The new Speedmachine replaces the Timemachine, the previous time trial bike from Swiss bike manufacturer BMC. The new bike was developed in co-operation with Red Bull Advanced Technologies, a service provider that primarily deals with the performance of Formula One racing cars. The result of five years of joint development work is said to be nothing less than the "fastest racing bike in the world", although this does not only refer to the aerodynamic properties. A foretaste of the new model was provided by a prototype shown last year, from which the current production model emerged after extensive practical testing:
BMC Speedmachine: Balanced riding characteristics are the key
One promising means of achieving higher speeds was for the BMC engineers to optimise the handling characteristics. To this end, the steering behaviour of the BMC Speedmachine was the main focus; a radical change in the interplay of steering angle, fork pre-bend and trail should give the bike an exceptionally secure cornering position and high crosswind stability. In addition, the weight of the bike has been reduced by 500 grams compared to its predecessor by using fewer individual parts and screw connections. This should give the new BMC Speedmachine a particular advantage on technical courses with lots of bends and climbs. The integrated hydration system is also part of the concept: it is positioned as low as possible above the bottom bracket, which should give the bike better road holding. The hydration system is supplied in two sizes: A UCI-compliant 400-millilitre tank is integrated for time trial competitions as part of road races, while a removable 1.2-litre tank can also be used by triathletes.
BMC Speedmachine: Aero tricks from Formula One
Even in the aerodynamic research, the handling of the wheel was at the centre of the work. Targeted tear-off edges, similar to spoilers on a racing car, are intended to increase downforce and improve road holding. This should boost the driver's confidence at high speeds and ultimately lead to faster journey times. Air resistance has been optimised at the front in particular; wide fork legs and a small fin under the fork crown are intended to optimise the airflow around the front wheel.
Quickly packed for travelling
The new BMC Speedmachine should also set standards in terms of practicality. In addition to the integrated hydration system, the time trial bike has a removable storage compartment behind the seat tube, which also has an integrated rear light. Because professional triathletes in particular often travel to competitions all over the world, the bike should be easy to dismantle and pack. By loosening four screws, the cockpit can simply be folded away and the bike, after removing the seat post, can be easily packed into a bike case.
BMC Speedmachine: availability, sizes, prices
The BMC Speedmachine should be available from November 2023. Only three sizes are offered, but thanks to the generous adjustability, several handlebar and seat post options and numerous attachments, the time trial bike should be easy to adapt to all body sizes. Two equipment variants will be offered at the market launch: The high-end Speedmachine 01 LTD version comes with SRAM Red gears and Zipp 858 wheels and costs 16999 euros. The Speedmachine 01 TWO with SRAM Force drivetrain and fast DT Swiss Aero wheels costs €10999. A frame kit for self-assembly is also available for 6999 euros.
Jens Klötzer
Editor
