Review: BMC Speedfox 01. KR
Originally posted on June 8, 2018 at 13:41 pmName: Brett Rothmeyer
Age: 40
Weight: 165 lbs.
Height: 6’1”
Inseam: 32”
The Speedfox 01 by BMC is touted as the latest in a long line of proclaimed, “quiver killers.” Labeled as a trail bike, the Speedfox looks to straddle the line between fun and performance, cross-country and trail. Falling into the medium travel category with 120 mm of travel and equipped with BMC’s new Trail Sync suspension, the Speedfox is the latest in a line of the “one bike to rule them all” concept that many brands are aiming for. The Speedfox is available in two different wheel sizes depending on which size frame you ride. It is offered in 27.5 inch in the small and medium sizes and in 29 inch in the medium, large (as tested) and extra large sizes.
While the idea of the quiver killer is nothing new, the Trail Sync design from BMC certainly is. A single remote opens up the rear shock and drops the seatpost. With the seat up, the shock is in full pedal mode; either of the two lower seatpost positions will open up the shock.
Climbing on, the Speedfox was responsive and snappy on trail and off. There was little to no bob out of the rear suspension, in or out of the saddle on steep and punchy climbs. The Speedfox is as quick on climbs and long flat sections of gravel as any hardtail I’ve ridden. The toggle-style lever was a little cumbersome while trying to make on-trail adjustments to the saddle height. The lever, instead of being a one directional push like most dropper levers, was able to move in all directions. Lever feel was sloppy and made me wonder if it was engaging while raising the saddle back to full height. Aside from the odd toggle control for the dropper post, the Trail Sync system worked without issue. Paired with a Fox Float DPS, the rear suspension was responsive and buttery smooth when activated.
Descending on the Speedfox feels stable on fast straights as well as cornering. With the seatpost dropped and the suspension fully open, it sucked up rocks and roots without issue, keeping the bike in contact with the ground and pushing through turns. On the varied terrain of our local trail system, the Trail Sync felt right at home while pedaling the flowy singletrack, and when I felt like getting a little rowdy on a few of the technical descents, I simply dropped the post and let ‘er rip.
Although marketed as a trail bike by BMC, the Speedfox could be one heck of an ally when racing longer endurance and stage race events. Its carbon frame and 29-inch wheels help the Speedfox get up to speed and stay there. In conjunction with the Trail Sync system, the Speedfox 01 is equipped with a Rock Shox Pike on the front and rounded out with SRAM Eagle X01 componentry. The bike also comes stock with wheels by DT Swiss and 2.35 inch Maxxis Forkaster tires, leaving the Speedfox ready to rip trail straight out of the box.
As the format of mountain bike stage racing evolves, our selection of bikes with which to tackle these events must as well. More and more we are seeing enduro style stages being incorporated into the schedule of these events. While we all may desire different bikes for every occasion, not everyone has the ability to make that a reality. While the idea of a “quiver killer” may be as realistic as the idea of the Sasquatch, we certainly won’t give up hope in our efforts of trying to find one. With a name like the Speedfox, I wondered if it would live up to its name. For certain, this bike feels fast, which is statement that a lot of bikes in the trail category don’t receive. I wouldn’t second-guess taking this bike out against a hammer ride of hardtails, or on an all-day adventure on technical terrain. If you are someone looking for a bike that does a lot really well, then the Speedfox 01 might be just the bike you have been waiting for.
Specs:
Price: $7,499
Sizes: S, M, L, (tested) XL
Online: bmc-switzerland.com
Reach: 17.7”
Stack: 24.4”
Top Tube: 24.9”
Head Tube: 68.25º
Seat Tube: 73.25º
BB height: 13”
Chainstays: 17.5”
Weight: 26.6 lb