The BMC Fourstroke was optimised for cross-country use; Julien Absalon and the BMC Racing Team have ridden it on the demanding World Cup courses in recent years. In contrast, the Swiss have not yet been able to offer marathon bikers the best possible equipment. This should change with the new BMC Agonist now change: The geometry and suspension should be more suitable for long distances than the Fourstroke, but the efficiency should still be very good. The carbon Fully has a 110-millimetre chassis and fast 29er wheels. The full carbon frame with shock should only weigh 2180 grams.
For a tidy look, BMC has routed all the cables into the frame, even at the interface between the main frame and rear triangle. The obligatory shock remote also runs through the down tube. The ABS rear triangle (Advanced Pivot System) squeezes 110 millimetres of travel out of the Fox Float shock. All frames of the new Agonist are compatible with front derailleurs, but the Swiss have deliberately dispensed with the option of a Stealth Vario seatpost. If you ride without a front derailleur, you can use the cable routing of the front derailleur for the dropper post.
The geometry is modern: The steering angle is one degree slacker than on the Forstroke and should therefore increase smoothness. At 445 millimetres, the chainstays are not super short. The reach in frame size L is 455 millimetres. The bikes are available from S to XL, and the engineers were able to reduce the standover height for all sizes.
Models of the BMC Agonist
There are three models to choose from, one of which comes with a carbon rear triangle, the other two with an aluminium rear triangle. The main frame of the Agonist is made of carbon fibre in all versions. The top model, the Agonist 01 One, will be available from dealers from July for 7000 euros. Fox Kashima suspension and the Sram Eagle 1x12 drivetrain leave nothing to be desired. The Swiss have deliberately dispensed with carbon rims. The middle model comes with a Shimano XT/SLX gear mix, the entry-level model with a Deore/XT mix. Both models have Fox Performance suspension. The cheapest model will be available from dealers from August for 3500 euros.
Ride report on the BMC Agonist
At first glance, the beautiful details are pleasing: the small mudguard on the rear triangle is designed to protect the bearings and cables, while a chainsuck plate and a mini chain guide protect the elegant carbon fibre frame. The riding position is sporty, with plenty of pressure on the front. When seated, the rear suspension remains very stable, while when pedalling out of the saddle you can tighten the suspension completely with the push of a lever and literally shoot up climbs. The remote lockout works perfectly and the differences in the suspension are clearly noticeable. The shock has three modes, the fork has two.
When going uphill on rougher trails, the rear suspension generates a relatively high level of traction. The tyres are also impressive in dry test conditions. When the trail tilts downhill, the Agonist impresses with its balanced handling and sensitive suspension. Only at high speeds would you wish for a slightly slacker steering angle, but the manoeuvrability of the marathon bike makes up for this.
Test summary
The BMC Agonist is a classy marathon racer and is just as suitable for long tours in the low mountain ranges as it is for tough racing in long marathons. The handling and the Fox suspension are impressive.
