According to BMC, the Teammachine SLR01 excels at aggressive attacks and tough climbs. They weren’t wrong – but in the warm climes of Mallorca there was a crucial element missing that meant the BMC fell short of the group.
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What’s the best road bike for Mallorca?
A staple in the WorldTour peloton, the Teammachine has been on the market in its current iteration since 2013 and has ridden to both an Olympic Gold and been the bearer of the iconic maillot jaune. In classic BMC style, the Teammachine channels a distinctly minimalist look that’s reflected in both its meticulously considered spec and technology, seeing it meet the demands of the more traditional road riders.
Sticking to the tried and tested, the Teammachine comes specced with the full Shimano Ultegra Di2 build, Ultegra brakes and DT Swiss RC 38 C Spline carbon clinchers with conservative 23 mm Continental GP4000S II SL tires. The addition of BMC’s own cockpit with 440 mm wide bars and 120 mm long stem, complete the € 6,499 classy carbon model, delivering a competitive 7.17 kg on the scales.
On the roads the BMC Teammachine SLR01 has a satisfyingly stiff frame for out-of-the-saddle efforts with explosive acceleration that translates to power on steep climbs. Channeling impressive Swiss precision, the bike responds like a fighter jet to the rider’s input. While the rear is stiff and offers little in the way of comfort, the bike gives direct feedback from the road and a real sense of speed. The quick rolling Continental GP4000S tires fuel the addiction to keep riding, while the 38 mm-deep DT Swiss clinchers slice silently through the wind – effortless velocity. So a perfect ride? It would be if not for one thing…
The combination of brake pads, brakes and wheels just did not work out on the BMC, resulting in the worst braking performance of the entire test fleet and even went as far as potentially putting riders at risk. It left us questioning what use is the bike’s performance on the climb up Coll dels Reis if you’ve got to start braking 20 metres ahead of the group on the descent to Sa Calobra? More forceful braking alleviated the performance marginally, but even when tested retrospectively and given another chance after speaking to BMC there was no significant improvement.
The BMC Teammachine SLR01 in detail
Drivetrain Shimano Ultegra Di2
Wheelset DT Swiss RC 38 C Spline
Brakes Shimano Ultegra
Tires Continental GP4000S II SL 23 mm
Weight 7.17 kg
Price € 6,499
More Info bmc-switzerland.com
BMC Teammachine SLR01
Conclusion
Despite its pillar-box red appearance, the BMC Teammachine SLR01 is an unassuming steed with a sophisticated and timeless design. Stiff and efficient for speed, agile on the climbs and precise in its handling, it’s a bike for anyone who’s keen to be in the breakaways. However, its below-par braking is a major flaw, and it certainly puts the brakes on record-breaking aspirations.
Strengths
+ Stiff and responsive, great acceleration
+ Timeless design
Weaknesses
– Poor braking
– Limited tire clearance (max. 25 mm)
For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: What’s the best road bike for Mallorca?
All bikes in test: Cannondale SuperSix Evo HiMod Ultegra Di2 Disc | Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 8.0 Di2 | Cervélo S3 Disc Ultegra Di2 | Festka Spectre Space Odyssey Edition | Giant TCR Advanced Pro Disc | Heroïn H1 Limited Edition | Lapierre Xelius SL 700 Ultimate | Rose X-Lite CDX 8800 | Standert. Kreissäge | Stelbel Antenore | Trek Madone 9.5 Ultegra Di2
This article belongs to the GRAN FONDO Issue #004. For the full interactive experience we recommend reading it in our magazine app for iPhone & iPad – it’s awesome – and free!
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Words: Robin Schmitt, Manuel Buck, Benjamin Topf Photos: Julian Mittelstädt, Valentin Rühl
