Reference class is a term that should be used sparingly. In the case of the new BMC Trailfox with its 2.6-kilo carbon chassis, plenty of travel and flawless composition, it's hard not to use the term. If you're looking for a long-travel all-mountain bike that can do everything and have enough budget available, you should give it a quick look. The geometry is well chosen, the frame stiffness is high. Thru axles front and rear make their contribution here. Uphill the bike climbs superbly, downhill it invites playful riding, makes full use of the suspension travel and lands jumps with confidence. The Trailfox is manoeuvrable, agile and fully controlled thanks to the successful riding position. Even under sporty conditions, you never get the impression that the long suspension travel is a hindrance. Marathon start? Gladly! Angled trails? No problem. Low mountain ranges? It could hardly be faster or more comfortable. Of course, that doesn't come for free.
If you get palpitations when you look at the price tag, you have to take a look at the equipment. Of course, 7500 euros is a lot of money for a bike and only within the reach of a lucky small target group. But you won't find a single part on the TF 01 that you could replace with a better one. Sinfully expensive Easton carbon wheels, complete Shimano XTR, the best Fox suspension elements with Kashima coating, remote-controlled RockShox Reverb dropper post. The wheels are very light (3.6 kilos) and the suspension offers a wide range of adjustment. You can feel all of this when riding and you have to pay for it. You have to get used to the shock, as the new Fox logic only switches off the platform completely at level 0. Because this setting results in a somewhat rough feeling on the climbs (typical for VPP rear suspension systems), it is better to ride with a constantly low platform setting. Basic set-up: open lever, platform adjusted to 1 or 2. We are curious to see whether the cheaper Trailfox models are just as convincing as the high-end bike.
ConclusionWith the Carbon-Trailfox, BMC manages the balancing act between all-mountain and sports use. Its handling characteristics and weight make it fully suitable for marathons and extremely strong in difficult terrain. Unfortunately an expensive pleasure!
PLUS Low weight, perfect equipment, wide range of applications
MINUS expensive
.
