Test: The Swiss manufacturer BMC introduced its first Teammachine SLR 10 years ago. To date, this model has been continuously improved and revised, so the impressive track record with Tour de France (stage) victories and numerous titles is no coincidence. We tested the new BMC Teammachine SLR under slightly different conditions.
“Racing is part of the BMC DNA and we pride ourselves on our continued innovation and groundbreaking technology to keep us at the forefront, whether it's on the World Tour or in the cycling industry. With the new Teammachine we have achieved a unique, absolutely harmonious balance of low weight, excellent rigidity, the right amount of vertical flexibility and sophisticated aerodynamics. We are confident that the Teammachine will exceed the expectations of even the most demanding riders. This bike is our flagship bike and it's way ahead of its time.” – Mart Otten, Senior Product Manager at BMC Switzerland.
BMC ACE+
The Accelerated Composite Evolution Technology (ACE) developed by BMC uses countless virtual prototypes to calculate potential tube connections on the frame, carbon layups and geometries in order to achieve the best possible performance. With this plus one promises an additional performance gain, which should trump everything that has ever been developed.
“To hold your own at the top, you need that certain something. This is exactly what the + in the name of our proven and now further developed ACE Technology stands for. Because in addition to weight, stiffness and flexibility, we have now included another factor in our calculations: aerodynamics” – Mart Otten.
BMC Teammachine SLR – The stiffness
Already known for its efficient power transmission, the new Teammachine SLR goes one step further: The connection between the bottom bracket and the down tube is larger and therefore stiffer thanks to a newly developed shape of the down tube and an optimized carbon layup. Every single part from the steering head and tube to the fork and the ICS handlebar system has been checked and improved again in order to achieve maximum responsiveness and agility and to improve power transmission.
BMC Teammachine SLR – The Weight
The BMC Teammachine SLR has always stood for chainability. Here, of course, the weight is of crucial importance. By further developing the Integrated Cockpit System (ICS) and revising key elements, BMC was able to further reduce the overall weight of the frame.
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The new generation of integrated cockpits with the ICS Carbon and the ICS2 represents a decisive step into the future of bike design and is groundbreaking in terms of functional integration. The new ICS carbon is made from just one piece, which not only ensures low weight, but also great stiffness values. Incidentally, the internal cable routing is of course also visually impressive. At 305 grams, the ICS Carbon Cockpit is 30% lighter than conventional cockpits, making it one of the lightest on the market. It is available in six lengths (from 90 to 140mm) and comes with two computer mounts that are adjustable in length and compatible with most bike computers.
Added to this is the new D-Shape seat post, which has also been optimized. In combination with the improved carbon layups and a minimalist finish, the overall weight has been reduced by a whopping 160 grams, or a whole 9%, compared to the previous Teammachine model.
BMC Teammachine SLR – The aerodynamics
The BMC Teammachine SLR also surpasses its predecessors in terms of aerodynamics. The revised tube shapes and the functional integration are the key elements, thanks to the new ACE+ Technology. Each individual component fits harmoniously into the overall design and contributes to absolute high-performance aerodynamics. The latest versions of the revolutionary ICS cockpit and the D-Shape seat post in combination with the newly developed down tube and fork ensure a first-class and snappy all-rounder.
In detail, the new down tube has been designed to have a larger surface area with reduced edges. This reduces drag while maintaining rigidity. It also contributes significantly to the completely new Aerocore design, as it allows a seamless transition to the Aerocore bottle cage. By integrating this functional element, the design improves the aerodynamics and thus corresponds exactly to the BMC philosophy: ultimate performance through functional integration.
Another essential element in terms of aerodynamic performance is the fork. This was also aerodynamically optimized based on the calculations of the ACE+ software and experience with the Timemachine Road. The smart design of the dropouts with an integrated thru-axle nut demonstrates that extremely high performance can go hand in hand with minimalist aesthetics.
“The now fourth generation of the Teammachine SLR with its revolutionary ACE+ technology is a perfect balance of performance and aesthetics. The fastest Teammachine SLR ever developed and a plus better than all competitors!” – Stefan Christ, Head of R&D.
BMC Teammachine SLR – The Comfort
However, all the performance advantages would suddenly be gone if the right level of comfort were missing. Thanks to the latest evolution of Tuned Compliance Concept Technology, the new Teammachine is also more forgiving than ever. TCC enables the carbon layups to be designed so precisely and specifically that the degree of vertical compliance can be perfectly adapted to the different areas of use and terrain. With TCC Race, the main focus is on a significant vertical flex in the frame and seat post. This improves traction and control and has been shown to reduce muscle fatigue.
models and frame sizes
The new BMC Teammachine SLR is available in the following model variants: Teammachine SLR 01, Teammachine SLR and Teammachine SLR 01 Module. The frame sizes of 47, 51, 54, 56, 58 and 61cm enable every rider to find their perfect bike.
BMC Teammachine SLR 01 in the extreme test
As part of the BMC Teammachine SLR launch event, we had the opportunity to test the bike on the route from Zurich to Zermatt under competition conditions. Our editor Flo Nowak took part in the Chasing Cancellara Challenge and mastered the 280 kilometers and 6500 meters in altitude with the new BMC Teammachine and was able to get an exact picture of what the bike is capable of.
https://www.velomotion.de/magazin/2020/09/chasing-cancellara-zuerich-zermatt/
The values of the new Teammachine speak for themselves, but on the many kilometers and meters of altitude between Zurich and Zermatt we had the opportunity to take a closer look at the entire bike.
From the very first contact with the latest BMC racer, it becomes apparent that lightweight is a serious issue. At just 6,5 kilos, you are even under the UCI weight limit and offer first-class performance on the mountain, because the frame and all the equipment including Sram Red eTap and DT Swiss Mon Chasseral wheels complement each other extremely well and ensure a light-footed riding experience. This is particularly noticeable on the rear end, which not only convinces with great rigidity, but also seems so light that we were afraid of losing our rear wheel a few times. This does not only have an effect when climbing, but also generally promotes acceleration, because the BMC Teammachine SLR, thanks to good power transmission, puts every step directly on the road and converts it into lively propulsion.
But once you start rolling, the Teammachine is also convincing, because the improved aerodynamics ensure noticeably more speed than its predecessors or comparable climbing machines. Frame shapes including their own bottle holders and the cockpit complement each other perfectly. Thanks to smooth running and a very sporty seating position, you really want to push on it even on flat terrain. If you want it even faster, you can certainly get by with slightly more aerodynamic wheels (30-50mm) and make the bike an absolute all-rounder with a little extra weight. For our assignment at Zurich-Zermatt with 6500 meters of altitude, the spec was perfect, because not a gram should be too much on the bike, especially on the long and steep mountain passages.
The cockpit mentioned not only offered aerodynamic advantages, but also had a lot to offer ergonomically. With a little flare and a successful form, we were well served here. Thanks to the sophisticated design, the system can be adapted to your own needs or you can choose from various options. Thumbs up for a lot of individuality.
The BMC Teammachine SLR is just as light-footed as it is uphill, because the handling is direct, agile and precise. We could really let it rip on the mountain passes between Zurich and Zermatt and not only exceed 100 km/h once.
With so much performance, comfort should not be missing. Especially when you sit in the saddle for a good 11 hours like us, the fun would be over quickly without the necessary comfort and all of it would be irrelevant. Thanks to the latest evolution of Tuned Compliance Concept Technology, the new Teammachine is also more forgiving than ever. The carbon layup was designed in such a way that the vertical compliance is perfectly adapted to the area of use. Especially in the seating area you can feel how much the lowered rear triangle and the seat post flex and let us so clearly on rough ground.
