Test: One 4X Frame

For those of you with a purely big wheeled and mountain bike upbringing you may not be aware of One Bicycles. Those who have been in and around the BMX race scene of the last 20 years will have the utmost respect for the heritage of Dutch BMX.

In the early 90s Bas De Bever mustachioed power house before he rode MTB and Wilco Groenendaal spinning low gears down the first straight in the days of 45/46 - 16 gearings, were a leading light in the European Super Class.
Clip from Dale Holmes.com
We all clamoured to get our hand on GPR race plates, which showed some imagination in shape and design, pinks, blues and checks with pictures of Marilyn Monroe. All very Andy Warhol.
Out of this Dutch scene emerged Chris Groenendaal One Bicycles making quality BMX race frames that have gone on to dominate European and World BMX winning numerous National, European and World titles, with riders like Arturs Matison and Liam and Kelvin Batey and in the UK Ria Goodman. Backing up this success has always been technologically advanced and rigorously tested frames. Every development stems from extensive rider input and a quality control process adopted from the automotive racing industry. This phenomenal success and experience has now been applied to a 4X race frame.

4X is an evolving mutated sport somewhere between BMX and Downhill with elopements of snowboarderX thrown in. It is still experiencing adolescent growing pains, seeking its own identity. One thing is unarguable - the essence of 4X is RACING . Racing in all its forms equates to speed, acceleration and control, this holy trinity has to be equated to the weight of your bike. In the current market most 4X racers are left to choose between small cross country frames or more commonly over built, steel dirt jump frames. These are ideal for their given purpose but not ideal for racing. A few manufacturers are beginning to see this and One have produced a frame for this very job.

We received two One 4X frames in different sizes and built up the smaller one. When I opened the box I was amazed, firstly there where two frames in the box, demonstrating how light this frame is, secondly the paint job is unique, One are renowned for the quality of their paint finish, all 06 models come in a two/three tone and finally the build quality shouts at you. Every inch on this frame has been thought about.

The down tube is a tall tear drop that gives a large weld area at the machined head tube and bottom bracket. The top tube starts square and round down to the seat post. But my favorite area is the chain stays and drop outs, each drop out is cast and profiled for rigidity and attached to rectangular section chainstays.

In all honesty its a beauty, you can stare at it for hours finding new lines and evidence of quality.

Out of the box the frame looks tall, particularly by the current trend for short BMX style seat post arrangements.

Once built up with a range of Funn and the-industries components the frame takes on different look. It looks like it wants to go fast. Sat meandering around the car park the head tube feels quite slack but point it down the start hill and every thing feels stiff and responsive. The faster you push it the more capable this bike feels. The short chainstays make for a stiff back end and quick snap out of the gate and the light weight and geometry make it comfortable and trustworthy in corners and the air.
In summary 4x is coming of age and One Bicycles have brought out a frame to match. One are continuing its development with extensive feedback from riders around the world. The build, quality and dedication to producing a 4X race frame has created a frame that is perfect for the race track and looks awesome riding to the shops.
I have had this bike since the week after Sheffields Wheelsbase NPS4X season opener when I came a 22 year low of dead last! Its not about the bike but since then, on the ONE I have made the podium at every NPS4X race I have entered.

A race bike for racing?
frame from DBS

Simon