BMC Timemachine Road 01 TWO review

With a number of innovative details the BMC Timemachine Road 01 TWO delivers an outstanding overall concept. At 7.95 kg it’s also the heaviest bike in our group- test. How did the new workhorse of Mark Cavendish and co. perform in the GRAN-FONDO group test?

This bike is part of a previous group test. Here you’ll find the latest GRAN FONDO race bike group test.

We’ve already had the chance to test the Timemachine Road 01 in the “ONE” configuration at BMC’s official launch event. For our big 2019 race-bike group test the Swiss brand sent its matt-red aero racer with a full SRAM RED eTap 2×11 groupset, hydraulic SRAM HDR brakes and 160 mm front and rear rotors. With BMC’s in-house carbon cockpit and seatpost components and the deep 62 mm DT Swiss ARC 1400 SPLINE DB wheels, the Timemachine weighs 7.95 kg in size 56 – which makes it the heaviest bike in our test.

What’s that small chainring for again?

The build quality of the BMC is superb and so is the matt finish combined with the minimalistic branding. With clever details such as the fully-integrated water bottle/toolbox module and the beautifully shaped tubing, the BMC stands out from the current aero-crowd. If you pay attention, you’ll notice there isn’t one shifting-cable or brake line to be seen: that’s integration at the highest level. Of course, SRAM’s wireless RED eTap groupset doesn’t need cables, but the brake hoses are so cleverly arranged that you only reach the maximal steering angle when the top tube hits the handlebars. That’s not always the case with aero bikes – chapeau!

The BMC Timemachine Road 01 TWO in detail

Drivetrain SRAM RED eTap 2 x 11
Gearing 52/36T und 11–28T
Brakes SRAM RED eTap HRD 160/160 mm
Seatpost BMC Aero 0-25 mm Setback
Stem BMC ICS Aero-Integrated 110 mm
Handlebars BMC ICS Aero 420 mm
Wheels DT Swiss ARC 1400 DICUT DB 62
Tires Vittoria Corsa G+ 25C

The geometry of the BMC Timemachine Road 01 TWO

Size	47	51	54	56	58	61
Seat tube	480 mm	518 mm	548 mm	568 mm	588 mm	611 mm
Top tube	520 mm	535 mm	550 mm	560 mm	575 mm	590 mm
Head tube	88 mm	113 mm	135 mm	150 mm	170 mm	196 mm
Head angle	71.2°	71.2°	72.0°	72.0°	72.0°	72.0°
Seat angle	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°	73.5°
Chainstay	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm	410 mm
BB Drop	70 mm	70 mm	70 mm	70 mm	70 mm	70 mm
Wheelbase	975 mm	991 mm	994 mm	1,004 mm	1,020 mm	1,036 mm
Reach	373 mm	381 mm	390 mm	395 mm	405 mm	413 mm
Stack	496 mm	520 mm	540 mm	555 mm	574 mm	598 mm

The BMC Timemachine Road 01 TWO in test

Setting of from standstill the BMC doesn’t feel nimble – the deep 62 mm DT Swiss wheels and comparatively high weight are mainly responsible for this. It immediately becomes clear that this bike needs speed and only comes to life above around 30 km/h.

Thanks to the superbly smooth ride and long wheelbase, the Timemachine literally sticks to the road. On climbs it still feels efficient but not quite as graceful. In contrast, when riding downhill or on the flats the bike stays true to its character, feeling completely at ease at high speeds – this bike has a need for speed!

When riding in crosswinds you will notice the deep aero-wheels and integrated water bottle/toolbox module. However, you’ll perceive this as a controllable side-pressure rather than a harsh sudden yank on the front wheel. Thanks to its predictable nature, the Timemachine inspires tons of confidence at any speed. The grippy Vittoria Corsa tires enhance this feeling of reassurance even more. But the good-natured character of the BMC doesn’t stand in the way of its agile, precise handling. Only when carving tight corners and riding at lower speeds, the rear-end does tend to drag a little. While the BMC is living proof that aero-bikes generally offer less compliance than conventional racers, its easing vibrations with a couple of clever features. The tires, along with BMC’s in-house seatpost and cockpit take care of high frequent shocks and provide an acceptable level of comfort for an aerodynamically optimised race bike.

Conclusion

Because of its rather heavy weight and strong Aero-DNA, the BMC Timemachine Road 01 TWO doesn’t strike us as an all-rounder. Instead it begs for speed – and handles that speed in a composed manner. Speed-freaks with 8.000 watt calves will have a blast on sketchy downhills and on the flats! The mellow character of the BMC makes it an interesting option for time-trial riders and triathletes too.

For more info head to: bmc-switzerland.com

This bike is part of a previous group test. Here you’ll find the latest GRAN FONDO race bike group test.

All bikes in test: Argonaut Road Bike | Basso Diamante SV 2019 | Bianchi Oltre XR4 Disc | Canyon Ultimate CF SLX Disc 9.0 | Cervélo S5 | EXEPT Allroad Classic | FOCUS IZALCO MAX 9.8 | MERIDA REACTO DISC TEAM-E | Specialized S-Works Tarmac Disc SL6 Disc | Trek Madone SLR 9 Disc

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Words: Photos: Valentin Rühl