Focus Jarifa Impulse 27R 3.0 Review

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Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 Electric Bike Review 1
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 Mid Drive 38t Sprocket
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 Locking Mid Mount Battery Pack
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 Concept Ex Riser Bar Ergon Grips
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 160 Mm Shimano Rotor Quick Release
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 180 Mm Hydraulic Disc Brake
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 Battery Downtube
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 Concept Ex Saddle
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 Continental 27 5 Tires
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 Focus Cranks Concept Pedals
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 Front Large Head Tube
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 Protected Motor And Wires
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 Rockshox Xc32 Suspension
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 Shimano Slx Low Profile Derailleur
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 Electric Bike Review 1
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 Mid Drive 38t Sprocket
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 Locking Mid Mount Battery Pack
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 Concept Ex Riser Bar Ergon Grips
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 160 Mm Shimano Rotor Quick Release
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 180 Mm Hydraulic Disc Brake
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 Battery Downtube
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 Concept Ex Saddle
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 Continental 27 5 Tires
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 Focus Cranks Concept Pedals
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 Front Large Head Tube
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 Protected Motor And Wires
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 Rockshox Xc32 Suspension
Focus Jarifa Impulse 27r 3 0 Shimano Slx Low Profile Derailleur

Summary

  • A high quality hardtail electric bike with efficient 27.5" wheels, sophisticated mid-drive motor and impressive range
  • Reinforced diamond frame with gusseted top tube, motor is positioned above the downtube for protection, both wheels offer quick release for easy trail maintenance
  • Solid two year warranty, intuitive control panel, upgraded grips and hydraulic disc brakes, limited rack and fender options

Video Review

Introduction

Make:

Focus

Model:

Jarifa Impulse 27R 3.0

Price:

$3,899 USD

Body Position:

Forward

Suggested Use:

Trail, Mountain

Electric Bike Class:

Pedal Assist (Class 1)
Learn more about Ebike classes

Warranty:

2 Year Compehensive

Availability:

United States

Model Year:

2015

Bicycle Details

Total Weight:

48 lbs (21.77 kg)

Battery Weight:

6.5 lbs (2.94 kg)

Motor Weight:

8.4 lbs (3.81 kg)

Frame Material:

Aluminum Alloy

Frame Sizes:

15.7 in (39.87 cm)17.3 in (43.94 cm)18.9 in (48 cm)20.5 in (52.07 cm)22 in (55.88 cm)

Geometry Measurements:

XS (580 mm top tube, 400 mm seat tube, 1099 mm wheelbase), S (590 mm top tube, 440 mm seat tube, 1109 mm wheelbase), M (605 mm top tube, 480 mm seat tube, 1125 mm wheelbase), L (620 mm top tube, 520 mm seat tube, 1140 mm wheelbase), XL (640 mm top tube, 560 mm seat tube, 1161 mm wheelbase)

Frame Types:

High-Step

Frame Colors:

Matte Black with Neon Green Accents

Frame Fork Details:

RockShox XC32 TK RL Air Suspension with Remote Lockout, Shimano Deore Hub

Frame Rear Details:

Shimano Deore 12 mm E-Thru Axle

Gearing Details:

9 Speed 1x9 Shimano SLX with Low Profile Plus Derailluer, 38T Front and 11-34T Rear

Shifter Details:

Shimano Triggers on Right Bar

Cranks:

Focus Aluminum Alloy

Pedals:

Concept, Plastic Platform

Headset:

Acros

Stem:

Concept EX

Handlebar:

Concept EX Riser, 720 mm

Brake Details:

Shimano M396 Hydraulic Disc with 180 mm Front Rotor and 160 mm Rear Rotor, Shimano Levers

Grips:

Ergon Tapered Rubber with Lockers

Saddle:

Concept EX

Seat Post:

Concept EX

Seat Post Length:

350 mm

Seat Post Diameter:

31.6 mm

Rims:

Concept EX Disc Compatible

Tire Brand:

Continental X-King, 27.5" x 2.2"

Wheel Sizes:

27.5 in (69.85cm)

Tire Details:

Foldable

Tube Details:

Presta Valves

Accessories:

Plastic Chain Guide Topper, Metal Bash Guard

Other:

Locking Removable Battery Pack, Magnetic EnergyBus Charging Port, Quick Release Wheels and Seat Tube, Proprietary Climb Assist Technology

Electronic Details

Motor Brand:

Impulse 2.0 Off-Road

Motor Type:

Mid-Mounted Geared Motor
Learn more about Ebike motors

Motor Nominal Output:

250 watts

Motor Torque:

70 Newton meters

Battery Brand:

Impulse

Battery Voltage:

36 volts

Battery Amp Hours:

17 ah

Battery Watt Hours:

612 wh

Battery Chemistry:

Lithium-ion

Charge Time:

6 hours

Estimated Min Range:

65 miles (105 km)

Estimated Max Range:

125 miles (201 km)

Display Type:

Fixed, Monochrome Backlit LCD with Adjustable Angle by Impulse

Readouts:

Speed, Battery Status, Trip Distance, Odometer, Drive Mode (Eco, Sport, Power), Walk Assist (Hold the + Button)

Display Accessories:

Backlit Independent Button Pad Near Left Grip

Drive Mode:

Advanced Pedal Assist (Measures Wheel Speed, Cadence and Pedal Torque)

Top Speed:

20 mph (32 kph)

Written Review

The Focus Jarifa Impulse 27R 3.0 is premium hardtail electric bike with 27.5″ wheels that perform well on trails, cross country or a bit of mountain terrain. For under $4k it delivers a sophisticated drive system and enormous battery that together, are capable of 100+ miles depending on the assist level in use. My favorite part of this ebike is actually that it comes in five frame sizes including extra small… there are very few off-road electric bikes that do and I know some petite ladies out there who are stoked about it. It’s only available in one frame style which is high-step but the bar is angled a bit for easier stand over. Diamond frames are sturdier and this one has a gusset (reinforced metal plate) where the top tube and seat tube meet to really make it tuff. You may also notice that the Impulse 2.0 mid-drive motor is positioned above the downtube for added protection (something I haven’t seen with other mid-drives) and this adds even more ruggedness to the bike. As with any bike, this one has a few shortcomings worth mentioning and the first is a lack of seat stay bosses for adding a rear rack. I feel that given the hardtail design, this would make a great commuter during the week and trail blazer during the weekend for those who only want (or can afford) one electric bike. Consider a beam rack like this if cargo-hauling sounds appealing. Here’s a quick video I shot with a beam rack talking about panniers on another electric bike.

The motor driving the Jarifa 27R is a 250 watt mid-drive by Impulse 2.0 that offers 70 Newton meters of torque. For me it’s a mixed bag… You get increased range and efficiency with the smaller motor but have to work a bit harder for it than you would with the Bosch Centerdrive 350 watt system. With three assist modes to choose from, you can definitely dial the performance up and if you work with a certified Focus shop they can dial in “Climb Assist” settings which make the ride feel zippier as you pedal but use more energy inso doing. Given that this bike uses a mid-drive motor, you also benefit from mechanical efficiencies as you change from low to high gears. Use low for climbing and high for hitting that 20 mph top assisted speed. The bike can easily top this (especially when heading down hill) and there is no cogging or drag presented by the motor system as you might encounter with a gearless hub motor. The motor control system measures rear wheel speed, pedal cadence and pedal torque to activate and power the bike and it feels smooth but not quite as responsive in cutting out as the Bosch drive system. It is perhaps quieter however and the shift sensing technology felt a bit smoother as it physically measures the wires running from your trigger shifters to the derailleur vs. just sensing how you’re pedaling. I especially like the aluminum bash guard and plastic guide piece they added to the front 38 tooth sprocket. Everything feels solid and the low profile derailleur in the rear should reduce contact and bends if you’re exploring rocky terrain or if the bike tips.

The battery powering the Focus Jarifa 27R offers an amazing 36 volts of power and 17 amp hours of capacity! That’s enough for 100+ miles on the lowest level of assist and I’m not sure any of the other ebikes I’ve tested can claim this kind of performance. Again, this would make a fun commuter for people with a bit of trail on the way to work (or those who prefer a rugged style). The battery pack itself is mounted low and center on the frame, includes a sturdy locking core for security and can be charged on or off the bike. I always prefer to take my batteries inside and top them off after rides (keeping a pack in a cool dry place and targeting 20% to 80% for storage is best). One fun extra with this pack is the magnetic EnergyBus charging port (much like Apple laptops) that secures easily and pops out if someone trips over the cord instead of dragging the expensive hardware off of a counter etc. I love that the top of the battery has a blue LED charge level indicator which can help you to quickly determine the sate of charge on or off the bike. The case is colored to match the bike, has an indentation for making it easier to grip and feels very secure once mounted. The cells inside are from Impulse (not exactly sure on the manufacturer) and offer a Lithium-ion chemistry known for storing higher energy with less weight.

Activating and adjusting the drive systems on the Focus Jarifa Impulse 27R 3.0 is very intuitive and fast. Once the battery is charged and mounted you just press the power button on the control pad (which is mounted very close to the left grip). This button pad as well as the LCD display are are backlit for use at dusk or dawn. The LCD panel itself is not removable but it is small, sturdy and adjustable in terms of angle (to help reduce glare). As it powers up, the display says “Hello” and then quickly switches to show your speed, battery level (with 10 increments), drive mode (Eco, Sport, Power) and trip meter/odometer. You can easily change between mph and kilometers by holding the select button and you can reset the trip meter by holding the minus button. I found myself riding in Power mode for the tests and noticed that this bike requires a bit more torque to activate the motor which means you get more of a workout than some other ebikes. Again, this can be adjusted with help from your shop and isn’t necessarily a bad thing… I never hard issues climbing. There is also a walk mode on this bike which can be activated by holding the plus button for a few seconds, this can be useful if you’re heading up a hill pushing the bike instead of riding it.

Focus is a German brand known for producing high quality, sporty electric bikes and the Jarifa 27R definitely fits the bill. It’s not flush with accessories, or spaces to mount them, but it is sturdy, efficient and well suited to off-road terrain. It’s a capable, beautiful electric bike with an impressive two year warranty and some unique engineering that should keep it functioning while other bikes struggle. I love the unique burly frame design, convenient suspension lockout adjust, hydraulic disc brakes, simple control interface and fun bot not overly-flashy color scheme. The bike rides quiet and is capable, it’s much more responsive than mid or low-ed bikes with less sophisticated mid-drives and it’s really not that heavy. If you took the 6.5 pound battery off you could actually ride this as a normal bike and blend in pretty well. As with many off-road mid drive electric bikes that balance the frame by mounting the battery on the downtube, you don’t have room for a bottle cage here but an aftermarket saddle cage or Camelbak would solve the hydration issue. If you’re craving more power and speed than what’s offered with the Jarifa then check out the Focus Thron Impulse Speed… which also lacks bottle cage and rack mounts. With this model more you get a 350 watt motor, 28 mph top speed and full suspension setup.

Pros:

  • Shift sensing controller pauses motor output to decrease gear mashing and wear on the derailleur, cassette sprockets and chain, it worked better than most other shift sensors I’ve tried and this is especially important for off-road ebikes which may be climbing more frequently
  • Shift interruption can be personalized from 50 ms to 300 ms in 50 ms intervals with the help of certified Focus bike shops (you can do this yourself with other Focus ebikes that use the larger display panel)
  • The mid-drive motor is mounted above the downtube for improved protection if the bike comes into contact with rocks, logs or other obstacles on the trail
  • Large capacity battery offers excellent range and is mounted low and center for improved balance when riding, it locks securely and can be charged on or off the bike for convenience or easier transport
  • Fun paint job with matching frame, saddle pedals and suspension fork, wires are all run through the frame for a clean aesthetic and reduced snags while pedaling or moving around on bike carry racks, the frame is reinforced and gusseted where the top tube and seat tube meet
  • Nice locking grips by Ergon are rugged but still comfortable thanks to a flat tapered design, the long low-rise handlebar is excellent for navigating cross country or a bit of mountain terrain
  • Clean aluminum bash guard on the front sprocket paired with a unique plastic topper-guide piece that helps to reduce drops on rough terrain
  • Sophisticated drive system measures rear wheel speed, pedal cadence and pedal torque for quick motor activation and cutoff (great for trail riding), also offers proprietary climb-assist adjustments for fine tuning responsiveness (faster or slower motor activation)
  • Remote suspension lockout near left grip is handy for transitioning terrain (rough to smooth) and works nicely with the drive mode button pad (also on the left) which is backlit and has a nice tactile click so you can navigate without taking your eye off the trail
  • LCD display panel is backlit and swivels to reduce glare, it feels solid and is small enough to stay out of the way but the readouts are clear and well executed
  • Front and rear wheel quick release is very handy for servicing spokes, rims or flat tires while out on the trail (fewer tools required, less weight)
  • Light weight charger only weighs 1.5 lbs and runs cool and quiet, will easily fit into a bag for extending trips – charging at the office etc.
  • Hydraulic disc brakes offer excellent stopping power for fast descents and handling over rough terrain, you don’t have to strain your wrists as much and the extra large 180 mm front rotor is a nice upgrade
  • Available in five frame sizes including extra small! I spoke with a young woman who loved this model because it was one of the only ones around that fit her right and felt comfortable, it’s also relatively light weight considering the battery capacity

Cons:

  • No seat stay or rear dropout bosses for adding a carry rack, considering the excellent range and hardtail design this seems like a missed opportunity for weekend warriors who would commute during the week but still want to hit the trails occasionally
  • Shimano M396 Brake levers do not offer motor cutoff, I’ve noticed that while stopped it is possible to accidentally activate the motor by pushing the pedals for stability
  • The smaller 250 watt motor is capable and efficient but requires more rider input than some other electric bikes with larger motors, I noticed that I got a better workout with this bike

Resources:

Review Updated On

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