BMC AGONIST

The Agonist is being aimed at ambitious XC endurance riders - similar to, but not a replacement for, the Swiss company’s World Cup podium-grabbing Fourstroke bike.

The Agonist adds a little more travel compared to that machine (110mm instead of 100mm) and is just half a degree slacker thanks to its 69.5-degree head angle. It also features BMC’s APS linkage which is tuned for a progressive shock feel, so much so that you may waste a lot of time trying to bottom it out.

You’ll get a well chosen Fox DPS EVOL shock and a Fox 32 fork for your money, as well as lightweight 29” Vittoria Barzo tyres. What you won’t get, however, is a dropper post which is somewhat surprising on a bike that is touted as being versatile (although with a bit of DIY know-how you can install your own with an internal cable).

The Agonist is available in two flavours: the premium 01 model features a full carbon frame, while the cheaper 02 model uses an alloy swingarm as well as Shimano 2x11 gearing. We’re not certain whether the Agonist will land on our shores at this stage - watch this space!