• Drive system: Shimano STEPS
• Riding style: All-mountain
BMC has its eyes firmly on the upper end of the e-mountain bike market with its Trailfox AMP. Not for BMC the alloy frames typical on nearly every other bike: the Trailfox uses a combination of a carbon front triangle and alloy rear triangle on both models. It says its ‘Twin Hollowcore’ downtube design increases overall frame stiffness while integrating the battery into the frame.
The geometry of the bike is based on the Swiss manufacturer’s Trailfox all-mountain bike, albeit with a few tweaks to take advantage of the lower centre of gravity typical of e-mountain bikes (yes, that would be due to the motor and battery). In particular, the Trailfox AMP uses a slightly higher bottom bracket than its non-assisted brother to avoid pedal strikes. Its use of the Shimano E-8000 STEPS system also resulted in a relatively short chainstay length (445mm), which BMC says provides a snappier ride feel.
BMC has also beefed up its Advanced Pivot System (APS) suspension with two oversized links designed specifically to withstand the additional forces an e-mountain bike puts through the rear end.
Two models are available in Australia in 2019: the AMP Two, which at just under $8,000 uses an SLX drivetrain and Rockshox Yari/Monarch suspension; and the more expensive AMP One with an XT drivetrain, Fox Float suspension and DT Swiss wheels.
2019 models
• BMC Trailfox AMP TWO: $7,999
• BMC Trailfox AMP ONE: $9,999
