By winning last year’s GRAN FONDO group test with their Roadmachine, the BMC team proved they can build cool bikes indeed. At the same time, they set the bar very high. Can the Teammachine SLR01 Disc convince us on the hot tarmac of Girona? Can it beat the competition?
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What’s the best road bike of 2018? – 12 race bikes put to the test
Straight away the design and formal language of the Teammachine struck us with an impressive love for detail. With a sophisticated game of grey and black shadows, the slightly sloping top tube appears almost horizontal and the seat stays look even slimmer. The logo integrates neatly into the frame design. The flat-mount brakes and the superb integration of the internal cable routing allow for an impeccably clean look. Fine details such as the integrated GPS- and GoPro-mount on the stem round off the gorgeous picture.
Scratch off the UCI sticker
With a price of € 11,499, the BMC Teammachine SLR01 Disc Team is not exactly a steal, but it’s also true that the Swiss road-runner is a lot of bike for the money. With the hydraulic Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 Disc groupset, the DT Swiss PRC 1100 DICUT DB 35 carbon wheelset with through-axles front and rear, the same awesome integrated cockpit of the Roadmachine, a 3T Ergonova carbon handlebar, and our test crew’s favourite tires – the Vittoria Corsa G+ – only the finest componentry is allowed on the BMC. This is also reflected in its weight: at 7.01 kg in size 54 the Teammachine won’t break any weight records, but still stands in the midfield of our test fleet. If you don’t fancy spending this much money or simply can’t afford it, you can get a BMC Teammachine SLR01 Universe from as little as € 4,999.
The BMC not only promises speed, but also delivers it! With great efficiency from your first touch of the pedals, the Teammachine is great fun and easily picks up speed. When it’s time to slow down, the braking performance of the Teammachine is right at the top of our test field. With a 160 mm disc at the front and 140 mm at the back, the Dura-Ace disc brakes offer perfectly balanced braking power with great modulation and confidence-inspiring control for every situation. Thanks to its precise handling, the BMC is also very fast on descents and only missed the podium of the GRAN FONDO Race Session by a whisker, placing right behind the Specialized S-Works Tarmac. The rough Spanish tarmac clearly shows that the Swiss know how to combine speed with comfort. Where other test bikes may be too jittery on the rough tarmac of Girona, the Teammachine remains composed and sucks up the imperfections of the road with confidence. Partly responsible for this are the 25 mm Vittoria Corsa G+ tires, which offer good amounts of grip but tend to lose speed and precision in turns, causing zealous racers to run wide in tight corners. When it comes to tire clearance, the Vittoria Corsa G+, with their effective width of 27 mm, have already maxed out the space. Everyday riders will be pleased to hear that the Dura-Ace Di2 comes with 52-36 chainrings and a 11-30 cassette – the mountain is all yours!
The DT Swiss PRC 1100 DICUT DB 35 carbon wheelset really convinced us. Their stiffness contributes to the BMC’s precise handling and performance while accelerating and braking. With their 35 mm-deep rims, the DT Swiss wheelset offers an ideal compromise between rim depth and crosswind resistance, contributing to the aerodynamic qualities of the BMC.
Where other test bikes may be too jittery on the rough tarmac of Girona, the Teammachine remains composed and sucks up the imperfections of the road with confidence.
The BMC Teammachine SLR 01 Disc Team in detail
Drivetrain Shimano Dura Ace
Wheelset DT Swiss PRC 1100 Dicut
Brakes Shimano Dura Ace Disc
Tires Vitorra Corsa G+/4c
Weight 7.01 kg
Price € 11,499
The geometry of the BMC Teammachine SLR 01 Disc Team
Conclusion
The BMC Teammachine SLR01 Disc offers strong racing credentials combined with great riding confidence and large amounts of trust. Thanks to the exceptional level of comfort, even long rides are more than welcome. With its well thought-out design and finest integration, the BMC knows how to impress with its tidy look (even at your well-deserved coffee stop). Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the BMC Teammachine is a fast and fun racing rig with an unbelievable amount of endurance – provided you can afford it!
Top
– Level of integration
– Braking performance
– Confidence and riding comfort
Flop
– Price
Uphill
Downhill
Sprint
For more info head to: bmc-switzerland.com
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What’s the best road bike of 2018? – 12 race bikes put to the test
All bikes in the test: 3T Strada | Canyon Aeroad CF SLX Disc 9.0 Di2 | Corratec EVO eTap Konfi | Fuji SL 1.1 | Rose X-Lite 6 eTap | Scott Addict RC Ultimate Disc | Specialized S-Works Tarmac 2018 | Speedvagen Road | Standert Triebwerk Mach 3 | Trek Emonda SLR 8 Disc | Wilier Superleggera SL
This article is from GRAN FONDO issue #008
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