BMC Speedfox 02 Trailcrew - Review

Aside from its familiar BMC profile, the Speedfox 2 Trailcrew feels like a different species. Previously, BMC trail bikes were strong on their precise steering and quick response at the crankset, but when pressed hard, they didn't leave much handling in the bank to cover a mistake. The new Trailcrew feels low-slung, planted to the trail surface, sure in the steering department and very confident on the downs, with a measure of handling in reserve for those moments when the trail turns rowdier than anticipated. BMC claims that the Trailcrew's handling enhancements come at the expense of some pedaling efficiency, but compared to other 150-millimeter-travel bikes, I would rate its climbing and acceleration among the best in class.


Climbing and acceleration: Cane Creek's Double Barrel Inline shock's "Climb Switch" firms up both the rebound and compression circuits, which can make some suspension systems feel dull under power, but it plays well with the BMC's kinematics. Judged within the context of the better-performing 150-millimeter-travel bikes, the Trailcrew feels firm at the pedals and responsive under power - without activating the Climb Switch. That said, the Trailcrew's rear suspension brightens up while climbing with the pedaling aid switched on, so I used it often. BMC's vertical shock placement keeps the gold-anodized lever within easy reach, and if you do manage to miss it, Cane Creek leaves enough damping action in the shock to keep you out of trouble on the downs.



Pedaling firmness and suspension kinematics play key roles, but the Trailcrew's geometry is the defining element when it comes to climbing. Its 74-degree seat tube angle places its rider over the cranks, which keeps the legs feeling fresh while powering up steep pitches. The more forward body position puts a little more pressure on the front tire for control, while the BMC's short, 16.8-inch chainstays ensure that the rear tire is biting into the soil. I topped at least three technical climbs aboard the Trailcrew that had given me trouble this year - a feat that I attribute to the BMC's natural feeling fore/aft weight balance.

Before I give the impression that BMC's Trailcrew is the best pedaling and accelerating trail bike ever - it's not. I've ridden dw-link designs from Pivot and Ibis that outperform it in the pedaling department, and shod with its super grippy Onza Ibex tires, it feels pretty draggy on paved surfaces. Give it some sketchy dirt and a rolling, technical stretch of trail, however, and the BMC's balance, easy handling, and centralized pedaling position work in concert to reduce the workload. That's where the efficiency comes from. It can get up to speed quickly and maintain momentum in adverse situations.



Cornering and steering: The Speedfox Trailcrew is shod with 2.4-inch Onza Ibex tires, which approached the grip and predictability of Schwalbe Magic Marys on my sometimes treacherous decomposed granite and clay home soil, . Armed with large-volume, grippy rubber and suspension that provides a stable ride height, the Trailcrew corners with conviction. I felt confident on the bike from the outset. The front tire feels glued to the ground, the steering is light and sure, and when push comes to shove, the tail end of the BMC will drift out a little and scrub off some speed.

The crankset feels low and that helps keep the tires planted in the turns, and I liked the head angle. At 66.5 degrees, the bike holds a steady line with little effort, and I can still flick the handlebar to move the front wheel around a rock or to make a quick correction. The steering is not exceptionally nimble feeling, but it is amply responsive and the tire's contact patch always feels connected to the handlebar.



Technical and descending: Downhill and at speed, the Trailcrew feels more composed than its moderate steering angles and suspension travel suggests it should. I could lift either wheel in a pinch using minimal body English, and there is just enough firmness in the mid-stroke of the fork and shock to snap the bike into the air to clear drops, roots, and rock gardens. The ease with which the Trailcrew can be maneuvered buys time to scope out alternate lines or to straight-line technical sections that, otherwise, may have looked impossible in the heat of the moment. "Playful" is overused in the context of bike reviews, but it justly applies to the Trailcrew.

Accomplished descenders will find it easy to push the Speedfox Trailcrew to the edge of the downhill envelope where enduro racing machines like Yeti's SB6c would be the more appropriate choice. The magic of the Trailcrew, however, is to maintain the versatility of a trail bike, but with its updated geometry, also be capable of descending the big boy lines - albeit, at a lower volume. In that respect, BMC nailed it.


Component report

• Onza Ibex tires: Yes, they are shameless copies of the Maxxis High Roller 2, but Onza's version is grippier, it has a smoother transition to the edging blocks, and it has more cornering and climbing traction. Great choice.

• 34-tooth chainring: Some riders can push a 34-tooth chainring up a long, steep climb, but most can't. So, let the few buy the 34 and spec a smaller, easier climbing gear on production bikes for the many.




Pinkbike's Take:

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