A Race Bike With An Impressive Pedigree

How can you go wrong with race bike of choice for the current World Champion Cadel Evans? Well, at Bicycle.net we believe that with the BMC Pro Machine SLC01 you can’t go wrong, but only all right.

The Pro Machine SLC01 is the world’s first frame to be entirely constructed using the exclusive Easton CNT nanotechnology. The CNT nanotechnology delivers greater strength and reliability compared to comparable frames of the same weight. It is made in a true one-piece carbon construction, unlike other carbon frames which are constructed using tubes that are mitered, and then wrapped where they join with a reinforcing carbon layer.

BMC Pro Machine SLC01

The iSC carbon frame is made exclusively of unidirectional carbon and manufactured with the CNT nanotechnology which gives it skeleton structure design incredible stiffness and responsiveness. The skeleton design also helps to distribute the force better. It also has the iSC seatpost fitting system. It has internal shifter and brake cable routing, as well as all carbon dropouts. The fork is made by Easton and is a EC90 SL-X CNT, 1-18”.

BMC Pro Machine SLC01

BMC Pro Machine SLC01 Spider Frame Design

BMC Pro Machine SLC01 Carbon Dropouts

The Pro Machine that was dropped off at Bicycle.net is a true work of art. The paint design and quality is truly stunning, and is one of the best looking racing machines you can buy. Below is the component mix our bike had:

• SRAM Red – shifters, crank, brakes, derailuers front and rear, cassette, chain, and bottom bracket.
• 3T – handlebars, stem, and seatpost
• Fulcrum Racing 1 Wheels
• Selle Italia Flite Team Edition

So what did we think of the Pro Machine SLC01? In three words – “We Loved It”. This bike lives up to all the hype. No wonder Evans, Hincapie, Ballan, and the whole BMC Team raved about the BMC bikes when we asked them in their winter training camp in Los Angeles, CA.

JT Testing The BMC Pro Machine SLC01 On Some Phony Cobblestones

This bike performs in all areas. We found it fast, stiff, and super responsive, but not so jarring that after our Sunday long ride we felt like we had just finished the Tour of Flanders. I have to say that this bike really shines in the hills. It climbed with ease, with fantastic power transfer. From the time the road started to point upwards the bike just felt right. It felt comfortable and familiar. It descended as if it were on rails, and gave us a feeling of extreme confidence. We were able to dive deep into the corners and come out sprinting into the next corner. Truly brilliant control going in and out of the twistys.

With almost 1000 miles on the Pro Machine SLC01 we found it to be rock solid, with no problems. The only complaint would be the seat. We know this is a purely personal preference, but it just did not feel comfortable. When we put our own saddle on our rear ends were happy.

Channeling Paris-Roubaix

To conclude, we feel this is a bike well worth putting on your must check out list. There was not one group ride that we took on this bike that another rider didn’t ask to get a better look, or just to say “Nice Bike, Wish I Could Get One.” With a complete bike just over 15 pounds and a price tag between $4,000.00 to $5,300.00 (US) it is still very affordable for a high end race bike.

Bicycle.net rates the BMC Pro Machine SLC01

4.5 out of 5.0 Chainrings

2010 BMC Pro Machine SLC 01 Geometry
Size / Seat Tube(c-c) / Seat Tube(c-t) / Top Tube / Seat Angle / Head Tube Length / Setback / Head Angle
47 45.8 50.5 52.0 74.5 12.0 13.5 71.5
49 46.3 51.1 53.0 74.5 12.5 13.6 71.8
51 48.1 52.8 54.0 73.5 13.9 15.0 72.0
53 49.8 54.8 55.0 73.5 15.7 16.0 72.5
55 51.8 55.8 56.0 73.3 16.7 16.0 73.0
57 55.0 58.0 57.5 73.0 18.7 17.0 73.0
59 57.1 59.7 58.5 73.0 20.4 17.5 73.0
61 58.9 61.6 59.0 73.0 22.5 18.0 73.0