Thursday, April 23, 2009

BMC Team Machine SLT 01 2009 - Racing Bicycle

Had the pleasure of some close-up shots of this gorgeous racing bike ... Wow!



This is the BMC Team Machine SLT 01.


Gorgeous details...


The Team Machine SLT 01 utilizes BMC's innovative Crosslock Skeleton technology. It combines specifically shaped High Modulus T700 carbon tubes with alloy lugs that are cold forged then finished with CNC machining. The Skeleton design with the CNC-cut lugs results in much more rigid joints, shorter tubes and more tube/lug overlap which maximizes surface area for optimal bonding strength. The goal for the Team Machine was to achieve higher rigidity while optimizing the weight of the frame. A 55cm SLT 01 weighs in at 1050g, right around 2.3lbs. While it has an industrial look to it, the first comment from everyone who buys one is always the same: "It looks heavy, but it built up so unbelievably light."



The Firefork carbon fiber wishbone monocoque seatstay and chainstays further enhance the dynamic ride of the SLT 01, giving the rear of the bike extra resistance to lateral flex while helping mellow out road shock transmitted through the rear wheel. The final touch in ensuring smoothness is the use of an Easton EC90 monocoque full carbon fiber fork. The EC90's monocoque design combines strength and ride quality. It's stiff and rigid for high performance cornering, yet absorbs the pounding of the open road for unparalleled riding comfort. The glossy natural carbon weave looks gorgeous, to boot. You also get an FSA integrated headset and a 31.6mm Easton EC70 Carbon Fiber seatpost.



The Team Machine is available in Swiss Red and Black/White, and comes in odd sizes from 47cm-61cm. BMC builds the SLT 01 with a progressively sloping geometry. On smaller sizes where added standover clearance is needed most the slope of the top tube is at its greatest. On the medium sizes the slope is moderate. On the largest sizes there is virtually no slope at all. This being the case, we recommend that you focus first and foremost on the top tube dimension when selecting frame size. BMC's use of sloping geometry has no impact on its ride quality. Rather, it's a matter of aesthetics. Appearance is a critical factor when choosing your dream bike, and the sloping design of the SLT 01 gives it one added modern flourish



Finally...

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks to your photos, i bought myself a Team Machine, too! :)
Great bike and great pics!

Julian Si said...

Wow, I am impressed my blog has any influence :-) Enjoy your bike!!

ps - Chris my mate, you have company now...

Anonymous said...

Very nice photos and well written text. Just orderd a SLT01 and your blog helped me to confirm that it wasn't a mistake. :)

Julian Si said...

Wah, what an honour :-) Thanks for the feedback!

Enjoy your bike!!

strommi said...

And yes, I too bought a 47cm BMC SLT01. And I love it.I have a set of ZIPP Team Issue wheels on it. It truly flies. When I was researching this bike I stumbled upon this article and I was sold. Thank you....Shawn...

Julian Si said...

Oooh, lucky you. Enjoy, Strommi / Shawn!

I didn't even have the pleasure of riding this beauty, it belongs to a good friend of mine in Singapore :-)