BMC gravel bike - the BMC Urs guarantees bikepacking adventures at its best.

At the beginning of the Bicycle Manufacturing Company in 1986, they produced licensed bicycles for Raleigh, but it should not take 10 years until they brought the first models under the BMC brand on the market in 1994. The number of employees has now grown to over 150, including a large number of athletes, and the company is known far beyond the Swiss borders. In addition to the gravel bikes, BMC also offers road bikes, mountain bikes, active bikes as well as urban and e-bikes.

All BMC Urs gravel bikes are equipped with the same frame made of premium carbon, in contrast to the BMC road bikes, which are available in different frame designs. The BMC URS LT, including the BMC Urs LT One and BMC Urs LT Two, is a gravel bike that is equipped with a suspension on the fork. This means that the Urs LT, weighing in at 9.9 kg, is the heaviest of the BMC gravel bikes. The rear features Micro Travel Technology (MTT) struts, which BMC first introduced in their mountain bikes. This allows for an elastic suspension travel between the wheel and frame, significantly improving comfort compared to using a suspended seatpost. To prepare for bikepacking tours, BMC has added usual mounting points for a bottle cage, along with two additional points on the top tube for luggage racks or mudguards. Additionally, for those who prefer a dynamo for night riding or early morning excursions, BMC includes a cable guide integrated into the fork.

The Urs gravel bikes are also available without the MTT suspension on the fork, for instance, as the BMC Urs 01 Two, BMC Urs AL Two, BMC Urs AL One, BMC Urs One, or BMC Urs 01 One. Except for the Urs AL models, which are made of aluminum, the rest of the bikes feature a premium carbon frame, making them excellent choices for cyclocross.

Another gravel bike from BMC is the BMC Kaius, available as Kaius 01 One, Kaius 01 Two, and Kaius 01 Three. This bike competes with top models like Cannondale's SuperSix EVO SE and Cervélo Áspero 5 due to its impressive aerodynamics and lightweight design. The Kaius is a modified road bike that excels in gravel conditions, achieving remarkable speeds. Unlike the Urs LT with its suspension fork, the BMC Kaius is more aligned with all-round road biking like the BMC Timemachine SLR, designed with streamlined features for optimal aerodynamics. The cockpit is also tailored for comfort while maintaining aerodynamic efficiency, making it a versatile choice for both asphalt and rugged terrain. Depending on your preference, the Kaius comes in configurations with either 1-speed or 2-speed gears.

The Urs is available in frame sizes S to XL, while the Kaius offers sizes ranging from 47 to 61 cm, providing a longer reach compared to the Urs.

Whether Kaius or Urs, the choice of components is considerable

With a diverse range of gravel bike models and variations, you can mix and match components from renowned brands such as Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo, DT Swiss, WTB, Fizik, Selle Royal, and Pirelli. Additionally, BMC relies on their internal development process to continually improve products that meet the unique demands of their bikes.

Derailleur groups & brakes

For shifting mechanisms, BMC collaborates with leading manufacturers such as Campagnolo, Shimano, and SRAM, including models like Campagnolo Ekar, Shimano GRX, SRAM GX Eagle & X01 Eagle AXS, and SRAM Rival eTap AXS. The electronic shifting groups ensure precise gear changes, while modern disc brakes provide superior braking power compared to traditional rim brakes.

Dampers

Most BMC Urs bikes are equipped with Micro Travel Technology (MTT) struts on the rear triangle, with the BMC Urs LT One and BMC Urs LT Two also featuring a suspension fork. MTT, which originated on mountain bikes, helps provide extra comfort and stability by utilizing elastomers that connect the rear triangle to the frame. The first to utilize MTT was the BMC Urs One in 2020, paving the way for technical trail riding without needing a specialized mountain bike.

Saddle / seatpost & handlebars / wheels

Multiple saddle options are available from brands like Selle Royal, WTB, and Fizik, while the seatpost primarily features the URS 01 Premium Carbon D-Shaped design. The handlebars usually come from BMC's proprietary line, as well as options like the Easton EA70 AX. The stems are predominantly in-house products, including the ICS Carbon Aero - One-Piece Full Carbon Cockpit and the BMC MSM stem.

Proper adjustment of the cockpit is crucial, but selecting the right frame size is equally important. A mismatched frame can lead to an uncomfortable riding position and result in power loss, as energy may not fully transfer to the pedals.

For gravel bikes with suspension, BMC offers a relatively modest tire clearance of 42 mm, which limits the size of wide tires, but they position the suspension as a compensatory feature. The Kaius also benefits from aerodynamic enhancements in its wheels and cockpit, including the Zipp 303 Firecrest and BMC's own CRD-400 40 mm tubeless carbon wheels. Additionally, the DT Swiss G1800 Spline with the DT Swiss 370 Spline Disc hub is utilized, along with tires like the WTB Raddler and Riddler, where the Raddler provides grip and the Riddler emphasizes speed. The Kaius often comes equipped with the Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H tires.

Additional equipment

Whether for bikepacking or weekend excursions, it's wise to include practical items like mudguards, pedals, water bottles, and appropriate apparel in your kit. For longer trips, a luggage carrier and bike bags are advantageous for carrying extra clothes, snacks, or spare parts. Additionally, carrying a basic toolkit or multitool is helpful for making quick adjustments, such as fixing a loose chainring without having to stop unnecessarily.

Whether the BMC gravel bike is the right choice for me

If you’re not sure if you need a gravel bike, it’s worth exploring BMC’s other offerings. You can find road bikes like the Teammachine SLR & ALR, ideal for climbing, the Roadmachine X for endurance rides, and the Timemachine models designed for triathlons and the Trackmachine series catered to track cycling. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore the Cross-Country, Trail, and Kids sections, while Active bikes are perfect for fitness. If you're in need of some assistance, consider an e-bike, also available in various models.

For those looking for great options, check out our selection of gravel bikes under $500, gravel bikes under $1,000, gravel bikes under $2,000, and gravel bikes under $3,000. We also have a range of women's gravel bikes available.

For any questions about BMC or bikes in general, please feel free to contact our Buycycle team.