Best Bike I've Ever Ridden (why the BMC Teammachine?)

Why is the BMC Teammachine SLR01 the best bike I’ve ridden? This is a very common question I get every single week. So in this video I will share with you why, including some aspects to the THREE model I did not like. Notably the handlebars, the DT Swiss Spline wheels, and a disappointing experience with SRAM Force AXS 12 speed. At the end of this review, I will provide some speed tests, comparing the BMC Teammachine to the previous model and also the SEKA RDC.

Bikes I’ve ridden/reviewed excluding Teammachines:

Factor 02 VAM, Scott Addict RC Pro Winspace T1500, Merida Reacto, Merida Sculura, Giant Propel, Cannondale SystemSix, Factor 02 VAM, Cannondale SuperSix, Chapter 2 RERE, Specialized Venge, Tarmac S-Works SL6 (previous version), Giant TCR (previous version), Cervelo S5, BMC Timemachine, SEKA Exceed RDC, Cervelo R5 (previous version),

Rating System:

COMFORT:
Front end comfort (absorbing road bumps & divots)
Rear end comfort (absorbing road bumps & divots)
Vibration on coarse roads
Bouncing on seat over bumps
General fatigue in the body after riding

SPEED:
Ability to hold speed free pedaling
Ability to hold speed in bunch
Ability fo hold speed in draft
Ability to maintain or generate speed on descents
General feel when riding a steady state
Ability to hold speed and accelerate out of corners

HANDLING
Control & feel when out of saddle climbing
Control & feel when out of saddle sprinting
Steering control around corners
Ability to quickly move to bike (avoiding potholes, riders, traffic)
General feel at steady state riding
General feel at high speed riding

PRACTICALITY
Ability to alter/change touch points with ease (Saddle and Handlebars)
Ability to easily clean the bike. Does the paint hold grit and grim?
Does the paint scratch/mark easily
Will the bike resale with ease

STIFFNESS:
Does there appear to be flex in the frame during general riding
How responsive does the bike feel when pressure is applied to the crank
How well does the bike comply when out of the saddle sprinting

VALUE FOR MONEY
For the price, how much value does the bike deliver

#BMC #Teammachine #SlR01

[JDRVP]

So in love with my red SLR01 from '16. It is the Ultegra di2 model. Depending on conditions, I mount ENVE SES 6.7s with Specialized turbo Cottons or Campagnolo Shamal Milles. I updated the brakes to Ultegra r8000 mainly to keep with the black color scheme over the gray r6800 brakes. I also changed the stem to a Deda Superzero and bars to carbon Zipp SL Aero 70. Saddle is Bontrager Aeolus.

[JMCyclingVideos]

Love the BMC Teammachine. Had one, regrettably I sold it, but it was one of the best riding bikes I've ever owned. A joy to ride.

[somnumna]

Your videos have an honesty about them and zero ego which is refreshing.
I also like the interaction and importance you place on a good local bike shop.
That is why I have subscribed and watch every new upload.
Keep em coming Cam.
P.S I would like to have a beer with the old man in the straw hat :-)

[markbentley]

Loved mine too. Stiff, light and nice road feel. 2014 SLR01 with Sram Red mechanical

[GrouEEf]

Thanks Cam! Finally some data on the speed. Thanks to your review I can now pull the trigger on this bike. Thanks thanks thanks.

[davidtyler]

As usual Cam, an honest, transparent and informative review.
Keep them coming mate 🚴🏼🤙

[MarkCRyan]

Great review. Some classic looking about the Teammachine. I personally am looking at Aluminum 105 spec bike and the Teammachine ALR02 is probably on the top of my list over the CAAD105 or similarly spec’d specialized or trek.

[saoruladh]

Just been watching and your description of the noisy/chattery cassette has just hit the nail on the head of how mine sounds! I've a Red AXS system with a force cassette and it is really noisy in the middle of the block. Thought I'd made a balls of something!

I've also had poor front shifting and I too have a BB area that has been hacked to bits. Thanks for helping me realise its not just me!

[lordbuckethead]

Thx you for doing this video, really appreciate it. I was looking initially at the Trek Domane and it was selling at $4000. Then i saw the Roadmachine on clearing for $4700 and i think its a completely different beast of a bike with a lighter frame, better drivetrain, actually better everything. Keep making bmc content please, hopefully they will sponsor future vidz

[warwickwhite]

I have the 2015 Teammachine and have always loved it. Recently bought the other Swiss bike, Scott Addict SL10 which is quite an upgrade with components.

[rolffuchs]

i made the same experience when I wrote to both, Specialized and BMC.I got an really nice answer from Specialized and nothing from BMC.

[simonwarmer]

Great review.
I’ve got a BMC ‘19 model DA rimbrake slr01.
What you state is correct in my opinion. Feels like having a flat ( get used to that) and it doesn’t feel fast. I, ve got a S-Works DA SL6 rb now as well. Geometry fit’s me better and it feels faster, more direct. Both are 54’s, ridden with the same 5.6 Enve’s. I’m selling the BMC, though it’s a good bike, I prefer the Tarmac SL6.
I’ve had positive experience with the BMC customer (European) service by the way.

[MrBillboeing]

Thanks for your honest reviews and tests

[rogase]

Great review. I've got a 2021 Teammachine. Interestingly when I first got it I was slightly under whelmed. I obviously haven't ridden as many bike as you but I've had quite a few including Canyon Aeroad, Giant Propel, Giant TCR etc. Initially it didn't feel as snappy as some of the other bikes, however it had qualities that became apparent the more I rode it to a point where I really love it now and if I considered purchasing another bike, I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one. I think the geometry is almost perfect for an all-round race bike and it is really good at everything. It is an absolute descending weapon in my experience. I've never ridden a bike that descends as good as this one. I ride sports bikes as well so I'm used to going fast and this bike feels rock solid bombing down hills. Keep up the good work, your channel is great. Cheers

[nerigarcia]

I have the same 2021 BMC Teammachine SLR01, but in the Poison Green/Black. I have Dura-Ace Di2 and DT Swiss wheels with 28c tires on them, and I love this bike. I've owned and been through many bikes trying to find the one(s) that I want and although the BMC was not on my radar, it is one that I am keeping in my collection. I've owned the Orbea Orca Aero, Bianchi Oltre XR4, Look 695, S-Works Tarmac (SL3, SL5, SL6, SL7), BH Ultralight, and a few others but I've finally settled on the Teammachine SLR01 and the Tarmac SL7. The BMC just feels like a great all-around bike. Like you said, it's comfortable and fast. I don't see it as much of a climber, compared to my SL7, but perhaps it's just my lack of legs. The bike just surprised me in its versatility. It kind of combines the speed and handling of the Orca with the comfort and quality of the Oltre XR4. It's not the lightest or the fastest in my opinion but it does everything very well. What I don't get in the SLR01, I get in the Tarmac SL7 but with a more aggressive geometry and stiffer ride quality. For an all-around ride and if I'm going on longer rides, I'll take the BMC.

[wsbygt]

Ahh another pearl of a video! Good to see that the BMC bike is holding on for its credits!

"Ol mate" is back and its GREAT!!! Ahah! 😄

[AllanPhillips]

Thanks for another in depth, interesting and informative video. My personal take on this is that the bike that looks the fastest / most aero usually is, and in this case the Seka has the slight advantage, at least in the aero department.

[sommervillephotography]

first thing i got when i ordered my aethos with di2 was a chain catcher got it fitted before delivery £15 save you're frame from all that damage it's a no brainer cam

[discbrakefan]

Great video to watch again Cam. Wondering if you can get your hands on the newer Chapter 2 models? I think the Toa in particular might fit the “fast, stiff armchair” description. I’ve found it very comfortable. Would love to hear your thoughts.

[ronitdebnath]

Same here. I own a BMC Teammachine too. It handles like a dream. And the best I have ridden. Especially the handling.