Review from What MTB

Most 2009 bikes have been hit by price hikes on average 12% - including the Focus Fat Boy. As a result a lot of starter bikes are now over £500. The Fat Boy has put on a little extra weight this year but it looks like mail order giant Wiggle is still managing to keep Focus bikes looking like a excellent alternative to big brands on the shop floors.

Nothing seems to have changed on the frame between years. It's made from butted 6061 aluminium with mainly refreshingly straight, circular tubes. A biaxially-overlised gusseted down tube earns the Fat Boy its name though, and reasonable frame weight and excellent build quality make it a great platform to upgrade. Its workman like nature is emphasised by mounting bosses for a bottle, rack, rear V-brakes and even frame mounted rear wheel lock.

We were pleased to see a Rock Shox Dart 2 Fork and managed to use most of its 100mm travel. It's adjustable rebound damping and preloaded are effective and the lockout is a bonus. The clumpy crankset and bottom bracket are still the most obvious budgetary concessions, but the rest of the drivetrain is good value; Deore shifters and front mech and XT rear. The own-brand Concept wheelset seems fine but the hubs are unknown compared to last year's Shimanos. The Tektro brakes perform well enough too but last year's Magura Julies were a highlight. The big Schwalbe tyres, on the other hand, are excellent; fast rolling, grippy and with a comfy high profile. A Concept seat post, seat and stem are all good quality and the 24in riser gives better control than its old flat bar.

The Fat Boy has a confident but sprightly feel. Fast tyres mean better acceleration and climbing than similar bikes we've tested. Despite gaining a pond in weight since last year's model, the Focus is still among the lightest in its category. A low bottom bracket needs care when pedalling through bumpy terrain, but means more stability at speed. We really like its steepish angles, which sit you slightly forward, in an ideal position to really use the fork in rough terrain.

Despite the price hike and weight increase, the Fat Boy is still up there with the best bikes in its price category. It's a bit slower than last year, but the fatter tyres mean it's also more comfy on rough terrain and the riser bar results in better control on twisty singletrack. Pity about the cheap crankset.

In conclusion...

The Fat Boy's a little plumper this year but still one of the best performing all-rounders at this price.

Rating: 9/10 for Value