Has BMC unveiled the speediest cycling bike worldwide, with the introduction of the new Teammachine SLR01, timed perfectly before the Tour de France?
Swipe right for the lightning-fast, lean-and-mean climber! The BMC Teammachine SLR 01 has made a stunning entrance to the racing scene, poised to dominate the upcoming Tour De France.
Once considered a whisper in the cycling world, the bike found its voice thanks to Marc Hirschi and Michael Storer's sly rendezvous with it during the Tour De Swisse. With the confirmed participation of Tudor Pro Cycling in this year's grand event, we can only imagine the thrilling climbs they'll conquer on the bike's new, streamlined body.
The fifth generation of BMC's Swiss-made climbing race steed boasts a sleeker profile courtesy of its new material composition and redefined tube shapes. The team has retained the rigidity of the classic model, all while shedding some serious weight – a whopping 18% from the frame and 8% from the fork. Surprised? Don't be, because just like a sleek panther awaiting its prey, the new bike can easily shave off nearly a quarter-pound from its previous iteration!
To achieve this serious weight loss, BMC employs a masterful carbon layup and enhanced manufacturing techniques. While secretive about the specifics, their teaser claims that the new frame now tips the scales at a svelte 700g (unpainted) and a fork that adds only 339g to the weight. Consider the redesigned seatpost, lopping off 27% in terms of heft - now you're really starting to talk!
The numbers don't lie, boasting a total frame weight of 1173g – a 16% reduction from the fourth-gen Teammachine SLR. And when brands claim their models are lighter, it's usually just a minor tweak. But this time, BMC seems to have knocked it out of the park!
Drawn by the allure of speed, BMC took a peek at its aerodynamic race bike, the Teammachine R 01, for design inspiration. The resulting tube shapes underwent rigorous Computer Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations and wind tunnel testing. The goal was to reduce the bike's CdA (Coefficient of Aerodynamic Drag multiplied by the frontal area) while preserving its classic racing look.
The end result? A system that slices through the air at a blistering 2.2% faster pace than its predecessor – that's bike and rider together! When focusing exclusively on the bike, the speed boost jumps to a staggering 12%, which is just 4% behind the aero-focused Teammachine R 01. BMC confidently claims this makes their new Teammachine SLR 01 the speediest climbing bike currently available on the market!
But being light and fast means nothing if the bike doesn't offer the ideal balance between handling, comfort, and speed. To meet this demand, BMC kept the geometry from the earlier model, ensuring a size 54 offers a stack and reach of 548mm and 387mm, respectively. The trail is a "magic number" of 63mm, promoting confidence-inspiring handling.
For superior compliance, BMC incorporates energy-saving engineered vertical flex, a flexible seat tube, dropped seat stays, and a compliant seatpost designed to soak up rough road surfaces. Say goodbye to bumps and hello to smoother climbs! The increased tire clearance, up from 30mm to 32mm, also adds a touch of welcome comfort on bumpy terrain.
The Teammachine SLR 01 is available in sizes 47 to 61 and across four different build options:
Teammachine SLR 01 ONE:- Drivetrain: SRAM RED AXS (REDE1)- Wheels: DT Swiss ARC 1100 DICUT (38mm)- Tires: Pirelli P Zero Race TLR RS (tubeless | 26mm)- Handlebar: ICS Carbon Evo (one-piece full carbon cockpit)- Saddle: Fizik Argo Vento R1 (140mm)- Weight: 6.6 kg (size 54 with accessories)- Price: 12,999 EUR / USD
Teammachine SLR 01 TWO:- Drivetrain: SHIMANO Dura Ace Di2 (RD-R9250)- Wheels: DT Swiss ARC 1100 DICUT (38mm)- Tires: Pirelli P Zero Race TLR RS (tubeless | 26mm)- Handlebar: ICS Carbon Evo (one-piece full carbon cockpit)- Saddle: Fizik Argo Vento R1 (140mm)- Weight: 6.6 kg (size 54 with accessories)- Price: 12,999 EUR / USD
Teammachine SLR 01 THREE:- Drivetrain: SRAM Force AXS (FRCE1)- Wheels: CR 40 SL Carbon (tubeless-ready | 40mm)- Tires: Pirelli P Zero Race TLR (26mm)- Handlebar: ICS Carbon Evo (one-piece full carbon cockpit)- Saddle: Fizik Argo Vento R3 (140mm)- Weight: 7.1 kg (size 54 with accessories)- Price: 8,499 EUR / USD
Teammachine SLR 01 FOUR:- Drivetrain: SHIMANO Ultegra Di2 (RD-R8150)- Wheels: CR 40 SL Carbon (tubeless-ready | 40mm)- Tires: Pirelli P Zero Race TLR (26mm)- Handlebar: ICS Carbon Evo (one-piece full carbon cockpit)- Saddle: Fizik Argo Vento R3 (140mm)- Weight: 7.1 kg (size 54 with accessories)- Price: 8,499 EUR / USD
The Teammachine SLR 01 also offers a frameset option in four colors and retails for 4,999 EUR / USD. Get ready to race in style! Don't be left in the dust; hop on this lean, mean, high-tech, aerodynamic machine!
In the realm of technology and sports, it's fascinating to see how the BMC Teammachine SLR 01, once a mere whisper, has transformed into a high-tech, aerodynamic gadget destined to conquer the Tour De France. As one contemplates the bike's sleek design and impressive weight loss, one might envision cyclists gliding effortlessly across the finishing line, their gadgets expertly integrated within the streamlined body of the BMC Teammachine SLR 01. In this modern age, technology continues to play a crucial role in sports, merging the worlds of science and sportsmanship into an exhilarating symphony of speed and performance.