{"id":44158,"date":"2022-11-30T10:00:18","date_gmt":"2022-11-30T09:00:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bikeradar.com\/?p=706248"},"modified":"2022-11-30T10:41:44","modified_gmt":"2022-11-30T09:41:44","slug":"bike-of-the-week-bmcs-kaius-is-an-ultra-light-gravel-race-bike","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/bike-of-the-week-bmcs-kaius-is-an-ultra-light-gravel-race-bike\/","title":{"rendered":"Bike of the Week | BMC\u2019s Kaius is an ultra-light gravel race bike\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"

<\/p>

By Oscar Huckle\n \t\t<\/p>

Published: Wednesday, 30 November 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p>

\n\n

Launched in September 2022<\/a>, BMC\u2019s Kaius has arrived at BikeRadar HQ for testing.<\/p>\n

The Kaius is a minimalist, lightweight and aerodynamically optimised gravel race bike, very much in the vein of Specialized\u2019s S-Works Crux<\/a> or Cerv\u00e9lo\u2019s \u00c1spero 5<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It occupies the complete opposite end of the spectrum compared to the brand\u2019s URS<\/a>, which uses suspension and elastomers to offer a bump-taming ride.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s take a closer look at this race-oriented gravel bike<\/a>.<\/p>\n

A Swiss frame approach<\/h2>\n
\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Kaius borrows heavily from the Teammachine.<\/span><\/figcaption> Kaden Gardener \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

The Kaius takes clear inspiration from BMC\u2019s road race bike, the Teammachine SLR01<\/a>, sharing a visually similar sculpted head tube, oversized down tube and angular, dropped seatstays.<\/p>\n

BMC says the Kaius uses high-modulus carbon in certain areas of the frame to achieve an equilibrium between stiffness, power transfer and minimal weight. The brand also says it has reinforced some areas of the Kaius\u2019 frame to help it withstand tough off-road riding.<\/p>\n

BMC claims a low 910g frame weight in a size 56cm, with the fork adding a further 400g.<\/p>\n

\""BMC\"<\/picture><\/div>
The Aerocore bottle cages carry over from the Teammachine. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Kaden Gardener \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""BMC\"<\/picture><\/div>
There\u2019s a plug to cover where a front derailleur mount could fit. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Kaden Gardener \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""BMC\"<\/picture><\/div>
The down tube is particularly beefy. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Kaden Gardener \/ Our Media<\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>

The Kaius features the brand\u2019s Aerocore bottle cages<\/a>, also found on the Teammachine. These integrate into the down tube and seat tube, with the aim of smoothing airflow.<\/p>\n

The stealth dropouts BMC introduced on the Teammachine carry over to the Kaius. This sees the thru-axle insert bonded in place. The insert isn\u2019t visible from the outside face of the driveside chainstay or fork leg, resulting in a particularly clean aesthetic.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
No thru-axle insert in sight\u2026<\/span><\/figcaption> Kaden Gardener \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Like other bikes in BMC\u2019s range, the Kaius sticks to a BB86 bottom bracket standard<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The Kaius has 700c gravel wheels<\/a> and clearance for 44mm gravel bike tyres<\/a>, which is similar to the 45mm tyre clearance of the \u00c0spero 5 but not as generous as the 47mm tyre clearance of the S-Works Crux.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
It\u2019s a BMC through-and-through.<\/span><\/figcaption> Kaden Gardener \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

In a nod to versatility, the Kaius has top tube mounts for a bento box and can accept either 1x or 2x drivetrains<\/a>.<\/p>\n

It is compatible with a dropper post<\/a> and can be used with BMC\u2019s ICS MTT suspension stem<\/a>.<\/p>\n

What is Bike of the Week?<\/h3>\n

Every fortnight, we\u2019ll bring you a detailed first look at one of the latest bikes (or framesets) to arrive at BikeRadar HQ \u2013 from road to commuting, gravel to enduro, and anything in between.<\/p>\n

This is our chance to introduce the bike and everything that makes it unique before hitting the road or trails.<\/p>\n

Head to our\u00a0Bike of the Week hub<\/a> for previous editions.<\/p>\n

<\/p><\/div> <\/section>

A clean front end<\/h3>\n
\""BMC\"<\/picture><\/div>
Not a cable or hose in sight! <\/span> <\/figcaption> Kaden Gardener \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""BMC\"<\/picture><\/div>
The bars measure 36cm across the tops and 42cm at the drops. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Kaden Gardener \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""BMC\"<\/picture><\/div>
A removable rubber plug unveils the stem bolts. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Kaden Gardener \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nLike the majority of BMC\u2019s performance bikes, the Kaius uses an integrated bar-stem. Called the ICS Carbon Aero Cockpit, the one-piece bar and stem weighs a claimed 315g and hides the bike\u2019s hydraulic hoses.\n

Unlike BMC\u2019s road handlebars<\/a>, the Kaius\u2019 bar has 12.5-degree flare, which means it measures 36cm along the top and 42cm at the drops. The design\u2019s narrow profile is said to improve aerodynamics and comfort.<\/p>\n

A tasty spec list<\/h2>\n
\""BMC\"<\/picture><\/div>
SRAM\u2019s Red eTap AXS XPLR is a fitting companion to this build. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Kaden Gardener \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""BMC\"<\/picture><\/div>
The 10-44 cassette will get you up the majority of climbs. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Kaden Gardener \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""BMC\"<\/picture><\/div>
The 42t is a good compromise for the majority of terrain.<\/span> <\/figcaption> Kaden Gardener \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>
\""BMC\"<\/picture><\/div>
SRAM\u2019s CenterLine X rotors are specced in 160mm diameters. <\/span> <\/figcaption> Kaden Gardener \/ Our Media <\/i> <\/span>\n<\/div> <\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div> <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nOur test bike is the range-topping Kaius 01 One in a size 58cm. It retails for \u00a311,350 \/ $11,999 \/ \u20ac11,499.\n

The 01 One comes equipped with a SRAM Red AXS XPLR<\/a> groupset. The 10-44 cassette<\/a> is paired with a 42t crankset<\/a>, and 160mm disc brake rotors<\/a> are specced front and rear.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
The Cinturato Gravel H is designed for hard-pack surfaces.<\/span><\/figcaption> Kaden Gardener \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

Zipp\u2019s 303 Firecrest<\/a> wheels have proved a popular option on many gravel bikes recently, and they\u2019re shod with Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H tyres.<\/p>\n

The finishing kit comes courtesy of BMC, with the aforementioned bar-stem and a proprietary D-shaped seatpost. The saddle is a Fizik Vento Argo 00<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"""\"<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>
A Fizik Vento Argo 00 saddle sits atop the proprietary seatpost.<\/span><\/figcaption> Kaden Gardener \/ Our Media <\/i><\/span><\/div>\n

All-in, the bike weighs in at 7.71kg without pedals.<\/p>\n

There are two other models in the range, \u2014 the Kaius 01 Two and 01 Three. The 01 Three is the entry-level Kaius, retailing for \u00a35,699 \/ $5,999 \/ \u20ac5,499. It has a SRAM Rival eTap AXS groupset<\/a>, using the 2x Wide variant, and BMC\u2019s CRD-400 40mm wheels.<\/p>\n

The 01 Two sits in between at \u00a38,350 \/ $8,999 \/ \u20ac8,499 and is equipped with a SRAM Force AXS Wide<\/a> groupset and Zipp 303S<\/a> wheels.<\/p> <\/body><\/html>\n

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By Oscar Huckle Published: Wednesday, 30 November 2022 at 12:00 am Launched in September 2022, BMC\u2019s Kaius has arrived at BikeRadar HQ for testing. The Kaius is a minimalist, lightweight and aerodynamically optimised gravel race bike, very much in the vein of Specialized\u2019s S-Works Crux or Cerv\u00e9lo\u2019s \u00c1spero 5. It occupies the complete opposite end […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":44159,"template":"","categories":[1,36],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"6"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/11\/bike-of-the-week-bmcs-kaius-is-an-ultra-light-gravel-race-bike.jpg",1860,1239,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/11\/bike-of-the-week-bmcs-kaius-is-an-ultra-light-gravel-race-bike-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/11\/bike-of-the-week-bmcs-kaius-is-an-ultra-light-gravel-race-bike-300x200.jpg",300,200,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/11\/bike-of-the-week-bmcs-kaius-is-an-ultra-light-gravel-race-bike-768x512.jpg",768,512,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/11\/bike-of-the-week-bmcs-kaius-is-an-ultra-light-gravel-race-bike-1024x682.jpg",800,533,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/11\/bike-of-the-week-bmcs-kaius-is-an-ultra-light-gravel-race-bike-1536x1023.jpg",1536,1023,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/43\/2022\/11\/bike-of-the-week-bmcs-kaius-is-an-ultra-light-gravel-race-bike.jpg",1860,1239,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"By Oscar Huckle Published: Wednesday, 30 November 2022 at 12:00 am Launched in September 2022, BMC\u2019s Kaius has arrived at BikeRadar HQ for testing. The Kaius is a minimalist, lightweight and aerodynamically optimised gravel race bike, very much in the vein of Specialized\u2019s S-Works Crux or Cerv\u00e9lo\u2019s \u00c1spero 5. It occupies the complete opposite end…","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/44158"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/44159"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=44158"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=44158"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}