DISTANCE 5,762 kilometres | 84,552 vertical metres
The 12-hour World Championships, the Tremalzo Loop or the circumnavigation of the local mountain ranges. In its two years of continuous use, the BMC Speedfox has seen many trails and climbed many a summit. No wonder: as a fully in the trail bike category, there are few situations in which the BMC would be out of place. A real all-rounder for eating up kilometres. The fact that tester Franz clocked up almost 6000 kilometres and 85,000 metres in altitude during the test phase also surprised us and underlines the reliability of the Speedfox.
Right at the start, Franz put the BMC to a tough test: the 12-hour World Championships in Weilheim as an individual starter. Unfortunately, it had been raining cats and dogs the days before, so the route was more like a riverbed than a trail for the most part. After just three hours, Franz and his BMC had to throw in the towel. A mix of mud and grass added a good three kilos of extra weight and repeatedly blocked both wheels after just a few metres. Not easy fare for man and machine, which is why the race was ended by the organisers after 10.5 hours. After a total of 500 kilometres, a complete cleaning with de-sludging of all moving parts was required after the race. But the BMC coped with the tough treatment without a murmur.
It wasn't until 1000 kilometres later that the bike required its first spare parts. The bottom bracket, brake pads and chain guide had to be replaced. Due to the combination of dirt and a decent mileage, the chain was already eating deep grooves into the plastic of the guide. Apart from the usual wear parts such as the chain, brake pads and bottom bracket, there were no special incidents apart from the Rockshox Reverb seatpost. The seatpost had to be bled at 2600 kilometres and dropped steadily from 4100 kilometres until it finally started to leak.
CONCLUSIONS: Apart from the usual wear parts and the failure of the Reverb dropper post, the BMC proved to be absolutely reliable and can be recommended throughout. A super all-rounder.
DEFECTS | MAINTENANCE
- 1460 km - bearings, brake pads, chain guide: As a late consequence of the 12-hour World Championships, the bottom bracket was worn out and had to be replaced, as did the brake pads. BMC's own chain guide was already showing deep grooves and also had to be replaced.
- 2600 km - creaking noises: When braking and pedalling, the Speedfox made noises for the first time. The headset, bottom bracket and cranks were cleaned and fresh grease was applied, which ensured quiet trail enjoyment again.
- 4100 km - Bottom bracket, chain guide: After more than 4,000 kilometres, the bottom bracket was again making itself loudly felt and had to be replaced again. The second chain guide also showed deep running marks.
TUNING
- 0 km - Saddle and grips: Right at the start of the test phase, Ergon GX grips and a Selle Italia SLR saddle were fitted to the bike instead of a Fizik Tundra.
- 120 km - longer stem: In frame size S and the 70 mm stem, the riding position was too compact. A 90 millimetre stem provided the desired length.
WHAT THE READERS SAY
"Three-year warranty on the frame, then a frame breakage after four years." Erich Giesinger, Facebook
"Perfect bike - does everything." Ole Unger, Facebook
"Runs and runs and runs. Perfect bike!" Steffen Hack, Facebook
RELATIONSHIP HIGHLIGHTS
Hard pleasure
The 12-hour World Championship turned out to be one of the toughest challenges in the test programme due to the weather conditions. A more enjoyable highlight, however, was the Tremalzo loop with 3068 metres in altitude and 89 kilometres. The almost 30-kilometre descent from the Tremalzo summit tunnel to Riva was pure madness.
Functionality 6 out of 6 points
Durability 5 out of 6 points
THE TESTER
Franz FischerMaster mechanic, 44 years old
Size / Weight 1.70 m / 75 kg
Driver profile Day tours, crisp Isar laps
Favourite areas Lake Garda, the foothills of the Alps and home rounds on the Isar trails
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 12/2017 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
