The Focus Cayo offers excellent value to both the new cyclist and the keen club cyclist. The Focus Cayo 105, offers a really excellent groupset on a carbon fibre frame. Making it very light weight and high performance for the price. It has specifications that could easily be on a bike twice its price.
The Carbon fibre frame is made of Unidirectional Mitsubishi carbon. It has between 4 and 7 layers to give a good combination of low weight and strength. As you would expect with a carbon fibre frame and fork, it gives a good smooth, neutral ride; absorbing shocks giving a feeling of rider control.
It looks pretty good thanks to a nice carbon weave finish on the frame; the only drawback is perhaps the rather invasive logos which are perhaps bigger than necessary, especially on the top tube.
The wheelset is Fulcrum Racing 7 and the tyres are Continental Ultra Sport. These are absolutely fine, but, if you wanted to upgrade the bike later, this might be a good place to start.
It looks very polished with nice finishing touches and internal cable routing for that professional look.
The gears are Shimano 105 and come with gear ratios Front: 50/34 Rear: 12-27. For a racing cyclist 50 front chain ring will be too small; I would change this to a 53/39, although I guess it depends how fit you are. The Focus Cayo is now offered as double or triple compact, meaning if you prefer you can get a triple chain-ring for bigger gear choices.
Weight of Focus Cayo 8.0Kg
Value For Money
Focus are one of best value bikes for money. You may not get a tradition Italian name, but you do get very good value for money. You almost feel sorry for other brands who struggle to benefit from the same economies of scale that Wiggle can achieve through their importing from the German company.
Who is Target Customer for Focus Cayo?
This would be an excellent bike for a keen cyclo-sportive rider or someone looking for a good quality introduction road bike. Bear in mind that it is quite a ‘sporty ride’ – i.e. the classic road frame is geared to giving a strong responsive ride, but you will feel the bumps in the road.
Would I Buy A Focus Cayo?
Yes, I would if I was looking for this kind of entry level road bike.
Overall Verdict on Focus Cayo
It may not be the most fashionable bike. But, it is popular for good reason; it simply offers very good value. It offers an entry level road racing bike and for the tourist / club cyclist will give a very enjoyable ride. Another good thing about the bike is that it is a good base to upgrade, later. I would have no hesitation in recommending it, you will not be disappointed.
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I bought this exact model for use in the French Pyrenees 2 weeks back and have covered about 300 mountain miles since then so I can probably comment with some knowledge now. Overall, a great bike for the money (1200 euros from a local shop). Its gears (I didn’t get the 2 ring compact but the 3 ring version) and its weight make even steep climbs a doddle and it’s a pleasure to ride down steep reverse slopes for miles. No real gripes – the saddle supplied with mine is a bit uncomfortable as narrower than my UK bike. I was also initially concerned about the sizing (54 frame, I am 5 ‘ 9″ with inside leg 30″) but after two weeks it’s fine. None of my concerns are about the bike though – couldn’t be happier.
Thanks for feedback Rich. Sounds a good experience. Saddles are one of those things worth changing to individual preference on most bikes.