BH G7 Disc 5.5 Review

By Sébastien Jacquet – Photos: @3bikes.fr

An aerodynamic creation from the Spanish company BH, the G7 is one of those frames designed and developed initially in a single disc brake version under the name “G7 Disc”, and whose range has since been completed by five “G7 Pro” rim brake models, in order to continue offering users a choice of both technologies. And to address the reluctance of some since they’ve been trying to replace their rim brakes… Let’s reassure them, the G7 Disc 5.5 tested in recent weeks in the autumnal atmosphere of the off-season has a perfectly developed disc technology, and has given us very good guarantees in terms of reliability, efficiency, and of course, riding pleasure!

The G7 range currently comprises eight different models in terms of their build and price, three of which feature disc braking: BH G7 Disc 6.5 equipped with Shimano Dura Ace Di2 and Metron 40 Disc wheels (at €8,999.90), the BH G7 Disc 5.5 tested here equipped with Shimano Ultegra Di2 and BH EVO wheels (at €5,999.90), and the BH G7 Disc 5.0, which features a mechanical Ultegra drivetrain and Shimano RS wheels (at €3,999.90).

“Sculpted” Monocoque

The G7 Disc is based on a carbon monocoque frame, like many aero bikes, defined after wind tunnel tests and fluid dynamics studies. This gives it its sculpted design with a Kamm Tail profile for the tube shapes to optimize airflow, and this almost “muscular” aspect in the rear geometry with short (402mm) and asymmetrical chainstays, supposed to emphasize its responsiveness. The result of a combination of Toray T800 and T700 carbon fibers, the G7 Disc stands out for its lightness (870 grams on the scale) and for a manufacturing process called Hollow Core Carbon Technology, which consists of applying high pressure during production to reinforce the compactness of the materials and avoid carbon imperfections and disorders.

The Finesse of Di2

At €5,999, the G7 Disc 5.5 offers good value for money. It features the finesse of the Shimano Ultegra Di2 drivetrain with hydraulic disc braking, combined with the elegance of the FSA SLK carbon crankset, well-suited to the BB386 bottom bracket shell, with a 52/36 chainring setup to best match the bike’s intended use and identity.

The BH EVO Disc wheels, with a 50 mm rim depth, provide aerodynamics, speed, and efficiency for flat terrain, while maintaining limited crosswind sensitivity.

As with the wheels, BH opts for components from the brand’s design offices for the cockpit, combining the BH Evo stem and the BH Evo Wing carbon handlebar, where the term Wing is illustrated by this double wave and this curved shape towards the rear for an even more compact position if you want to grip it on the top, with elbows at 90°. Note that the higher-end G7 Disc 6.5 version features an integrated Vision Metron 5D handlebar/stem combo for even more advanced integration and aero style.

Reliable Disc Braking

The reliability of the hydraulic Ultegra braking is one of the very pleasant surprises of this G7 Disc 5.5 test. It proves that a frame initially designed solely for this technology can hold its own without faltering. The finesse and design of the levers housing the system are stunning! But we especially appreciated the reliability of the rotors, even noting (quite rare!) that they caused no parasitic noise during the nearly 1,000 kilometers we rode with this BH.

The G7 Disc features a completely redesigned rear and fork to withstand the forces and tensions produced by the 140 mm rotors. The 12 mm thru-axles are quite minimalist and discreet, and facilitate assembly as the threaded nut can be unscrewed quickly for maintenance. The action seems quick, although one might still wonder about the speed of a repair during a race at a crucial moment…

The Question of Grip

The wheels are fitted with 28 mm Hutchinson Fusion 5 tires, which, while maintaining good efficiency, a low sensation of road resistance, and full effectiveness, made us shiver somewhat on the very greasy roads of autumn… Coupled with the power of disc braking, we noted average grip, with the impression of sometimes turning in curves or corners on an edge that we feared would lose traction if the levers (especially the front) were applied too forcefully. And this despite the wide 28 mm tire width… Disc braking requires tires that are perfectly matched in terms of width and grip, to provide total satisfaction, especially on wet roads.

An Active Position

The frame design and top tube promote a rather elongated posture, to increase the user’s air penetration coefficient. The Prologo saddle has a rather flat profile, with a narrow crescent, and forces an active position on the bike, more forward-leaning, rather than sitting back on the crescent. It shares some similarities with a Selle Italia SLR in terms of seating feel and shape.

Designed for Efficiency

Equipped with slender, short, and asymmetrical chainstays, the BH G7 Disc 5.5 aims to offer a very rigid setup for optimized efficiency. We also note the bike’s sloping geometry, with a raised head tube, lowered seatstays, and a short rear triangle. However, we don’t feel like we’re sitting upright on the bike, and the bike offers a rather compact, racy position, which goes hand in hand with the identity of a machine designed for the pursuit of speed sensations.

A Semi-Integrated Seatpost

The seatpost clamp is simple and easily accessible via two screws located on the back of the seat tube. The finish is neat with a small removable silicone cover on top. Note that the seatpost houses the Di2 battery, into which it cleverly clips.

Its General Behavior

In the opinion of a professional rider with whom we shared a few rides during the off-season, this BH G7 Disc 5.5 gives “the impression of taking off immediately” from a red light, for example, in response to leg action on the pedals. Without needing to push too hard. We get the feeling that the bike is indeed very responsive and sufficiently lively from a standing start. But it’s especially at a steady pace, when you’re riding at a sustained and regular rhythm on the flats, that the rigidity of this BH G7 Disc 5.5 delights its user! Once a cruising speed is reached, and without being too demanding or too stiff, the bike gives off this truly “flowing” side, quite exhilarating! We seem to carry it with ease, and the energy deployed with each pedal stroke seems ideally transmitted. Provided the wind is favorable, it even gives the sensation of accompanying the movement with a certain ease, as if you just had to caress it with your toes to make it move…

“It’s at a steady pace, when you’re riding at a sustained and regular rhythm on the flats, that the rigidity of this BH G7 Disc 5.5 delights its user!”

The efficiency then seems excellent! If you manage to maintain a good speed, you also perceive this effect on short climbs. However, it’s a bit harder to push it when the road steepens and you start to tire, where the frame and wheels become more demanding. In terms of comfort, we are also surprised to see that this BH G7 Disc 5.5 offers a very satisfactory level. Given the rigidity offered, you feel that the bike is quite stiff, of course, but it doesn’t feel harsh on bumpy roads, even at reduced speed. And above all, the body never seemed to suffer at the end of a ride, whether in the neck, lower back, or arms. The bike is stable. The steering is very manageable, providing all the precision needed to take it where you want, to lean into corners… Thus, we could easily see it in the hands and legs of a racer, both on a criterium with tight turns, chicanes, and hairpins, and on the descents or climbs of a hilly course (with a bare frame at 870 g, light enough to handle!).

Conclusion

Aerodynamics, rigidity, efficiency, acceleration: nearly 1,000 kilometers confirm that this BH G7 Disc 5.5 is a formidable rouleur! We especially recommend it to a competitor, but anyone who enjoys riding at a steady pace, whether sustained or not, will find it a valuable ally in their progress. Its muscular style has impressed many even before seeing it in action… Enough to make an impression even before the start of an event! The machine provides full satisfaction when seeking performance, speed… And the disc braking proves to be up to par here, precise, consistent, and above all, with a reliability never before observed. The BH G7 Disc 5.5 is offered in this elegant grey/orange/black color scheme, which may not appeal to everyone but has the merit of standing out… Skeptics will also find it in white/grey/black, or customizable to their tastes via the “My BH Unique” configurator.

-> SEE ALSO: All our Gear Reviews