With their new Alpenchallenge AMP, BMC want to merge the raw eRoad power of Shimano’s STEPS E8000 motor with the distinctive design and seamless integration of the fine Swiss brand. Here you’ll find out whether the interesting concept actually works.
After launching their brand-new Roadmachine, BMC are expanding their electric AMP-range with a new eRoad model. With a Shimano STEPS E8000 motor and carbon frameset, the AMP ROAD is aimed at those riders who are after a distinctive design, top performance and exceptional riding characteristics. With a total weight of 15.15 kg in size L, the AMP ROAD is based on BMC’s Alpenchallenge AMP Sport and Cross and City eHybrid models – only this time the straight handlebars are replaced with drop-bars. According to BMC, this adaptation came up as a logical consequence after numerous test rides, which revealed that the low centre of gravity of the existing frame platform provides the optimal basis for an electric racer. When it comes to road-oriented eBikes, the Swiss feel that most riders are after a high power-to-weight ratio and thus a system that’s capable of merging the agile handling of traditional road bikes with the power of an electric motor. If you want to find out how the BMC fared in our test, then keep reading.
The BMC Alpenchallenge AMP ROAD in detail
If you put your ear on its top tube, you can clearly hear the Alpenchallenge AMP Road recite BMC’s “Ride further, ride faster” mantra. The bike draws its power from a Shimano’s STEPS E8000 motor which should provide enough power to support you even on the steepest of climbs with its torque of 70 Nm, nominal power of 250 W and battery capacity of 504 Wh. In addition, the engineers placed both the motor and battery centrally in the bottom bracket/seat tube area to achieve a very low centre of gravity and balanced weight distribution. The Shimano ULTEGRA Di2 shifters allow you to switch between the three support levels and to navigate through the various menu screens on the display. The extremely compact Shimano E7000 display sits on the handlebars and was designed to provide all the information intuitively.
The carbon frame of the Alpenchallenge includes a number of clever features which are meant to improve the overall level of comfort. These include a generous tire clearance of up to 42 mm (38 mm with mudguard), and BMC’s distinctive MTT technology, where MTT stands for Micro Travel Technology. The system relies on a special polymer insert between the seat stays and the seat tube, which, in combination with the compliant chainstays, is meant to provide up to 10 mm “spring travel”. The system has been designed to increase comfort in the rear-end.
The two Alpenchallenge high-spec models, the AMP ROAD LTD and ROAD ONE also feature BMC’s proprietary ICS cockpit – which we’ve already reported about in our Roadmachine-test. Together with the neat internal cable routing, BMC’s integrated cockpit system hides all cables and makes for a very tidy look. Furthermore, the frameset comes with a 12 mm Thru Axle front and rear and a D-shaped carbon seat-post – which we also know from the Roadmachine. With a 160 mm rotor at the back and a 180 mm disc at the front, the Alpenchallenge AMP Road models should provide enough braking power to master even the longest descents without overheating. On top of that, the Alpenchallenge AMP Road and all other BMC models that share the same frame platform, feature a number of integrated mounting points for mudguards, both front and rear.
The new Alpenchallenge AMP Road is available in sizes S, M and L. In order to provide an equally-ergonomic riding position across sizes, BMC releases all its AMP Road models with ICS cockpit with a variety of stems lengths. Customers can choose between either a 0° stem in lengths 55 to 100 mm or a -12° stem in lengths 90 to 130. The carbon seatpost comes with a 15 mm offset across the entire range.
BMC Alpenchallenge AMP ROAD LTD
Motor Shimano STEPS E8000, 250 W, 70 Nm, 504 Wh
Groupset Shimano DURA-ACE R9170 Di2, 1 × 11, 44 T
Cassette Shimano DURA-ACE 11–30 T
Brakes Shimano DURA-ACE Hydraulic with SM-RT81 rotors, 180/160 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss HEC 1400 SPLINE DB 47 Carbon
Tires Vittoria Corsa Control TLR G+, 700 x 30C
Seatpost Alpenchallenge AMP “D” Premium, Carbon, 15 mm offset
Handlebars BMC ICS Aero, aero top shape, compact bend
Stem BMC ICS Aero- Integrated Aero Cockpit Design, with GPS-Mount
Weight 15,15 kg in size L
Price € 7,999
Sizes S (51-54), M (56-58), L (61-63)
Available now from your trusted BMC dealership
Extra features Prepared for mud guards, rear-rack, kick-stand
BMC Alpenchallenge AMP ROAD ONE – our test bike
Motor Shimano STEPS E8000, 250 W, 70 Nm, 504 Wh
Groupset Shimano ULTEGRA R8070 Di2, 1 × 11, 44 T
Cassette Shimano ULTEGRA 11–34 T
Brakes Shimano ULTEGRA Hydraulic with SM-RT81 rotors, 180/160 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss HE 1800 SPLINE DB 32
Tires Vittoria Corsa Control TLR G+, 700 x 30C
Seatpost Alpenchallenge AMP “D” Premium, Carbon, 15 mm offset
Handlebars BMC ICS Aero, aero top shape, compact bend
Stem BMC ICS Aero- Integrated Aero Cockpit Design,with GPS-Mount
Weight 14,81 kg in size M
Price € 6,499
Sizes S (51-54), M (56-58), L (61-63), test-bike size L
Available now from your trusted BMC dealership
Extra features Prepared for mud guards, rear-rack, kick-stand
BMC Alpenchallenge AMP ROAD TWO
Motor Shimano STEPS E6100, 250 W, 60 Nm, 504 Wh
Groupset Shimano GRX RX812, 1 × 11, 44 T
Cassette Shimano 105 11–34 T
Brakes Shimano GRX RX400 with SM-RT66 rotors 160/160 mm
Wheelset DT Swiss R 500 DB
Tires WTB Exposure, 700 x 34C
Seatpost Alpenchallenge AMP “D” Premium, Carbon, 15 mm offset
Handlebars BMC RAB 02, ergo top shape, compact bend
Stem BMC RSM01, w/ computer and camera mount
Weight 15,59 kg in size M
Price € 4,499
Sizes S (51-54), M (56-58), L (61-63)
Available now from your trusted BMC dealership
Extra features Prepared for mud guards, rear-rack, kick-stand
BMC Alpenchallenge AMP ROAD Geometry
| Size | S (51-54) | M (56-58) | L (61-63) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 443 mm | 480 mm | 538 mm |
| Top tube | 548 mm | 583 mm | 608 mm |
| Head tube | 120 mm | 157 mm | 193 mm |
| Head angle | 71.3° | 72.0° | 72.0° |
| Seat angle | 73.5° | 73.5° | 73.5° |
| Chainstays | 435 mm | 435 mm | 435 mm |
| BB Drop | 70 mm | 70 mm | 70 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1,024 mm | 1,053 mm | 1,085 mm |
| Reach | 380 mm | 405 mm | 425 mm |
| Stack | 565 mm | 600 mm | 635 mm |
BMC Alpenchallenge AMP ROAD ONE eRacer in test
The look of the brand-new AMP ROAD ONE is as unique as it is consistent – the Swiss did a great job implementing the brand’s typical design elements into their new eRoad platform. With a massive reach of 425 mm, our L-size test bike both looks and feels incredibly long. However, we shouldn’t forget that the geometry of the Alpenchallenge was originally conceived to interact with shorter stems and riser-bars. Therefore, we recommend visiting your trusted BMC dealer to work out your perfect fit. The wide spectrum of stem lengths ranges from 55 to 130 mm and should compensate for the longer effective reach of drop-bars. Yet, riders under 1.70m, will struggle to find a suitable setup or frame size.
Already in the lowest Eco mode, the Shimano STEPS E8000 churns out lots of power. Whilst the boost mode unleashes its full power as soon as you step into the pedals, the Trail mode provides the most natural ride-feel. The sensors of the Shimano motor accurately detect and calibrate load peaks, ensuring a consistent power delivery across the spectrum, even when sprinting out of the saddle. The Boost mode, on the other hand, ignores dead spots in the top/bottom of your pedal stroke and always pushes powerfully. Whilst the highest-mode provides a true Superman feeling, it doesn’t reflect the character and performance of a traditional road bike. It should be noted that the Eco and Trail modes of production bikes will be 50% weaker than on our test model. In our opinion this power reduction is absolutely sensible and should provide a more natural ride feeling. Unfortunately, we haven’t had a chance to test this update yet. The operation button is beautifully integrated in the Di2 shifter and allows for intuitive operation of the Shimano motor.
Once you’ve reached the 25 km/h mark, you’ve also reached the maximum legal support speed. And that’s exactly when the Shimano STEPS decreases its power output – luckily, it does this very linearly and without perceivable power loss. When riding without assistance above the 25 km/h threshold, the STEPS produces some resistance, which means you’ll have to put in some extra legwork. Having said that, the drag is rather minimal. Once you fall back into the support range, you can clearly feel (and hear) the motor re-engage.
Thanks to its low centre of gravity, the Alpenchallenge is easy to handle. At the same time, the geometry makes for a composed and docile character. Together with the high front-end, this lack of liveliness is the ideal prerequisite for endless leisure cruising. On our L-size test bike, the riding position is sporty and stretched. In our case, a size M would have been the right choice (1.86 m body height and 89.5 cm inner leg length). The tire clearance of up to 42 mm and the 180/ 160 mm rotors are useful features that harmonize with the character of the AMP ROAD.
The AMP ROAD ONE offers a good overall level of comfort. The MTT system efficiently deals with small and medium knocks and provides good vibration damping. The front-end cleverly combines the compliance of frameset and cockpit and provides a good level of comfort too. On the whole, however, the many comfort elements cause the bike to feel indirect and fail to provide the needed road-feedback.
Conclusions
With their new Alpenchallenge AMP ROAD ONE, BMC are presenting a very powerful eRoad bike that stands out for its clever integration and outstanding operability. Whilst the smooth and comfortable character of the AMP urges you to cruise away with the support of the motor, it doesn’t encourage to push yourself beyond the 25 km/h threshold – here the AMP ROAD cannot hide its eHybrid and eFitness genes. If you are looking for an electric road bike with a lot of power and you tend to focus on relaxed outings, the AMP ROAD ONE is a well thought-out, harmonious and good looking overall package.
For more information, visit bmc-switzerland.com
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Words: Photos: Jérémie Reuiller, BMC
