Gravel bike with suspension and storage compartment: BMC launches new URS on the market

With the new URS family, the model name, an acronym for "Unrestricted", should be the programme. According to BMC, the range of use of the new gravel bikes is free and unrestricted. As specialists for difficult terrain and travelling, the four platforms clearly differ from the competition orientated Kaius of the Swiss manufacturer.

BMC URS: The most important facts

• Weight of complete wheels: not specified
• Stack/Reach/STR: 610/420 millimetres/1.45
• Max. tyre clearance: 47 millimetres
• Frame sizes: XS, S, M, L, XL
• Prices: 3799 to 11999 Euro
• Integrated storage compartment in the down tube
• Suspension rear/stem on 01 models
• Suspension fork on LT models
• Eyelets for mudguards/pannier rack
• Integrated cable duct for hub dynamo

As with its predecessor, the URS is characterised by various suspension elements. There is still an elastomer between the seat tube and seat stays, which should offer a maximum suspension travel of ten millimetres. As the shock is interchangeable, the suspension can be adapted to the rider's weight. Micro Travel Technology (MTT) is also used on the cockpit in the form of a sprung stem. In the LT (Long Travel) versions, a fully integrated suspension fork replaces the stem. The maximum suspension travel for both components is 20 millimetres.

The two basic models come without the comfort elements but, like all other versions, are equipped with a carbon seat post and allow slightly wider tyres. Instead of the previous 45, 47 millimetre wide tyres now fit through the fork and frame. With 650B wheels, 50 millimetres are possible. The bikes are fitted with 44 millimetre wide tyres from WTB ex works.

The carbon frame continues to be characterised by its sloping geometry and is now available in five sizes instead of four. The long wheelbase (1070 millimetres/size M) and flat steering angle (69.5 degrees) should further increase riding stability on rough terrain. The old URS LT One already impressed in the TOUR test with its extremely smooth ride. The riding position is slightly more upright than its predecessor, but with an STR ratio of 1.45 (frame size M) it still tends to be sporty. On comparable bikepacking bikes such as the Wilier Adlar, admittedly an extreme in the speciality category, you sit up straighter.

As befits a Modern gravel bike suitable for travelling the URS offers numerous additional functions: from a storage compartment in the down tube, mounting points for bags, pannier racks and fixed mudguards to a cable duct integrated into the fork for a hub dynamo. For those who like things a little more minimalist: a "mudguard" can be fitted to the head of the seat post as an option. The design is reminiscent of the small mud flaps from Ass Savers.

Prices and equipment

The total of eight models from the four lines URS, URS 01, URS 01 LT and URS Amp are equipped exclusively with SRAM drivetrains in mullet construction. The so-called Amp model comes with a mid-motor from TQ. The most affordable basic model (URS Three) with mechanical Apex/Eagle drivetrain and aluminium wheels from DT Swiss costs 3799 euros. The exclusive top model (URS 01 One) with electronic Red XPLR/XX SL Eagle and flat carbon wheels from Zipp costs an impressive 11999 euros. The motorised version is only available as a high-end model and costs 9999 euros.

URS Two

• Drive/gear shift: SRAM Apex XPLR/X1 Eagle AXS
• Impellers: DT Swiss G1800 (aluminium)
• Tyres: WTB Raddler (44 mm)
• Price: 4499 Euro

URS Three

• Drive/gear shift: SRAM Apex 1/Eagle
• Impellers: DT Swiss G1800 (aluminium)
• Tyres: WTB Raddler (44 mm)
• Price: 3799 Euro

URS 01 One

• Drive/gear shift: SRAM Red XPLR AXS/XX SL Eagle Transmission
• Impellers: Zipp 101 XPLR (Carbon)
• Tyres: WTB Raddler (44 mm)
• Price: 11999 Euro

URS 01 Three

• Drive/gear shift: SRAM Force XPLR AXS/X0 Eagle Transmission
• Impellers: BMC CRD-400
• Tyres: WTB Raddler (44 mm)
• Price: 8499 Euro

URS 01 Four

• Drive/gear shift: SRAM Rival XPLR/X1 Eagle AXS
• Impellers: DT Swiss G1800
• Tyres: WTB Raddler (44 mm)
• Price: 5999 Euro

URS 01 LT One

• Drive/gear shift: SRAM Force XPLR AXS/X0 Eagle Transmission
• Impellers: BMC CRD-400 SL (Carbon)
• Tyres: WTB Raddler (44 mm)
• Price: 8999 Euro

URS 01 LT Two

• Drive/gear shift: SRAM Rival XPLR AXS/X0 Eagle Transmission
• Impellers: DT Swiss G1800 (aluminium)
• Tyres: WTB Raddler (44 mm)
• Price: 6499 Euro

URS AMP LT Two

• Drive/gear shift: SRAM Force XPLR AXS/X0 Eagle Transmission
• Motor: TQ HRP-50
• Impellers: BMC CRD-400 (Carbon)
• Tyres: WTB Raddler (44 mm)
• Price: 9999 Euro