About BMC
+ Swiss Cycling Technology
Passion for innovation: our bicycles fascinate with an extremely independent, award-winning design and technically perfect form. BMC stands for unmistakable style, passion and Swiss precision.
+ History
BMC’s unique, award-winning designs are developed through a profound knowledge of the forces that stress individual points on the frame. These contact points are naturally where the stress is concentrated.
Performance is the guiding criteria behind the solutions we forge with our material and frame technology. We hold a high no-compromise bar on performance related issues: refusing to sacrifice security and comfort while finding the optimal balance between weight and rigidity.
Our advancements in lightweight frame construction are possible only through the use of the most modern computer simulations. Actual stresses resulting from on-the-road use of finished products can be simulated already in the design phase by employing CAD and complex FEM programs (Finite Elements Methods). Potential weak points and unnecessary accumulations of material can be uncovered and corrected in advance.
BMC’s test lab is fully functional. FEM simulation results are compared with test riding feedback and each component is pushed to the limit for analysis and optimization. We do as many loops as necessary before reaching our outstanding performance requirements on final products. All BMC frames meet the European CEN safety standard for bicycle products.
+ Precision engineering
Skeleton Concept
BMC has defined its brand name through technical advances. The unique juncture of our seat tube cluster, which has an ideal force distribution, remains our most visible innovation. For the Racemaster SLX01 we have developed a bonded skeleton concept BSC that embraces the seat tube, aiding in the distribution of forces by providing a larger adhesive surface. This innovation achieves an extremely rigid and absolutely safe carbon-aluminum interface at this very important joint.
Core Stiffness
The substantial bottom bracket is instrumental for each BMC as forming the frames rigid core and consequently acts as the power centre from which the chain stays, seat tube and down tube originate. The tubes are uncompromisingly aligned with the entire width of the bottom bracket so that the intense forces introduced by the act of pedaling can be ideally transmitted. The success of the design results in a powerfully propelled bicycle.
+ Brand Features
System Integration
The adjustment and integration of important components on the entire frame are becoming increasingly important to BMC. Like the racemaster SLX01 and roadracer SL01, we have followed a similar system integration with the brand new teammachine SLR01 and fourstroke FS01 (fork and seat post). These innovative designs have been custom made and were developed in-house.
Tuned Compliance Concept (TCC)
BMC’s TCC optimizes overall ride quality through carefully selected combinations of shapes and materials. Applying stepped profiles, specific carbon fibre alignments and different material compositions in key areas of our frames, forks and seat posts enables us to increase desirable vertical compliance while maintaining high levels of lateral and torsional stiffness. TCC improves the cycling experience by simultaneously providing precise control, reduced rider fatigue, confidence-inspiring handling and efficient power transfer.
+ Innovation Features
APS advanced pivot system
Suspension Performance — There are 2 kinds of forces acting on a mountain bike rear suspension: forces from the ground and forces from the rider. We have developed advanced kinematics to balance those forces. Thanks to the high versatility of the APS system, we can solve the equation and provide you with a suspension that will smooth out any terrain, without sacrificing pedaling efficiency.
Shock Performance — APS allows us to fine tune the leverage ratios of our bikes, be it a light XC weapon or a comfortable Enduro bike. BMC and Fox racing Shox have now developed a strong partnership. Taking the development to its ultimate step we fine-tune the damping specifications of the shocks according to our own kinematic requirements.
Geometrical Stiffness — APS system is constructed with two closed triangles connected together by a pair of links. The triangle is a naturally stiff geometrical element, and APS places the force nodes far from each other, thus reducing stress on both elements. APS uses short forged alloy links pivoting on sealed ball bearings. The result you will feel on the trail: feather light bikes at an incredible level of stiffness and reliability.
Research + Development + Refinement
In the lab, we can test our frames precisely and within a controlled environment. But equally as important for the development of our materials is the testing completed by our sponsored professional riders. The athletes ride and push our products to the absolute limit, as they have an unfailing instinct for optimal frame construction. We can actively and systematically record the data from their feedback and from the continual stress their professional use generates. This procedure provides insights that no laboratory test can deliver. Because what really counts in the end — is how you feel in the saddle.
The BMC official factory R&D+R pro team is the most important partner on an athlete’s side. It is the clearest indication of our intention to promote clean, friendly, and compelling racing. As manufacturers of uncompromising high-end bicycles, we know the passion every athlete has for cycling is the vital ingredient for our product success. Our bicycles are tested in every sort of condition over one million racing and training kilometers. The insights from these tests flow directly into the work of developing the new bicycles and into the efforts to optimize existing lines.
Our commitment to high-performance sport continues with the sponsorship of various mountain bike and triathlon teams worldwide. Close contact to our athletes is very important to BMC and is a critical component to our ability to keep our finger on the pulse of innovation, always looking further to develop our products. We believe maximum performances are possible only when the athlete and material perfectly fit and always strive to reach the top level.