Swiss precision meets Belgian cobblestones – we all agree: the BMC Roadmachine 01 One is the “King of the Ring”. We’ll tell you what it takes to stand out in such a high-profile testing field and also what sort of rider the Roadmachine fits best.

For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: The best road bike for any weather and any season – 10 Endurance Bikes in Review

BMC Roadmachine 01
BMC Roadmachine 01 | 7.62 kg | € 10,999

On the day of its market launch, the Roadmachine caused a sensation. It’s clear that the Swiss design team have done their homework, and this fine € 10,999 bike features some very characteristic elements. While only small sections of cables and hoses are visible around the cockpit, the super clean overall look of the bike is beautifully executed. The stem is not only fully integrated but also features an integrated and interchangeable mount for GoPro and Garmin devices.

BMC Roadmachine 01
BMC Roadmachine 01

To be honest we can’t really find any odd looking frame features on the BMC Roadmachine. The low-placed seatstays allow the seat tube to flex with the seat post, granting the bike its fast and sporty look. Rarely have we seen such a neatly designed rear end. In combination with the DT Swiss ERC 1100 Dicut wheels, it almost looks as though the bike came from a single cast. Unlike our test bike, the series model of the Roadmachine 01 One features the new Shimano Dura Ace R9150 Di2; offering a huge improvement in terms of performance and aesthetics. However, even with the older version of the Dura Ace the BMC Roadmachine smashed the field.

BMC Roadmachine 01 BMC Roadmachine 01
BMC Roadmachine 01
Tuning Tip: No Tuning, Just Riding!

After the first round of testing, we can easily describe our first impressions with just three letters: Wow! The huge downtube melts organically into the flex-free BB area, accurately converting every watt into acceleration. This bike literally motivates you to attack every corner and every climb.

The system flex – which is the combination of flex-coefficients of the cockpit, fork, frame and wheels generates a noticeable amount of traction. This quickly builds trust and the bike gives the rider a great feeling of safety. A weight of 7.62 kg on a 54 frame size, makes the BMC a relatively light bike. On rough terrain, it doesn’t feel like a light road bike at all, but more like a solid crosser, confidently smoothing the most broken cobble sections. The 28 mm wide Vittoria Corsa tires underline this feeling; fast rolling, plenty of grip, comfortable and delivering a classy look.

BMC Roadmachine 01
Helmet Met Rivale | Glasses Oakley RadarLock | Jersey Rapha Core Jersey | Gilet Velocio Recon Quilted Vest | Bibshort Velocio Signature Fly Bib Short | Socks FingersCrossed Stripes #01_04 | Shoes Sidi Wire Carbon

Still, the BMC presents one shortcoming in high speed downhill sections the bike develops slight speed wobble on the front end. This never really becomes a true fun killer but it certainly doesn’t go unnoticed. But the good news is even when hitting the brakes, the bike stays in control. Thanks to the 160/140 mm rotors, the Shimano SM-RT900 brakes generate a balanced and well modulated braking power adding to the overall trust we had in the bike.

The BMC Roadmachine 01 One in detail

Drivetrain Shimano Dura Ace Di2
Wheelset DT Swiss ERC 1100 Discut DB 47 Carbon
Brakes Shimano Dura-Ace
Tires Vittoria Corsa
Weight 7.62 kg
Price € 10,999

BMC Roadmachine 01
Gloss vs. matt. The finish offers fine details, which are not visible at first glance.
BMC Roadmachine 01
The Vittoria Open Corsa – our tester’s favourite rubber!
BMC Roadmachine 01
The Swiss keep amongst themselves and show us how it’s done: Tucked!
BMC Roadmachine 01
Integrated, easy to reach, well thought out: they even put a Garmin and GoPro mount.
BMC Roadmachine 01
Geometry BMC Roadmachine 01 One

Conclusion

With their Roadmachine 01 One, BMC have managed a perfect balancing act of race performance and comfort, presenting an endurance bike which not only offers an outstanding ride, but is also very sexy, taking the best in the test award. Aesthetically like a Ferrari, surefooted as a Jeep, and with the performance of a muscle car… BMC, shut up and take our money!

Strengths

+ Powerful transmission
+ High safety-feeling, balanced geometry
+ Balanced braking power
+ Garmin and GoPro mount

Weaknesses

– The front end builds speed wobble at high speed
– It’s no longer in our bike shed


For more info head to: bmc-switzerland.com

For an overview of the test fleet head to the main article: The best road bike for any weather and any season – 10 Endurance Bikes in Review

All bikes in test: 3T Exploro Team | Canyon Endurace CF SLX Disc 8.0Focus Paralane Factory | Ridley X-Trail | ROSE Backroad-4400 | Specialized Roubaix Expert Di2 | Trek Domane SLR 10 RSL | OPEN U.P.P.E.R. | WHITE Wessex


This article belongs to the GRAN FONDO Issue #005. 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: Benjamin Topf, Manuel Buck, Robin Schmitt Photos: Julian Mittelstädt