Test: The BMC Roadmachine caused a stir when it was launched a few years ago - the road all-rounder successfully blurred the boundaries between racing, endurance, aero and touring. So it's only logical that such a universal platform with the BMC Roadmachine X also gets its Gravel offshoot. Can the bike be just as convincing as its asphalt counterpart?
BMC Roadmachine X: The Facts
Frame material: Aluminium
Wheel size(s): 700c
tire clearance: 35mm (700c)
Axle dimensions (v/h): 12 × 100/142 × 12
Mudguard Eyelets: Ja
Luggage carrier eyelets (v/h): No Yes
bottle holder: down tube up, seat tube
Wheel weight v/h (with tires, cassette and brake discs): 1.490g / 2.170g
Weight complete bike without pedals (size M): 9,38kg
Price: € 2.299
BMC Roadmachine X:
Are we witnessing the extinction of the classic racing machine? Looking at the BMC, you might think that rim brakes and narrow tires will soon be a thing of the past. Especially since the two are related: 30 mm wide tires are the most that fits on a classic racing bike, and we know how far you can get off the asphalt with them.
On the other hand, how much does it take to extend the road loop to one or the other dirt track and hard-packed gravel road? You don't need two-inch wide tires for this - 34 mm are easily enough, especially if the tires and rims are tubeless-compatible and therefore puncture-proof and puncture-proof.
Geometry BMC Roadmachine X
| 47 | 51 | 54 | 56 | 58 | 61 | |
| seat tube (in mm) | 465 | 490 | 533 | 548 | 564 | 600 |
| Top tube horizontal (in mm) | 532 | 539 | 554 | 564 | 579 | 594 |
| head tube (in mm) | 128 | 154 | 172 | 186 | 205 | 228 |
| chainstay (in mm) | 420 | 420 | 420 | 420 | 420 | 420 |
| Wheelbase (in mm) | 998 | 1007 | 1016 | 1024 | 1034 | 1044 |
| Steering angle (in °) | 70.5 | 70.5 | 71.5 | 71.5 | 72 | 72.5 |
| Seat angle (in °) | 73.5 | 73.5 | 73.5 | 73.5 | 73.5 | 73.5 |
| Reach (mm) | 376 | 376 | 385 | 391 | 400 | 408 |
| Stacks (in mm) | 525 | 550 | 571 | 585 | 604 | 628 |
| Frame | Roadmachine |
| Fork | Roadmachine X Carbon |
| Wheels | Mavic Allroad Disc UST |
| Tires | WTB Exposure 34mm |
| Derailleur | Sram rival 1 |
| Shifter | Sram rival 1 |
| Crank | Sram rival 1 40t |
| Front derailleur | Without |
| Brake | Sram Rival HRD |
| Seatpost | BMC RSP 03 |
| Saddle | Selle Royal 2075 HRN |
| Stem | BMC RSM 01 |
| Handlebar | BMC RAB 03 |
And that's where the charm of the Roadmachine X becomes apparent: The bike combines as much racing bike as possible with as much off-road suitability as necessary. You can already see that in the geometry, which is based on the sporty road bike with a clear camber and noticeable stretching. The BMC appears agile and lively, while bringing comfort from the supple tires. With a smooth tread plus shoulder lugs, it offers a good compromise between smooth running and off-road grip; the profile only reaches its limits when leaning on asphalt. In addition, the tires look classy with the cream-colored sidewall and light-colored seam protection tape.
The Swiss have fitted not the lightest, but one of the best wheelsets in the test field: the relatively new Mavic Allroad UST ( see test ) with their hookless, very wide internal rims are ideal for cross or gravel tires. The complete SRAM Rival groupset is also impressive, although potential buyers should consider purchasing a second cassette: 11-42 is simply too wide a range for fast rides on the road; an upgrade to 11-32 or even 11-28 is recommended. Otherwise, the bottom line is: with a bike like the BMC Roadmachine X, you'll gladly say goodbye to the classic racing machine.
BMC Roadmachine X: Let's Gravel
The BMC Roadmachine X shows its best side at first glance. The high-quality and well-made aluminum frame is difficult to distinguish from the carbon competition. Furthermore, you can quickly see that the Roadmachine X is a very sporty gravel racer, which is not least due to the geometry with a lot of elevation.
The BMC drives just as sporty as it looks. Thanks to the low weight and good rigidity, steep climbs are no problem and the acceleration is first class. In addition, the gravel racer is extremely agile and direct, which is also noticeable in terms of comfort. Although the lowered rear end and the slightly curved fork soften bumps, they still don't completely eliminate them.
Especially those who really want to step on the gas will find a welcome partner in the BMC Roadmachine X. Because the setup also contributes to the sporty driving experience. With a complete Sram Rival group you are well prepared and the Mavic Allroad UST wheels do a great job and are among the best wheelsets in the entire test field. The tires also fit well into the picture and offer (almost) everything you are looking for for sporty use with low rolling resistance on the road and good grip on gravel and forest paths. But if it is also rooted passages or forest floor when wet, these quickly reach their limits.
Due to the sporty geometry and equipment, the BMC Roadmachine X will certainly not be the first choice for bikepacking adventures, but the frame nevertheless offers a good number of mounting options for luggage racks, bags and all brackets.
