The new gravel racer from Beistegui Hermanos adopts the lines of the current GravelX. However, while the latter focuses on comfort through the Smooth Riding System, the race version primarily emphasizes performance, meaning: the lightest and stiffest frame possible. The necessary amount of vibration damping is only supposed to be provided by the low seat stays and curved chainstays.
The GravelX with vibration-damping SRS is being renamed to GravelX AT (for All Terrain) and remains available.
... with R for Racing
Made to shine in gravel races: the BH GravelX RGeometry
SM | MD | LA | XL | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Seat Tube (mm) | 500 | 520 | 540 | 560 |
Head Tube Length (mm) | 120 | 140 | 160 | 180 |
Head Angle (°) | 70.5° | 71° | 71.5° | 72° |
Seat Tube Angle (°) | 73.8° | 73° | 72.8° | 72.5° |
Chainstay (mm) | 426 | 426 | 426 | 426 |
Top Tube Length Horizontal (mm) | 527 | 548 | 567 | 587 |
Stack (mm) | 540 | 556 | 577 | 599 |
Reach (mm) | 370 | 377 | 387 | 398 |
Stiff and fast
Technologically, BH goes all out: The carbon frame is manufactured using the HCIM process (Hollow Core Internal Molding). During the baking of the frame, pressure is also applied from the inside of the tubes, preventing the formation of folds and the unnecessary accumulation of resin. This is intended to guarantee optimal wall thickness around the stress zones and, where possible, reduce weight.
The ideal combination of lightness and impact resistance in off-road conditions is further ensured by high modulus carbon fibers like Ballistic Carbon Layup. The end result: 940 g in size Medium.
The frame design preserves the road bike DNA of BH with its lines and aerodynamically shaped tubes. The Air Bow concept is also continued, meaning the fork is curved for recognition, aerodynamics, and vibration damping.
To increase stiffness at a key point, the GravelX R uses a BB386 EVO bottom bracket with a width of 86.5 mm. The maximum tire clearance of the frame, which is available in four sizes, is 45 mm.
The topic of integration is addressed by BH, for example, through ICR cable routing, which guides the cables from the headset into the frame interior.
Both the frame and fork feature dropouts that completely cover the threads and have quick releases integrated into the axle body. The same applies to the seat post clamp, which is completely hidden within the frame.
The frame is compatible with the BH Toolbox, which is designed for transporting basic accessories such as tire levers, a spare tube, and a CO2 cartridge.
Like the magnetically attachable Planck rear light, the Aero bottle cage, and the 450-ml water bottle that adapts to the frame shape, it is intended not to further impair the aerodynamics of the race bike - on the contrary.
- The dropouts of the fork and frame are precisely manufactured and make a very stable impression. This is also important because the thru-axles are tightened with a high torque. The handling in the test is very balanced.The dropouts of the fork and frame are precisely manufactured and make a very stable impression. This is also important because the thru-axles are tightened with a high torque. The handling in the test is very balanced.
Models and Prices
Available is the new BH GravelX R in four equipment packages, which interestingly outline a relatively narrow price corridor. The cheapest model comes at 3,299.90 euros, the most expensive at 4,999.90. Three color options are available for each.
It starts with the 3.5 featuring a 12-speed Shimano GRX with a single crank. The same in electric and two-speed gradation is available at the other end of the price range, the 6.5. In between, there is another GRX option (2-speed, mechanical) for 3,499.90 euros and a Sram Apex AXS package for 3,699.90.
The top model comes with Vision SC45 carbon wheels, while the other three rely on the cheaper TC30 counterpart. All models are consistently equipped with Pirelli's Cinturato Gravel tires in 40 mm.