BMC is taking its top-tier mountain platform and turning it into a blank canvas. The Fourstroke R 01 VAR0 is the latest model to join BMC’s VAR0 lineup. Oh, you don’t know Var0? It’s a very cool idea (imo). It’s basically a stripped-back, bare-carbon version of BMC’s flagship frames, built for riders who want performance and personalization in equal measure.
Just like the Teammachine R 01 and SLR 01 before it, the Fourstroke R 01 VAR0 arrives as a race machine canvas ready-to-paint masterpiece for riders looking to create something one-of-a-kind.
What does VAR0 mean? The BMC “VAR0” moniker literally means Variation Zero. That means, no paint, no frills, clear-coated carbon, and all the raw beauty that comes with it. Simple
What Is VAR0?
BMC’s VAR0 platform starts with its 01-level (top-tier) framesets, the same ultra-high-modulus carbon used across the Swiss brand’s World Cup and WorldTour race bikes. By removing the complete paint layer and applying only a thin clear coat, BMC exposes the weave and saves grams, while giving riders the option to make the frame uniquely theirs.
VAR0 isn’t just for the aesthetic crowd. The finish protects the frame, requires minimal prep before painting, and is light enough to give weight-weenies a performance edge who prefer the raw-carbon look. Each VAR0 frame ships with all factory hardware and retains BMC’s standard warranty (as long as the UCI decals and serial numbers remain in place after painting).
The Fourstroke R 01 VAR0: XC Speed, Artist’s Canvas
The newest addition to the VAR0 program, the Fourstroke R 01. It’s BMC’s World Cup-proven cross-country platform, redesigned around modern geometry and their fully integrated Autodrop seatpost system. In VAR0 form, it strips everything down to its performance essentials: a bare-carbon, precision-tuned frame that balances stiffness, efficiency, and a shockingly low weight.
Riders can build the Fourstroke R 01 VAR0 into a featherweight race whip or let their creativity loose with a custom paint scheme that stands out in the start grid. The frame’s natural carbon texture looks finished enough to ride raw, but it’s also the ideal starting point for creative projects handled by professional painters or BMC-recommended custom shops.
The VAR0 Family
- Teammachine R 01 VAR0 – Aerodynamic road flagship, available now in all sizes (47–61 cm).
- Teammachine SLR 01 VAR0 – The lighter, classic climber’s road bike now offered in a clear-carbon finish.
- Fourstroke R 01 VAR0 – The latest addition, bringing VAR0 to the World Cup XC platform.
More models are expected to follow, including potential extensions into gravel and all-road platforms like the Kaius and Roadmachine. But as of right now were stoked to see the VAR0 family taking things off road.
Ready to Ride or Ready to Paint
BMC makes it clear: you can ride VAR0 as-is or use it as a blank slate for creativity. The clear-coat finish protects the carbon out of the box so that you can build and ride without any additional treatment. For custom painters, the prep is minimal, just a light scuff, and it’s ready for primer.
BMC will even provide official logo files through dealers. Plus, coming soon logos will be availble via slikgraphics.com, for those who want to reproduce or customize branding. While BMC won’t warranty the custom paint itself, the underlying frame remains covered under their standard terms.
It’s a subtle evolution, but one that speaks volumes about BMC’s confidence in their carbon layups: when you make something this refined, you don’t need to hide it under paint. Plus, now you can have a custom bike, just like the pros!
