Focus Izalco Max Disc review

A bike that shows why disc brakes belong on road bikes

Cycling Weekly Verdict

The Focus Izalco Max Disc is as good a disc brake road bike as you're likely to find on the market today. It offers a fast and exciting ride over all terrains thanks to the stiff, light frame and the excellent handling, while braking is impossible to fault in wet or dry conditions thanks to the excellent Shimano hydraulic disc brakes

Reasons to buy
  • +

    Lightweight despite the discs

  • +

    Balanced, precise handling

  • +

    Assured braking

  • +

    Stiff bottom braket

  • +

    Very comfortable

Reasons to avoid
  • -

    None

You can trust Cycling Weekly. Our team of experts put in hard miles testing cycling tech and will always share honest, unbiased advice to help you choose. Find out more about how we test.

In the past if you were after a bike that would be as good in the hills as it was on the flat, then anything with disc brakes was immediately out of the question due to the added weight. But things have changed with the new Focus Izalco Max Disc, a fantastic bike that thrives on all terrains.

Thank you for reading 20 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

Henry Robertshaw began his time at Cycling Weekly working with the tech team, writing reviews, buying guides and appearing in videos advising on how to dress for the seasons. He later moved over to the news team, where his work focused on the professional peloton as well as legislation and provision for cycling. He's since moved his career in a new direction, with a role at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.