After applying their aero know-how to the Speedmachine TT/triathlon bike last month, BMC’s partnership with Red Bull Advanced Technologies (RBAT) yields a proper road bike. The all-new Teammachine R claims to perfectly balance weight, aerodynamics, and power transfer, and look good doing it.
Like the TT bike, the collaboration does more than just focus on aerodynamics. Rider “feel” was high on the list, making it comfortable and giving the pilot more confidence so they can rider farther, faster, and longer.
It’s also designed to be the ultimate race bike no matter the situation. Climbs, cobbles, and countless miles on the flats were all part of the test. The result is a bike that’s aero, but also reasonably light. Claimed frame weight is 910g (size 54) with a 345g fork, and complete bike weight of 7.0kg (15.43lbs).
Novel aerodynamics
The now nearly standard full stealth cable routing is present, of course. A new Halo fork sets the legs very wide to more easily clear the front wheel’s turbulent air, keeping smoother air flowing over the frame.
Other frontal areas were reduced with new tube shapes, and some tube profiles elongated. The result is less drag and improved performance in various crosswind angles, too.
Integrated bottle cages further streamline airflow by making the bottle part of the overall aero profile.
Streamlined dropouts smooth the ends of the fork and rear triangle for marginal gains.
Power delivery and rider experience
BMC says the Teammachine R has the most efficient power transfer of any bike they’ve ever made. Some of that are the usual layup tricks, but the rest comes from a redesigned bottom bracket area…
…and by tucking the rear wheel in as close as they could to the seat tube. The design also provides aerodynamic benefits, smoothing air flow onto the rear rim.
Additional small touches like an add-on integrated number plate holder show the attention to detail they gave to every aspect of the bike
Teammachine R Pricing & Options
The bike comes in black/white, black/red, gray/red, and full black, and six sizes from 47 to 61.
- Teammachine R 01 LTD (SRAM RED eTap AXS) – EUR 14,999 / USD / CHF
- Teammachine R 01 TWO (SHIMANO Dura Ace Di2) – EUR 13,999 / USD 14,499 / CHF 14,299
- Teammachine R 01 THREE (SRAM Force eTap AXS) – EUR 9,499 / USD 9,499 / CHF 9,699
- Teammachine R 01 FOUR (SHIMANO Ultegra Di2) – EUR 8,999 / USD 9,199 / CHF 9,199
- Teammachine R 01 MOD (Frameset w/cockpit) – EUR 5,999 / USD / CHF
