Bearclaw Thunderhawk vs Beau Jaxon

5 replies · 850 views

Gravel Scott
12 posts
#1Sep 23, 2023, 10:08 AM
Looking for owner's opinions on the two bikes above and how they might compare to other bikes that you may own (or have owned).
Terrain where I live is very variable- can be hard pack, loose gravel, or rutted trail. I am looking for a bike that can handle larger tire clearance (50 mm or more) for more aggressive gravel rides and bikepacking. I am old and not looking for a racing set up. Comfort is more important. I come from a road cycling background and am more comfortable on drop bar bikes, so not really interested in a mountain bike. Presently riding a 56 cm Specialized Diverge Comp Carbon with GRX 2X mechanical. The bike is already low and on more uneven trail I have experienced pedal and crank strikes, so am pretty sure the bike would be too low with 650B wheels.

Because the Beau Jaxon has a higher stack, I probably fit best on a 55.5 cm frame. I would probably need to go 57 cm on the Thunderhawk because of the lower stack on the 55.5 frame (Dustin at Bearclaw said there is only room for 3 cm of spacers).
The bike would be a pretty big investment and I'm not too comfortable buying the bike online without getting a decent test ride. The UP is a pretty long trip. Hoping maybe there is an owner in the tristate area that might be willing to let me take a look/ride.

Any input would be appreciated. Thanks.
0
imwjl
304 posts
#2Sep 24, 2023, 1:14 PM
Try similar if you can't try those.

We (same height wife and me) have bikes with similar wheel/tire capacity limitations and I've ridden others' same frame with bigger 650B tires and prefer 29 no matter what but that's our preference. My wife likes the off road tourer most no matter what. For mostly day trips and credit card touring I like the gravel bike that can substitute being a road bike. None of this is what bike we like but the right tool for the job.

I can't see any wrongs or rights here - just delay gratification and try stuff.
0
ljsmith
762 posts
#3Sep 27, 2023, 5:34 AM
I have a Moots Routt and I find the rear 50mm clearance limiting. I do a lot of bikepacking and unless you’re trying to go as fast as possible bigger tires are better. If it could fit a 2.25 that would really open up room for a lot of very fast/comfortable XC tires that are better than anything currently available in 50mm. So if it were me I’d go Beax Jackson.
0
pushstart
181 posts
#4Sep 30, 2023, 7:54 AMedited
I don't have a Bearclaw, but my Cobalt is similar (it's custom / I designed it) and I believe Cobalt and Bearclaw use the same builder.

I can just barely squeeze in 29x2.35" (60mm), which is certainly a lot of fun. And it sounds like fun and comfort is what you're going for. More typically I run with 2.1" Schwalbe Thunderburt.

I realize it's going to be difficult to pre-ride, buty only commentary is that geometry does matter a lot. After fitting these G-One Speed tires, I originally thought that 51mm offset setting on the fork would be best (this is 71.5° HTA). But the wheel flop was really pronounced and it was not fun to ride (lean bike and wheel wants to turn, very disconcerting). I flipped the fork to 47mm offset and it handles great. I think the angles and offsets they (Bearclaw) are spec'ing look pretty reasonable, but this is more of a vote in favor of pre-riding if you can. I suspect someone in your area has a Bearclaw. Maybe Bearclaw would put you in touch with an owner near you ... ?

Finally, I also have a set of 27.5" wheels, which are actually a lot more fun for riding singletrack, but my BB drop (75mm) is more suited to 29" if we're honest. I haven't yet owned a bike frame that does 700c and 650b equally well. It's either too tall with big 29" tires or hitting pedals with 27.5". The Bearclaw frames look like they sit a little higher.

0
Gravel Scott
12 posts
#5Sep 30, 2023, 10:27 AM
pushstart wrote:
I don't have a Bearclaw, but my Cobalt is similar (it's custom / I designed it) and I believe Cobalt and Bearclaw use the same builder.

I can just barely squeeze in 29x2.35" (60mm), which is certainly a lot of fun. And it sounds like fun and comfort is what you're going for. More typically I run with 2.1" Schwalbe Thunderburt.

I realize it's going to be difficult to pre-ride, buty only commentary is that geometry does matter a lot. After fitting these G-One Speed tires, I originally thought that 51mm offset setting on the fork would be best (this is 71.5° HTA). But the wheel flop was really pronounced and it was not fun to ride (lean bike and wheel wants to turn, very disconcerting). I flipped the fork to 47mm offset and it handles great. I think the angles and offsets they (Bearclaw) are spec'ing look pretty reasonable, but this is more of a vote in favor of pre-riding if you can. I suspect someone in your area has a Bearclaw. Maybe Bearclaw would put you in touch with an owner near you ... ?

Finally, I also have a set of 27.5" wheels, which are actually a lot more fun for riding singletrack, but my BB drop (75mm) is more suited to 29" if we're honest. I haven't yet owned a bike frame that does 700c and 650b equally well. It's either too tall with big 29" tires or hitting pedals with 27.5". The Bearclaw frames look like they sit a little higher.

0
Gravel Scott
12 posts
#6Sep 30, 2023, 10:31 AM
Nice ride! I appreciate the input. I'll reach out to Bearclaw and see what they say.
1

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