The first impression confirms the high expectations, as the bottom bracket of the Speedfox is 35 millimetres below the axle height. This means that the compact frame is nestled between the wheels. The Speedfox frame features impressive details such as neatly covered cable entries, direct-mount mounts and the internal chain guide. The color scheme of the Speedfox FS01 is rather plain. However, the color design of the frame harmonizes perfectly with that of the XX1 groupset from Sram and the XM-1501 spline wheels from DT-Swiss, covered with X-King 2.2-inch tires from Continental. For the suspension elements, on the other hand, BMC relies on high-end products from Fox. The Speedfox is rounded off with a Reverb Stealth seatpost from Rock Shox and a cockpit from BMC.

It doesn't take long to get to know the 11.76 kilogram trail bike. You feel right at home. The riding position is pleasantly sporty - pretty much exactly between the Fourstroke and the Trailfox. The BMC Speedfox is just as easy to propel as the cross-country weapon. On winding trails, it behaves relatively unobtrusively and stays on track. It lacks a little pepper when chasing the fox. On the other hand, the bike also conveys safety and smoothness when things get faster.
Downhill, the Speedfox is a lot of fun on flowing trails. On tight terrain, however, the bike is not quite as agile as expected.

The plush suspension is fun. The Fox Float CTD Factory shock, which is controlled via the APS rear triangle, uses the 130 millimetres of travel throughout with late progression. This means that the bike irons out a lot, even on rough trails. Thanks to BMC's sag indicator, setting the negative travel is relatively easy. The two levels "hard" and "soft" can be read on this (photo for web). We recommend choosing the soft setting for touring and alpine rides. On sporty rides and with an active riding style, the hard setting provides more counter-pressure and gives the bike a little more liveliness. The Continental tires are good for long mid-range tours, but are overtaxed in alpine terrain and prone to punctures. A set of more robust and slightly wider tires provides more safety and increases riding enjoyment without significantly impairing the rolling characteristics.

The Speedfox is pleasant to ride uphill. The sporty riding position ensures good power transmission, which means that even longer climbs are no problem. It also accelerates well - not least because of the relatively light wheel and tire combination. However, the rear suspension is not free of drive influences, which is rather disconcerting for the otherwise very drive-neutral APS suspension system. However, the bobbing of the rear suspension can be prevented with the "Trail" and "Climb" settings on the shock. Fortunately, in the open "Descend" mode, no bobbing is noticeable off-road.

Conclusion: The BMC Speedfox SF01 impresses with an excellently finished frame and classy specification. Although not quite as light, it offers great performance. However, it doesn't quite live up to its name, as the wild fox is rather tame, but smooth-running.

Specifications

Manufacturer: www.bmc-switzerland.com