“The URS LT embodies the spirit of adventure while retaining BMC’s signature integration and performance. Utilizing BMC’s most elite bike technologies, the URS LT features an all-new minimalist front suspension system optimized around the needs of gravel riding. Highly customizable to suit the rider, the URS LT is designed as a high-performance blank slate that provides a reliable, adventure-proof ride to suit surface, distance, or both.” – BMC
“BMC Switzerland introduces an update to its gravel bike line-up, offering gravel riders a blank slate for expression with expansive adjustability, innovative suspension, and added flexibility and function.”
“During its first season, the URS 01 explored Jordanian deserts, raced across Europe into its most neglected corners, and was applauded by the industry. Now the updated URS LT (Long Travel) confirms BMC’s ambition to take gravel riding to the next level by incorporating an integrated coil-sprung front suspension. “When we set out to design the URS LT, we wanted to preserve the unique silhouette of URS 01, while adding a high-performance suspension fork dedicated to gravel riding,” states Stefano Gennaioli, Product Marketing Manager at BMC.”
“In a discipline that often defies definition, there’s an uptick in riders that demand a bike with polymath qualities. This demand for adaptability and flexibility is key to the revised design of the URS, which includes customisable suspension and stack height, compatibility with 1x mechanical and electronic drivetrains as well as internal cable routing for a dropper post, a hub dynamo system, plus top tube mounts and more. In light of the adventures ahead of it, the re-engineered Premium Carbon frame is built with BMC’s Gravel+ Geometry including a 70˚ head angle. This geometry system has taken cues from XC mountain biking: the slacker head angle combined with a long top tube and short stem gives superlative stability at high speeds and snappier steering, perfect for modern, aggressive gravel riding where precise line choice counts more at the extreme end of the genre.”
Rethinking Efficiency
“As modern gravel bikes are highly reliant on tyre size and pressure for rider comfort, this has meant a continual compromise—think the risk of flats on a descent, or slow, bouncy rides on harder surfaces. In collaboration with HiRide, pioneers in adaptive suspension technology and integration, BMC engineers have created a brand new MTT suspension fork with 20 mm of coil-sprung travel in the steerer. Intended to fill this void, this innovative fork with a hydraulic damper allows riders to run optimal tyre pressures while significantly elevating the bike’s capabilities across all surfaces.”
“Its design has allowed BMC to retain the proven geometry of the fork with minimal adaptations while packing a full-featured, reliable suspension system into the headtube with a suspension curve optimized for gravel. What else? Full lock-out, three different spring stiffnesses, and preload spacers for tuning. There’s also 4cm of stack adjustment in the steerer for position optimisation.”
“In short-travel applications, coil suspension brings a host of benefits including heightened sensitivity in the first phase of travel and on light impacts (typical scenario for gravel and mellow off-road terrain) whilst staying responsive and plush under mid-to-heavy impacts. Furthermore, no weight penalty, a simple, durable design that requires less maintenance, and, unlike short-travel suspension that features air spring with limited volume, coil springs are essentially immune to overheating on long descents. And best of all? The integration of the suspension into the steerer retains a road-like, minimal aesthetic in the fork.”
Each Ride as a Moment to Savour
“The blank slate continues with optional cable routing for hub dynamos, meaning no limits to choosing the ideal light set-up or electricity supply– after all, dynamo lighting will never run out of battery when you’re 2,000 km into the Atlas Mountains and the sun has set. Legs too tired to pedal? Doubtful scenario, especially not when the bike is equipped with TCC Gravel, BMC’s highest level of Tuned Compliance Concept technology. It’s achieved through a dedicated carbon layup, D-Shaped seatpost and MTT Stays—the time-tested, MTB-influenced extra layer of compliance at the rear end with an XCell elastomer giving 10 mm of travel and dual guide design that improves traction and control on technical terrain in a featherweight, reliable and seamlessly integrated design.”
“In addition, the URS LT sticks to certain time-tested features from its predecessor: 180/160 mm flat-mount discs for powerful stopping, up to 700×45 mm tyres, integrated protectors on the fork dropout, downtube and chainstays, a functional top tube mount to bolt-on top tube bags, battery lights or other accessories, BMC’s integrated Dfender for the sleekest protection against rear wheel spray, plus compatibility with lightweight racks and fenders enabling the rider the ability to choose their most appropriate set-up.”
“The URS LT is ready to be known as the forerunner. Unrestricted is not just a tagline; it’s the principle behind the design and points towards your future with it.”
Sizes, Prices & Availability
The Roadmachine X comes in six sizes (47, 51, 54, 56, 58, and 61) and two models: the ONE for 5’999 euros is immediately available while the TWO for 4’699 euros will be available from April 2022.
The URS LT comes in four sizes (S, M, L, and XL) and two models: URS LT ONE (7’999 euros / $US 9,350) and URS LT TWO (5’999 euros / $US 7,000). Both bikes are now available in stores.