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    BMC Roadmachine 02 Ultegra Review

    Jason MitchellBy Jason MitchellOctober 12, 201611 Comments7 Mins Read

    As the pro peloton continues to eschew disc brakes, average riders are quickly seeing their advantages (wider tires and rims, better braking, flexibility of riding gravel, etc.). So, it’s interesting that BMC originally had plans for the Roadmachine to debut in the 2016 Tour de Suisse, but those plans were scrapped and, as luck would have it, they are now finding a downright receptive audience for this new Goldilocks of bikes.

    Interested to know how the BMC Roadmachine 02 compares to the 01? Read our BMC Roadmachine 01 eTap review.

    2017 BMC Roadmachine 02 Ultegra Features

    • Tuned Compliance Concept 02 carbon frame and fork
    • Shimano Ultegra 6800 groupset with hydraulic discs (160/140 rotors)
    • Compact 50/34t crankset with 11-32t cassette
    • Up to 30mm tire clearance
    • BMC D-shaped seatpost
    • BMC alloy cockpit
    • DT Swiss R24 Spline wheelset
    • Continental Grand Sport Race SL 25mm tires
    • Weight: 18.5 lbs (56cm, actual)
    • MSRP: $3999
    The Roadmachine 02 really is an excellent one-bike quiver.
    The Roadmachine 02 really is an excellent one-bike quiver.

    The Roadmachine is built for you and me

    While BMC had grand designs to launch the Roadmachine at a WorldTour race, those plans were scrapped. But, as mentioned, that was just a minor setback because the Roadmachine is truly a remarkable bike that is a harbinger of what’s to come. In my mind, BMC’s Roadmachine is the essence of what we are all looking for in our next road bike: comfort, racy performance, flexible fit, ample tire clearance, thru-axles and disc brakes. This bike checks off every box and does so without gimmicks.

    As a Swiss brand, BMC is known to be no-nonsense and is always regarded as engineering-first. Their bikes have consistently won over consumers and incredulous journalists alike with their outstanding on-road performance — in spite of never being all that sexy to look at.

    While the Roadmachine isn’t a drastic departure from BMC’s classic lines, a well-trained eye will notice some of the subtle nods to aerodynamics and added sex-appeal. The semi-integrated fork and tucked-in rear wheel provide visual proof that this bike was built to eke out just a little more aerodynamic performance. An “aero road bike” in a literal sense it is not, but it’s a step in that direction.

    As a disc-only platform, the Roadmachine will find a home with those seeking a one-bike quiver. And, after a month-long affair, I’m affectionally calling this one the Smilemachine.

    Gravel, pavement -- wherever you ride, the Roadmachine 02 will deliver smiles.
    Gravel, pavement — wherever you ride, the Roadmachine 02 will deliver smiles.

    Just why do I call it the “Smilemachine”?

    My first ride aboard the Roadmachine 02 Ultegra was a ride up American Fork Canyon towards Tibble Fork Reservoir. This is a ride that I’ve completed hundreds of times. I know every pitch, every turn, every bump. It’s a great shake-out ride and that’s just what I did here.

    Any concerns that the Roadmachine’s waistline would negatively-effect performance were quickly laid to rest as I powered up one of the most beautiful rides in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains. I immediately noted that it climbed well and responded in a jiffy when pushed. I noticed that the entire package felt comfortable and extremely-smooth. In fact, several times I had to look down to see if I had a flat.

    Further, climbing on this bike is one of its strengths. Lateral stiffness and rigidity simply propels you forward and has allowed me to hang with some of my best times on every ride. On another, steeper climb, I knocked off a longstanding PR, which left me wondering just how much faster I might be if I were to get the Roadmachine 01 flavor in a significantly-lighter package (I just might have to make that happen).

    Back to why I call this the Smilemachine. Well, it’s a great climber, which is a huge part of what I love to do. But, what good is climbing if you can’t have a blast letting it all hang out on the descent? Well, descending just so happens to be something this bike does really, really well.

    Handling is responsive and crisp without being skittish. It feels wicked-stable at speed and just begs to be pushed into every turn. I can’t help but smile every time I head out on this bike.

    Any way you look at it, the Roadmachine is stunning.
    Any way you look at it, the Roadmachine is stunning.

    Roadmachine 02 Ultegra kit rundown

    With a full Ultegra mechanical kit, hydraulic disc brakes and a set of DT Swiss R24’s, the Roadmachine 02 is right on the mark at $3999 retail. As-is, this bike tips the scales at 18.5 lbs (56cm, actual), which does seem heavy on paper, but it is an Ultegra kit after all with a pedestrian set of wheels and an alloy cockpit.

    Admittedly, weight should not be the primary factor on giving a bike the thumb’s up or down. But, most of the time, extra weight makes a bike feel sluggish. And, while a diet would do this bike good, it carries that extra weight better than any other bike I’ve ridden.

    All things considered, the build kit has performed flawlessly and very, well, Ultegra-like. That is to say, it’s not flashy, but it is predictable and functional.

    The integrated chain keeper is a nice touch.
    An integrated chain keeper is a nice touch.

    I do have a few gripes with this build and I’ll start with the Ultegra shifters. Well, they rattle when riding on rough pavement and the shifters are hard to use when wearing cold-weather gloves. This isn’t anything new about Ultegra, but worth noting.

    And now for something that should be remedied right away — those ultra-stiff and uncomfortable bars. They are that bad and should be replaced by either a high-quality alloy bar or, preferably a nice set of carbon bars. That alone will improve the feel of this bike and should be on your list for an immediate upgrade.

    The semi-integrated fork and headset topcap make for a sleek look.
    The semi-integrated fork and headset topcap make for a sleek look.

    Lastly, the entry-level DT Swiss R24’s do allow BMC to hit a $4000 price point, but they are heavy (1775 grams, stated) and still a bit narrow (19mm internal). They do come tubeless-ready, which I didn’t have time to test, but does add to their flexibility. I’d keep these around for winter wheels, but a new set of Zipp 303’s or the Bontrager Aeolus 3 TLR’s would make this bike sing.

    While I’m on the subject of wheels, I’m still scratching my head on BMC’s reasoning for going with tool-required thru axles. If you do get a flat, you have to break out the multi-tool just to get the wheel off. Do us all a favor and please switch to a tool-free design.

    I’ll finish off with a small, but useful feature — the chainstay protector. Whatever BMC did with this one, it’s a keeper. It protects against damage from chainslap and seems to be made of some sort of superhuman material.

    NOTE: You can also read our review of the upgraded BMC Roadmachine 01 with SRAM Red eTap HRD. 

    The Good

    • Outstanding “one-bike quiver”
    • Always feels perfectly-balanced
    • Climbs much better than it’s 18.5 lb weight would suggest
    • Loves to be pushed hard
    • Extraordinarily-comfortable without any gimmicks
    • Superhuman chainstay protector
    • “Bring Your Own Stem” offers flexibility versus the 01 model

    The Bad

    • Ditch those stiff bars
    • Entry-level wheels look nice, but should be relegated to winter duty
    • A standard thru-axle lever would be nice

    The Bottom Line: BMC Roadmachine 02 Ultegra

    BMC has delivered quite the bike with the Roadmachine. I daresay this is the type of bike we will all be riding in the near future. Luckily, this one is available now and really is the Goldilocks bike in terms of performance, comfort and versatility.

    Buy Now: Find Your Local BMC Retailer

    In Summary

    9.0 The Smilemachine

    The Roadmachine 02 Ultegra (a.k.a. Smilemachine) has been a ton of fun to have around and I reluctantly sent it back to HQ after the test period ended. This bike truly is an excellent mix of comfort and performance all wrapped in a disc-only package.

    • Ride Quality 9
    • Handling 9
    • Climbing 9
    • Descending 9
    • Pedaling Efficiency 9
    • Value 9
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    Jason Mitchell
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    A native of the Pacific Northwest, Jason quickly developed a love for the outdoors and a thing for mountains. That infatuation continues as he founded this site in 1999 -- sharing his love of road biking, mountain biking, trail running and skiing. That passion is channeled into every article or gear review he writes. Utah's Wasatch Mountains are his playground.

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    11 Comments

    1. Hugh Biesinger on November 25, 2016 11:25 am

      Jason,
      Nice meeting you at the top of South Fork a few days ago. I appreciated the “Nice Bike!” comment about my BMC Roadmachine 02, the exact same bike you had just reviewed. Having ridden the bike now for a few weeks, I can say that your review was “spot on”. The only three issues I’ve had with the bike are the same you mention: the thru axle requiring a tool to release, the uncomfortable handlebars, and the wheel-set feeling a bit heavy and sluggish. Overall I love the bike and I’m super happy with it. Descending is an absolute blast and the disc brakes instill more confidence than I have ever dared on a road bike. Despite it’s weight, I have set many PRs on rides I have repeated dozens of times on other bikes, which continues to keep those smiles coming from my BMC “Smilemachine”.

      Reply
      • Jason Mitchell on November 25, 2016 4:30 pm

        Glad you like it! Yeah, it is an impressive bike that you’ll love for many miles to come. Enjoy your Smilemachine!

        Reply
      • TFisch on January 1, 2017 9:16 am

        Hugh
        Thanks for the great comments and echoing that I have seen in other reviews. When purchasing did you give any thoughts to the 01 version or give it a ride? My local shop only has several 01 and would get me an 02 if I was making a purchase.

        Thanks

        Reply
    2. Dennis Booms on February 21, 2017 2:39 pm

      Thank you for convincing me to finaly choose my new bike.
      I have ordered mine with very good wheels.
      Wich bars can you recommend .
      I have to wait another 2 weeks till my wheels arrive so i can get it fitted with a better bar before i can go and get it at my local dealer.

      Reply
      • Jason Mitchell on February 21, 2017 2:43 pm

        That’s great news for you! You’ll love it! As far as bars go, it really depends on your preference, but my personal favorites are the Zipp Contour SL and the Ritchey WCS Carbon EvoCurve.

        Reply
    3. Jason on April 11, 2017 7:17 pm

      Going Thursday to get fitted for a new Roadmachine. Would you recommend an 01 if the fit works? Lighter, better wheels and the integrated cabling and stem intrigue me. As a SRAM Double Tap rider I’m going Di2 regardless . I can’t get to like Ultegra Mechanical yet.

      Reply
      • Jason Mitchell on April 11, 2017 10:08 pm

        The geometry is the same for the 01 and 02 so fitting on an 02 should be fine. As TFISCH says, the 01 will be more responsive due to the lighter and stiffer layup.

        And, nobody buys Ultegra mechanical because it’s sexy — they buy it because it’s reliable and lasts forever. It’s kind of like the Toyota Camry of groupsets. You’ll dig Di2 for everything except for riding in the cold with thick gloves.

        Reply
    4. Tfisch on April 11, 2017 9:14 pm

      Jason, After reading many articles like this I had the opportunity to ride a 01 and 02 for several hours each through the mountains here in Colorado. I ended up with the 01 and believe it is a better, lighter, and more responsive bike. A lot more money but I don’t regret the decision.

      Reply
      • Jason Mitchell on April 11, 2017 10:11 pm

        Glad you were able to ride them side-by-side and compare the two on your local roads. I don’t doubt your findings one bit because I’ve experienced similar results on other frames with lower and higher-end layups. If you have the means to step up to the Roadmachine 01, you’ll be stoked for sure.

        Reply
    5. Jeff Ramos on June 25, 2018 12:33 am

      Jason I see you reviewed a 56. I fell like I right in between a 54 and a 56. I current ride a 56 tarmac. I am 5’10.5 with a 31.5 inseam. I have ridden both. I would have to run a long stem on the 54. I feels a tad small, probably because I am accustomed to my tarmac. Curious about your thoughts.

      Reply
      • Jason Mitchell on June 25, 2018 9:47 am

        The 02 is awesome because it uses standard stems. I would recommend a 56 if it were me. I’m your exact height and inseam. Everything fit perfectly with standard seatpost and stem for me.

        Again, your fit will differ, but I think you’d be on the right size with a 56.

        Reply

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