BMC ROADRACER SL01 ULTEGRA (2013)

BMC's affordable road race bike

Pros

- iSC frame
- Ultegra components

Cons

- Relatively heavy wheels
- Slightly harsh ride

Review

The Road Racer SL01 is BMC's affordable proper race bike. It's frame utilizes the Integrated Skeleton Concept (iSC), a technology which has drifted down from the higher end products in the brand's range. Basically the design reinforces the front triangle at the junctions, allowing for a lighter weight carbon layup throughout the entire frame.

This reinforcing creates a stiff race bike. The geometry and handling are intended for racing; this is no all-day gran fondo bike (BMC have a model precisely for that), but an efficient, direct although perhaps a little harsh, performer. Be aware when sizing that a 51 actually has a 53 cm top tube. A good idea to try at your Local Bike Store first.

Shimano Ultegra is faultless in design and performance. It feels like the top end Dura-Ace but without the price tag, and as such, makes the SL01 available to the masses.

I have ridden these Mavic wheels for years, and while they will certainly last many seasons of riding and racing, they are a tad heavy to really feel the sprightly performance offered by this frameset. You could easily drop a few hundred grams by upgrading to a light race wheel and use these solid hoops for training.

Easton and Fizik round out the rest...no complaints here.

Overall this is another beautifully designed bike from BMC. If you want to get the most from your weekend race days, but don't want to break the bank (or the marriage), this is a great choice. Just keep in mind it could be hard work on rougher roads.