BMC Team machine SLT 01

Wappygixer
Wappygixer Posts: 1,396
edited August 2009 in Road buying advice
Seriously looking at this frame as a treat for selling my MTB.
Anyone any experience of BMC and anyone heard of failures?

If I get it from Wiggle then they (according to their website) warranty the frame for 5 years, which knowing their customer service they will do very well.

Comments

  • gkerr4
    gkerr4 Posts: 3,408
    no experience but i think they look great and are a bit unique - you don't see many of em around do you - go for it!
  • bikerZA
    bikerZA Posts: 314
    No experience for me either, but it's certainly a lovely looking thing. As gkerr4 said, you don't see many around either, so if you want to stand out, good choice!
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  • Nuggs
    Nuggs Posts: 1,804
    I'd see if you could get a test ride first.

    BMC frames have a reputation of being uncompromisingly race-orientated and super-stiff. Fine if that's what you're after but it won't suit everyone.
  • joshposh
    joshposh Posts: 673
    A superb frame and very stiff but a rather uncompromising ride and only really suitable or necessary for the serious racers. I have ridden one in comparison with my s-works sl2 and the stiffness is relative although it is a much harsher ride!
  • graemeh72
    graemeh72 Posts: 223
    I've had a BMC SL01 for 3 years and this has happened.

    Its a sort of oxidization on the frame.

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/graemeahar ... 826587966/

    BMC don't want to know and say that its nothing to worry about (apart from the fact that my frame looks rubbish) - its hard to the touch - and not the paintwork.

    I've had pretty poor customer service and compared to Specialized/Trek etc def the worst bike manufacturer I've dealt with.

    Would I recommend a BMC? err no
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  • Rich-Ti
    Rich-Ti Posts: 1,831
    graemeh72 wrote:
    BMC don't want to know and say that its nothing to worry about (apart from the fact that my frame looks rubbish) - its hard to the touch - and not the paintwork.
    The OP's warranty is with Wiggle though, not BMC - as such it'd be their discretion so slightly different.

    I think they look great and nearly got one myself, but try one if you can.
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  • Wappygixer
    Wappygixer Posts: 1,396
    I ended up buying a Kuota Kebel instead.
    What put me off the BMC was the alloy lugs which would have meant a slightly harsher ride.
    The other thing with the Kuota was being able to try one out.
    The BMC looks amazing I have to admit but I love the feel of Kuota, it just feels perfect and right for me.
  • Rudd
    Rudd Posts: 264
    i've had one since April and can reccomend it. I'm a bit surprised by some of the comments about being super stiff etc. Compared to my previous Condor Squadra I find it very comfortable and regularly do 80 mile rides. I guess it depends on the individual rider though. its a great looking bike and I've more comments from passing cyclists and drivers ( in the positve !) than anything else I've riden.

    The seat clamp is slightly over engineered I think and internal cabling is a complete pain at times.
  • Rudd
    Rudd Posts: 264
    another thing.........if you get one beware that the gap between the front chain ring and frame is very narrow. Not really a problem unless you drop a chain as it can get caught up very tightly betwen the carbon chain stay inside of the ring. You can fit a dog fang as the tubes are too wide. So:

    take care with settign up.

    fit some chain protector stuff ie lizard skin

    If it gets jammed don't be tempted just to pull the chain out - it mightl take a chunck out of the carbon. Instead there should be some flex in the actual chain ring so try and lever the rig out with a multi tool or similar.

    Still a good bike though!

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