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Teammachine Vs Roadmachine

The BMC Teammachine SLR01 ONE leaves no doubt visually that it wants to be fast everywhere. The complete integration indicates good aerodynamics and the low wheels suggest that the bike climbs quickly. Does the impression confirm itself in the comparison test with the four fastest race bikes of the 2021 season?
You can get an overview of this comparison test here: The best race bike 2021 – 5 high-end models in the test. BMC Teammachine SLR01 ONE | 6.86 kg in size 56 | 10,999 € | Manufacturer websiteThe BMC Teammachine SLR01 ONE is located in the BMC portfolio between the Timemachine Road on the aero side and the Roadmachine on the endurance side. And between these two it makes itself extremely wide: With excellent vibration damping, it brings almost all-road qualities, and its aerodynamics mean that it rivals the Timemachine Road for efficiency on the flat. This makes it BMC’s most versatile road bike for us. Our test bike comes with the wireless SRAM RED eTap AXS shifting group with 48/35 T chainrings and 10-28 T cassette. The drive thus has many small gear jumps, especially in the range of the high gears. So you can always find a comfortable cadence. For demanding climbs, however, a slightly lighter gear or more juice in the legs would not hurt. Shifting performance is as snappy as usual, and the hydraulic disc brakes with 160 mm discs at the front and rear are beyond reproach. The bike does not have a power meter. BMC has recognized, however, that this is a no-go in this price range and will improve for the next model generation. First-class aerodynamics for high speed and best vibration damping for rough roads – the Teammachine SLR01 ONE is the most versatile bike in the BMC portfolio. From a single mold With the Teammachine SLR01 ONE, BMC takes integration to the extreme – or rather, right down to the Aerocore bottle cages. These nestle seamlessly into the tube shapes of the down tube and seat tube, helping to keep airflow clean and aerodynamics high.

BMC Teammachine SLR01 ONE 2021

10.999 €

Equipment

Seatpost Teammachine 01 Premium Carbon D-Shape 15 mm Brakes SRAM RED eTap AXS HRD 160/160 mm Gearshift SRAM RED eTap AXS GS-RED-E-B1 2 x 12 Chainring 48/35 Stem ICS Carbon 110 mm Handlebar ICS Carbon 420 mm Wheels DT Swiss PRC 1100 DICUT Mon Chasseral Tires Vittoria Corsa Graphene 2.0 27 mm

Technical data

Size 47 51 54 56 58 61 Weight 6,86 kg

Features

One-piece ICS carbon cockpit Aerocore bottle cage Very lightweight climbing wheels Stealth dropout design Full power ahead? Yeah, sure! But just how much power is that? For a bike in this price range and with the predictable range of use, we would have expected a power meter built in as standard. BMC improves here fortunately for the next model generation.On the DT Swiss PRC 1100 DICUT Mon Chasseral wheels, which are the flattest in the test field with a rim height of 24 mm, Vittoria Corsa Graphene 2.0 tires in 700 x 25C are mounted. They turn out 27 mm wide on the BMC and provide first-class vibration damping. A particular highlight of the BMC Teammachine SLR01 ONE is the one-piece ICS carbon cockpit – together with the Wilier Filante SLR cockpit, the cleanest and tidiest solution in this comparison. The stem is 110mm long and the handlebars are 420mm wide. In size 56, our test bike weighs 6.86 kg and goes for €10,999 over the counter.

Size 47 51 54 56 58 61
Seat tube 423 mm 468 mm 504 mm 524 mm 545 mm 574 mm
Top tube 517 mm 534 mm 549 mm 559 mm 574 mm 589 mm
Head tube 110 mm 130 mm 145 mm 165 mm 184 mm 210 mm
Steering angle 71,5° 71,5° 72,3° 72,3° 72,3° 72,3°
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 69 mm 69 mm 69 mm 69 mm 69 mm 69 mm
Wheelbase 968 mm 986 mm 989 mm 1.000 mm 1.015 mm 1.030 mm
Reach 367 mm 377 mm 386 mm 392 mm 401 mm 409 mm
Stack 506 mm 530 mm 550 mm 565 mm 584 mm 608 mm

Helmet Giro Synthe MIPS | Goggles Alba Optics DELTA | Shirt Albion Short Sleeve Jersey Pants Albion ABR1 Bib Shorts | Shoes Giro Empire ACC | Socks POC Essential Road Light Sock Watch Garmin Forerunner 245In terms of speed, the BMC Teammachine SLR01 ONE is a paradox. With the 24 mm flat DT Swiss PRC 1100 DICUT Mon Chasseral wheels, we would have expected particularly good performance in the uphill and, in return, expected losses on high-speed passages. However, the opposite is the case: despite the low rims, the bike is the second fastest bike after the Tarmac on flat and undulating terrain. This points to excellent aerodynamics of the frame set including ICS carbon cockpit and is underlined by aero details like the stealth dropout design. Add to that the fast rolling Vittoria Corsa Graphene 2.0 tires. With taller and even faster aero wheels, the BMC would become a true aero weapon. On the other hand, climbing capabilities, while far from bad, rank near the bottom of this very strong test field. A lighter gear could help the bike here to more efficiency at slow speeds. In the downhill, the bike is then again fully with the music and convinces with very good braking and cornering grip. Only the loud whirring of the tires in inclined position is a bit unsettling at first – but becomes a good indicator of how close you get to the limit range over time. It covered the calculated test route with a length of 150 km and almost 2,000 positive vertical meters with an average speed of 26.1 km/h and needed 5:44:48 h for that. When it comes to handling and comfort, the Teammachine surprises with a remarkable balancing act: No other bike in the test is so smooth, only to turn in so mercilessly direct. Experienced riders will love this balancing act, but for inexperienced riders it can lead to tricky moments. There is also a balancing act in terms of comfort: In terms of vibration damping, the BMC is together with the SCOTT at the top, even smaller impacts are noticeably damped. Cockpit, seatpost and especially the tires do a great job here. In contrast, there is a racing hardness that converts every watt into propulsion. Larger impacts therefore come through just as dry to the contact points as in the competitors. Apart from the well-known rattling of the SRAM shifters, the Teammachine is also extremely quiet. In addition to the excellent braking performance, two other factors contribute to the high sense of safety on the bike for experts: the lowest susceptibility to crosswinds in the test and a balanced, rich road holding. Tuning tips: a 33 T-cassette could make long and steep climbs a bit more pleasant | higher aero wheels would catapult the bike from very strong to outstanding in efficiency on the flat | mount a powermeter to have full control  

Ride characteristics

4

agility

  1. sluggish
  11. playful

smoothness

  1. nervous
  11. smooth running

handling

  1. demanding
  11. balanced

driving fun

  1. boring
  11. lively

comfort

  1. taut
  11. comfortable

price-performance

  1. bad
  11. very good

Technical data

BMC Teammachine SLR01 ONE Size: 47 51 54 56 58 61 Weight: 6.86 kg Price: 10.999 €

Area of use

Flat/wavy terrain 1

Uphill 2

Downhill 3

Conclusion

A strong second place for the BMC Teammachine SLR01 ONE! On the test course, it stays closest on the heels of the S-Works Tarmac SL7 and convinces above all with the combination of race performance and the best comfort in the test field. Experienced racers will celebrate the combination of stoic straight-line running and maximum directness, while newcomers could quickly be overwhelmed with the directness. Still, the BMC is one of the most versatile bikes in this test!

Tops

  • low susceptibility to crosswinds
  • runs very fast on the flat despite the low wheels
  • good balance between race hardness and comfort
  • combination of smoothness and directness

Flops

  • falls short of our expectations on the mountain
  • rattling SRAM shifters
  • no powermeter installed

More information can be found at bmc-switzerland.com

The test field

An overview of this comparison test can be found here: The best race bike 2021 – 5 high-end models in test All bikes in the test: BMC Teammachine SLR01 ONE | SCOTT Addict RC Pro (To the test) | Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL7 (to the test) | Trek Émonda SLR 9 eTap (to the test) | Wilier Filante SLR Astana-Premier Tech Team Edition (To the test) Did you like this article? Then we would be very pleased if you would also support us as a supporter with a monthly contribution. As a GRAN FONDO supporter, you ensure a sustainable future for high-quality bike journalism and ensure that the new-road world continues to have a free and independent leading medium. Become a supporter now! Text: Tobias Hörsch Photos: Valentin Rühl

Recommended for you

Does a road bike have to have a glorious history or is technical reasonableness enough to inspire? A comparison of two models for competition. The appeal of a road bike tour also lies in chatting about bikes with your companions. Most of the time, the discussions revolve around models that are rolling along in the pack or that have somehow appeared on a rider’s always bulging wish list. Some current racing bike is always at the center of desire. This has a lot to do with enthusiasm and very little to do with reason. There is babbling and dreaming – what road bike it would be if only the account were sufficiently filled, what speaks for which model and what seems obscene even as a reverie. Much of this discussion sounds like a search for justification for a purchase that will never be made. Often the argument comes up that a bike must have history, must stand for something: So it’s about prestige, about a road bike having an aura. But does that have to be the case? Does a technically equal bike without a price nimbus premium perhaps inspire a rider more? The BMC Teammachine is a road bike that tells the story of great victories. Australian Cadel Evans won the Tour de France in 2011 on the Swiss premium manufacturer’s model. Belgian rider Greg van Avermaet won the Olympic road race in Rio de Janeiro on it in 2016, and he won stages of the Tour de France and Paris-Roubaix, the biggest of all one-day races, on a Teammachine. These few achievements and names alone provide the bike from Switzerland with magical glamour for road cycling nerds. If only it were not for the exceedingly hefty prices that are called for these bikes: The SLR model variants (the professional stuff) cost 4999 euros with disc brakes in the entry-level version with mechanical Shimano Ultegra shifting and rise in the high-end equipment variants in incredible regions beyond 10 000 euros. A magical aura is probably also characterized by the fact that it remains forever out of reach for most people. The Stevens Comet, on the other hand, has a more classic design. (Photo: Marc Autenrieth) The Comet model from Hamburg-based manufacturer Stevens commands far less dizzying prices in comparison. This racer is available with disc brakes in the most basic configuration starting at 3099 euros and is also significantly cheaper than the Teammachine in the premium versions. But the aura of this bike shines less brightly: Only the name Mathieu van der Poel is associated with the Comet. He has won some great victories on the road only this year, for example in the Amstel Gold Race, and he was cyclocross world champion twice off-road – but he didn’t win any of these victories on a Stevens Comet. A great athlete, but not yet a very big name, which is linked even fleetingly with the Hamburg racing bike. “Stevens,” so says a racing bike buddy on a ride, “I always don’t think of them that way, they look so well-behaved.” The frame of the Comet indeed looks very traditional, the seat stays meet the end of the top tube, the saddle is held to a conventional clamp. The Comet’s fork is curved very slightly forward in the direction of travel. The shape of the frame gives the road bike from Hamburg an aesthetic that doesn’t inspire too much passionate admiration. The BMC Teammachine looks strictly geometrical in comparison. The seat stays attach to the seat tube clearly below the top tube, a design that BMC helped introduce some time ago. Meanwhile, most premium manufacturers rely on this variant – because so obviously the comfort on the bike can be improved and shocks are a teensy bit less noticeable. The fork of the Teammachine is also jaggedly straight, the bike looks like it was drawn with a set square. In the equipment variant with the wireless electric Sram Red eTap, the BMC looks almost irritatingly naked. The Swiss engineers have also completely hidden the lines of the hydraulic disc brakes: they disappear into the stem and are routed through the frame in such a way that they only reappear a few centimeters in front of the brake and almost don’t affect the remarkably clean look at all. The Teammachine is like a nude drawing in carbon, clear and desirable. The Stevens Comet’s brake lines are exposed below the handlebars for a bit. Only then are they routed into the fork or down tube for the rear brake. Thus, the Comet model variant with the Sram eTap shifting looks minimally more unsteady in comparison, an impression that is reinforced by the lettering, which is lush in comparison. The seating position on the Comet is sporty, but a bit more comfortable than on the Teammachine. On the BMC, the road cyclist rides slightly more stretched, in a minimally more aggressive posture. At the same time, the impression of the bike from Switzerland is that it rolls a bit smoother. The Comet seems more agile, a bit less good-natured. Whereby these impressions are always deceptive: Both bikes ride fantastically, directly and racy – only in direct comparison does the impression of tiny differences arise. Most likely: the BMC offers slightly more comfort than the slightly harder Stevens. Both tested Sram eTap disc brake versions weigh just over seven kilograms. Both competition bikes do not attach primary importance to aerodynamics.

Only in direct comparison can minimal differences in ride feel be identified.

Which of these two racers would be the chosen one? Real quirks can hardly be identified, at most tiny blemishes: The front brake cable of the Stevens is routed so that it touches a white lettering on the head tube and will scratch somewhat with prolonged use. On the BMC, the derailleur hanger is attached with an arguably small bolt that could loosen a bit too easily. In the end, both bikes inspire desire; both are gorgeous projectiles. One would be easier to justify, the other looks even better and has the brighter glow. Plenty of material to chat about on road bike tours with your fellow nerds without ever coming to a final agreement. The BMC Roadmachine 01 has long since found its fan base. In Issue #005 there was even the hard-fought test victory on the toughest pavement. But what’s behind the new member of the Roadmachine family? What can the BMC Roadmachine X do? We have a whiff of adventure and have tested it. BMC Roadmachine X | 2,199 € Many of our tests have already shown that the engineers of the Swiss noble brand BMC understand how to build bikes. In the big GRAN FONDO Endurance Bike Test 2017, the BMC Roadmachine 01 One took a well-deserved test victory on the cobbles of the spring classics. And the BMC Teammachine SLR 01 Disc just missed out on victory in the first 2018 race bike test. At BMC headquarters in Grenchen, Switzerland, however, they are by no means resting on their laurels. The new BMC Roadmachine X is the first of many innovations for the 2019 models. So what’s behind the X? A muscle-bound version of the Roadmachine? Not quite, because “One for All” probably describes the new all-road bike better. The Roadmachine X is the Swiss answer to adventure and designed for those who don’t want to stop where the asphalt ends: We’re talking about gravel adventures, dirt roads, multi-day trips or simply the way to work. The biggest difference of the Roadmachine X to the pure road version is only noticeable at second glance: the frame is made of aluminum. Thanks to the high-quality manufacturing of the frame, bulging aluminum welds are a thing of the past. And the matte black stealth look already looks extremely sexy.

The equipment of the BMC Roadmachine X

In addition to the frame material, the Roadmachine X differs from the road machine primarily in the tire clearance for up to 34 mm. In addition, the frame also offers state of the art thru axles and flatmount brake mounts. Fork Roadmachine X Carbon Circuit Sram Rival Brakes Sram Rival HRD Handlebar BMC RAB 03 Stem BMC RSM 01 Wheels Mavic Allroad Disc Tires WTB Exposure Thru axle and flatmount brake mounts and 160 mm brake discs front and rear As the name suggests, the Roadmachine X but also has much in common with the pure road version. Here, one immediately notices the geometry based on the Roadmachine 01. The front, which is slightly longer in comparison, is intended to provide more control over a wide variety of terrain and the chainstays, which are only 1 cm longer, are intended to guarantee the liveliness and maneuverability. Clean look thanks to internal cable routing The cables all disappear into the frame, which together with the 1×11 drive makes for a super clean look. The Roadmachine X comes with the SRAM Rival HRD group, which thanks to the friction clutch in the rear derailleur keeps the chain under tension and should prevent chain slap, especially on rough surfaces. With the 40 chainring and the 10-42 cassette you are perfectly equipped especially for steep and technical climbs. Only at top speed one then eventually runs out of steam. The 160 mm brake discs front and rear promise a good coping with long descents. With the 10-42 cassette one is perfectly equipped especially for steep and technical climbs Thanks screw-on point for the derailleur, the BMC Roadmachine X is also equipped for a 2-speed setup. However, the all-rounder is delivered with a chain guide, which together with the narrow-width chainring should ensure that the chain does not jump down. Chain guide or 2-speed setup – the Roadmachine X can do both TCC Endurance Technology baptizes BMC the compliance package, which is to bring the necessary comfort on rough ground. Part of the concept are the cranked and low on the seat tube seat stays with the aim of damping vibrations and the hardest impacts. Another component is the specially developed carbon fork, which is to combine comfort and precision. The cranked and low on the seat tube seat stays should bring the necessary comfort for rough ground The well-hidden mounts for luggage rack and mudguards will please all all-weather and adventure riders among us. Thus, the Roadmachine X is certainly not a pack mule like some other adventure bikes, but offers a great basis for all fans of the slogan “Pack light, travel far”. The Roadmachine X comes with Mavic Allroad Disc UST wheelset, WTB Exposure 34c tires and comes factory tubeless. Factory tubeless: Mavic Allroad and WTB Exposure 34c

The geometry of the BMC Roadmachine X

Size 47 51 54 56 58 61
Seat tube 465 mm 460 mm 533 mm 548 mm 564 mm 600 mm
Top tube 532 mm 539 mm 554 mm 564 mm 579 mm 594 mm
Head tube 128 mm 154 mm 172 mm 187 mm 205 mm 228 mm
Steering angle 70,5° 70,5° 71,5° 71,5° 72,0° 72,5°
Seat angle 73,5° 73,5° 73,5° 73,5° 73,5° 73,5°
Chainstay 420 mm 420 mm 420 mm 420 mm 420 mm 420 mm
BB Drop 71 mm 71 mm 71 mm 71 mm 71 mm 71 mm
Wheelbase 998 mm 1007 mm 1016 mm 1024 mm 1034 mm 1044 mm
Reach 376 mm 376 mm 385 mm 391 mm 400 mm 408 mm
Stack 525 mm 550 mm 571 mm 585 mm 604 mm 628 mm

Test

With the north face of the Eiger behind us and the Jungfrau in view, Kleine Scheidegg was just the right terrain to test the limits of the BMC Roadmachine X. With an average gradient of over 10% and a length of 10.7 km, the climb from Grindelwald (1,034 m) to Kleine Scheidegg (2,061 m) is no walk in the park. The steep ramps on the last gravel section especially push the rider to his limits. The view and the quasi car-free road a dream for every climber. The climb to Kleine Scheidegg is a real challenge with its steep gravel ramps.

Handling

The Roadmachine X climbs nimbly and is efficient in acceleration thanks to the stiff aluminum frame. The slightly longer front compared to the Roadmachine 01 brings smoothness and you roll along on any terrain stable. Stable and smooth – the Roadmachine X is ready for all-road You can feel the Roadmachine genes on the descent. The Roadmachine X inspires with agile and secure handling that doesn’t feel like an all-road bike at all, but rather like a purebred road bike. The sporty yet comfortable riding position, coupled with smooth running and a low bottom bracket typical of road bikes, is fun and you feel in control at all times, even in the steepest sections. Despite aluminum handlebars and seatpost, the comfort is perfectly fine. The combination of 34 mm tires and the BMC Compliance package with carbon fork and rear triangle concept works and swallows the biggest hits on the trail well away. Even though trail descent is not exactly the Roadmachine X’s typical area of use, it still handled it well. Nevertheless, it is to remain vigilant, because with 34 mm tires is not quite as much buffer as in the coarser brothers. Despite aluminum handlebars and seatpost, the level of comfort is perfectly fine The SRAM Rival shifting works well and reliably, but lacks precision compared to a SRAM Force. Already often criticized by us is the shape of the slightly outward hoods, which harmonize well with the compact handlebar, but do not really scream ergonomics. An inward cranking would fit here much better to the natural hand position. The compact handlebar harmonizes well with the SRAM Rival Hoods In contrast to the steep climb, where the brakes are probably untouched, the steep descent via Wengen to Lauterbrunnen is the ultimate test for brake performance. With over 30% gradient in parts, we plunge down the descent, we always feel safe thanks to brakes that are easy to dose and have a good pressure point. Compared to the SRAM Force, we miss some precision, but still get a solid braking performance. And after we have destroyed over 1,200 meters of altitude safely and in a controlled manner on a route of 12 km, the tempering color on the brake discs is also okay. The descent with 1,200 hm over a distance of 12 km leaves its mark, but the performance is right The combination of tubeless Mavic Allroad wheelset and WTB Exposure 34c tires works perfectly, both on the road and on gravel and the trails of the Swiss Alps. Only on the wet, with melt water soaked gravel ramps it becomes a bit slippery. But we gladly accept that for the good performance on the road. As already described in our gravel bike test, the choice of tire pressure is essential: low enough for sufficient grip and comfort, but high enough to avoid a spongy feeling on the road. The sweet spot makes it! The WTB Exposure 34c offers a great compromise for road and gravel

Conclusion

With the BMC Roadmachine X, the Swiss manage the balancing act between all-road fun and road bike performance. For 2,199 € you get a coherent overall package with plenty of fun and a wide range of use. The only drawback: fans of large-volume tires will not quite like the limit of 34 mm. Thanks to safe handling on- and off-road as well as clever details like mounting points for luggage racks and mudguards, you should definitely consider the Roadmachine X for your next adventure bike purchase.

Strengths

– Super agile and lively acceleration – Great performance on- and off-road – Mounting points for mudguards and rear rack – Affordable price

Weaknesses

– Maximum 34C tires – Average shifting performance More information can be found at bmc-switzerland.com Did you like this article? Then we would be very happy if you also support us as a supporter with a monthly contribution. As a GRAN FONDO supporter you ensure a sustainable future for high-quality bike journalism and make sure that the new-road world will continue to have a free and independent leading medium. Become a supporter now! Text: Manuel Buck Photos: Manuel Buck, BMC PM Teammachine Vs Roadmachine.




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