Drop bar version of BMC’s Alpenchallenge AMP e-bike

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At its heart is a frame built from BMC’s Premium Carbon, which is claimed to weigh just 1,415g in size M, including the not insignificant aluminium insert that the motor mounts to and the derailleur hanger. The carbon fork weighs a claimed 528g and the seatpost another 160g.

Trumpeting frame weight claims for a bike that has a motor and battery attached might seem like worrying about the thickness of the carpet on a super tanker, but there is, as always more to it than that.

With an all-in mass just below 15kg for the LTD model, the Alpenchallenge AMP Road is lighter than some of its competitors, and doesn’t exactly feel like an anchor.

The frame is identical to the existing Alpenchallenge AMPs and is shared across all three AMP Road models, with a more powerful motor in the two most expensive bikes.

BMC Alpenchallenge AMP power

With Shimano’s STEPS E-8000 250W, 70Nm motor and BT-E8010 504Wh battery, the Alpenchallenge AMP Road has a greater power to weight ratio than typical road e-bikes, which can weigh around 13kg, and have 60Nm output from a 252Wh battery.

BMC argues that although other systems, such as Fazua, hide their batteries and motors within the frame, their aesthetics still aren’t ideal, and the weight distribution of such a layout is far worse than the AMP Road’s design.

At BMC’s request, the E-8000 motor and battery are detuned, lowering their output, but even in its lowest power it doubles your output. If you can climb at 200W, it’ll become 400W and will outclimb almost anyone on a conventional bike.

Estimates suggest that a Fazua system can manage around 800–1,000m of vertical gain when climbing at average gradients, but BMC says the AMP Road can double that.

The AMP Road’s battery placement is prominent on the seat tube, but its central position is said to ensure great handling and a natural ride feel.

The two premier electronic shifting models in the range have completely integrated brake hoses and gear wires thanks to BMC’s ICS stem, and the top machine also has an aero handlebar, making it impossible to fit Shimano’s Di2 display, due to its round clamp.

Instead, the eTube app allows you to view shifting and battery life information on your Garmin.

BMC Alpenchallenge AMP practicalities

BMC’s Micro Travel Technology (MTT) system is retained within the seatstays and is described as both traction control and suspension, with 10mm of travel to absorb shocks. An effective form of shock absorption on BMC’s premium cross-country mountain bikes, the MTT system is robust and well proven.

Tyre clearances are a very unroadlike 42mm, or 38mm if running fenders on the included mounts. A rear rack and a kickstand can also be fitted, and BMC’s ICS stem accepts proprietary out-front mounts for GPS units and accessories.

BMC Alpenchallenge AMP specifications

The three-bike line up consists of the LTD, ONE and TWO, with a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 mix on the LTD, Ultegra Di2 shifting on the ONE, and mainly Shimano’s new GRX components on the TWO.

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The entry-level bike also has a STEPS E-6100 250W, 60Nm motor, powered by the same BT-E8010 504Wh battery. They all share Shimano CR-E80 cranks, with a single FSA Megatooth 44-tooth chain ring, plus 11-34 cassettes on the ONE and TWO, and an 11-30 on the LTD.

All of the wheels are made by DT Swiss, from the R500 db with 34mm WTB Exposure tyres on the TWO, to the 30mm Vittoria Corsa Control G+ shod HE 1800 Spline db 32 and HEC 1400 Spline db 47 Carbon wheels on the ONE and LTD respectively.

With more mass to control, the AMP Road has a 180mm front disc rotor and 160mm rear for the two 30mm tyred bikes, and 160mm rotors at both ends for the 34mm Exposure machine, presumably due to lower speed expectations.

BMC’s D-shaped carbon seatpost supplements the MTT rear end, and saddles are by Fizik and Selle Royal.

BMC Alpenchallenge AMP sizing and pricing

There are three sizes available: S (51-54cm), M (56-58cm) and L (61-63cm)

BMC Alpenchallenge AMP Road LTD

• Price: £9,999, €7,999, $8,499

BMC Alpenchallenge AMP Road ONE

• Price: £6,299, €6,499, $6,999

BMC Alpenchallenge AMP Road TWO

• Price: £4,299, €4,499, $4,699

Bikes are available to buy now.