BMC Trail Fox TF02 review

We’re generally unimpressed with the handling of some longtravel bikes from some Euro nations, but BMC’s Swiss take on the mountain machine is different.

Yes, the handlebar’s a bit narrow but there’s an easy squish from the rear suspension that slackens off the angles and the short stem means attentive handling and rearward weight positioning.

Tapered forks and head tube, big welded upper linkage and Maxle rear offer tracking stiffness and chunky Easton Vice wheels add stability.

At 29lb it’s not too much of a beast to get up the climbs, and the solid lockout of the RP2 shock stops pedal bob and soft pedal feel with a lever flick. Transmission is adequate, but big rotors front and rear boost stopping power.

The 150mm of travel is encouraging over small and mid-sized trouble, but it isn’t quite as happy when serious pieces of geology come towards it. While their size adds cushioning, the slippery Performance compound tyres undermine cornering confidence.