha only used the focus for a year,they were suppose to have a 3 year deal with focus.

Your implication being that the reason was it was the frame. Again, basis? It is reported they separated due to differences on racing strategy etc. I.e money, it's always money!

I now have a cervelo RS and its a much much much better bike.

comparing this to a cayo..this is a corolla/Lexus comparison...well sort of:)

I read the cycling plus reviews,if it was me I would get the giant or the trek.Giant are quailty frames,just my 2 cent.

again basis? Trek comes with a lower spec, specifically 105 brakes and front derailleur. If I'm paying that much for a bike I want *full* Ultegra or similar, not a "Ultegra but not really".

Giant, certainly an option though I note in your own considerations of the cerevelo in your previous posts, you dismissed giant out of hand, so again basis?

kemow

tdo wrote: »

I bought the izalco 3.0 from wheelworx last month. They have some of the focus in stock and a max 10 day delivery time based on my own experience. Good customer service in wheelworx too, though bike fit, while thorough, is based on observation rather than detailed measurements, so you might need to go to e.g. Bikefit

Great ride, love it, though SRAM took a little bit of getting used to, moving from Shimano. Also see that just recently is Cycling plus bike of the year, which was a nice affirmation of purchase

would be nice to read a review from an ordinary punter about the izalco let us know about the handling climbing sprinting comfort etc.

tdo

kemow wrote: »

would be nice to read a review from an ordinary punter about the izalco let us know about the handling climbing sprinting comfort etc.

Kemow, don't have a great frame of reference, as upgrading from my first roadbike, an old Trek 1200 (Aluminium frame, Tiagra/105 groupset). However, my tuppenceworth is as follows:
- general aesthetics: its a lovely looking bike, matt black carbon, internally routed cables, very understated logos (compared to the Izaclo 4.0 - no mistaking what brand you are riding with that one!)

- groupset: as I said, SRAM Force Double Tap takes a little bit of getting used to, but love the shifting, very smooth and definite. The front derallieur has ability to trim, which is great, but again given the fact that one lever does up/down/trim, then again takes some getting used to. Also has barrel adjusters within easy reach.
Biggest difference I have noticed is the brakes, they are superb. Can really descend with confidence. Are dual pivot which my previous set were not, and I think this makes a big difference. I do need to get the shop to swap over the front and rear brake as they came with a European setup (LHS = front), but that's a personal preference.
Overall, very happy with SRAM Force.

Wheelset is DT Swiss RR1850. Based on my research, not the lightest of wheels but very solidly built, esp for heavier rider, which I am not. That said, compared to other bikes in the same price range, this is a quality wheelset. They ride well, no complaints.

Other bits: Saddle is a Prologo Nago Evo, which off the shelf costs you €140, no issues. However, a carbon seatpost would not have gone astray (even by Trek 1200 has a carbon post!) but again easily upgraded. Cranks/chainset are carbon, nice and light and have had no problems. This was one of the reasons I did not go with the 4.0 (Ultegra groupset) as the chainset was aftermarket (FSA) and I had read that the cranks were just ok.

Ok, now to the core: the ride. As a pro frame (same frame as that on the Izalco Team which retails at > €4.5k) it is quite aggressive, with as noted not a lot of height on the headtube. This took the body a bit of getting used to on longer rides, but now that I have settled in, no issues. On other points of comfort, I've spent 4 or 5 hours in the saddle on roads that are just all right (South Dublin/Wicklow/Kildare) and have had no complaints. The frame itself advertises the fact that its stays are designed for comfort, so it is doing what it says on the tin.

Sprinting, versus the trek definitely notice that every watt of power is going into the wheels to drive it forward. When you wanna go, you go.

Ascending, I am only 65kg so probably any bike won't be too much of an issue for me! Descending, I have given this some decent tests around the hills where I live, and between the stiffness in the frame, the forks and the brakes mentioned I can really let go.

Obviously, overall, very happy. Tried a few other bikes including Trek Madone 3.5 and Felt F4. What won it out for me in the end was that for the money I was getting top quality in all major aspects (seatpost excepted!), whereas others had to comprimise somewhere along the line. For instance, Trek is a great frame but they comprimise on the groupset. Felt F4 is more comparable to Izalco 4.0, see comments above. Looked at some other ones in LBS's such as Basso Laguna as well as internet only Planet X, but on the latter wanted the ability to have an LBS if there was an issue.

kemow

Thanks tdo for the review climbing was what i was interested in as at 80kg need all the help i can get all the best kemow

tdo

Kemow
I suppose key points on climbing in any bike are weight and gear ratios.

On the former, the core frame & groupset is a light bike, but weightwise scope for improvement in terms of the the wheels, seatpost etc Cycling Plus says it weighs 7.78kg, (can't say I have taken out the scales melself yet) so < kilo off the UCI limit. IMHO, I think that people are overly obsessed with weight, and there comes a point - i.e. talking about grammes - that unless you are a serious racer on a hilly stage, it makes little odds.

In terms of gearing, it came ex factory/wholesaler with a compact but I asked LBS to swap to standard, and it came with 11-28 on the cassette. That does mean the ratios on the back do "jump" a little, but as second to last gear is a 25, it is the same as my old bike, which was a 9 speed 11-25 (and triple:o). However, 28 on the back was perfectly fine, on Sunday I took it up past Glenasmole Lakes to Military Road (Dublin/Wicklow) (via steep right turn) where gradient can kick up to 10% in parts, and even though I was into the 4th hour on the bike I made it up without once wishing I had that granny ring!;)

kemow

tdo wrote: »

Kemow
I suppose key points on climbing in any bike are weight and gear ratios.

On the former, the core frame & groupset is a light bike, but weightwise scope for improvement in terms of the the wheels, seatpost etc Cycling Plus says it weighs 7.78kg, (can't say I have taken out the scales melself yet) so < kilo off the UCI limit. IMHO, I think that people are overly obsessed with weight, and there comes a point - i.e. talking about grammes - that unless you are a serious racer on a hilly stage, it makes little odds.

In terms of gearing, it came ex factory/wholesaler with a compact but I asked LBS to swap to standard, and it came with 11-28 on the cassette. That does mean the ratios on the back do "jump" a little, but as second to last gear is a 25, it is the same as my old bike, which was a 9 speed 11-25 (and triple:o). However, 28 on the back was perfectly fine, on Sunday I took it up past Glenasmole Lakes to Military Road (Dublin/Wicklow) (via steep right turn) where gradient can kick up to 10% in parts, and even though I was into the 4th hour on the bike I made it up without once wishing I had that granny ring!;)

Thanks tdo for the info will try get test run on one in wheelworx all the best kemow

tdo

I see that the Izalco 3.0 has also won the 2012 Bicycling Magazine Editors’ Choice award; Enthusiast Bikes.:D


http://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/bikes-and-gear-features/2012-editors-choice-enthusiast-bikes-focus-izalco-pro-30?quicktabs_3=2

blue chuzzle

00lk wrote: »

All,

Can the Focus Izalco Pro 3.0 be bought new in Ireland at any store??

I had a look at Wiggle but it doesn't seem to be available on their site right now either

Was looking into buying it. Gets good reviews and same frame as Katusha used (last season) appparently. SRAM Force Brakes & gears. DT Swiss RR 1850 Wheels

The wheels are DT Swiss R 1850 unfortunately (~€300 less than RR 1850). I have an Izalco Pro 3.0 waiting for me to collect on Thursday!

full gas

00lk wrote: »

All,

Can the Focus Izalco Pro 3.0 be bought new in Ireland at any store??

I had a look at Wiggle but it doesn't seem to be available on their site right now either

Was looking into buying it. Gets good reviews and same frame as Katusha used (last season) appparently. SRAM Force Brakes & gears. DT Swiss RR 1850 Wheels

Saw one of them in the edge in cork at the weekend

ck101

I also have one of these on order, was expecting to get DT Swiss RR1850.
I cant find any reference to the R1850's on the web.

The Focus website does say R1850's are supplied with the bike however all the test reports specify RR1850's.

Confused.

ck101

Collected the Izalco Pro this week, it is a great bike. Very comfortable and the SRAM Force kit is excellent. This year I have been riding both Trek and Boardman aluminium frames so this is a major step up.

The only other bike I can compare it to in this league is the Felt F4 and it rides just as well.

Regarding the wheels it came equipped with R1850's and not RR1850's as stated in UK mag reports. I also noticed that any photos in the same reports showed the R1850's so maybe they got it wrong.

All in all pleased with purchase although paid full RRP (to be expected with the Bike of the Year award) and I do love a bargain.

redved

Sorry to bump an old thread, but am seriously considering the Focus Izalco PRO 3.0.
Has anyone got any feedback on this bike, now that they have it a couple of months?

ck101

Having completed many '000s of km's on the Izalco all I can say is that it hasn't disappointed whatsoever. Its light, responsive, stiff and comfortable.

A few things; firstly I didn't get any discount and paid full whack, this is related to supply and demand. You may get a small discount, €100 or so. The wheels as I pointed out in an earlier post are not RR1850 ( as described in UK press articles).

Knock an R off and the R1850 are a good but cheaper entry level wheel set suitable for training or sportive riding. I would compare them to Mavic Askium. After many 000's of kms I started thinking that the DTSwiss wheels were not up to the high standard of the frame etc. so I decided to upgrade to a set of new Mavic Ksyrium Elites. Ironically after a few sportives and a month later the front Kysrium Elite hub has packed in and is now squealing like a Banshee. The trusty DT Swiss are now back on.

Would I buy another yes, don't know if I'd bother upgrading the wheels so soon again. I also see Focus have recently released their line up for 2013 so there maybe deals to be done.

An interesting thing about the Focus 2012 line up is that their top bike features the same frame as the Izalco Pro 3.0, I don't really see much in the difference between Red and Force. Lastly have a look at the review on YouTube by Speedgoat cycles.

ck101

Just had a look at the spec of the 2013 model and they have switched out the 3T forks for a creation of their own. The 3T forks are still on their flagship model so it might be worthwhile trying to get a 2012 model subject to price of course.

tdo

After a great summer on the bike, I can say happily that I have never once regretted my purchase. I don't (yet) race, but have put in many miles on this bike, most Sundays +100km and also one 2 day ride Dublin to Donegal, 330km.

On that latter point, my fear was that the frame, being a pro frame, would be uncomfortable; I cannot say that was a problem at all. I may change out the saddle at some point, and a carbon seat post is high on the upgrade list. But overall, I looked forward to getting up on the bike the next day.

The SRAM force took a little bit of getting used to, but overall very happy. I do like the barrel adjusters within easy reach. I had some frame noise at the start, could not figure it out, but it turned out to be as simple as the rear derallier cable vibrating against the frame, easily fixed.

Wheels are great, strong and true, and not too heavy. Had considered trading up at purchase to askium kyrsium elites, but was a bit of a stretch to the pocket. I may do so. I have already upgraded the cheap stem to a shorter Fsa team issue, aluminium wrapped in carbon.Not sure if that made any difference to comfort, though it should, though is heavier so may not be my greatest ever purchase,

2 minor foibles. One is that as a black matt frame and white hoods it can be hard to keep it sparkling clean and free of watermarks post clean. (any hints, anyone). The second is that the decals on the wheels are starting to peel off. But that is minor!

Overall, very happy. Would be interested to see what effect the new forks have, might be good to grab one now.

redved

ck101 wrote: »

Just had a look at the spec of the 2013 model and they have switched out the 3T forks for a creation of their own. The 3T forks are still on their flagship model so it might be worthwhile trying to get a 2012 model subject to price of course.

Thanks just seeing this now, I've searched everywhere for the 2012 model, no luck, i'd need it in large or extra large.
From what I can see the 2012 bike had the better spec, different fork, wheels and handlebar

not sure if this link will work

http://www.focus-bikes.com/int/en/bikes/bikes-2012/category/road/model/izalco-pro-30-6.html?no_cache=1

richieg

Nigels cycles in Galway have one n display along with other focus models.

Not sure of the size though

redved

richieg wrote: »

Nigels cycles in Galway have one n display along with other focus models.

Not sure of the size though

Just rang them,all gone, they believe they've just sold the last one in the country

Ah well might take a chance on the 2013 model

ck101

I'm sure you could pick one up in the Uk.

One bike I came very close to buying was the Felt F4, I rode it and its a super bike, very comfortable. I see wiggle have 25% off currently. Should save you 500 on a new 2013 Izalco.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/felt-f4-ultegra-2012/