Continuous test performance 3,052 km | 52,798 altitude metres
The 29er hardtail from BMC stands out from the matte black standard with its bold tube shapes and extravagant design. The equipment with Fox 32 CTD fork, Mavic's Crossride wheels and Shimano SLX XT mix offers the prospect of stress-free off-road cycling. Before the first ride, all we had to do was attach the pedals, bottle cage and computer and off we went. But during the check, we realised that the chainstay protector was missing from the accessories box. And that's a no-go on a carbon bike. A basement find - also of Swiss origin, appropriately enough - provided a remedy.
Off-road, the BMC proved to be a good-natured racing bike: The relaxed riding position with a short stem is somewhat reminiscent of a touring bike, but the bike also feels comfortable in race mode and in marathons. Especially on winding gravel tracks, the BMC demands an active riding style in order to build up enough pressure on the front wheel. The wide 720 mm handlebars help here. The Mavic Crossride wheels are too heavy and not very stiff for the price range. In addition, the original rim tape slips in the rear wheel and exposes the spoke holes. The result: several flats. Replacing it with self-adhesive Ritchey rim tape solved the problem. The SLX brake system with 180 mm disc at the front provides more than sufficient deceleration even on long Alpine descents.
After a year of minimal maintenance, the drivetrain is in need of a core overhaul: the much-used large chainring of the double crankset is so worn down that the chain regularly slips over the chainring during hard pedalling.
ConclusionThanks to its uncomplicated handling and well thought-out equipment, the stylish BMC is a lot of fun off-road and little trouble in the workshop. A sensible tuning measure: invest in lighter, stiffer wheels.
FUNCTIONALITY ****
DURABILITY *****
(max. 6 stars)
TUNING
- 60 km - stem too short: Longer stem fitted as 60 millimetres were too short ex works
DEFECTS
- 1472 km - Grips through: Worn grips replaced with thicker ODI screw-on grips
- 1472 km - Tyres down: Replaced the worn Onza Canis rear tyre with a Geax Aka
- 2450/3050 km - Brake pads: Replaced the front brake pads at the BIKE Four Peaks, 600 kilometres later the rear ones
- 2866 km - Worn chain: New chain fitted as it slipped over the centre chainring several times
