New Year, new bike! With target goals focusing on TT events, I spent time over the winter developing a plan to position myself as a time trial specialist. I previously spent hours training and racing on a Trek Speed Concept, and really enjoyed the bike. I appreciated the responsiveness and handling of the bike, but found that traveling was difficult with the integrated stem and handlebar. To address the traveling needs, I decided to go with the BMC TM01 as my new weapon of choice.
How does this bike compare to my Trek Speed Concept? Different, very different. From a position and fit aspect, I find the BMC to fit me better. The contact points are identical to the Trek, but the bike feels more comfortable in my position. The angle of the base bar in a V up position tested faster and is similarly more comfortable. The front end of this bike is solid and directly transfers the power when standing and putting pressure on the bar horns. I found that the Trek was not as responsive at the front end. The BMC feels like a rocket and handles like it is on rails. Accelerating is efficient and direct without a laps in effort-similar to the Trek. However, the BMC is able to maintain the speed at and easier rate, is less effected by crosswinds and carries the speed more comforatbly. I found that the Trek fought me under higher speeds and was a more vocal ride. As an example, on the same course with the same wheels, I tested for time while maintaining the same power. Normalized power was within 1 watt while average power was off by 2 watts (higher for the BMC) with a 4 minute faster 40k result on the BMC.
I put the BMC to its first test in February at the WUCA (World Ultra Cycling Association) event, Sebring 12. Race report to follow- but certainly a fast ride, proving again that the BMC was a good choice.
BMC put a lot of effort into designing the bike. In person, the bike is stunning with all of the expected aero shapes that scream FAST BIKE! Aside from visuals, what's not seen is equally as exciting. The BMC brake booster is a hidden gem that gives the BMC a huge advantage over my Shiv Tri and Speed Concept. The brake feel and actuation are solid. Previously, the brakes on the TT bikes felt spongy and braking power was sub par. Now, with the brake booster technology, the brakes feel solid and stopping power is similar to the feel of the Dura Ace road calipers on my road bike.
With the brake cables separated, the front end of the bike comes off completely! This is huge. Traveling with the bike had been an issue and a concern over bending and crimping brake and di2 cables. Now, I can easily remove the front end of the bike with only 4 screws, making transporting the bike less stressful and more convenient.
I cannot stress how comfortable this bike rides. With my race events lasting anywhere from 1-12 hours, being able to ride the bike for hours on end is critical. The Shiv and Speed Concept bounced on the road and transmitted all vibrations. I experienced body fatigue and sore elbows after multiple hours on the bike. In comparison, the BMC reduces the road feel without negatively impacting the handling of the bike. When speed and distance are of concern, smoother truly is faster.
I am looking forward to more races and fast results with this bike. My only negative about the bike is the rear dropouts. I have experienced some brake rub in the rear when climbing out of the saddle with high torque. However, I believe this is user error as the horizontal dropouts have plenty of room for adjustment. Given the width of the Enve 5.6 wheel set, it is of no surprise that adjustments will be needed.
This bike has it all- speed, comfort and style.
Thank you to Bike Doctor and BMC for fitting me and providing this race machine.
