BMC Team Machine SLR 1 v Canyon Ultimate CF SLX

vortice

I'm interested in both of these bikes.

I don't suppose anyone has ridden both of these? I'm interested to hear thoughts on anyone who has ridden either, especially with respect to climbing.

Cheers,

John

robbo2011

I am biased, but I am very happy with my SLR01, it's a great climbing bike and descends very well indeed. It's also comfortable on long runs. I did 173 km with 5284 m of climbing on Saturday and was still in one piece at the end, even after tackling the cobbles of the old Gotthard pass road.

You also might be able to get some good deals on the old model as they have just launched the new version. Mind you, the new version is meant to be superb, so you might just get that!

vortice

I have to say its the reports of the new one that's got me interested! I read that the riding position is quite upright and not too aggressive. Is that your opinion?

mwoolly08

Hey, I own both bikes and would recommend both of them. I have them spec'd a little differently which might have a little to do with however I rate them. My BMC is a 57, and I find it has a significantly longer reach than my Canyon. I'm 6'2 and feel that this bike is almost too long. It does however lead to a very aggressive position, which is perfect on the flats or when im in the drops but feel a little stretched out on climbs (even with a short stem). I feel like the Canyon is a more compact bike (size large), meaning im a little more upright on the flats but more comfortable on the climbs.

The Canyon is about a pound lighter as I have them spec'd but have never noticed the weight on a climb. The Canyon feels a touch more responsive on descents (almost negligible) and a little stiffer on the front end. Finally I would say the BMC has a little better power transfer and feels a little smoother when laying the hammer down.

If I had to choose I would personally go with the Canyon as its geometry seems more intune with my dimensions and they are much rarer on this side of the pond (oh the vanity)

vortice

mwoolly08 wrote:

Hey, I own both bikes and would recommend both of them. I have them spec'd a little differently which might have a little to do with however I rate them. My BMC is a 57, and I find it has a significantly longer reach than my Canyon. I'm 6'2 and feel that this bike is almost too long. It does however lead to a very aggressive position, which is perfect on the flats or when im in the drops but feel a little stretched out on climbs (even with a short stem). I feel like the Canyon is a more compact bike (size large), meaning im a little more upright on the flats but more comfortable on the climbs.

The Canyon is about a pound lighter as I have them spec'd but have never noticed the weight on a climb. The Canyon feels a touch more responsive on descents (almost negligible) and a little stiffer on the front end. Finally I would say the BMC has a little better power transfer and feels a little smoother when laying the hammer down.

If I had to choose I would personally go with the Canyon as its geometry seems more intune with my dimensions and they are much rarer on this side of the pond (oh the vanity)

Thanks for a very considered reply - I feel envious of you having both bikes! The Canyon has been the one I have been looking at but my head was turned recently by the BMC. I think the Canyon will serve me better.

Cheers,

John

robbo2011

Don't forget that the new SLR is lighter than the old model and the reach is really up to what size frame you have and how the bike is fitted. Also we are giving opinions on the old model so the new one could be quite different.

In the UK, the BMC will be very exclusive and (IMO) has a better brand image than Canyon if that's important to you.

You really need to go and see them for yourself, rather than relying on opinions on the Internet.

adamfo

robbo2011 wrote:

In the UK, the BMC will be very exclusive and (IMO) has a better brand image than Canyon if that's important to you.

BMC exclusive ? They are sold in the UK by mass marketer Evans Cycles.

charlie_potatoes

adamfo wrote:

robbo2011 wrote:

In the UK, the BMC will be very exclusive and (IMO) has a better brand image than Canyon if that's important to you.

BMC exclusive ? They are sold in the UK by mass marketer Evans Cycles.

So right up there with Pinnacle then? 8)

robbo2011

So how many SLR01's have you seen on the road in the UK?

Maybe I should have used the word rare instead of exclusive.

adamfo

robbo2011 wrote:

So how many SLR01's have you seen on the road in the UK?

Maybe I should have used the word rare instead of exclusive.

In the UK at least, it's rare to see either a carbon BMC or Canyon on the road although my local Evans does have a nice one of these on display
http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bmc ... e-ec043707

Your original post was about brand image. Evans are still trying to sell new old stock BMCs (admittedly mostly mountain bikes) at discounts of up to 50%. In general this is something exclusive or prestige brands try to avoid. A disorderly market undermines a brands carefully cultivated image therefore supply and discounting are normally carefully controlled.

http://www.evanscycles.com/products/bmc ... t-ec024684

robbo2011

Yes, Evans probably does not do BMC any favours. Very different over here.

But as I was talking about the brand image, the brand image of Canyon in my opinion isn't that great. It doesn't give the feeling of a quality company to me. I mean I never think 'wow, a Canyon!' That's only my subjective opinion and I am sure others will completely disagree. There is no right or wrong answer really.

poppit

You'll probably find that those with a BMC will say buy a BMC and those with a Canyon will say buy a Canyon. The guy who has posted on here who has both probably has a more objective opinion.