BMC SLR02 DISC ONE
£5199 Meet the mean Teammachine
Team Dimension Data’s Teammachine SLR01 has a little brother, or perhaps more of a clone. Only di ering in the quality of carbon fibre used, and overall build specification, the Teammachine SLR02 Disc ONE leads BMC’s 2020 model year second strings bike line-up.
Sporting SRAM’s Force eTap AXS wireless 12-speed groupset (1), the SLR02 has very clean lines with just the brake hoses exposed. A minor difference from the SLR01 is that these can’t be routed within the ICS stem and through the headtube for total hidden cable integration; instead they slip in to the fork crown and down-tube before popping out again at the brake calipers.
BMC’s trademark dropped seatstays, beefy chainstays (2) and down-tube are present, plus the gusset beneath the top-tube and seat-tube junction, which houses the internal seatpost clamp. Keeping things clean up front is BMC’s ICS stem (3), with its proprietary split puzzle spacers beneath, blending the stem in to the
head-tube. The fork legs and chainstays are asymmetric to counteract the unique forces applied by the disc rotors and drivetrain, although the fork caliper isn’t bolted through the leg from in front, like on the SLR01.
It’s hard not to look at SRAM’s Force eTap AXS drivetrain and think it’s not set up yet. We’re still so attuned to seeing cables or wires leading to each derailleur. Its total freedom from any attachment other than its mounting clamps or bolts makes it rapid to fit and adjust, and the more rounded shape of the new lever hoods feels good on the road, especially when tucked in with horizontal forearms resting on them. The large shift paddles on each side are impossible to miss and gear shifts are quite fast, only occasionally as quick as Di2, and when shifting to the
small chainring, definitely slower. Once you get used to the timing though, it’s second nature.
The most notable features of AXS are the flattopped chain and compact chainrings. Our 48/35 chainrings and 10-33 12-speed cassette made us recalibrate familiar riding ratios, but by just getting on and riding it, it’s hard to notice much has changed. The new gearing does offer a greater overall range than a 52/36 with 11-32, and is programmable to offer compensation or sequential shifting – basically automatic shifts to maintain cadence.
The SLR in the bike’s title stands for Super Light Racing, and even though this one carries some extra grams, its core performance DNA is obvious when you give it a nudge. Whatever abuse our local tarmac confronted it with, the SLR02 floated through it with absolute composure, nullifying vibrations and absorbing big hits so well, it’s easy to see why the pros ride the SLR01 for Paris-Roubaix. It’s a very relaxing bike to ride, great weight distribution keeping it feeling totally planted and the D-shaped seatpost helping provide great seated comfort.
BMC’s own bar and stem are ergonomically comfortable and plenty stiff enough. Full bore sprints leave you in no doubt that as much energy as possible is reaching the rear wheel, but there the urgency becomes slightly muted. The DT Swiss P1800 Spline wheelset is 32mm tall and 18mm wide internally, pushing the 25mm Vittoria Rubinos out to 26mm. So much aluminium comes with a weight penalty and at over 1800g for the pair they’re not that quick. Their aero shaping helps maintain very decent speeds on flatter terrain, but launching yourself uphill requires more effort for frustratingly little velocity gain.
Descending is a different story, however, with the SLR02’s accurate handling and excellent stability, it flies downhill with confidence. The improved SRAM discs scrub speed superbly well, and technical cornering is the BMC’s forte. Its high-class ride quality and dynamic ability really are worth experiencing. Upgrading the wheels to something more worthy would propel the SLR02 in to a different league.
Whether cruising, racing or on a mountain epic, the SLR02 is enormously capable and supremely comfortable