Exclusive: BMC's 2010 carbon highlights
BMC's 2010 road range will be topped by a new Team Machine SLR01 with a claimed 860g weight and newly tapered front end. (BMC)
Swiss company BMC are introducing some new (and some improved) models for 2010, as we mentioned in our tech report from their 2009 press camp in Sun Valley, Idaho. BikeRadar's tech editor James Huang managed to get the scoop on the new 860g Team Machine SLR01 carbon road frame and revised Fourstroke FS01 carbon cross-country mountain bike. Here's his exclusive report...
Meet the new Team Machine SLR01
BMC's long-running Pro Machine SLC01 carbon road flagship will be relegated to the second tier in the lineup with the introduction of a new Team Machine SLR01 for 2010.
At a claimed weight of 860g (55cm), the SLR01 will naturally be the lightest frame in the range, and BMC contend that a number of new features will also make it their best performer as well.
Seatstay cross-sections are greatly reduced in size relative to the SLC01 for a presumably softer ride
Like the still-extant Pro Machine, the SLR01 will be a 100 percent carbon fibre structure – dropouts, headset bearing cups and all – save for the required alloy sleeve in the new BB30-compatible bottom bracket shell. Housing stops are carbon too, and in a notable break from previous BMC tradition, all lines will be run externally for easier maintenance.
Though the SLR01 won't use Easton's CNT composite technology, updated tube shapes still promise better drivetrain efficiency and rider comfort relative to the SLC01. Adding to the new BB30 bottom bracket-compatible shell are BMC's usual extra-wide down tube and tall, chunky chainstays, plus a tapered front end that uses a 1-1/8in bearing up top and a moderately oversized 1-1/4in dimension at the crown of the matching BMC-exclusive 315g full-carbon fork.
Like many current 'superbikes', the SLR01 will also use radically undersized seatstays to better tune out road buzz and impacts.Moreover, BMC say their new 'Tuned Compliance Concept' (TCC) incorporates flex zones in the seatstays and fork blades for additional comfort.
TCC is also built into the SLR01's new proprietary seatpost, which borrows its novel built-in locking cam mechanism from the Racemaster SLX01. The two-bolt head features a 5mm offset and weighs a claimed 225g.
BMC will offer the new SLR01 in six frame sizes: 47, 50, 53, 55, 57 and 60cm.
Revised Fourstroke FS01 for 2010
Cross-country and marathon racers will also get a new carbon chassis from BMC for 2010, the revamped Fourstroke FS01. Travel remains at 100mm, courtesy of BMC's APS dual-link suspension design, but claimed frame weight is down a substantial 250g (0.55lb) from the current FS01 to about 1.88kg (4.14lb) with rear shock and hardware – for a size large, no less.
Like the SLR01 and SLC01, the FS01's front and rear triangles are nearly 100 percent carbon fibre constructs including the dropouts, post mount rear disc tabs (with replaceable threads) and cable housing tie-downs – aluminium is reserved only for the threaded bottom bracket sleeve, the new Shimano-standard direct-mount front derailleur tab and the suspension hard points. The upper and lower links are made from forged aluminium and cartridge bearing pivots are used all around.
Tube shapes and overall frame styling is clearly derived from BMC's road lineup, such as the BMC-signature 'Integrated Skeleton Concept' seat cluster and flared down tube. Also borrowed from the SLR01 is a new carbon fibre seatpost with TCC shaping.
BMC will offer the FS01 in three sizes – small, medium and large – and all will come with a Fox RPL rear shock.
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