BMC TIME MACHINE TM02/SHIMANO ULTEGRA COMPLETE BIKE

Winning the 2011 Tour de France didn't come easily for Team BMC's Cadel Evans. He had to overcome a 57-second deficit to race leader Andy Schleck in Stage 20, a 42.2 km individual time trial at Grenoble. Knowing exactly what needed to be done to win, Cadel Evans climbed aboard his BMC Time Machine and dropped the hammer. The rest is history.

The 2012 BMC Time Machine TM02 is built to let the rest of us to set our own personal records, with or without the fanfare. The first iteration of the Time Machine debuted at the 2011 Criterium du Dauphine, where Evans posted a top ten finish. The TM02 bears a striking resemblance to that much more expensive counterpart, the Time Machine TM01— a carbon rendition of the frame being paraded around under the pros of Team BMC. The similarities are strong, in both appearance and performance.

The TM02 melds aluminum and carbon for a much friendlier price tag than a full-carbon TT bike. The technical and aesthetic similarities between the bikes are so intense that even if price is no object, it's hard to overlook. With the aerodynamics incorporating sharp edges, there is no hiding behind performance expectations BMC overtakes with the TM02.

The seat tube is made from carbon and it's built with a cut-out to offer a fairing effect for your rear wheel. It's a functional design cue from the TM01. The TM02 also features an integrated multi-position carbon seatpost that slips seamlessly into the seat tube for increased aerodynamic performance.

The front and rear Ultegra brakes are light and effective, even in wet conditions. BMC's engineers tucked the rear brake caliper behind the bottom bracket to improve the bike's aerodynamics, and internal routing improves it even further. Shimano Ultegra components are used throughout the TM02's drivetrain. The standard, 53/39T crankset and 11-25 cassette ensure you have a big enough gear to crush the flats. The only deviation from the Ultegra gruppo are the Dura-Ace Bar-End shifters, Shimano's top-tier TT option.

The TM02's aggressive cockpit is equipped with an Easton EA30 stem and Profile Design's T2 bars and ABS alloy brake levers. The TT/Tri-specific Fizik Arione Tri2 saddle features a carbon reinforced shell with a flatter profile to provide a stable, comfortable platform for your aerodynamic position.

Mavic's popular Aksium wheels come standard on the TM02. The Aksiums use self-locking, bladed stainless steel spokes and black, 24mm-deep anodized aluminum rims. They're laced radially in front, while the rear gets radial lacing on the non-drive side and a two-cross pattern on the drive side. Continental Grand Prix Triathlon 700x23mm tires are mounted on the Aksiums. The GP Triathlons come with wear indicators so you know when to replace them, and have puncture-resistant belts to ward off flats.

The 2012 BMC Time Machine TM02 Complete Bike comes in two colors, Silver and White, and is available in sizes Small, Small/Medium, Medium/Large, and Large.

Time Machine TM02/Shimano Ultegra Complete Bike Price:  $3699.00