BMC URS 01 ONE

You might wonder how the comfort oriented URS 01 ONE gravel bike fits in with BMC’s racing image. The bike opts against the use of a suspension fork, and instead relies on elastomers, thereby prioritising vibration damping over impact absorption. Is that enough for an adventure gravel bike, or is that precisely what it takes to outperform the competition?

This bike was tested as part of our 2023 adventure gravel bike group test – you can find an overview of the group test and the test field here:

**BMC** URS 01 ONE | 9.08 kg in size M | Manufacturer’s website

The URS 01 ONE is BMC’s gravel bike for wild and untamed terrain. When the going gets tough, this is what the Swiss brand rely on. The full-suspension gravel bike doesn’t just boast cleverly integrated damping elements, but also offers wide tire clearances and comes specced with motocross-inspired rims, intended to create a bike that sets the bar in terms of comfort. But what is the bike really capable of, and what about that, erm… bold colour scheme? We took a closer look at the bike in our big adventure gravel bike group test to find out whether it’s as futuristic as it seems.

BMC URS 01 ONE – High-end at any cost?

The BMC URS 01 ONE immediately stands out from the crowd. And that’s mainly due to the bold Lavender Haze/Orange colour scheme. Yes, your eyes are not deceiving you! We’ve rarely tested a bike like this, and with its minimal branding, it almost looks like a brand new prototype. While the paint job on the frame still looks relatively subtle, they went all out on the fork. It’s a combination of dark purple, bright orange, and lavender, creating a wild display of colours that you’ll rarely see on a bike, and we have a hunch that there might be a good reason for that. But as always, the colour scheme is a matter of personal preference, and so the URS is sure to find a loyal fan base.

**Stay hydrated!**
You can bolt a third bottle cage to the bottom of the down tube for long rides and hot days.

The integration of the damping elements is a lot more discreet. The suspension at the rear is inconspicuously integrated into the seat stays and looks more like a design element than a functional part. Up front, the suspended stem is clean and eye-catching, and you’re unlikely to notice what’s hidden inside without a closer look. Otherwise, the bike stands out due to its distinctive choice of high-end components. You get a SRAM RED eTap AXS mullet drivetrain setup with an XX1 rear derailleur and a huge 10–52 t mountain bike cassette. This is matched with Zipp 101 XPLR carbon wheels, boasting motocross technology: the particularly wide rim bed and extremely flat profile promises to flex and conform to the terrain, thereby offering added grip. Together with the 40 mm WTB Raddler tires, it’s a unique combination in the test field. Sounds like it has adventure written all over it, right?

**Functional design**
The rear damping system is only noticeable at second glance. The black accent even looks really good on the otherwise purple frame.

**Motocross?!**
Inspired by motorcycles, the Zipp rim design is said to flex horizontally, thereby adapting to the surface and providing more comfort and control.

Tuning tip: slightly wider, grippier tires for better off-road performance

With all the conspicuity, the true highlight of the URS is almost lost: the BMC ICS MTT stem. Developed in cooperation with Redshift, it offers adjustable damping for gravel riders. Small elastomers of varying densities make it easy to adapt the damping – all you must do is remove the handlebar. It’s a cool and excellently integrated concept! In terms of mounting points, on the other hand, the bike is unremarkable, accommodating mudguards, a top tube bag, and a third bottle cage by the bottom bracket. It actually suits the bike well, but it’s not on par with the best in the test field.

**Undercover**
The damper is hidden in the stem, which is a much neater solution than a suspension fork!

**Rarity**
Seldom seen in the test field, the BMC URS features a D-shaped seat post – cool! However, that means it can’t accommodate a dropper post.

€ 10,999

Specifications

Fork rigid fork
Seatpost BMC 01 Premium Carbon
Brakes SRAM RED 160/160 mm
Drivetrain SRAM RED eTap AXS / XX1 1x12
Stem BMC ICS MTT x Redshift Suspension 80 mm
Handlebar Easton EC70 AX 420 mm
Wheelset Zipp 101 XPLR Carbon
Tires WTB Raddler 28"

Technical Data

Size S M L XL
Weight 9.08 kg

Specific Features

Bold colour scheme
Polymer damper in the stem
Micro Travel Technology suspension system in the rear.
Carbon wheels with Motocross technology

Size	S	M	L	XL
Top tube	557 mm	578 mm	591 mm	612 mm
Seat tube	431 mm	459mm	492 mm	527 mm
Head tube	113 mm	146 mm	172 mm	207 mm
Head angle	70°	70°	70°	70°
Seat angle	74°	74°	74°	74°
Chainstay	425 mm	425 mm	425 mm	425 mm
BB Drop	69 mm	69 mm	69 mm	69 mm
Wheelbase	1,041 mm	1,064 mm	1,081 mm	1,105 mm
Reach	404 mm	415 mm	419 mm	429 mm
Stack	538 mm	569 mm	603 mm	641 mm

What does the damping on the BMC URS 01 ONE really absorb?

Even if the bike is designed with comfort in mind, it’s nothing like the Dutch bike your granny rides. The handling is quite manoeuvrable: not nervous, but agile and fun on winding roads. The responsive yet stable geometry and, above all, the integrated damping instil you with confidence. Speaking of damping, it works brilliantly: the rear end is stiff despite the elastomers and, like the Cannondale Topstone, doesn’t bounce, yet it absorbs vibrations like only the Specialized Diverge STR promises.

The stem also does a stellar job of absorbing vibrations, though it tends to bottom out quite easily if you’ve got it set up too soft. You’ll have to experiment with the included elastomers until you find the perfect setup. Unfortunately, however, not all that glitters is gold: the handlebar gives way somewhat when out of the saddle, on the attack, allowing the front end to bob. It’s not ideal for fast sprints, but higher density elastomers can help mitigate this to some degree. With a lockout, the URS would be perfect, because the stiff frame is on par with the most efficient bikes on test. However, the BMC URS 01 ONE is hard to stop on gravel and moderate off-road terrain – it’s simply fun to ride.

Colour and components: the BMC URS 01 ONE sticks in your mind.

The perfect BMC URS 01 ONE adventure

After getting over the initial shock of the paint job, there’s one thing in particular that comes to mind when thinking of the BMC URS 01 ONE: versatility. Thanks to the integrated damping and exceptional build, the bike excels on any gravel surface. Although it doesn’t especially love asphalt and paved trails, it still cuts a better figure here than most of the other bikes on test. Above all, it’s a bike that makes you smile, placing the focus on fun, gravel adventures, and the joy of being outside. It’s just as good for getting outdoors or minimal bikepacking as it is for sprinting up the climbs. And for all those who love gadgets and tech, there is plenty to play around with and adjust on the stem.

**Helmet** POC Ventral Lite | **Glasses** POC Devour | **Jersey** Café du Cyclist Laureline | **Bib** POC Womans Pure BIB VPDS | **Shoes** Fizik Tempo Powerstrap R5 | **Socks** POC Essential Print

Our conclusion on the BMC URS 01 ONE

The BMC URS 01 ONE is probably one of the most fun, extraordinary bikes in the test field. And that’s not just because of the unusual colour scheme, but also because of the unique build and integrated damping. The bike features cleverly integrated damping that performs well on the right surfaces while still looking great and remaining stiff enough for fast climbs. Overall, it’s a great gravel adventure bike that’s a hoot to ride and features a unique look.

Tops

incredibly fun and efficient bike
sleek and unique BMC look

Flops

cockpit bobs up and down during sprints

For more information, visit bmc-switzerland.com

The testfield