I’ve been for a number of rides now on my BeOne Storm 1.0 2008 road bike, so I think the time is therefore well and truly nigh for a review. Also prompting me into action in no small way is the appearance of a review of the 2009 model in issue 221 of Cycling Plus magazine. I’ll be the first to admit I don’t know an awful lot about road bikes, the BeOne being the first I’ve owned since a Raleigh Pursuit 10-speed in the early 1990′s. It was second hand, had a steel frame and downtube shifters, and I didn’t really get on too well with it. Looking back though, I suspect I wasn’t treating it properly and would probably have been better off with a mountain bike anyway. So coming from a previous failed relationship with a roadie, how do I find the BeOne Storm?
BeOne Storm 1.0 2008 Road Bike
Honestly, I can’t fault it, not really. Some describe the frame as “busy”, with many shaped and curved sections. I have to say, I love the eye-catching looks and have received a number of positive comments to that effect. The only spoiler on this well built 6061 aluminium frame is that the curved chainstays are white and red, thereby showing off chain muck to maximum effect. The Storm 1.0 2008 specification has a mainly Shimano 105 groupset which works smoothly, right out of the box. The bike is responsive on hill attacks and more gentle accelerations, with a distinct feeling of efficient power transfer to the back end, thanks probably to a stiff looking rear triangle and an outsize looking bottom bracket arrangement complete with external bearnings. A sub-9.0Kg stock weight would be a contributing factor too. The FSA triple chainset doesn’t add much of that weight and is a lifesaver for someone like myself, who is (re)starting more or less from scratch with cycling and has the fortune / misfortune to live in the Newtownabbey hills. Or perhaps “legsaver” is a better description. The wheels, built on Alex DA28 rims, show little sign of flex even on big, out of the saddle mashing efforts. They’re not be the lightest wheelset in the world and the CST rubber doesn’t have a great reputation, but that doesn’t seem to have adversely affected the Storm’s handling. It steers sharply, grips and brakes well, equally composed on a downhill country road or moving more slowly through urban traffic. The stock saddle is surprisingly good, I had been expecting to have to change it. Other finishing kit such as the stem, seatpost and bars are generic “alloy” components, which in my opinion, though functional, let the side down somewhat with their cheap look and feel. With my experience being mostly limited to mountain bikes I’m wary of commenting on the BeOne’s ride position. Suffice to say that it’s more head down than I was aiming for, despite the massive 210mm head tube on my 57cm frame, but it’s actually very comfortable nonetheless. I suspect howver that more experienced riders will find the BeOne’s position very upright.
Shots from building the BeOne Storm 1.0 2008 (links to external Picasa web album)
To be picky, I do get “numb hands syndrome” after an hour or so in the saddle, so I would guess that the carbon/alloy forks and generic bars aren’t soaking up all the road buzz that they could. Perhaps some aftermarket bars or thicker bar tape would help, but it’s not a major problem and not one worth that kind of expense and time – not for a while anyway. Short of fitting a couple of bottle cages I haven’t changed the BeOne in any way whatsoever; it seems perfectly capable as it comes. Looking to the future, some clipless pedals are a sure fire addition and I’ll likely upgrade the tyres too. Less likely changes I can forsee would be a lighter seatpost and a lighter, more comfortable handlebar – carbon fibre if the budget can take it!
As a beginner’s road bike I can readily recommend the BeOne Storm 1.0 2008.
Manufacturer’s description
BeOne’s hard core. Using the same geometry as our unsurpassed carbon frames but then in durable, high-quality 6061T6 aluminium. Hydroformed tubular frames for extra rigidity solidly welded together using a unique smooth-welding technique. Available in a wide range with a variety of different options, from pure simplicity to semi-professional. Aimed at the sports cyclists who wants a racy ride and superior speed. Not to mention the ultimate in pleasure.
Hi John , I bought an 08 Storm late last year after a huge amount of researching.The Beone seemed to offer the best equipment for the price.I paid €500 from chain reaction when sterling was having a particularly bad day so it was brilliant value.It was easy to assemble and I have only changed the pedals and seat post.If find it a very comfortable ride and don’t seem to suffer from the vibrations through the handlebars that you describe though I am probably doing a lot less mileage.The reaction to the bike has been great with most other cyclists very positive about its looks and the few that have taken it for a spin could not believe the spec for the price.So I am very happy right now and just have to get fitter and do the bike justice this summer
I also own a 2008 Storm 1. It’s my first road bike after 14 years of off road biking. The only upgrade I have made is a carbon seat post from PBK. It’s not the lightest carbon post but is 120g lighter then the original and has helped smooth the bumps out. After all it was only £10.53 delivered.
http://www.probikekit.com/display.php?code=A9183
Glad to hear you’re enjoying your bikes!
I’ve heard of problems with the ’08 stock posts getting stuck in the seat tube, so I think a seatpost would be high on my list of upgrades too.