BMC

Timemachine TMR01 / Shimano Ultegra Complete Bike

When we first rode the BMC Timemachine TMR01 Shimano Ultegra Complete Bike, it was close to a religious experience -- mainly because we left it to divine intervention that we could feel so fast in the oppressive, 115 degree heat of the Nevada desert. However, the TMR01 shattered a few molds for us. For the past few years, we've kept a skeptical eye on so called 'aero frames,' and believe us, we had our reasons. For one, crosswinds were usually a terror, the ride quality was typically awkward at best, and the aesthetics were nothing short of revolting. Not so with the TMR01 -- not even close. What BMC did was create make an amalgamation of the SLR01 and TM01's greatest features, and combine them into the TMR01 for a bike that's ideal across every cycling discipline.

BMC has broken down the associative speed of frame design to a science. In fact, the philosophy of the TMR01 can be summed up in a formula, Vmax = p2p x suBA. If that doesn't make sense, perhaps this will: 'Maximum Velocity = Position to Perform x Aerodynamics of the Rider and Bike.' In layman's terms, it means 'all of the cool stuff BMC did to this bike makes you go really fast.'

The first variable, Position to Perform (P2P), represents the key features newly adapted to the TMR01 design. To maximize efficiency, BMC examined the impact of aerodynamic body positioning on the reduction of drag coefficient, and then accounted for rider comfort for prolonged periods of time in this position. The P2P philosophy is at the heart of the TMR01. Simply put, the more the body can be adjusted, the more that drag can be reduced, and the more comfort that can be found during long time trials. To achieve this, BMC incorporated its 21_21 offset concept. This allows you to position the saddle 21mm forward or backwards to achieve the ideal reach and position.

Step two for BMC was mitigating drag on the TMR01 frame itself. Back to the formula; suBA suggests that frame aerodynamics can by maximized by minimizing the front area of the frame through four core features exclusive to the TMR01. The first new feature is the Tear Drop 3:1 frame design. This is in reference to the extreme teardrop shape of the frame that still complies with UCI's mandatory length-to-width ratio of 3:1. TMR01's truncated profile is incorporated into this shape. This profile accounts for the straight break-away edge of the seatstays that reduces airflow turbulence. The truncated profile also reduces raw material requirements to lower frame weight while the break-away edge increases rigidity to the rear triangle of the frame.

To further reduce turbulence, BMC went to extreme lengths to integrate system components into the TMR01. The TMR01 utilizes BMC's dual transmission integration (DTI) to be what it calls 'future proof.' This means that, regardless of your possible future choice in electronic shift systems, the TMR01 has an established complete, internal system integration. Further along these lines, you'll notice that both the front and rear brake calipers are completely hidden and integrated within the frame and fork. Perhaps, though, the most advanced feature of the suBA frame design is the incorporation of BMC's Tripwire Tubing. This minute frame molding detail is borrowed directly from aeronautical technology, and it creates a slight turbulence directly above the frame surface. This creates an artificial boundary layer that forces the laminar boundary layer towards the forward part of the frame to become turbulent. This process enables airflow to remain attached over more of the frame, and provide a lower level of integrated drag.

The TMR01 isn't just a pretty face, it comes with a tremendous series of components. BMC built the component group around a full Shimano Ultegra 6700 group set. The drivetrain utilizes Ultegra 50-34T chainrings, and a massive Ultegra 12-30T climbing cassette. You'll also get the top-of-the-line Mavic Cosmic Elite wheelset, cased in Force and Attack foldable tires. For the touch points, the TMR01 is equipped with the Fi:zi'k Arione CX manganese saddle and Easton's EA70 handlebars, connected to the frame with an EA70 stem. Rounding off the rig is the innovative BMC Integrated Brake System for the front and rear brake calipers.

The BMC Time Machine TMR01 Shimano Ultegra Complete Bike is available in the color White and in six sizes from 48 to 61cm.