Titanium Plus Size Gravel Bike! (Bearclaw Beaux Jaxon)
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- Опубликовано: 30 сен 2019
- Review of the Bearclaw Beaux Jaxon a titanium gravel plus bike that I rode in the Ochoco Overlander. bearclawbicycleco.com/beaux-j...
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Thanks for the review Russ!
We would like to point out a very important design feature of Beaux Jaxon that deserves some attention. Beaux has a fork that is 415mm long (axle to crown). MTB’s and bicycles like the Fargo or Cutthroat have a 483mm or longer fork. In our opinion, a drop bar bicycle should never have longer than a 415mm fork. Installing a drop bar on a mtb is not the answer. We kneaux this because 5 years ago thats what we we did! We put a drop bar on a carbon hard tail frame along with a 40mm stem and zero setback post with the saddle slammed forward. We also installed the most aggressive negative stem we could find to try and get the jacked up front end a bit lower. It was awkward, but we were able to immediately appreciate how well the 29x2.3 tires rolled both on the pavement and dirt. We knew the world needed a proper 27.5+ / 29er drop bar bike. That was 2014. Earlier this year we introduced Beaux Jaxon, our idea of a proper 27.5+/29er drop bar gravel adventure bike. Beaux’s geometry falls in the “gravel bike” category, but Beaux fits 27.5+/29er tires. Bigger tires offer a more controlled and comfortable ride. They also carry you through rough or loose terrain with less effort than skinny tires. We consider anything under 40c to be skinny.
awesome bike BBCo! great to see builders finally adding hardpoints to ti frames and forks. it has everything on my wish list except flatbars damn it.
"Installing a drop bar on a mtb is not the answer." And yet a lot of the bikes you see on say the Tour Divide are 29ers with drops. Some run drops while others run flats and aeros. It's most likely preference but the 29er itself is pretty ubiquitous. Some of them with suspension forks (because they can). One thing to note as well is that bikes BJ with more road style clearance aren't especially the best for maintaining comfort. They are made for smooth roads and so the orientation of the rider is generally more forward. That means more pressure on the upper body which isn't as bad if you stick to roads but for gravel and more road geo isn't optimal. Thus high stacks, high stems, big tires and what not to compensate whereas mtbs are made for terrain, big tires and and have more relaxed geo to compensate for suspension forks. MTBs aren't perfect either as they are not made for distance but as we see in races such as the Tour Divide they can be made to go the extra mile.
In the end I mean no disrespect to anyone here. I am just one of those people who are constantly exploring the many nuances of cycling and things just keep getting more and more interesting. (We all want to know what is the best do it all rig?)However at this point it is my opinion that the 29er is the most capable bike for the money.
What is wrong or potentially bad about installing a drop bar on a mtb?
In what instance do you choose the Beaux over the Thunderhawk? Besides the tires clearance, do they have the same geometry? I struggle to understand past the tire clearance difference.
Put alternator rear drop-out or similar adjustable and it's gonna be my perfect do-all dream bike.
"Climb like a drunken goat!"
The t-shirt.
You're welcome.
Well this is fun. Super cool bike. Love the Ochoco Parts coverage! I got to ride much of that route last year so it was familiar. Thanks for giving Mitchell some screen time. Good Folks.
Sweet bike, glad you got your hands on one!
Bearclaw looks like a great bike, another excellent review! I had a similar experience with regards to the steering (tiller like, sluggish) on a Bombtrack Beyond. I swapped out the stem for one which was 3 cm shorter and it completely transformed the steering and made it more responsive.
Beaux Knows the supple life.
took me a second, then took me back
Those welds were amazing. Coolest ass bike out now I think.
Welds were smoove!
I'm in the market for titanium and looking to buy a long term touring/bikpacking rig, so this review was timely and highly informative. Thanks Russ.
Check out the Lynskey GR270. They always have nice discounts. I got mine for $3200 2 years ago (GR250 then). I did pick the lowest available components.
100% correct that nice looking bike
Very impressive offering.
Great review as always. Dang, that thing is pretty and seriously light for alloy. One key advantage of the Cutthroat is the ability (geometry correction) to run a suspension fork - this speaks to the drop-bar-MTB focus of the Salsa. Lightweight (maybe carbon?) wheels set up tubeless probably put it in league with the Bearclaw for both zippiness and price. I ride too much single track to trade in my Cutthroat for this - but I can admire from a distance. How lucky we are to have bikes like these on the market!
Love mine set up as a 29er, bikecamp Saturday race on Sunday. 😉
Beautiful,beautiful!!!! Great bicycle for the person who can afford it. For me i got to take alot of O.T to afford it. Lol!!!! Russ love the review this why im always here to see what my options are when you do bike reviews.thank you and have a great day.
This was a great review, thanks. 2500ish for a Ti frame and carbon fork isn't cheap but it's not what a Baxter would cost me either. Only thing I'm a little meh on is the 1x only... maybe not a deal breaker though.
Looks like a great bike for winter weather and crummy conditions. Not a bad price for titiaum frame
I've been lusting after the Beaux Jaxon ever since I first saw it on Instagram. Thanks for your review, it sounds like it's exactly what I want in a bike. Can't wait for them to get a European distributor sorted out.
You and me both. Lol
We are currently seeking out a European distributor. Goal is to have by 2020. Until then, contact us! We ship to Europe all of the time thanks to Bikeflights!
@@bearclawbicycleco7597 the trouble with importing things on a one off basis is that the customs fees and postal handling fees are sky high. Besides, I won't have the funds until the second half of next year at the earliest, so I'm not in any hurry.
@@bearclawbicycleco7597 Do you have a Canadian distributor?
I love these tires
Can't wait to finish my build. I bought frame and fork.. Cutthroat was on my radar but got this instead. It's a replacement for a bike I was hit by a car on recently. Good review.
Are you happy with yours? Any similar thoughts on the steering when climbing?
@@postridebeers I couldn't be happier, it rides amazing, I've raced gravel a few times, commuted on it and ridden single track. It's hands down the best bike I've ever ridden and I Work for Allied Cycleworks.
Hi Russ, great review! I was wondering if you found Beaux Jackson to be on the aggressive side of riding spectrum?
Nice video. Interesting have many years Germany is behind the world in terms of gravel bike offerings. It was still hard to get a Kona Sutra LTD frame to build on 😅 but it is fun building it up from scratch 😍
You say the bike is a bit spendy, this is a bike you'll have for a long time thanks to Ti, so I think it's worth the additional outlay as you will be riding this a long time after a carbon framed bike has decided to go back to its constituent parts. The peppy rear end is down to the riding characteristics of Ti it is hard to articulate what makes Ti ride the way it does but I love it.
G-One's are a good allround tyre it rolls well on the tarmac and grips well it most conditions that don't have any quantity of mud.
Nice review, thanks
Well, it's titanium made in China and I've heard of other brands who source their titanium frames in China, like Van Nicholas and others who've had customer's bikes that have cracked around the bottom bracket junction. I just hope the warranty is good for the price you pay for it. These bikes are the hot new thing that sells off the shelves, but only time will tell how long they really last and how the company will back their products.
I own a 29er plus bike and my first 2 impressions when I first rode it were:
1. it's faster or easier to pedal than it looks.
2. FUN!!!
And your review was pretty much along those lines. I hope you get to tryout Trek's plus size bikes, namely the 1120, & 920.
And wow 22lbs. My cf full rigid 29+ is a tad heavier.
Currently looking at 29+ options. Looking for something affordable similar to this review (in some regards, obviously not price) but in steel. Bombtracks look sick, but price...Something like a dropbar ECR.
Hey Russ, thanks for the great review as always. Keep it up! I’m curious if there is anything similar to this but in the form of steel?
Not with the same geometry to my knowledge.
I agree.. alloy bikes are better looking :-)
Have you ever reviewed brakes, Russ? I would be particularly interested in the comparison mechanical vs. hydraulic vs. hybrid mechanical/hydraulic disc brakes. I was always in favor of mechanical disc brakes, but I'm starting to doubt whether hydraulic or hybrid systems would not last longer because of more even and subtle braking? I had a few wet events recently where I completely ran through my pads. Any experience with this?
First, Have you thought about selling the bicycle flavor wheel as a print or t-shirt? I would buy one of both. Second, it seems like this could be a great winter/snow bike like you seem to use the Jones bike as last year. Likewise, this bicycle seems like it could be a great adventure/exploring bicycle. Finally, the less than 25 pounds weight means that one could use this a pretty fun and efficient daily rider for everything from getting groceries to getting a quick work out in. So, while I don't have $4K burning a hole in my pocket, I definitely can see how this bicycle could be a good buy since it seems to be versatile enough to meet many functions.
@pathlesspedaled what size frame did you test? Thanks loved your review. !
The owner of this company owns a little bike shop in Traverse City, MI. I'd driven past the shop maybe 50 times over the years when in town. It really is that light in person. It's not some puffed up number. Amazing bike, even better in person and awesome rider.
He's making some neat bikes!
22lb is pretty amazing. I remember an undersized MB-1 seeming so light and fast at 26lb. My Jones is a tank by comparison.
22 pounds is a tank. My Carver Ti O’Beast with 5” tires and a Brooks Flyer is only 24lbs. A bike like this should be well under 20 pounds.
Nice bike and nice review Russ! Too spendy for me. Another great plus tire with LOW rolling resistance and more tread than those tires is the Vittoria Mezcal's. I'm running those on my Fargo in 29x2.6 tubeless and let me tell ya smooth and quiet on pavement! Take care
I was considering this bike but since it was only designed as a 1x - deal breaker for me. Wish more bike builders would keep the 2x peeps in mind when building bikes. 1x isn't the Holy Grail! Beautiful bike although!
Would you consider doing a review of all the different brakes you've used? It might be hard since the different kinds were in the past, but I've always been interested in what brakes I should upgrade to if I have crappy stock ones. I know you've raved about the Yokozuna Cable/hydro brakes, but how do they compare to the Spyres of this bike, or the full hydros of other bikes you've ridden? I can't remember, but have you ever tested a bike with Paul Klampers? I'd consider any of these brands based on your review.
Thanks, as always for your amazing content, and YOU keep the supple side down. : )
I second this
Good recommendation and request. I'm curious about this as well.
This bike looks fantastic, one of best things about the gravel bike revolution is the variety of bikes available now, there's gonna be something to suit everyone 'off the shelf'. I love to tinker with bikes but most just want to buy and ride. Nice round up 👍
I second the notion the lively rear end is the ti. My Seven redsky feels the same. I don’t think $4K is high considering you will have it for life and that a cutthroat I looked at was over $5K. 22lbs is amazing; think of the 32lb Jones bike. Great review as always. Thanks again!
"I have had this bike for a life and changed worn out tranny only three times, wheels only once and yeah, this particular frame is one I got under lifetime warranty") No, I actually love idea of a bike for life!
Seven cycles are designed by an engineer and welders in America who have been in the business their whole lives. This bike company sources everything from China. That's not necessarily bad, but I wouldn't compare it to Seven, who are likely among the best in titanium frame construction.
Love bearclaw bikes love, love, love them!!!! Bad A## machines
When will SRAM and shimano catch up with wider gearing for on and offroad.
Hope we still gonna get a review of the nicasio plus!
Yes. Its in the queue. I'm one person :)
The way you explain it with the flavor wheel is making the geometry voodoo accessible to the masses. Nice. My question is how the bike geometry has to change from the largest size to the smallest size so the smallest rider with he smallest frame in a particular model has the same ride characteristics of the largest rider who rides the same model frame. For example, a long wheel base or chain stay might push the small rider further up the flavor wheel than a big person.
Generally chainstay stays the same, but trail is different. To get the same trail bikes on the small and large end of the range need different fork offset. Because most bike brands try to save money, they only use one fork with one offset for the entire size range. This becomes problematic because small frames get a slacker head angle to avoid toe overlap and get a different trail than the ideal sample size.
After looking at fat bikes in my local stores, I wondered why none resemble exactly this! Thanks... now if I can afford it.
Framed Alaskan adventure bike model is priced fairly.
Sweet Jesus! This bike is a dream! Please Lord make it be my for Christmas or for my 34 yo birthday.
Sweet bike. BTW, Russ, in a nutshell, why do you prefer alloy for your personal bikes?
I generally like the feel of nice alloy bikes. They are just smoother and don't beat you up. Also an irrational fear of carbon breaking. We travel a lot and don't baby the the bikes, so I don't want something that will fail without warning.
Great review. You touch it a bit in your review, but what downsides do you see in such a plus tire gravel bike, compared to at a more traditional gravel bike? Should you consider this, if you are in the market for at gravel bike like the Warbird og Kona Rove?, or is more of an alternative to a dropbar MTB like the Cutthroat?
More of a quicker alternative to the Cutthroat IMO. There is just more rotating mass in the plus size tire.
My 27x3.0 maxxis chronicle wheelset (quality boost hubs (Hope/sp) on 40mm WTB rims) come out at about 5kg a set including discs. They hold 20-25mph on the flat but you notice the weight on gradual climbs. for steep gravel climbs, the extra traction outperforms the weight penalty. cant comment on the g-ones as havent ridden them.
Thanks for the answers, considering upgrading my current gravel bike for bike like the Beaux Jaxon, and run a 29'er wheelset with René Herse Antelope Hill tires to get a sort of light weight gravel setup and changing to MTB style tires to make it handle anything. I also like the idea of being able to put plus size wheels/tires on it down the line.
Not sure yet if this is a good idea.
I think this is the bike you mentioned wanting an 11-46 cassette on (watched a while back, new info that made me want to comment). I just put SRAM Rival brifters on my bike and noticed that the Rival long cage derailleur has a max of 42 teeth per SRAM spec (not sure if you can stretch their spec). To increase range to 46 I tried to mate with an NX derailleur I had but found that indexing misses a shift mid cassette and you wind up losing a gear (highest or lowest). Looking closely I see that road 11spd (Rival, Apex, etc) is called Exact Actuation whereas mtb 11spd (NX, GX, etc) is called X-Actuation; I assume this is fine print for not compatible. Live and learn, just dropped the buck for the Rival. I do know that X-Actuation is compatible with Shimano mtb 11spd as I mix the two with flawless indexing. Also, 8spd X-Actuation (EX1) is not the same as 11spd X-Actuation, which is the reason I had the NX derailleur in the first place! WHY IS THIS SO COMPLICATED!!!!
46t works with Rival 11. It’s what I have on my Crust!
Great review. Any comparison to their Thunderhawk? I don’t think I need tires that big for my riding. Thanks.
None yet. Hope to test one next Spring.
Just got my Thunderhawk! Did GRX 800, which gives me 2x 48x31. Initial impression is wow!
Interesting tires -- are they silent on asphalt or do they make typical buzz sound like knobby tires? I wonder how much weight would titanium fork add, somehow I don't trust carbon :-).
Little buzzy on pavement but not as much as more aggressive tread. Ti fork does add more weight.
I know how you feel. I'm less worried about the fork overall, though, and more about the steerer. Why does nobody talk about the steerer?
Is trail something that can be customized somewhat with a different fork?
Could be slightly altered.
When's the thesis review coming out?
Month.
The bike felt good bombing down the chunder but did the brakes hold you back?
Brakes were OK. Would have preferred the Yokozuna Ultimos!
I've always thought that the more tire clearance the better as you can always use a smaller tire but never add more clearance. However running a 2.8 on an adventure bike just seems like overkill. There may be some applications where having that kind of clearance and ability is key but for me a 29x2.0 and 27.5x2.2 is plenty of tire. Even a 42c is big. The other thing about this bike I find almost nonsensical is the design and the price. I would rather have a full carbon rigid 29er (with drops if that is your preference). In fact I do have a full rigid, carbon 29er but not with drop bars. I use flats with Origin8 drop bar ends. Depending on which wheelset I use it weighs about 20lbs. It has a nice big triangle and here is the real kicker: it has the ability to run a suspension fork. Now the geo is different and may not be the best for the long haul but it was relatively inexpensive and is ultra capable.
One other thing to suggest...and this is mainly for 1x bikers. On this bike you're running a 32t front, 42t low cassette in the rear. You mention going to a 46t low. You could consider running a smaller front sprocket instead. In fact if you ran a 28t front (think Sram Direct mount) you could use a 34t low rear cassette. The difference in ratio would be very minimal (.76 vs .82) and the advantages are such: less weight, better shifting, more ground clearance and wayyyyy better cadences! I just started running a 11-32 cassette on my 27.5 set. I still have a 32t front ring and will change that out but man what difference! If you're not doing a lot of trail or single track then to me it doesn't make sense to run these big cassettes. In the trails they work but if your doing more distance type riding cadence is harder to maintain. Now you will lose top end gearing but for most of us you won't be in it for long anyway. And with Direct Mount you could swap out front rings depending on the ride. Two or three rings vs entire clusters.
Mountain and road bikes are making babies and while some of that DNA mix is good some of it makes you scratch your head a bit.
-Smoother tread 2.8s were a good compromise for the Ochoco Overlander handling the baby heads and fast road sections ruclips.net/video/xldITfn5OiE/видео.html
-economies of scale. Company is 4 years old and doesn't the volume to bring the price down is my guess
-I don't like suspension forks on my "adventure bikes"
-In the Ochoco we were paceling at 25mph, barely keeping up with the 32, 28 would have been ridiculous
-i personally love the crazy hybrids
@@PathLessPedaledTV you were averaging 25mph?
@@racerx8410712 during the last day paved pace line it got up to 25. Mostly around 22 and I did a dumb "attack" that got the bike to 30mph.
Jay Tee meh. 25-30 only seems large because racing has dominated the cycling industry for so long. I think larger tires are here to stay. They’re more comfortable for more people, more capable on crappy roads and there are now higher performance options that don’t weigh a ton.
@@PathLessPedaledTV did you remove Jay Tee's comment?
Do they have those tires for 29 plus? If so what would be the size.
What sizes tires you can use is dependent on your rims. Their is a compatibility chart that brands that support the standards generally refer to. www.schwalbetires.com/sites/default/files/Untitled_0.png
22lbs! I would race it!
Hey Everyone, Can someone tell me what kind of rear rack was on the bike? I'm interested in getting it for myself. Thanks in advance.
Tumbleweed T Rack. ruclips.net/video/CpELf0aWEvQ/видео.html
It be interested to see how this compare to the Surly ECR, Framed Alaska Adventure edition(drop bar fat bike frame that can take 27.5+ tire), and the Salsa Fargo.
Yes, please review these two. I'd also add the Surly ECR and Pugsly.
do we really need those 2.8 tires i wonder?
Of course not. You can do it on whatever you like. It’s what the bike I was testing had.
What size frame did you test out, Russ? 52.5?
I strongly suspect it is the 51 given that Russ and I are about the same size. Even at 51, the bike looks to be too big.
@@waisinglee1509 I actually confirmed with Bearclaw it was indeed 52.5
@@JoaquinGTP Amazing! My fitter would have had a fit!
How does it compare to a TI Fargo?
Haven’t tried the Fargo personally but I suspect it would feel a touch quicker than the Fargo.
What is the maximum 1x chainring size ?
46. We will have these available next week along with 42’s
How does the titanium ride compare to custom steel bikes?
Hard to tell with this particular bike because of the tires.
@@PathLessPedaledTV lol I guess that is true #Supersupple
Hi my friend i was wondering if you use strava.
No.
@@PathLessPedaledTV ohh ok I just started using strava myself so far i like it.
@@PathLessPedaledTV I like all your videos so keep up the good work.
What do you mean high trail vs low trail?
Watch our bike geometry videos.
Looks similar to the Ti Fargo
DBA4A6 Mucho different. 415mm axle to crown is the biggest difference. It’s not a drop bar mtb. It’s a plus gravel bike.
Having just bought my Cutthroat I guess I shouldn’t let my wife watch the end of this.
You didn’t answer the question: if you had it to do again, would you take a bike you only had for 2 days on a trip like that again? It turned out ok, but...
For the Overlander sure. Support to bail you out.
How does this compare to a Kona Sutra LTD?
Dunno. Haven't ridden a Sutra.
@@PathLessPedaledTV Yeah I hope you get review the 2020 Kona Sutra LTD. Thru axles all around, steel frame, 29 X 2.2 clearance three pack mounts on the fork. $2199 complete, around $600 for frame and fork. Seems similar to a lot of all rounders out there!
@@amie704 I've tried. You can always drop them a nice note on their IG and tell them you'd like us to review it.
Sounds like a great bike....all I need now is to win the lottery so I can afford one.
These bike builders are on crack
What did you think of the brakes? I know this bike has a hydraulic upgrade option. Necessary or good with the cables?
Ok. Would have preferred the Ultimo hybrid brakes.
@@PathLessPedaledTV On this topic, have you ever compared the Ultimo vs. Motokos?
Someone might say “aren’t gravel monster cross just a mountain bike?”
Bearclaw says “hold my beer”
Well given the popularity of gravel/adventure bikes, it's IMO only a matter of time before rigid mountain bikes become more common. But until they do, this is what we have.
With the advancements we've made in geometry and technology, modern gravel bikes, given the proper tyres, are more capable off road than early mountain bikes with suspension. And as a result, some riders are finding that they don't really need a suspension for the stuff they're riding.
I tought you preferred steel bikes the most.
Where did I say I didn’t?
@@PathLessPedaledTV I am just assuming you did prefer steel I guess. Do you really like alloy over steel? Have you done a video on you thoughts on frame material? If not would love to see one.
Isn't steel an alloy? When I said I "prefer alloy over carbon" I meant I prefer metal bikes (steel/ti/etc.,) over carbon bikes and not ti over steel. Haven’t done a frame material video because I don’t have enough experience with Ti and I would be talking out of my $&& :). I strive for at least accurate info based in a wide enough data set.
@@PathLessPedaledTV gosh dang it. Absolutly right. Oh well I still love your videos and opinions. Bike industry needs people like you..
Ti 👍
Is "plus size" the same as Monster Cross?
Plus size has a specific meaning with regards to bike tires = 3 inch tires.
From what I know monstercross are usually 29ers with drop bars.
I do not like using bikes that are that expensive as the price itself limits where I go and what I do with it and where I can leave it out of my sight. Bike should not become the shackle itself. For me the sweetspot is just at sub 1k price where the performance meets freedom.
But is it worth that price?
Value is different for everyone. I’ve stopped answering that question because it makes no one happy. But If you’re asking that question the answer is probably no.
design vomit, i'm gonna use that one, top bike thanks Russ
Not expensive at all given its titanium.
Wow?! Four grand? That’s hugely overpriced.
Sure. It’s Ti. But the components are pedestrian. My Lynskey road bike is far better speced and was cheaper.
I’m sure it’s a nice bike. I like SRAM 1x - my steel touring bike is Force 1 - but it’s just too spendy for what it is.
I'd argue road bike geo is pretty pedestrian. I would suspect that there were lots of interesting design challenges with plus size tires that you don't encounter with skinny tire bikes. Not to mention, from what I understand, Bearclaw is very small and doesn't have the economies of scale or manufacturing of a Lynskey.
Path Less Pedaled That may be true, but once the jigs are made, the jigs are made. Again, I’m sure it’s a nice bike. Certainly, it sounds like you liked it; and that is what matters. Ti makes a lot of sense for a gravel bike.
To be fair, I got really lucky on pricing my Lynskey. It seems they are happy to sell anything in February. Too bad that I live in Tennessee and had to pay sales tax. But I am not sure being small justifies a higher price; the bikes are what they are.
To my mind, a bike with Rival and mechanical discs (as nice as they are - I have a set on one of my bikes) should not be $4k. That sounds about $1000 high.
We think our pricing is great regardless of how big or small we are. Pay a bit closer attention to the spec and also please don’t compare us with a brand that is consistently 50% off. Some Ti framesets go for $4000 alone. We are designing and building a complete bike, building it, shipping it for free, and offering excellent support for the same price.
Bearclaw Bicycle Co You are certainly correct that Lynskey’s prices are - well - fluid. My next new bike (as if I actually need one) will likely be a Ti gravel bike. My Ti road bike has sold me on the material. When the time comes, I’ll look into you and others. But price relative to value has to be a factor.
You make a pretty frame.
@@bearclawbicycleco7597 I think its great. I have no idea why Lynskeys are so inexpensive, but that shouldn't set the benchmark for what Ti frames cost.