CyclesNWeights7

So there’s a local seller, has a Focus Mares AX, looks to be 2017 and used very very little. I believe it’s a “Commuter/Hybrid” but seems like it could serve the purpose of a gravel bike. It looks very similar to their 2013 CX (cyclocross bike) for example.
I have a cheap road bike I use for my trainer, and a Giant for the bike trails near me, but there’s some decently intriguing off road trails by me that have been calling my name…….
This is 400 even picked up.

what’s the opinion on that?

There’s a Giant gravel bike, can’t recall the model off hand, for 800 locally as well. Then I’ve also had the thought of buying a Triban Rc120, slapping some 32’s on there, and upgrading components when the microshift ones crap out. I’m not trying to break the bank as this likely won’t get used as often as my other bikes, and serves one real recreational/fitness based purpose to me. I’m having a lot of trouble deciding if I should go closer to the 800-1000 mark or spend that 400 and have some fun with it……

AdkMtnMonster

Spend more money, get better stuff. Why deprive yourself of good things?

CliffordK

When I search for "a Focus Mares AX", all I see are cyclocross bikes.

Is it possible that they bike you're looking at was a cyclocross bike with drop bars that had flat bars installed?

What is the rest of the drive train like?

Are there different model levels? By 2017 there should be 11 speed 105 components on at least some of the bikes.

Tiagra components come with both flat bar and drop bar shifters, so a swap should be relatively painless.

Keep in mind that you can dump a lot of money into a cheap bike. On the other hand you can make your own choices on the build.

CyclesNWeights7

Either way my budget for this tops out at 800-1000, so it’s about making the most of that.

I’m going to find a link to the bike, I have seen it in my research and I’ll post it shortly

CyclesNWeights7

Nvm, can’t link yet…..
but it appears to be a 2018

copied over:
HandlebarsAluminium, BBB Deluxe, drop: 125mm, reach: 70mm
Stem-+/- 7 degree, 31.8mm, aluminium, BBB Deluxe
Seatpost-25, 350mm, 4mm, BBB CPX Plus, Carbon, set-back 20mm
Saddle-Prologo Kappa 3 STN Rail
Shifters-Shimano Ultegra R8020
Front Derailleur-braze on, Shimano Ultegra R8000
Rear Derailleur-11-speed, long cage, Shimano Ultegra R8000
Brakes-160 mm/160 mm, disc, Shimano Ultegra R8070
Cassette-11-34T, Shimano Ultegra HG800
Crankset-50/34T, Shimano Ultegra R8000
Rims-100×12/142×12 mm, 17 mm inner rim width, 24/24 spokes, aluminium, disc center-lock, Mavic Aksium Disc

CliffordK

What bike were those specs for?

New Hydraulic Ultegra should be very nice!!!!

CyclesNWeights7

it’s the Focus Mares AX I mentioned in the original post. When I get up to 10 I can link it lol.
I would simply need to take the mudguards off since I hate the look, and then possibly slap 32’s on if it has 28’s (though I thought he mentioned 32’s)
It looks like the 2018 model, and pretty much spotless. Stellar condition. Seller can’t verify year though.

It’s that, the Giant for double the cost, or the Triban which I’ll convert rather easily.
This is not going to be my primary bike - this is for the days I want to ride the trails I think would tear up my road bike tires…

if I could go higher I would, but my wife is NOT going to be thrilled if I go over 1000. She’s not going to be too happy anyways, as she won’t necessarily understand why I want to have 3 different bikes.
She has never been into any sports though, so I don’t expect her to understand

CliffordK

If that is a full R8000 bike for $400, it is a very good deal. You should do your due diligence to verify it isn't stolen.

Of course This Trek is still available with a 105 groupset!!! Only $750

chaadster

Too good; the seller is probably gakked up on whoop chicken.

Maelochs

The group set alone is over $1000 and the bike, hardly used, is $400?

I am not saying you should buy it .... I am saying I would buy it even if it didn't fit because of the group set, assuming everything worked.

AdkMtnMonster

R8000 didn’t even become available til late 2017, so that bike has to be a 2018 model year, if typical production schedules were followed. Either way, a full R8000 equipped bike for $400 would be a very good deal. Like, a too good to be true kind of deal.

CyclesNWeights7

it was -
the 2017 and 2018 looked identical in pictures. This was 2017, with Tiagra groupset. However, it was in good condition, a bit more worn than pics but NOTHING that can’t be cleaned and polished nicely. I talked to him, got it for 325. MSRP was 1300, I feel like I got a pretty solid deal.
I’ll take it to the LBS to fine tune everything, but a solid 6 mile test ride was nice…

and good amount of money left over to save for upgrades or next years bike if a I outgrow this lol


I almost picked up the 2020 Revolt, but I can’t imagine being much happier with that than I am with this, and he wanted 800 (msrp - 1000)