The Swiss manufacturer promised a major technical leap forward at the launch - and delivered. At 1,400 grams including the headset, the frameset is the lightest in the test. The comfort value at the saddle of 138 N/mm is also top - no diamond frame in the TOUR test offered more suspension travel. The frame construction with the low-set seat stays and the seat post work together efficiently. The seatpost, which is elegantly fixed in the frame with an elastomer cone, works consistently as a suspension element thanks to the appropriate fibre layup. The difference to the competition is clear, the riding impression conveys the feeling of real suspension. It is pleasing that the fork follows the comfort philosophy and damps relatively well. The enthusiasm is somewhat dampened by only average riding stability, although at 74 Nm/degree this is not really critical. A stiffer wheelset than on the test bike would help to improve the smoothness of the ride. The 1,403 gram lightweight carbon wheels from DT-Swiss fit perfectly, but only mountain bikers will be satisfied with the laterally soft rear wheel. However, BMC's modular programme offers alternatives.
weighted weights; ** test frame size greased; *** projected dimension from centre of bottom bracket to top edge of head tube; **** saddle-headtube cant at 75 cm seat height (centre of saddle frame - top edge of headset cap)
