Product news: With the BMC Alpenchallenge AMP Cross, the high-end manufacturer from Switzerland is presenting its third e-bike - the first to feature slightly narrower tires. With a high-quality carbon frame and some interesting details, it can stand out from the competition.
So far, BMC has been a bit reserved in the e-bike sector. Sure, with the two E-MTBs Trailfox AMP (Click here for the Velomotion test) and Speedfox AMP you have two really hot irons in the fire, but based on the e-bike boom and the importance of BMC as a manufacturer, it was clear that something would come sooner or later. With the BMC Alpenchallenge AMP Cross, the motorized range is now being followed up and – as the name suggests – the Alpenchallenge model series is being taken on: built for sporty tours and discovery trips on asphalt and gravel roads.
At first glance, the Alpenchallenge AMP Cross resembles its non-motorized counterpart in many ways. On closer inspection, however, not only the motor and battery are noticeable, but also the slightly larger tube diameter on the frame. There is a good reason for this: the frame of the BMC Alpenchallenge AMP Cross is made entirely of carbon! The lightweight frame material allowed the construction of a stiffer and more durable frame and a significantly lower weight.
The placement of the battery is also striking, with which you swim completely against the current. Not only is there no integration in the frame, as has been the case since this season, but the battery is also placed on the seat tube rather than on the down tube. The decision against an integrated solution has purely pragmatic reasons: A semi-integrated battery can be removed much more easily and, for example, exchanged for a fully charged model. Not an unlikely scenario on an adventure bike like the Alpenchallenge. The placement on the seat tube also gives you a very central focus, which should benefit the handling of the e-bike. Another positive side effect: the battery is usually covered by the rider's legs while riding and is therefore visually much less important than, for example, on the down tube.
So we've already talked about the battery; This feeds a Shimano E-8000 motor with its energy cells, which BMC already uses on its two E-MTBs. The compact engine from the Japanese impresses with its low weight and sporty, dynamic characteristics. In addition, it harmonizes splendidly with the electronic Di2 groupsets from the same company. It is therefore not surprising that BMC installed an XT Di2 circuit on the top model BMC Alpenchallenge AMP Cross LTD.
With the 40mm wide WTB tires you are well prepared for trips into moderate terrain. Thanks to the mounting options for mudguards and lighting, the Alpenchallenge AMP Cross can also be easily converted into an everyday commuter, for example.
The Alpenchallenge AMP inherits what is known as Micro Travel Technology (MTT for short) from other bikes in the BMC range. This is an elastomer between the seat tube and seat stays, which provides approx. 10mm of spring travel and is primarily intended to filter out unpleasant vibrations, for example on gravel roads, and is also used in a similar form on the Swiss Teamelite XC hardtail. The Alpenchallenge AMP inherits the ICS stem from the road bikes, which accommodates all cables and cables in the top version and thus ensures a lot of order in the cockpit area.
The BMC Alpenchallenge AMP Cross will initially be offered in two model variants, which differ primarily in terms of the gears and the wheels. While you can enjoy Shimano's XT Di2 gears and the light DT Swiss 1600 wheels on the top LTD model, the equipment on the One variant with SLX gears and R600 rims from DT Swiss is a little less high quality. In addition, you have to do without the ICS stem on the cheaper bike.
BMC Alpenchallenge AMP Geometry
S | M | L | |
seat tube (in mm) | 443 | 480 | 538 |
Top tube horizontal (in mm) | 548 | 583 | 608 |
head tube (in mm) | 120 | 157 | 193 |
chainstay (in mm) | 435 | 435 | 435 |
Wheelbase (in mm) | 1024 | 1053 | 1085 |
Steering angle (in °) | 71.25 | 72 | 72 |
Seat angle (in °) | 73.5 | 73.5 | 73.5 |
Reach (mm) | 380 | 405 | 425 |
Stacks (in mm) | 565 | 600 | 635 |
BMC Alpenchallenge AMP Cross LTD
Drive: Shimano Steps E-8000
Circuit: Shimano XT Di2
impellers: DT Swiss AMP 1600 Spline
BMC Alpine Challenge AMP Cross One
Drive: Shimano Steps E-8000
Circuit: Shimano SLX
impellers: DT Swiss R600
Peter Itin says
Everywhere you read about significantly less weight, but nowhere can I find an exact indication of what the part really weighs....
Ulrich says
Got the information for the Alpenchallenge AMP Cross LTD bike of 15,1 kg directly from BMC.
Gruss Ulrich