BMC

Time Machine TM02/Shimano Ultegra Complete Bike - 2012

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 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. Of course, it was only a few short weeks later, when the Time Machine was ridden to that greater fanfare during stage 20 of the Tour. The TM02 bears a striking resemblance to that much more expensive counterpart, the Time Machine TM01. The similarities are strong, in both appearance and performance. But at first glance, perhaps the most obvious difference is that of the front fork on the TM02, which uses a standard fork-mount Ultegra brake caliper. 

And beneath the striking white or silver finish, the full-carbon fiber TM02 also uses a slightly more wallet-conscious weave of carbon than its big brother, the TM01 ridden by Evans and the rest of Team BMC. But beyond these two key aspects, the technical and aesthetic similarities between the bikes are so intense that even if price is no object, the TM02 is still very 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 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, Medium/Short, Medium/Long, and Large. Note that the geometry on the Medium/Short and Medium/Long differs slightly with regard to the respective frames' reach. The Medium/Long increases the reach from the Medium/Short by 41 millimeters, to best suit differing rider fit and race preferences. If you're looking for a slightly more relaxed fit for longer TT courses, or your shorter torso simply fits best on a shorter top tube, the Medium/Short is your best bet. Conversely, for a more aggressive race position on short and fast courses, dial in your fit aboard the Medium/Long.