The brand-new BMC Roadmachine 01 ONE has undergone a significant performance upgrade. A powerful cocktail of World-Tour genes, improved compliance and geometry adjustments, aim to make the revamped Roadmachine even faster than its predecessor. Here you’ll find out whether the operation was successful and what all of this has to do with Emmental cheese.
When we received the invitation to the launch of the new BMC Roadmachine MY 2020, our expectations were naturally extremely high. After all, the previous model secured the coveted ‘best in test’ badge in our big 2017 Endurance Bike group-test. For the 2020 model year, the Swiss bike manufacturer had set itself the goal of striking an optimal balance between compliance, weight and stiffness. In addition, BMC’s engineers hoped to widen the range of applications of the Roadmachine and improve the fit across all sizes. At the same time, it was their priority to maintain the iconic Swiss design language. Their focus was on a clearly-defined breed of road-cyclists: they have a strong penchant for freshly roasted coffee, an obsession for Strava, eTap, Nova Eroica and Dura-Ace clipless pedals and dress in Rapha swag and Giro Empire loafers.
The BMC Roadmachine 01 in detail
One particularly new striking feature of the Roadmachine is its generous tire clearance, which allows for tires up to 33 mm. The larger volume and bigger contact area of wider tires provide more grip and stability, inspire more confidence but also improve the overall level of comfort and safety. BMC also adapted the geometry of the bike to suit the needs of eager endurance and granfondo fans: the shorter reach and higher stack result in a more relaxed and upright riding position. The TCC (Tuned Compliance Concept), meanwhile, is clear evidence of BMC’s ongoing commitment to optimising the comfort level of the overall system. Thus, the Swiss development team relied on a new carbon layout for the main frame, fork and the new D-shaped seatpost and combined it with the dropped seat stays to achieve a balanced level of compliance.
Groupset SRAM RED eTap AXS HRD, 2×12, 46/33T
Cassette SRAM RED XG-1290, 10-33T
Brakes SRAM RED eTap AXS HRD with Centerline XR rotors, 160/160 mm
Wheelset Enve SES 4.5C AR Disc Carbon
Tires Vittoria Corsa Control TLR G+ 700 x 28C
Seatpost Roadmachine D-Shape Carbon, 15 mm offset
Handlebars BMC RCB01 Carbon, Ergo Top Shape, Compact Bend
Stem BMC ICS 01 with Garmin and GoPro Mount
Weight 7.55 kg
Price € 10,499
Available Sizes 47, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61, test bike size 56
Colour Green Sand
Availability Beginning of July
In addition to the countless updates to geometry, carbon layout and tire clearance, BMC revised a number of small but fine details. The new carbon seatpost is now available with either 0- or 15-mm offset and has a threaded insert, which allows for a neat integration of BMC’s optional “Dfender” mudguard. In the front-area of the top tube, two additional mounting points for the clean integration of a top tube bag – BMC is currently working on its own product-line. The integrated, two-piece cockpit and the proprietary ICS technology were taken over from the existing product range. The new Roadmachine 01 range adopts the same stealth, cable-less look of its predecessor. As a major innovation in the cockpit-area, BMC introduced a greater variety of stem lengths: customers now have the choice of either a 0° stem with lengths ranging from 55 to 100 mm or a 12° stem with lengths ranging between 90 and 130 mm. Integrated mounting options for Garmin GPS computers and GoPro cameras are still included in the scope of delivery. Thanks to a conventional 31.8 mm bar-clamp and a clever cable arrangement, with the cables running under and not through the stem, the ICS stem can be combined with countless handlebar models.
The plastic covers on the downtube hide cable entries that are necessary for lower spec levels that don’t use the integrated ICS cockpit.
With regard to frame design, the Roadmachine 01 and Roadmachine 02 have both been following a strict slimming diet: The silhouette of the asymmetrical fork now features slimmer lateral lines. In addition, the left fork leg (brake-side) is now 20% thicker than the opposite side for added stiffness and strength. Designed exclusively for 160 mm rotors, the Flat Mount adapter is integrated directly into the fork.
To provide a more harmonious overall picture, the new chainstays are now tapered more evenly towards the dropouts. Additionally, the flattened seat stays are designed to give the rear-end a slimmer profile and greater compliance. The stretched head tube now comes with a more discreet-looking headset top cover. On the whole, this increases the distance between the two headset bearings, which in turn helps improve the headset stiffness and the overall cornering behaviour of the bike.
Our test bike is consistently specced with highlights: on top of a complete 2×12 SRAM RED eTap AXS HRD groupset with a 46/33 T chainset and 10-33 T cassette, BMC throws in a tubeless Enve SES 4.5C AR Disc carbon wheelset with 12 mm Thru-Axle. The 28 mm-wide Vittoria Corsa Control TLR G+ tires and Fizik Aliante R5 Kium saddle round off the harmonious overall picture. According to BMC, a size 54 in this configuration weighs in at 7,55 kg.
The geometry of the BMC Roadmachine 01 One
| Size | 47 | 51 | 54 | 56 | 58 | 61 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seat tube | 420 mm | 457 mm | 500 mm | 522 mm | 539 mm | 573 mm |
| Top tube | 522 mm | 532 mm | 546 mm | 556 mm | 568 mm | 583 mm |
| Head tube | 112 mm | 139 mm | 156 mm | 181 mm | 206 mm | 242 mm |
| Head angle | 71.2° | 71.2° | 72.0° | 72.0° | 72.0° | 72.0° |
| Seat angle | 74.2° | 74.2° | 74.2° | 74.2° | 74.2° | 74.2° |
| Chainstay | 410 mm | 410 mm | 410 mm | 410 mm | 410 mm | 410 mm |
| BB Drop | 71 mm | 71 mm | 71 mm | 71 mm | 71 mm | 71 mm |
| Wheelbase | 982 mm | 999 mm | 997 mm | 1.008 mm | 1.020 mm | 1.035 mm |
| Reach | 374 mm | 382 mm | 386 mm | 390 mm | 394 mm | 398 mm |
| Stack | 516 mm | 541 mm | 562 mm | 586 mm | 610 mm | 644 mm |
Testing the BMC Roadmachine 01 ONE
Just by looking at the new Roadmachine 01 ONE, we’re overcome by the same feeling of awe we experienced while testing its predecessor: just WOW! BMC had already proved how much sex appeal Endurance bikes can have, but with the new Roadmachine generation, the Swiss take it to a whole new level. The slimmer silhouette suits the bike incredibly well and makes it visually more aggressive. The decals are cleverly placed and match the overall harmonious picture – no component looks disproportionate or out of place – a dream!
With respect to acceleration, the Roadmachine is a little livelier than its predecessor. Its real strength, however, comes in its ability to maintain its speed on the flats, and not on standstill startups. On high-speed descents, the new Roadmachine feels surefooted and controlled and is a lot smoother than its predecessor. The front-end especially, is now much easier to control. The BMC climbs willingly and efficiently. On our test-laps through the Swiss Emmental region, the Roadmachine 01 ONE provided a comfortable ride, especially in hilly areas with moderate climbs. And yes, the original Emmentaler cheese, Emmentaler AOP, comes from this region.
The handling of the BMC is characterized by its high running smoothness and very good directional stability. In tight corners the rear-end tends to swing up and clearly lags behind the nimble front-end. Good news for all non-pro tour riders: with erroneous or inaccurate steering inputs the Roadmachine is extremely forgiving and good natured. During our test ride in both wet and dry conditions, the bike inspired a high degree of confidence and conveyed a good feeling of safety.
In terms of comfort, the Roadmachine 01 ONE shines with excellent damping qualities. The chunky Vittoria Corsa Control tires provide tons of grip and a good overall level of comfort. The rims of the elegant Enve SES 4.5C AR Disc carbon wheelset measure 49 mm and 55 mm respectively and add a huge bling factor to the bike. With their huge 24,5 mm inner width, the rims harmonise well with the wide tires but are detrimental to the overall level of comfort.
On our size 56 test bike, the riding position is comfortably centred but a little stretched for an endurance bike. Even without any spacers under the stem, the stack height keeps within reason. Before buying the new Roadmachine, however, we recommend visiting one of BMC’s trusted dealers to find your optimal frame size and stem length.
With a 1.86 m body height and a 89.5 cm inside-leg measurement, our test rider has a relatively short upper body. In his case a size 54 with a zero-offset seatpost and a slightly longer stem with 110-120 mm would have been the perfect choice.
Conclusions
Nimble, nervous bikes are not the best choice for most riders. With the new Roadmachine 01 ONE, however, everyone from beginners to granfondo veterans, will enjoy the advantages of a powerful, efficient yet smooth bike. With its new features, the new BMC is a big improvement over its predecessor and slowly moves towards the performance sector. The level of integration and the design language are consistently implemented and visually appealing – that’s how sexy Endurance can be!
For more information head over to bmc-switzerland.com
