BMC launch Speedfox Trailcrew

Although the BMC mountain bike product team has been focused on the ‘getting down to business’ aspect of mountain bike wheel sizes for the past few years by concentrating on 29er wheels and tailored BWC (Big Wheel Concept) geometry -  rider and dealer demand for 27.5″ wheels could no longer be ignored. The Speedfox Trailcrew is a slight departure from BMC’s fixation with 29er wheels, with the popular alternative of 27.5″. It is the latest result of BMC’s permanent dedication to produce the perfect bike to meet rider demand.

The Speedfox Trailcrew Screams “I want to have fun!”  with dedicated 27.5″ geometry

Building on the success of the Speedfox trail bike that was launched in 2015, its new partner in crime, the Speedfox Trailcrew deafeningly screams “I want to have fun!”  The Speedfox Trailcrew is a slightly more playful bike in comparison to its big brother, and its geometry and spec support its fun attitude. In the conceptual phase, BMC engineers weren’t satisfied with slight adjustments to the Speedfox geometry to accommodate a smaller 650b wheel size, so a new bike with specific geometry has been born. Dedicated 650b bikes, both Speedfox Trailcrew models (02 and 03) are kitted with new front and rear triangles, linkage and suspension kinematics, while shocks have been specifically tuned to suit the all-new geometry and provide a more plush feel. The Speedfox Trailcrew is also spec’d with the target rider in mind.

Specific Adjustments to the Front Triangle and Headtube while Maintaining Big Wheel Concept (BWC) Principles

The Speedfox Trailcrew 02 frame is built with a carbon front triangle, while the 03 comes with an alloy front. Both models share an alloy rear triangle. While the 02 (carbon/alloy) and 03 (alloy/alloy) designation are not new to BMC, the Trailcrew geometry is. Engineers took the opportunity to snug up the rear wheel with 428mm chainstays and slacken the headtube 2˚ from the Speedfox 29 to a relaxed 66.5˚ and a front-center very similar to its bigger wheeled brethren. Inspired by BMC’s 29er ‘Big Wheel Concept’, the Speedfox Trailcrew continues to maintain a long reach, short stem, and wide handlebars (750mm).

Stoke Factor 11

To ensure the bike represents the Trailcrew mindset of “less race, more fun” BMC’s engineers have targeted a different APS suspension kinematic than in the past. According to Antoine Lyard BMC MTB Product Manager “previously, the Speedfox line was a targeted 50:50 ratio of pedaling and descending. The Speedfox Trailcrew however aims for more of a 50/60 ratio of pedaling to descending fun… we’re taking the stoke factor to an 11!”  With a goal of plushness, the new kinematic promotes a higher stroke ratio and more progressive spring rate than the Trailfox 29.

Spec’d to meet Rider Demand

In addition to the overall newness of the frame, additional attention has been paid to meet rider needs and popular equipment choices. These include:

• removable ISCG mounts (02 model)
• 2 different derailleur hangers available (specific to Shimano and SRAM specifications)
• full internal cable management system for drivetrain, brake and dropper post (02 model)
• 1x and 2x compatible
• Shimano side-swing front derailleur compatible
• 5 sizes: XS – XL (with additional standover clearance over the Speedfox 29)

And to answer the top question on rider’s minds….150mm of travel front and rear.

Targeted and Rider Specific

In the current age of specificity with bike models, riders are curious about how this fits into the line of trail and enduro bikes offered by BMC – the Speedfox Trailcrew is a Speedfox because it’s meant to be a pleasure – orientated (rather than performance-orientated) trail bike. Its 29er brother will address those looking for more climbing capability and confidence-inspiring descending, whereas the Speedfox Trailcrew has a more playful character. It is more about spontaneity and messing around and having pure fun on two wheels.