BMC Teammachine SLR 01 2025 First Ride Review – Swiss Climbing Craftsmanship at its Finest?

BMC are aiming high with the new 2025 Teammachine SLR 01. It’s designed to shine on long alpine climbs and demanding mountain stages, promising to deliver a fine blend of stiffness, low weight, and modern aerodynamics. But can the fifth generation of this long-standing favourite really deliver when the road tilts skyward? We took it for a first spin through the Swiss Alps to find out.

With the new Teammachine SLR 01, BMC gave their climbing and all-round race bike a thorough overhaul. But expectations are high – the Swiss brand has set a high bar for itself. After all, the uncompromising aero-focused sibling, the Teammachine R 01, took the overall win in our 2025 road bike comparison test. BMC clearly know what it takes to build a fast bike. The 2025 Teammachine SLR 01 is no exception. It stays true to BMC’s DNA, with a clear focus on racing performance and a particular emphasis on kicking ass in the mountains. And what better place to put that to the test than the Swiss Alps? Even before its official launch, BMC invited us to take the new model for a spin. We jumped at the chance and pushed the bike through its paces – riding in everything from freezing rain to sweat-soaked climbs under blazing sunshine.

Light, Stiff and Fast – the Concept Behind the New 2025 BMC Teammachine SLR 01

Few bikes embody racing spirit and climbing performance as passionately as the BMC Teammachine SLR 01. And the latest version is designed to impress not only on the way up, but also on fast, technical descents. To make that happen, BMC set themselves ambitious targets. One of them: shaving a whopping 222 grams off the frameset compared to the previous model. The result? Our test bike in size 56 tips the scales at exactly 6.8 kg – bang on the UCI weight limit.

But a true race bike isn’t defined by weight alone – stiffness plays a crucial role, too. To make sure the new Teammachine SLR 01 stays true to BMC’s DNA, it boasts the same stiffness values as both the Teammachine R 01 and the previous SLR model. That gives the bike the sharp, precise handling BMC are known for, especially on high-speed descents and through tight corners. It’s a trademark quality that BMC have confidently carried over into the latest generation.

This was achieved in part by keeping the same frame geometry as the previous model. But this choice comes with a catch: the geometry is optimised for 26 mm tires – a width that’s virtually vanished from modern road cycling.. Even in the pro peloton, 30 mm tres and wider have become the norm, making BMC’s decision feel a little out of step with current trends. That said, the bike does allow for a maximum tire width of 32 mm, so you can still fit chunkier rubber. Still, it’s not quite ideal. On a climbing bike that hasn’t been fully aero-optimised, we would have liked to see a bit more tire clearance. After all, the highest mountain passes rarely come with the smoothest tarmac.

Not just Big Talk – What’s New on the 2025 BMC Teammachine SLR 01

Big promises are one thing – but what’s actually changed beyond the weight savings? Quite a bit, actually. The aerodynamics of the Teammachine SLR 01 have seen a significant update. For starters, BMC replaced the classic D-shaped seatpost from the previous model with a new, more aero-optimised design. This also means a new seatpost clamp, which is now secured via two bolts and clamps from the rear, following a similar approach to the Teammachine R 01. Up front, a narrower head tube reduces frontal area, while a redesigned fork helps cut drag at the nose. And in true BMC fashion, integrated bottle cages are still part of the package. In fact, the Teammachine SLR 01 now borrows the cages from the R model – along with the distinctive kink in the down tube that’s become a signature design feature.

All in all, the technical updates add up to a noticeably fresher design. The bike is still instantly recognisable as a Teammachine SLR, but the 2025 model has evolved at every edge and angle, ensuring a much more modern and refined look. That evolution is also reflected in the new BMC branding. With the stretched logo across the downtube and head tube, BMC are clearly moving away from their previous design language.

What doesn’t quite hit the mark, however, is the choice of cockpit. The BMC ICS Carbon Evo, with a width of 400 mm at the tops and 436 mm in the drops, feels too wide for a modern race bike. On top of that, the 20 mm of added rise makes the front end unnecessarily tall. BMC do have a more suitable cockpit in their line-up the aero bar found on the Teammachine R and Kaius – but that won’t be available on the new SLR straight from the factory.

The Specs of the 2025 BMC Teammachine SLR 01

Our test bike came in the top-tier spec, which retails at € 12,999 and features a SRAM Red AXS groupset and DT Swiss ARC 38 1100 Dicut wheels. The rims are paired with 28mm Pirelli PZero Race TLR RS tires –slightly wider than the official spec, which lists 26 mm. All models come fitted with the previously mentioned BMC ICS Carbon Evo cockpit. Fully built, our test bike tips the scales at 6.8 kg – including bottle cages, but without pedals.

Alongside our test model, BMC also offer a second top-tier build with a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 groupset and otherwise identical spec – for the same € 12,999. There are also two additional models priced at € 8,499, each featuring a heavier wheelset and a choice between SRAM Force AXS or Shimano Ultegra Di2 drivetrains. For riders who prefer a custom build, there’s a frameset available for € 4,999. It comes without a cockpit but is offered in four different colour options. New for BMC is a “ready to paint” version, alongside a striking special edition in Metallic Blue Purple. However, if you were hoping to build the Teammachine SLR with a SRAM XPLR groupset, you’re out of luck – the frame isn’t UDH-compatible.

The Geometry of the 2025 BMC Teammachine SLR 01

The geometry of the BMC Teammachine SLR 01 takes its cues, like much of the bike, from its predecessor and the R-model in BMC’s line-up. This means a layout optimised around 26 mm tires, though wider ones will fit. The stack-to-reach ratio of 1.43 ensures a balanced ride that feels both sporty and efficient. With a trail of 63 mm, the handling strikes a confident middle ground – composed at speed but still nimble through tight corners. The 73.5° seat angle places you in a central, powerful pedalling position, while the 410 mm chainstays are spot on for a climbing-focused bike. All in all, the geometry strikes a perfect balance between stability and punchy acceleration.

Size	47	51	54	56	58	61
Reach	368 mm	378 mm	387 mm	393 mm	402 mm	409 mm
Stack	504 mm	528 mm	548 mm	563 mm	582 mm	606 mm
Chainstay	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm
BB Drop	69 mm	69 mm	69 mm	69 mm	69 mm	69 mm
Seat Tube	418 mm	463 mm	499 mm	519 mm	541 mm	570 mm
Head Angle	71.5°	71.5°	72.3°	72.3°	72.3°	72.3°
Seat Angle	74°	74°	73.5°	73.5°	73°	73°
Head Tube Length	108 mm	133 mm	149 mm	165 mm	185 mm	211 mm
Wheelbase	968 mm	986 mm	989 mm	999 mm	1015 mm	1030 mm

Fast and Focused – BMC Teammachine SLR 01 on Test

BMC make some bold claims about the new Teammachine SLR – but above all, they promise that signature BMC ride feel. So how did the latest generation hold up during our first test in the Swiss Alps?

Just a few metres into the first climb, it’s clear: BMC weren’t promising too much. The stiff frame defines the bike’s character – the Teammachine SLR responds instantly to every pedal stroke, translating your input into forward momentum without hesitation. Paired with the equally stiff DT Swiss wheelset, the bike demands an active riding style and delivers sharp, immediate feedback. That pays off especially when climbing. Even on steep ramps, the bike accelerates with ease, almost playfully, turning effort into elevation with surprising efficiency.

True to BMC’s reputation, the handling is sharp and precise, giving you loads of control on the descents and a seriously fun ride – provided you’ve got the skills to match. The centred riding position also plays its part, keeping you fully in control whether you’re grinding uphill or carving your way down. The one downside? The cockpit. Even with no spacers under the stem, the front end of our test bike still felt a touch too high. An aero cockpit, like the one of the Teammachine R, would not only improve the fit but also bring the front end lower and more in line with a modern race bike’s aggressive posture.

Tuning Tip: Mount wider tires and the BMC aero cockpit for a faster, more aggressive bike.

This brings us to compliance – another trait that feels very much in line with BMC’s DNA. While the frame does offer noticeably more give than the Teammachine R 01, calling it comfortable would be a stretch. The ride is firm and communicative, which perfectly suits a race bike. But considering that the stock spec comes with relatively narrow tires on the already very stiff DT Swiss wheels, the first upgrade for many riders might well be a switch to wider tires. This would take a bit of the edge off the ride but pay off with better grip and improved confidence on fast descents. All in all, the BMC Teammachine SLR 01 is a versatile race bike that really comes into its own in mountainous terrain, where the sharp handling and stiff frame deliver outstanding performance.

Who should take a closer look at the BMC Teammachine SLR 01?

High speeds in the mountains – that’s what the BMC Teammachine SLR promises to deliver– and it certainly does. This is a bike for riders who love racking up vertical metres and thrive on an active, engaged riding style. With its stiff frame and razor-sharp handling, every mountain pass becomes a playground for cycling enthusiasts. But it’s not just about performance. Thanks to the premium spec and sleek design, the Teammachine SLR 01 looks just as good on fast training loops as it does rolling up to the café or stopping for an ice cream. It’s a race bike that doesn’t just perform – it makes a statement.

Conclusions about the 2025 BMC Teammachine SLR 01

Fast, light and stiff – the 2025 Teammachine SLR 01 2025 impresses above all with BMC’s trademark ride feel: extremely sporty, yet seriously fun to ride. Add in the modern look and punchy acceleration, and you’ve got a race bike that feels right at home in the mountains. That said, it’s not without flaws. The stock cockpit and narrow tire choice feel a little outdated by today’s standards. But with a few tweaks, you’re looking at an incredibly capable and exciting companion with full-blooded race bike character – for just under € 13,000.

More information at bmc.com.

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Words: Calvin Zajac Photos: Calvin Zajac, BMC