Friday 15 January 2016

Bike Review CX Bike

Review - BMC CXA01





I now feel like I've had long enough in the saddle to do a proper review of my latest CX bike. Over a thousand kilometres on the clock already which have been on the road, on gravel, on singletrack, and even a pair of Cyclocross races. Thus showing the versatility of cyclocross bikes. I have had a few different cross bikes now, but this is the first one that I have felt really comfortable riding both on and off-road. The main difference is the fact that this bike has a more 'road' style geometry, but it doesn't seem to suffer when riding off-road. More about the ride later.

The spec is a good no-bullsh*t mix of Shimano 105 and RS500 (CX specific) drivetrain and Shimano BR-R785 hydraulic brakes. DT Swiss X-1900 wheels are a touch on the heavy side, but a good choice at this price-point. The fork is a vibration damping carbon disc specific BMC model, shared with the more expensive full-carbon CX01. The frame is a beautifully sculpted and finished modern aluminium artwork. The thin and heavily shaped seat-stays are an early pointer as to what to expect from the ride, looking like they should take out even larger knocks. In contrast to the oversize asymmetric chain-stays which look fit for purpose. I particularly like the hidden rack and mudguard mounts which leave a nice clean look to the frame when not in use. 

In terms of eureka moments, the fully hydraulic Shimano disc brakes on this bike were pretty high up in my all-time 'wow' list. I remember the first time I rode an MTB with V-brakes back in the 90's, and the difference from cantilever brakes or even cable operated discs was equally fantastic as that giant leap. The control, comfort and confidence inspiring feel is just amazing. I don't think I will ever want to go back now! The other kit works exactly as it should, and I cannot fault the latest 11-speed 105 drivetrain. Perhaps not as light as Ultegra or Dura-Ace, but exacting and reliable shifts every time.

On to the ride feel. The bike as I mentioned earlier has a more endurance road geometry, and actually shares the frame with the sportive focussed Granfondo GF02 Disc road bike. Something that I initially thought could hinder the off-road performance. But I was pleasantly surprised the first time that I took the bike onto some gravel tracks, and to my local park for some proper CX training. Firstly the bike feels incredibly stable and sure-footed off-road, but also I was overwhelmed with how quiet and smooth the ride felt over the bumps. Pretty impressive for an aluminium frame to feel that smooth, and was as a night and day difference to my last CX bike that felt incredibly stiff, but also incredibly shaky over the rough stuff.

I had a couple of CX races planned for the early off-season, so I decided to swap the wheels out for a lighter pair, and to some tyres with a little more grip when the going gets soft and muddy. The bike performed without flaws in both races, and I had an absolute hoot riding my first CX races for 6-7 years. The handling and grip was superb, and I could close in gaps to people in the corners due to the confidence I had in the bike. Something I felt I lacked in my previous CX bike. 

I've made use of the hidden rack mounts now, and the bike is all set-up and being used for winter training. I love the versatility of CX bikes, and this year will even keep this bike on as my only road machine rather than swapping out to a proper road machine come the spring. Once the guards are off, the road tyres are on, the weight is more than acceptable, and the road riding capabilities give me confidence to think this bike can do it all come the summer months.

This is one bike I will not be looking forward to selling when the time comes!