Rides: Jason's BMC SLR01
Full gallery of images at bottom
The crown jewel in the BMC road line is the Team Machine SLR01. It would be a tiring exercise to try and name the long list of races won on this frame. Let's just say it has a pro tour winning pedigree. One thing that definitely helps BMC bikes standout from the crowd is that very engineering centric design. It may not be for everyone but you have to appreciate the approach... and it works.
When it was time to look for the big upgrade, Jason, a true BMC fan through and through, had his heart set on the BMC SLRO1 Team Machine. No matter what ideas or options I threw at him, it always came back to the SLRO1. His mind was made up but the problem was still had to find one in his size (a 58cm.)
The Unicorn Build List
- Brand: BMC
- Type: 2014 Team Machine SLR 01
- Final weight: 16lb 11oz
- Frame size: 58
- Fork: BMC
- Headset spacers: BMC
- Seatpost clamp: BMC
- Seatpost: BMC carbon
- Seat: Fabric Cell
- Stem: Pro Vibe UD Carbon
- Bar: Pro Vibe UD Carbon
- Bartape: Lizard Skin DSP 2.5mm Black Camo
- bottle cages and hardware: Arundle Mandible 3k Weave Matte
- Outer Cables: Shimano Ultegra
- Inner Cables: Shimano Ultegra
- Brakes: Ultegra BR-6800
- Front derailleur: Ultegra FD-6870 braze on
- Rear derailleur: Ultegra RD-6870 short cage
- Crankset: Ultegra 6800 HOLLOWTECH II 50x34
- Bottom Bracket: Shimano Press-Fit
- Chain: Shimano HG-X11
- Shifters: Ultegra 6870 Di2 Dual Control
- Cassette: Ultegra CS6800 12-28
- Hubs: Industry Nine i25 Classic
- Spokes: Sapim CX-ray
- Rims: Boyd 44mm carbon clincher
- Tires: Continental GP4000 S2
- Pedals: Shimano Ultegra SPD-SL
- Computer mounts: Garmin
After exhausting every local and domestic option, Jason's search for a complete 2014 BMC Team Machine SLRO1 Ultegra took months. It also left no corner of the globe unchecked. There were regular updates of potentials in Germany, Singapore, and even California. Just as all hope seemed to be lost, the now dubbed and joked about ‘Unicorn’ had been located... But if only it were that easy.
In true Team Safety Third (trademark pending) style, the actual obtaining of the bike would involve antics. We were going to go on an international road trip to pick it up. On a cold winter day, Jason, our friend Monty, and myself packed ourselves and our bikes into a truck then departed for Buffalo, New York. We were headed to pick up the bike at a local dealer where Jason had arranged the purchase, assembly, and pickup.
Even though it was middle of February, we were ‘obligated’ to take the unicorn for a maiden voyage through downtown Buffalo. If you’ve ever been, you will appreciate the picture I just painted. Satisfied all was in order, we packed up the bikes and headed to the Anchor bar for a #fatkidbikeclub order of Buffalo Wings. Before we left, I bet Monty that he wouldn’t wear a giant stuffed chicken wing on his head while we crossed back over the border. If you’ve never tried to get a border guard to laugh while you explain a 3 hour border crossing and a trunk full of carbon dream bikes….. don’t.
With an updated fit courtesy of Heath from The 11, Jason has been riding and building out his BMC SLR01 over the past two years. Recently he added a set of custom built BOYD wheels from Urbane Cyclist Worker Co-op. When I met up Jason for an early morning hills ride last week I knew it was time to get for a write up. The unicorn has securely and confidently claimed its place among the super bikes.
An engineering first design to the chain and seat stays on the BMC SLR01 Team Machine
Function and comfort. The Fabric Cell Saddle chosen for Jason's BMC SLR01 Team Machine
Lizard Skin black camo bar tap on the Pro Vibe UD Carbon bar and stem of Jason's BMC SLR01 Team Machine
Full view of Jason's BMC SLR01 Team Machine
The distinctive seatpost junction on the BMC SLR01 Team Machine
An all Ultegra 6800 drive train on Jason BMC SLR01 Team Machine
A utilitarian masterpiece. The DT Swiss skewers lock the custom Boyd Wheels in place on Jason's BMC SLR01 Team Machine
