With the likes of Giant, Specialized, Trek and of course Cannondale introducing or renewing their performance-orientated alloy offerings in recent time, BMC's announcement of a new budget-friendly aluminium road bike range comes as little surprise.
The new Teammachine ALR01 is made from hydroformed triple-butted alloy, and has a claimed frame weight of 1295g (painted) – that’s only about 65g more than the carbon SLR03. Like the carbon models, the frame features what BMC dubs TCC or Tuned Compliance Concept for a smoother ride quality.
Carried down from BMC’s flagship SLR series is its ACE technology-derived tube shapes. ACE is effectively a computer modelling program that's enabled BMC to greatly streamline its prototyping procedures.
The ALR01 offers a tapered 1 ⅛ to 1 ½in head tube, offset seat tube and asymmetric chainstays, all in the name of maximum pedalling stiffness. Additionally, the tube shapes are optimised to allow for the best welding surface. Up front sits the full-carbon and tapered fork from BMC’s SLR03.
While its geometry is near-identical to the SLR03, the ALR01 gains 1cm at the head tube for a slightly higher stack height.
Available in five sizes (47, 51, 54, 57, 60) the ALR01 retains a 73.5 seat angle throughout the range, and an aggressive 72.5 degree head angle in sizes 54 and above. The smaller sizes, 51 and 47 receive 72 and 70.5 degree head angles respectively, likely to combat toe overlap.
The ALR01 frameset is available in builds ranging from Shimano’s entry-level Sora drivetrain, all the way up to an Ultegra build. Each spec will feature a BMC branded cockpit and seatpost, and Shimano non-series wheels, while the 105 and Ultegra builds also see Shimano non-series cranks and brakes.
The Teammachine ALR01 range is available immediately in the US, with the UK expected to receive stock soon through Evans Cycles. Australian pricing and availability is to be confirmed.
ALR01 Ultegra - US$2099 /£1,599
ALR01 105 US$1599 /£1,249
ALR01 Tiagra US$1399 /£1,049
ALR01 Sora US$1099 /£899