BMC SLX01 Racemaster

With their unique frame design, Swiss brand BMC's bikes are easily recognisable in the peloton or shop floor, and the company that clearly likes innovating is at it again, with the release of the new SLC01 Racemaster.

Currently the BMC range tops out with the all-carbon Pro Machine followed by the aluminium tube and carbon joints Team Machine, and the Racemaster slots in between the two. BMC describe the Racemaster as an evolution of the Team Machine, but it seems BMC have started with a blank sheet of paper, such are the raft of changes.

Driving the development of this new release is a brief to design the lightest possible frameset without losing rigidity and stability. This line of thought might lead you to the natural conclusion of an all-new carbon frameset, but BMC already have the Pro, so the designers set about penning a carbon/aluminium frame.

In essence, the Racemaster uses carbon for the top half of the frame, and aluminium for the bottom half (much in the way that Giant does for its Alliance framesets). The entire top tube, head tube and about 6” of the down tube are crafted from Easton CNT carbon (with added Nano technology), and bonded to a 'three-pronged trident' made from triple butted 7075 aluminium, encompassing the remainder of the downtube, an aero-shaped seat tube and the oversized and sculpted chainstays. A wishbone carbon seat stay completes the frame.

A signature 'T-Shaped' top tube remains, and splits into the seat tube in an effort to dampen road vibrations. The seatpost appears to be an integrated design, but rather cleverly houses the 'Anglelock', an aluminium wedge at the base of the seat post that is tightened via an Allen bolt located in the head of the seatmast.

Martin Kohler, one of the four Swiss talents racing for the Swiss-American professional squad, says: “From the first push of the pedals I felt the rigidity and responsiveness of the Racemaster frame. There is an instant reaction to any change in pace and cadence, directly translating my power output. When accelerating out of the corners, I feel my energy will be fully transferred and that I will immediately gain full speed again,” said Kohler directly after his first training ride aboard the new bicycle.

Complete bikes will start from £2,499 (specced with Campga Centaur and Easton parts). Frame, fork and seatpost will cost £1,499.

The team put the new frame through its paces in the Tour of Switzerland.

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www.bmc-racing.com

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