Even as short as five years ago, a 130mm travel 29er was something of a rarity. Manufacturers were still figuring out how to make that kind of travel work with the bigger wheels. Some tried and failed miserably. But, in time, nearly every major manufacturer has overcome those challenges and are delivering full-suspension 29ers with 130mm or more travel.
The Yeti SB95 is likely one of the most beloved long-travel 29ers with the Niner WFO hot on its heels. Now, BMC is adding the Speedfox SF01 to the mix.
SF01 is Best in Show for Interbike 2014
At 130mm travel front and rear, the all-new 2015 BMC Speedfox SF01 is not as squishy as other long-travel 29ers, but aims to strike a balance between XC and enduro.
BMC uses their flavor of virtual pivot suspension, dubbed Active Pivot System (APS) to deliver both efficiency and smoothness. It is a longer-travel version of their 2014 World Cup-winning Fourstroke FS01, so you know it will climb.
APS suspension aside, the complete package of the SF01 XX1 model leaves nothing to be desired. The SRAM XX1 kit with SRAM Guide RS brakes and DT Swiss hoops perfectly complement the full Fox factory shock and Float 32 suspension fork.
The kicker is the overall weight — 25.1 lbs. Thanks to the carbon expertise of BMC’s engineers, this bike comes to the table as one of the lightest complete bikes in the 130mm class. I’d argue that a 28T chainring is too small, but it will certainly make for easy climbing. Aside from that, there’s really nothing to complain about here. The SF01 will be a winner.
SF01 XX1 Features:
- Classic, industrial look
- Full-carbon construction
- 130mm travel front and rear via Fox Factory Kashima shock/fork
- Internal cable routing with port for stealth dropper
- SRAM XX1 group with 28t chainring (will climb anything)
- SRAM Guide RS brakeset
- DT Swiss XM 1501 Spline ONE wheelset
- 720mm wide BMC carbon flat bars
- Short, 17.1″ chainstays
- Available in five sizes — to fit every rider
- Weight: 25.1 lbs
- MSRP: $6999
The SF01 XX1 was impressive enough that we picked it as the bike of the show for Interbike 2014.