{"id":62201,"date":"2024-04-09T17:00:00","date_gmt":"2024-04-09T15:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/a280ef5b-c0e6-4e55-acb9-2a3597dcf2b6"},"modified":"2024-04-09T19:02:25","modified_gmt":"2024-04-09T17:02:25","slug":"new-bmc-roadmachine-ups-tyre-clearance-to-40mm-and-introduces-down-tube-storage","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/cyclingplus\/rss_feed\/new-bmc-roadmachine-ups-tyre-clearance-to-40mm-and-introduces-down-tube-storage\/","title":{"rendered":"New BMC Roadmachine ups tyre clearance to 40mm and introduces down tube storage"},"content":{"rendered":"

The new BMC Roadmachine is claimed to be 27 per cent more compliant than its predecessor\u00a0 <\/p>

By Oscar Huckle\n <\/p>

Published: Tuesday, 09 April 2024 at 15:00 PM<\/p>

\n\n

BMC\u2019s new Roadmachine endurance bike range sports a greater 40mm tyre clearance, down tube storage and a greater focus on improving compliance.\u00a0<\/p>

The rear triangle has been redesigned to increase flex. The bike has an integrated rear light and a new one-piece cockpit on the flagship model.\u00a0<\/p>

There are five options in the range starting with the Roadmachine 01 and Roadmachine. The latter uses a more cost-effective carbon construction to hit a more accessible price point.\u00a0<\/p>

There\u2019s also a gravel-oriented Roadmachine 01 X, with the Roadmachine X sitting beneath it.\u00a0<\/p>

Finally, there is an updated Roadmachine AMP electric road bike<\/a>. The new bike uses a TQ HPR50 motor, but the Mahle-equipped models will remain in the range for the foreseeable future.\u00a0<\/p>

Pricing starts at \u20ac3,199 \/ AU$4,799 for the BMC Roadmachine Five and rises to \u20ac12,999 \/ AU$17,499 for the range-topping Roadmachine 01 Two.\u00a0UK pricing and distribution is TBC.<\/p>

How does it ride? Read our BMC Roadmachine 01 Two review<\/a>.<\/p>

Fast accelerator and 27 per cent more compliant <\/h2>
The Roadmachine has now become a much more versatile bike with its increased tyre clearance. – Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

According to BMC, the key aim with the third-generation Roadmachine was for it to be a fast accelerator, with controlled flex and reactive handling, all while being capable of accepting 40mm gravel bike tyres<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

BMC did not use its ACE supercomputer to design the new bike, instead relying on designers to achieve the desired riding properties.\u00a0<\/p>

The new bike sees changes to the rear end. This is claimed to make the bike 27 per cent more compliant without sacrificing stiffness.<\/p>

The new bike bears the hallmarks of BMC design language. This includes the slightly raised triangular outside face of the top tube found on the outgoing Roadmachine, the kinked seatstays reminiscent of the Granfondo GF01, the D-shaped seatpost and ICS integrated cockpit.\u00a0<\/p>

Kinked seatstays and a UCI-compliant seat tube<\/h3>
\"BMC
The kinked seatstays are a nod to the Granfondo GF01. – Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The extra compliance is mainly achieved via the redesigned rear triangle. The kinked seatstays are reminiscent of those seen on the Granfondo GF01.\u00a0<\/p>

The seatstays are thin and BMC has also altered the tube profiles of the seat tube.\u00a0<\/p>

The cut-out for the rear wheel has been re-sculpted to increase tyre clearance. It also has a thin wall thickness to enable lots of flex.\u00a0<\/p>

\"BMC
The seat tube is thin. – Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

BMC\u2019s head of R&D, Stefan Christ, said it was possible to reduce the thickness of the seat tube following a UCI rule change. Previously, the UCI mandated all tubes on the front triangle must be at least 25mm \u2018deep\u2019. This has been dropped to 10mm.<\/p>

The seatstays were lowered on the previous Roadmachine and remain in the same position. BMC says they\u2019re as low as they can be while maintaining good power transfer and torsional stiffness.\u00a0<\/p>

BMC says a thinner layup will result in additional flex at tube junctions.<\/p>

The weight goes up and frame storage<\/h3>
\"BMC
The frame weight is up by approximately 68g for a size 54cm. – Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

BMC openly says it prioritised compliance and stiffness over reducing weight. The new Roadmachine is claimed to weigh 963g in a size 54cm with the lightest paint finish and without hardware.\u00a0<\/p>

That\u2019s heavier than the claimed 895g frame weight of the second-generation Roadmachine. BMC says most of the weight increase is because of adding down tube storage.\u00a0<\/p>

Christ says maintaining stiffness while introducing frame storage was the biggest design challenge. He explains that, with a hole in the down tube, it\u2019s hard to maintain the torsional stiffness of the tube. Adding additional material to ensure stiffness increases weight.<\/p>

\"BMC
A lot of work has gone into the fork, too. – Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The new fork is claimed to 448g (with the steerer tube uncut). The outgoing fork was claimed to weigh 380g but BMC says this was with the steerer cut to an unspecified measurement.\u00a0<\/p>

The second-tier Roadmachine is claimed to weigh 1,150g (also in a size 54 with the lightest paintjob). The matching fork weighs 480g.<\/p>

BMC says the cheaper frames offer the same riding characteristics but the increased weight is because of the different construction.<\/p>

40mm tyre clearance<\/h3>
\"BMC
BMC reckons you’ll fit a tyre with up to a 40mm measured width with 4mm to spare. – Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The Roadmachine\u2019s 40mm tyre clearance is generous for an endurance road bike<\/a>, with only the Specialized Roubaix SL8<\/a> matching it.\u00a0<\/p>

For comparison, the Trek Domane SLR<\/a> is rated to 38mm tyres, with the Canyon Endurace<\/a> and Pinarello Dogma X<\/a> topping out at 35mm.\u00a0<\/p>

The Roadmachine achieves its generous 40mm tyre clearance with heavy sculpting around the seatstay junction and fork crown.<\/p>

Inspired by the BMC Kaius gravel race bike<\/a>, the fork leg thickness has been reduced to increase clearance.<\/p>

\"BMC
BMC’s sticking with a BB86 press-fit standard. – Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

BMC says speccing a BB86 press-fit bottom bracket standard<\/a> was also a key factor because a BSA threaded unit is wider.<\/p>

BMC says it would have been possible to increase tyre clearance further but this would have increased the rear-centre length \u2013 something it didn\u2019t want to do.\u00a0<\/p>

Stealth Dropouts and finishing touches<\/h3>
\"BMC
The bike inherits BMC’s Stealth Dropouts. – Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The Roadmachine inherits BMC’s Stealth Dropouts, which debuted on the fourth-generation Teammachine SLR01. These see an in-moulded captive nut bonded inside the dropout, resulting in a clean finish said to improve aerodynamics.\u00a0<\/p>

\"BMC
The front derailleur hanger is removable. – Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The new Roadmachine is compatible with both 2x and 1x drivetrains<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

The Roadmachine and Roadmachine X can also accept mechanical groupsets, but the premium Roadmachine 01 and Roadmachine 01 X are only compatible with electronic groupsets.<\/p>

There are mounts on the top tube for a bento box and the bike uses BMC\u2019s Aerocore bottle cage design to improve aerodynamics.\u00a0<\/p>

\"BMC
There are top tube mounts for a bento box. – Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

There\u2019s an integrated chain catcher, too. BMC installs protective tape as standard around the bottom bracket shell to prevent paint damage.\u00a0<\/p>

The Roadmachine 01 X and Roadmachine X feature additional protection tape under the down tube to protect against rock strikes.\u00a0<\/p>

\"BMC
The seatpost is D-shaped. – Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The D-shaped seatpost from the outgoing Roadmachine is retained on the new model. It is also used on the URS and Kaius. It is claimed to weigh 179g. A 15mm offset is specced as standard but a zero offset seatpost is available aftermarket.\u00a0<\/p>

Like other BMC models, there is a direct mount hanger available for Shimano groupsets and a separate derailleur hanger<\/a> for SRAM.\u00a0<\/p>

Down tube storage\u00a0<\/h3>
\"BMC
There’s a switch at the top of the bottle cage to access the down tube storage. – Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

BMC uses a modified Aerocore bottle cage on the down tube. Rotating a switch beneath this\u00a0opens the door to the integrated down tube storage.\u00a0<\/p>

A pouch for holding tools and spares is included with the 01 models and is available after-market for other models.\u00a0<\/p>

\"BMC
There is a pouch tucked in underneath the hatch. – Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

Down tube storage is becoming commonplace on many of the best mountain bikes, and it\u2019s appearing on gravel bikes too. Uptake on road bikes has been slower, with the Trek Domane SLR the most notable example to feature it to date.<\/p>

Because of the down tube storage, hoses are guided through the down tube to prevent them from being crushed.<\/p>

The down tube storage compartment is claimed to be water-repellent, rather than waterproof.<\/p>

Mudguard mounts<\/h3>

The Roadmachine and Roadmachine X feature mudguard mounts.<\/p>

You can also mount BMC\u2019s D-Fender mudguard on the saddle rails. This is similar to an AssSaver, albeit slightly longer and wider to increase coverage.<\/p>

The Roadmachine 01 models do not feature mudguard mounts but BMC says the tubes can accept the extra stress, and has tested them with clip-on mudguards<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>

Integrated rear light\u00a0<\/h3>
\"Integrated
There’s an integrated rear light. – Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The Roadmachine features an integrated 20-lumen StVZO USB-chargeable rear bike light<\/a> with a claimed 90-minute run time. A similar light debuted on BMC’s Roadmachine AMP and Speedmachine. It sits behind the seatpost and can be attached or removed.\u00a0<\/p>

The light is provided as stock on 01 bikes and can be purchased separately for others.<\/p>

A new handlebar\u00a0<\/h3>
\"BMC
The new ICS Carbon Evo cockpit aims to further improve comfort and control. – Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The Roadmachine continues to use BMC\u2019s ICS handlebar and stem, with the hydraulic hoses running down the flat faces of the fork\u2019s steerer.<\/p>

The new ICS Carbon Evo cockpit debuts on the Roadmachine 01 Two.<\/p>

The new bar features a reshaped drop for less hand fatigue and an ergonomic shape along the tops, according to BMC.<\/p>

\"BMC
The drops have an 8-degree flare. – Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The cockpit has a 135mm drop, a short 65mm reach and an 8-degree flare. It is available in 70 to 120 stem lengths in 10mm increments. Only one width option is available (40cm centre-to-centre on the top, flaring to 44cm on the drops).\u00a0<\/p>

BMC says additional widths will be coming soon. The bar-stem will be available aftermarket for \u20ac699 \/ $699.\u00a0<\/p>

BMC says it\u2019s up to the dealer if they\u2019re happy to swap the stock bar for a different size at the point of purchase.\u00a0<\/p>

\"BMC
You’ll find the ICS MTT suspension stem on the gravel models. – Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The Roadmachine models feature a more typical separate ICS stem and handlebar combo.<\/p>

The Roadmachine 01 X and Roadmachine X use BMC\u2019s ICS MTT Suspension Stem, which provides up to 20mm of tunable suspension via an elastomer setup designed in collaboration with Redshift.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

BMC Roadmachine geometry\u00a0<\/h2>
\"BMC
BMC wanted the chainstays to be as short as possible. – Oscar Huckle \/ Our Media<\/figcaption><\/figure>

The Roadmachine has a shorter rear centre, higher stack and shorter reach than the previous generation. <\/p>

All sizes have a trail figure of 63mm. BMC says it wanted this number to be shared across all sizes to maintain the same riding characteristics.<\/p>

The head tube angle is slackened slightly on the two smallest sizes to prevent toe overlap.\u00a0<\/p>

As a result of the increase in tyre clearance, chainstay length has grown to 415mm across all sizes, though the overall wheelbase only increases by 1 to 3mm depending on size.<\/p>

<\/colgroup>
\ufeff<\/th>47cm<\/th>51cm<\/th>54cm<\/th>56cm<\/th>58cm<\/th>61cm<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Head tube angle<\/b> (degrees)<\/td>71.4<\/td>71.4<\/td>72.2<\/td>72.2<\/td>72.2<\/td>72.2<\/td> <\/tr>
Head tube length<\/b> (mm)<\/td>112<\/td>138<\/td>154<\/td>181<\/td>207<\/td>233<\/td> <\/tr>
Seat tube angle <\/b>(degrees)<\/td>74.2<\/td>74.2<\/td>74.2<\/td>74.2<\/td>74.2<\/td>74.2<\/td> <\/tr>
Seat tube length<\/b> (mm)<\/td>414<\/td>461<\/td>488<\/td>508<\/td>529<\/td>550<\/td> <\/tr>
Top tube length<\/b> (mm)<\/td>520<\/td>537<\/td>546<\/td>559<\/td>571<\/td>581<\/td> <\/tr>
Rear centre<\/b> (mm)<\/td>415<\/td>415<\/td>415<\/td>415<\/td>415<\/td>415<\/td> <\/tr>
Wheelbase <\/b>(mm)<\/td>982<\/td>1,000<\/td>997<\/td>1,010<\/td>1,023<\/td>1,036<\/td> <\/tr>
Bottom bracket drop<\/b> (mm)<\/td>75<\/td>75<\/td>75<\/td>75<\/td>75<\/td>75<\/td> <\/tr>
Fork rake <\/b>(mm()<\/td>50<\/td>50<\/td>45<\/td>45<\/td>45<\/td>45<\/td> <\/tr>
Trail <\/b>(mm)<\/td>63<\/td>63<\/td>63<\/td>63<\/td>63<\/td>63<\/td> <\/tr>
Reach<\/b> (mm)<\/td>370<\/td>379<\/td>383<\/td>388<\/td>393<\/td>398<\/td> <\/tr>
Stack<\/b> (mm)<\/td>525<\/td>550<\/td>570<\/td>595<\/td>620<\/td>645<\/td> <\/tr> <\/tbody> <\/table>