Based in Holland, BeOne produce a comprehensive range of bikes with the usual attention to quality and design expected from our Dutch cycling counterparts. Whether you’re a hip urban loft dweller needing a lifestyle accessory or just a regular cyclist in search of something different, the Storm is a strong contender, providing performance worthy of higher priced machines.
Ride & handling: Light, quick and responsive, with the manners of a much more expensive rig (10/10)
The BeOne is a joy to ride, with handling that is pinpoint accurate, sharp and lively. At 9.1kg (20.1lb) it's not the lightest bike in its class (the £880 Fuji Roubaix Pro is 210g lighter) but the extra weight just doesn’t register, even when climbing, while the added stimulus of higher frequency vibrations generated by the all-aluminium frame seems to cancel out any perceptions of sluggishness.
Violent climbing bursts are satisfyingly rewarded with fast-approaching summits, and scything through descents proves exciting but never sketchy, despite what could be described as a close ratio steering box. With a 73.5-degree head tube and less than 6cm of trail (the distance forward that the dropout is from where it would be if the fork were straight), the bike is much more willing to respond to sudden inputs and changes of direction, without any of the shimmy associated with more relaxed geometries.
The added confidence given by the 32-spoke wheels and Schwalbe's exceptional Lugano tyres just can’t be ignored. The only distraction from the spirited performance comes in the form of a squashy rear brake with lacklustre response, despite several attempts at adjustment.
The BeOne also benefits from excellent ergonomics, with one of the best climbing positions when seated ever experienced. An effective top tube length of nearly 57cm, along with a 12cm stem and very square bar, are to thank. The bar’s exceptional shape is such that we would rank it among the best we’ve ever ridden. Its short forward reach means the slightly longer 12cm stem could be used to create a comfortably long cockpit in the tops, without forcing you to overreach for the hoods or the drops.
Chassis: Unassuming frame is well thought out and perfectly matched by scalpel sharp fork (9/10)
The Storm is a handsome specimen featuring butted 6061 aluminium throughout. The pinched T-shaped top tube and hefty teardrop down tube offer plenty of rigidity and resistance to braking and pedalling forces. A now ubiquitous hourglass-shaped head tube, machined for integrated cartridge bearings, along with a full aluminium rear triangle, provide a unity of composition.
The S-shaped chainstays lack a bridge near the bottom bracket, possibly to add a little movement to the rear end and raise comfort levels, but a massive 31.6mm diameter Kalloy seatpost with unyielding walls and zero flex makes sure you’ll never get too comfy and fall asleep at the wheel. The straight carbon bladed fork with alloy steerer, crown and dropouts is scalpel sharp.
Equipment: Modest finishing kit and brilliant Shimano 105 Black groupset work flawlessly (9/10)
Shimano 105 Black does the honours for gear changing, transmission and braking responsibilities with real style and function, all shiny and, well, black. With a black bar, stem, wheels and seatpost, and an attractive all-black paint scheme, the Storm strikes a classy, if macho, pose.
BeOne’s pre-built Alex wheels quietly get on with the job of rolling along rather well, and fitting in rather nicely. They’re equipped with extremely able Schwalbe Luganos, an outstanding set of tyres for grip, control and speed. The diamond sides and crosshatch herringbone centre-section design delivers ample grip and loads of confidence, biting into all surfaces, even snow.