BMC Team Elite TE01 29

The not-so-minor details

Product

BMC Team Elite TE01 29

Contact

Echelon Sports

www.bmc-racing.com

Price

AUD6,395.00

Weight

9.80kg

Please note:

Australian spec differs slightly to the bike tested here.

Positives

Bristling with frame technologies that genuinely improve the ride quality. Amazing attention to detail and finish quality.

Negatives

Check the frame sizing before purchase as the medium size test bike was larger than we're accustomed to.

[SV_VIMEO id=”49804706″]

 

There’s more than a hint of jet fighter about the TE01 29. The lines of the frame are like a stealth bomber! BMC have employed their Big Wheel Concept frame geometry with the TE01, keeping the rear end short, the bar height low with a short head tube, and pairing a long top tube with a short stem.

 

BMC bring Swiss fanatical attention to detail into everything they do. The finish of their bikes is always impeccable.
It took a while for BMC to dip a toe into the 29er market, but it has been worth the wait. We’ve not experienced a carbon hardtail with this level of compliance before.
Want it smooth? BMC’s got you covered. Our testers reported having to actually check the pressure of the tyres; the ride was so forgiving they were convinced they’d picked up a slow leak.
Full carbon construction, right down the dropouts. A SRAM X0 rear mech keeps the shifts precise, though you could upgrade the mech to the new Type 2 version which features an clutch mechanism to virtually eliminate chainslap.
It’s not surprising we’re seeing so many Easton hoops on bikes this year – they’re a bombproof wheelset at very reasonable weights, meaning they’ll do the double duty of racing and trail riding without a worry.
Nice attention to detail with anti-chain drop plate protecting the frame from accidental chain grindage.

 

Now that’s a neat rear end. BMC claim that the positioning of the brake caliper on the chain stay using a direct mount system, results in more power and stability. It certainly looks great too.

 

With the seat stays joining the seat tube a few inches from the top (as opposed to conventional designs, where the stays run straight into the seat tube/top tube junction), BMC have been able to engineer in more fore/aft compliance.

 

The Easton wheels run straight pull spokes. Removing the elbow from the spoke means there are fewer weak point is the spoke’s construction. These wheels can still be trued as per normal and spares are easy to come by.

 

The cable routing is perfect. With secure guides running the cables along the bottom of the down tube, the sleek lines of the bike are preserved and shifting friction is kept to a minimum.

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