The elaborately crafted aluminium frame of the "Sparkle SP01" features the typical BMC design with support between the top tube and seat tube and low-set carbon seat stays. In addition to the colour scheme, references to the female target group include brake levers with reduced reach, a short stem, the seat post without offset and a women's saddle. The bike is available in three sizes; according to BMC, the test size M covers body sizes from 1.65 to 1.75 metres. Our testers, both over 1.70 metres tall, found the riding position to be very stretched. The comfortable saddle, easy-to-reach brake levers and high riding stability were rated positively, while the handlebars were criticised for being a little too wide. The overall good impression was marred by weak brakes and heavy clincher tyres. With BMC's modular programme, these drawbacks can be remedied for an extra charge.
Reference/Info: BMC Trading AGPhone 0041/32/6541454
Weight frame/fork/headset bearing*: 1,624/377/87 g
Frame sizes**: XS, S, M
Seat/ steering angle: 73.5°/72.5°; seat/ top tube/ head tube: 480/545/157 mm
Wheelbase/caster: 977/60 mm
Stack/reach***: 553/383 mm
EQUIPMENT
Fork: BMC
Steering bearing: n/a, 1-1/8 inch
Brakes: Tektro
Shift lever: Shimano ST-R700
Rear derailleur/front derailleur: Shimano 105
Bottom bracket: Shimano FC-R600 (50/34 t.)
Wheels/tyres: A-Class ALX440SL/Continental UltraSport (clincher tyres)
Handlebar/stem: Scor/Scor
Saddle/post: Scor/Scor (31.6 mm)
*Weighted weights; **Manufacturer's specification, test frame size greased; ***Stack/reach: projected vertical or horizontal dimension from centre of bottom bracket to top edge of headset cap
