Cross-country race tracks have become increasingly difficult, rough and demanding in recent years. Nevertheless, most pros are reluctant to do without a hardtail. This is because lightweight and highly efficient hardtails without drive units are still the measure of all things for the strenuous climbing sections and uphill sprints. With the 2016 Teamelite 01 brings BMC has now taken a slightly different approach to a race hardtail. It aims to set new standards in terms of efficiency, traction and comfort. Over the past two years, the engineers at BMC have developed a special carbon design for this and tested countless MTB prototypes in the in-house Impec Lab in Grenchen. After a final test phase with the pros of the BMC MTB Racing Team led by world champion Julien Absalon, the new Teamelite 01 has now been unveiled at the Bike Days Solothurn.
Teamelite bridges the gap between hardtail and fully
Under the marketing name "Micro Travel Technology" (MTT), the new BMC Teamelite 01 offers an innovative solution to increase rear suspension comfort on hardtails. On the seat dome below the saddle, two bushings guide the movement and the XCell elastomer takes over suspension and damping. If the word "elastomer" conjures up memories of old, stubborn suspension forks that work less and less well with age, the BMC engineers want to reassure you. The new material is a high-tech plastic that retains its properties over a very wide temperature range, does not fatigue and does not age even when exposed to extensive sunlight. This new system is designed to offer hardtail riders significantly more riding comfort than the flex of the seatpost and low tyre pressure alone. Objectively speaking, the BMC Teamelite 01 bridges the gap between hardtail and fully. Comfort increases noticeably because the power peaks of obstacles are filtered out. Nevertheless, the power transfer remains very direct. The tyre also receives support and traction increases. This is particularly noticeable on the climbs. World Cup pro Ralph Näf sees this as a particular advantage: "I take a lot of risks because I often ride with low tyre pressure, so a hardtail with more comfort is ideal."
The philosophy behind Micro Travel Technology
Both the technical features and the special carbon structure of the BMC Teamelite 01 enable a suspension travel of around 15 millimetres. It is structurally supported by the double-guided and fully integrated XCell damping, which significantly increases the lateral and torsional frame stiffness. In addition, the use of advanced carbon technologies for the chain and seat stays has the advantage that the pedalling characteristics are not restricted and at the same time the usual high bottom bracket stiffness is achieved. And all without making the frame heavier: Despite these extras, BMC arrives at a frame weight of 1080 grams - without compromising on performance, according to BMC.
The new BMC Teamelite 01: Its Micro Travel Technology allows the rear triangle to flex by up to 15 millimetres.
Design update for the BMC Teamelite rear triangle
In addition to the MTT technology of the new MTB hardtail, the rear triangle has undergone a facelift. This took the form of a 142-millimetre thru-axle and a new frame design that facilitates integrated cable routing. The typical BMC Big Wheel Concept geometry for the 29-inch wheels has been retained. The 2016 Teamelite 01 will be available in five different sizes (XS/S/M/L/XL), whereby the XS model will have an additional 85 millimetres of clearance compared to last year's model of the same size.
First ride test: How the BMC Teamelite performs on the trail
During the first test on a short loop, the marketing claims become reality: the difference between the Teamelite and a normal hardtail is indeed impressive. Heavy hits don't find their way to the spinal cord and you can feel a significant increase in traction on rough ground. Of course, the rear suspension also works when the rider gets out of the saddle. The geometry integrates the rider into the bike, whereby the riding position is not too stretched. Thanks to the 720 millimetre wide handlebars, you have full control of the 29-inch bike at all times.
The three models of the BMC Teamelite 01
BMC offers the Teamelite 01 in three versions. The high-end version with Shimano's XTR Di2 misses the 10,000 sound barrier by one euro - expensive. However, BMC is also struggling with the current fluctuations in exchange rates and has already had to revise its price list upwards by eight per cent during the 2015 season.
But there are also cheaper options: the entry-level model with XT equipment is available for 4399 euros, while the XX1 model with 1x11 gears costs 5999 euros. The first models should be available as early as the summer. Each version is supplied with three different elastomers. "Which elastomer you use depends less on the rider's weight than on your own preference: I'm starting tomorrow with the very soft one," explained Lukas Flückinger the day before the cross-country race in Solothurn. Obviously a good choice: he finished on the podium - in 3rd place.
With the BMC Racing Team since February 2015
World champions can demand the absolute best and most advanced equipment from their sponsors in order to emerge victorious in the battle for every second. This bike was built to meet the needs of five-time world champion Julien Absalon and to support him in his defence of the World Cup crown. "To be honest: When I tried out the new MTT technology, I was expecting a compromise," says Absalon. "Now I'm convinced that it rides as well uphill as last year's model - but has that certain something downhill that we've been waiting for. I'm very happy to have this 'edge'." The BMC MTB Racing Team has been riding the new bike since February and will be using it alongside the Fourstroke 01 this season to target podium finishes in the Cross Country World Cup.
