BMC road bike - The racing bikes from Switzerland with a focus on speed!
As can be seen from the name BMC Switzerland, the BMC racing bikes come from Switzerland. The company started in 1986 with the first licensed RALEIGH bikes and then in 1994 the Bicycle Manufacturing Company was formed. The focus to achieve speed is an overriding goal of BMC, which they have already proven with quite a few successes. They have been at the top of the world for over 10 years and can boast victories at the Olympics, World Championships and the Tour de France. An aero design is combined with technical innovations in cool style, as exemplified in the eye-catching Neon Red color. The racing bikes from BMC are tested at premier events, including the Tour de France. Over decades, their performance has been continuously developed and optimized. Like other leading bicycle manufacturers, such as Trek, BMC also produces mountain bikes, triathlon bikes, and e-bikes in addition to road bikes and gravel bikes. However, their primary focus remains on road bikes, as evident from their numerous successes and the extensive product range. For instance, the BMC Teammachine SLR alone offers more than 10 variations to choose from. The BMC website supports multiple languages and allows prices to be displayed in various currencies. Essentially, BMC racing bikes come in several models and product families:
- BMC Teammachine SLR or BMC Teammachine ALR: These bikes are designed for performance on mountainous terrain. A lightweight carbon frameset or aluminum frame combined with high-quality components from Shimano, SRAM, and others deliver strong performance, even on steep climbs. The Teammachine line includes various models such as the BMC Teammachine SLR01 One, SLR Four, SLR Three, and SLR Two, available in modern colors like bright yellow and red, as well as classic options like black, gray, or white.
- BMC Roadmachine and BMC Roadmachine X: Offering a blend of performance and comfort, BMC's Endurance road bike features a geometry that promotes a pleasant ride. The Roadmachine line also includes sub-variants like the Roadmachine 01, Roadmachine Three, Roadmachine X Two, Roadmachine Four, and Roadmachine One.
- BMC Timemachine Road and BMC Timemachine: These models are crafted for optimal performance and efficiency at high speeds, incorporating aerodynamic features such as carbon wheels. The BMC Timemachine is also available as a triathlon bike, further enhancing its aerodynamic capabilities.
For those looking to venture beyond paved roads, BMC offers gravel bikes like the BMC Urs, including the Urs One. These versatile bikes combine attributes of road bikes and mountain bikes, featuring a sportier seating position along with wider tires for stability on challenging surfaces.
Performance components for the BMC road bike
For components such as wheels, groupsets, saddles, and more, BMC partners with premium suppliers like Shimano and SRAM. Shimano’s extensive experience in bicycle components spans over a century, while SRAM has gained popularity for maintaining high quality over the years.
Groupsets
Both Shimano and SRAM supplies the shifting groups for BMC bikes. These brands are favored for their exceptional quality, making them the top choice among many bicycle manufacturers, including BMC. Lower-priced or older model bikes may feature mechanical gears from Shimano, such as the Shimano 105 or Shimano Ultegra. The Shimano 105 is known for its endurance and reliability, whereas the Shimano Ultegra includes modern technology used in professional cycling. Higher-end models typically employ electronic shifting systems from Shimano, like the Shimano Ultegra Di2 or Shimano Dura Ace Di2, or from SRAM, like the SRAM Red Etap AXS, SRAM Rival Etap AXS, or SRAM Force Etap AXS. These options not only offer low weight but also ensure precise gear changes for a smooth riding experience. The SRAM Rival Etap AXS is approximately 200 grams heavier than the SRAM Force Etap AXS yet is significantly more affordable by about 1000 euros.
Brakes
Brakes and brake levers on BMC bikes are generally selected to correspond with the shifting groups and come in two primary types: rim brakes and disc brakes. Rim brakes represent traditional braking technology and are lightweight but can sometimes underperform in wet conditions and may pose risks like overheating, potentially damaging tires. In contrast, disc brakes are a modern upgrade, offering consistent braking performance in all weather conditions. BMC predominantly features disc brakes in their newest models, with some exceptions for models denoted with "Disc," such as the Disc One. Disc brakes tend to outlast traditional rim brakes, although you may still find rim brakes on older models.
Seatpost / Saddle & Wheels / Tires & Handlebars
Seatposts are usually custom-made to have the lowest possible weight while maintaining excellent aerodynamic properties. The saddles are sourced from top brands such as Fizik and Selle Italia. Each rider's sit bone distance can vary, making an ideal saddle critical for comfort. BMC also collaborates with renowned partners like DT Swiss and 3T for wheels, and with tire manufacturers like Continental and Vittoria for high-quality tires. Vittoria has been producing top-quality tires in Italy since 1953 and sponsors several professional teams, ensuring continuous feedback for product refinement. Tires can be used tubeless or with tubes, with the tube option being recommended for casual riders due to simpler replacement needs. Handlebars typically comprise a stem and handlebars, with some models featuring fully integrated aero cockpits. The handlebar height can be adjusted with spacers, allowing for optimal rider position adjustments in conjunction with frame size and height.
Equipment
In addition to components, various accessories like helmets, bike computers, and pedals can be purchased. Wahoo and Garmin are dominant players in the electronic gadgets market, although many competitors like Hammerhead, SRM, Lezyne, and Bryton exist. While Garmin provides several models, Wahoo’s products, though fewer, match in quality. One notable advantage of Wahoo devices is their compatibility with smartphone settings, as opposed to Garmin touchscreens, which are more intuitive but slightly more sensitive to environmental conditions. In battery comparisons, Garmin’s 1030 Plus surpasses Wahoo’s Roam (17 hours) and Bolt (15 hours).
Which BMC is the right one?
Choosing the right BMC road bike can be challenging, especially when considering sub-variants such as the SLR01 Five, SLR01 Four, ALR Two, or AL One. Generally, those who are very sporty should opt for the BMC Teammachine SLR / ALR or the BMC Timemachine Road, depending on whether your focus is on mountain rides or speed on flat roads. For enhanced comfort, the BMC Roadmachine is the best choice. If you’re looking for off-road adventures, consider gravel bikes like the BMC URS One or mountain bikes.
Unsure about your choice of BMC road bikes? Or is there a dilemma between brands and models? The buycycle team is here to assist you with any questions you may have.
