In measured data, the difference between the GranFondo GF01 and Domane (pronounced "Do-Ma-Nie") is most clearly expressed by the comfort value on the saddle. Until now, values of less than 200 Newtons per millimetre were considered very good, values of around 150 N/mm were considered outstanding (lower values mean more suspension travel). The 110 N/mm of the Domane is already a huge leap, but is clearly topped by the 96 N/mm that BMC boasts.
Compared to the Domane, the GranFondo GF01 from BMC looks more extravagant: low-set, ultra-flat seat stays, "lowered" chain stays and kinks in the rear triangle and fork, which are intended to increase vertical compliance like joints. BMC doesn't offer spectacular individual measures like the decoupled seat tube of the Trek, but the sum of many details creates a lasting, pleasantly damped riding experience. While the frame makes all the difference on the Trek, the wheels play a central role in BMC's concept. It is well known that wider tyres with the same construction and air pressure roll more easily than narrower tyres and therefore allow more scope for tuning by varying the air pressure. The GranFondo GF01 also utilises this effect.
The bike rolls on 28 millimetre wide tyres as standard, which can easily be ridden with five instead of the usual seven bar without the bike rolling sluggishly. By lowering the air pressure, real suspension travel is created, which drastically reduces even small potholes and, above all, the vibrations that are typical on rough tarmac. However, because the thick tyres are not everyone's cup of tea for visual reasons, BMC resorted to a trick: on the comparatively wide Easton rims of 22 millimetres, the tyres don't look as bulky as on narrower rims. The trick to create enough space for the tyres is also remarkable: The holes for the brake axles run through the fork crown and brake bridge at a slight angle. Despite the wide tyres, this leaves enough clearance between the brakes and the rubber to allow mudguards (or even wider tyres). The brake pads are not even mounted at the very bottom of the slotted holes. The concept is complemented by the formidably flexible seat post, which is available with 3, 18 and 30 millimetre offsets.
The stack-to-reach ratio shows a slightly sportier riding position for the bike than for the Trek. Ultimately, however, there is hardly any difference between the two models here, as they allow for a very relaxed riding position. The GranFondo GF01 will initially only be available in the pictured version with Ultegra Di2 gears for just under €4,700; however, other equipment variants are set to follow soon.
Price Complete wheel 4,699 euros
Weight 7.5 kilos
Reference/Info www.bmc-racing.com
Frame sizes*** 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 cm
Seat/steering angle 73,5°/72,5°
Seat/top tube/head tube 510/560/177 mm plus 15 mm headset cap
Wheelbase/caster 1,010/53 mm
Stack/Reach/STR**** 595/383 mm/1.55
EQUIPMENT
Steering bearing FSA, top 1-1/8, bottom 1-1/2 inch
Brakes/gears/bottom bracket Shimano Ultegra Di2 (50/34 t, press-fit)
Wheels/tyres Easton EA90RT/Continental Grand Prix 4Season 28 mm
Handlebar/stem Easton EA70/Easton EA70
Saddle/post Fizik Aliante/BMC (27.2 mm)
MEASURED VALUES & INDIVIDUAL NOTES
Weight of complete bike (without pedals) 7.5 kg
Weight frame/fork/steering bearing** 1.045/388/74 g
Standardised weight frame set***** 1.544 g: 2,3
Steering head stiffness 84 Nm/°: 2.3
Lateral stiffness fork 49 N/mm: 1.7
Bottom bracket stiffness 65 N/mm: 1.0
Comfort frame 96 N/mm: 1.0
Comfort fork 78 N/mm: 3.0
* The frame set accounts for 40 per cent of the overall score and the features for 60 per cent. Individual grades are included in these two assessments, only some of which are printed for reasons of space. The grades are calculated up to the final grade with all decimal places; however, for the sake of clarity, all grades are given with rounded decimal places.
** Weighed weights.
*** Manufacturer's specification. Tested frame size greased.
**** Stack/reach: projected vertical/horizontal measurement from the centre of the bottom bracket to the top of the headset; STR (stack to reach): Values between 1.45 and 1 .55 indicate a sporty riding position, values below that are race-like, above that comfortable.
***** Adjusted weight for frame size 57 cm and fork steerer length 225 mm.
Downloads:
download
