2017 BMC Teamelite 01 XTR Di2 Bike

Description

2017 BMC Teamelite 01 XTR Di2 Bike

BMC has long figured that softening up a hardtail makes it faster without adding the complexity and weight of pivoted full-suspension design. With their Teamelite01 frame, they bring Micro Travel Technology (MTT) to the table, to provide even more compliance and shock absorption to an incredibly efficient, superlight frame.

BMC has the advantage of a World Cup-dominating squad to rely on for suggestions and feedback. Because climbing is such an important part of mountain biking, riders generally prefer the lightest frame they can ride. A rigid frame can save a kilogram over a full-suspension model. The limitation is the vertical rigidity. Light often is a synonym for back-breakingly and wheel chatteringly stiff.

But the team wanted to keep the low weight of a rigid frame, but add compliance. The frame had to keep its lateral rigidity as well for power transfer. The stays were already thin and flattened in the vertical plane. So they needed more.

The big change happens where the seatstays join the seat tube. There, you’ll find a damper between the top of the stays and the frame. The damper slides on bushings that cover two hex-head bolts. Each of these elements is important as the frame comes with three different dampers to tune the compliance you experience o the trail. This is MTT, and it brings 15mm of plush to your ride. Now you can get the tire pressure low for grip, but not too low, for the compliance. The frame, and the BMC carbon compliancepost (with 3mm of offset), add damping, comfort, and yes, efficiency to your ride.

The cost of this technology, which translates into added speed on the trail, is 90g. Taking the frame from 990g up to 1080g. But, as with the 29er wheels this bike runs, the added compliance means you have an easier time rolling over the rough stuff.

The geometry didn’t change from the old Teamelite: no reason to change what works. It’s a nimble 29er, which doesn’t feel like the wheels are unwieldy. The lateral stiffness is the same, so they can charge over hills as easily.

The bike features the BB92 bottom bracket standard for maximum design flexibility and drivetrain stiffness. It’s protected by an integrated chain catcher. There’s a chain suck plate behind it. Lateral stiffness is enhanced by the 1 1/8” to 1 1/2” tapered headset. They recommend a fork with 100mm of travel. The rear brake mounts on their natural-born postmount system, which accommodates 140-160mm rotors.

BMC also expanded the size options for the Teamelite line. There are five sizes instead of the old three.

The BMC Teamelite 01 Frameset gives you full suspension, World Cup performance with a rigid frame.

Bottom Bracket Shimano

Brake Calipers Shimano XTR Race

Brake Levers Shimano XTR

Cassette Shimano XTR, 11-40

Chain Shimano XTR

Crankset Shimano XTR Race, 36/26

Fork Fox Float 32 SC, Factory, FIT4, Kashima, IRD, 100mm

Frame Material 01 Premium Carbon, Tuned Compliance Concept, DTi

Front Derailleur Shimano XTR Di2 M9050

Handlebar BMC MFB 01 Carbon, 720mm

Headset Integrated

Pedals Not Included

Rear Derailleur Shimano XTR Di2 M9050

Rear Suspension None

Rotors Shimano RT99, 160mm

Saddle Fizik Tundra M3 Carbon

Seatpost MSP 01 Premium Carbon Compliance Post, 3mm Offset

Shifters Shimano XTR Di2 M9050

Stem BMC MSM 02

Tires Continental: X-King (F) / RaceKing (R), Performance Silver, 29×2.2

Wheel – Front DT Swiss XRC 1200

Wheel – Rear DT Swiss XRC 1200