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The new Kaius 01 utilises aerodynamic tube shapes derived from the Teammachine SLR 01 and Teammachine R road racing bikes. The Swiss manufacturer developed the aerodynamics of the bike for average speeds of 35 km/h and above. The bike is therefore clearly designed for use in professional gravel races. According to the manufacturer, the second-generation frameset weighs 1,469 grams and is therefore 63 grams lighter than its predecessor, which is also one of the lightest standard lugged tyre bikes in the current market environment. These values apply to size 54 in painted condition. With additional savings on the components, the new Kaius 01 ONE should now achieve a complete weight of 7.1 kg without pedals, that would be half a kilogramme less than its predecessor.
Aerodynamics and integration
BMC calls its design philosophy AeroSynthesis. It combines aerodynamics with system integration through CFD simulation, wind tunnel tests and road tests. According to BMC, the frameset should be 12 percent faster than the first generation with the current aero cockpit and 45 mm tyres.
An integrated carbon cockpit is also part of the concept again and, as with the predecessor, it is remarkably narrow at the brake levers for an aerodynamic riding position. The wide Halo fork directs the airflow away from the wheel and tyre and at the same time creates space for wide tyres. This concept comes from the Teammachine R and the Timemachine Mpc.
The redesigned down tube is intended to incorporate the aerodynamic effects of the water bottles. According to the manufacturer, the bike should be even faster with the bottles fitted than without. The seat post also has an aerodynamic shape.
Tyre clearance and comfort
The Kaius 01 accepts tyres up to 52 millimetres wide with 6 millimetres of tyre clearance in accordance with the ISO standard. The minimum width is 32 millimetres to ensure sufficient pedal clearance when cornering. The bike is fitted with 45-millimetre tyres as standard (and probably the best set-up). The first pictures show Continental tyres with a low profile and correspondingly fast tyres.
The aero seatpost, the seat tube and the seat stays should also flex vertically when the ground causes impacts. Several centimetres of vertical flex should be possible across the frameset.
Geometry and handling
The geometry has been slightly toned down: the medium size 54 has a 5 mm shorter reach and the stack has grown by 11 mm. However, with a stack-to-reach value of 1.45 (size 56), the Kaius is still comparatively sporty. The trail and wheelbase are slightly longer, which should make the bike a little more stable off-road. The steering geometry of the original Kaius was still based on the road racing bike.
Drive and equipment
The Kaius 01 is designed exclusively for drivetrains with one chainring; double systems are no longer compatible. Chainrings with up to 50 teeth can be fitted. The Kaius is also only compatible with wireless shifting systems: BMC only supplies systems such as SRAM AXS or the current Shimano Di2 1x12 drivetrains. The frame does not allow wired 12-speed Di2 systems such as RX810, RX825 or RX820.
The bike offers five mounting points for accessories: two bottle cages on the down tube and seat tube, an additional mount above the bottom bracket on the down tube, a top tube mounting point at the front and the new BMC Cargo Plate under the top tube. The top tube mounting point is further away from the head tube so that larger bags can be mounted.
Models and prices
Three versions are available at market launch, all of which are built with AXS systems from SRAM. The Kaius 01 ONE as top version with SRAM Red AXS costs 10,999 euros and weighs 7.1 kg in size 54 without pedals. The Kaius 01 TWO with SRAM Force AXS costs 7,999 euros, the Kaius 01 THREE shifts with SRAM Rival AXS for 5,499 euros. Weights have not been specified for the cheaper versions, and equipment details such as wheels are still unclear. The frameset is available for 4,499 euros. Depending on the model, the complete weight is between 7.1 and 8.3 kg without pedals.
Jens Klötzer
Editor
