The voluminous frame shines there with high stiffness and consequently high precision on the trail. The stiff fork ensures direct steering behaviour and there is no lack of safety downhill. However, the suspension is not bottomless, it does not offer the full suspension travel. It climbs inconspicuously and calmly. If BMC isn't one of the most competitively priced brands anyway, the Swiss company is now being hit by the currency crisis: last year, the Speedfox SF02 with a carbon frame and Shimano XT groupset (BIKE 4/15, verdict: very good) was tested for € 2999. For the same money, you can now get the SF03 with an aluminium frame and Deore/SLX drivetrain, and the system wheelset also has to make way for a DT Swiss rim with Deore hubs. The model downgrade is accompanied by a significant weight upgrade: +600 grams compared to last year. Clever: A chain guide can be attached to the chainstay protector.
ConclusionThe BMC rumbles unobtrusively over the trails. A robust, heavy all-mountain bike for demanding terrain.
The alternative: If the Speedfox is too tame for you, you should consider the Trailfox. The 29er wheels and the suspension with 150/160 millimetres of travel guarantee a full road holding. The model
TF 03 costs 3999 euros.
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