BMC BLAST 27 Review
- Price: $799
- Frame: Aluminum
- Tires: 27.5″ Aluminum
- Gear: 1 x 10
What we like about it: It offers a sturdy and durable frame with excellent, reliable components at an affordable price.
What we didn’t like about it: It might be on the expensive side and not suitable for riders on a tight budget or beginners.
Rating: (4.8/5)
The BMC BLAST 27 is a robust and dependable hardtail mountain bike with well-matched components. For beginners, this combination of durability, reliability, and affordability makes it an ideal hardtail mountain bike.
Now, let’s dive into the riding experience, key features, components, and specifications of the BMC BLAST 27. In the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare it to a few other bikes. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, stay tuned.
Riding Experience
The BMC BLAST 27 allows me to explore all types of natural terrains and takes me along various trails. It’s a hardtail mountain bike with powerful off-road performance, and I’m eager to experience its riding capabilities.
To do so, I took the BMC BLAST 27 to the park near my home, which is filled with off-road trails, including long climbs and descents, providing a challenge for riders like me.
Climbing
When I rode the BMC BLAST 27 on uphill climbs, the aluminum frame of this bike delivered exceptional rigidity, resulting in efficient power transfer during uphill pedaling. The bike feels cohesive, and I can maintain a relatively fast pace during uphill climbs.
As the slopes become steeper, pedaling becomes more strenuous. That’s when the Shimano 1×10-speed drivetrain comes into play. By using the largest freewheel, I can instantly make pedaling feel lighter. While my climbing speed might decrease, I conserve more energy.
Finally, the excellent geometry distributes my weight between the front and rear of the bike, allowing my every pedal stroke to effectively translate into climbing power, aided by the 2.2-inch off-road tires’ outstanding grip.
Descending
On downhill trails, the BMC BLAST 27’s Suntour XCM fork provides 100mm of suspension travel, allowing it to absorb more road vibrations. This results in a more stable bike, ensuring balance and a comfortable riding experience during descents.
Additionally, the 27.5-inch wheels combined with Maxxis Ardent Race 27.5×2.20″ knobby tires provide reliable traction on moderately rugged off-road terrain. The 27.5-inch wheels offer agile handling on corners, and the 2.2-inch off-road tires deliver dependable grip, allowing me to navigate trails with ease.
Lastly, the Shimano BR-MT200 hydraulic disc brakes, paired with Shimano RT-30 160mm front and rear rotors, deliver powerful and durable braking performance. Gently squeezing the brake levers allows the calipers to instantly grip the rotors, effortlessly controlling my speed and enhancing safety during descents.
Specifications
The BMC BLAST 27 is available in 5 sizes of aluminum alloy frames, offering a wide range of frame sizes to accommodate riders of varying heights.
The 27.5-inch wheels, paired with Maxxis Ardent Race 27.5×2.20 tires, provide excellent flexibility and grip. These tires excel in off-road riding, contributing to enhanced performance.
The Shimano drivetrain features a 1×10-speed transmission, ensuring smooth and precise shifting with quick and accurate response. Hydraulic disc brakes deliver robust, all-weather stopping power.
The Suntour XCM suspension fork offers 100mm of travel, effectively absorbing vibrations from all types of road surfaces, and enhancing ride stability.
Video
What do we like about it?
- Meticulously smooth welding of the triple-butted and hydroformed aluminum frame represents the pinnacle of aluminum tube shaping, ride quality, and lightweight performance.
- The 27.5-inch wheels offer agile handling suitable for riders of all levels.
- Shimano’s drivetrain provides silky-smooth shifting with precise and responsive gear changes.
- The reinforced seat tube and top tube junction increase the frame’s strength.
- Hydraulic disc brakes remain reliable in all weather conditions, offering all-day stopping power.
- The Suntour XCM 100mm suspension fork absorbs road vibrations for enhanced comfort.
What don’t we like about it?
- External cable routing may not provide the same aesthetics and cleanliness as internal cable routing.
FAQ
- What type of wheels does this bike use?
It features Shimano HB-RM35 / FH-RM35 front and rear wheelsets.
- Is this mountain bike suitable for beginners?
The BMC BLAST 27 offers a sturdy frame, reliable components, and an affordable price, making it suitable for beginners looking for dependable performance.
- How do I choose the right size?
Here we have a sizing chart for you. Of course, it’s not always necessary to follow this standard. The best way to find the perfect size is to take a test ride.
| Rider height | SIZE |
| < 5’5″ | XS |
| 5’3″ – 5’8″ | S |
| 5’6″ – 6’0″ | M |
| 5’10” – 6’4″ | L |
| 6’2″ + | XL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | Blast 27″, – 1 1/8″ Head Tube, – BSA Threaded Bottom Bracket, – 160mm Post Mount, – 9X135mm QRBB Standard: BSA, 73mm, ThreadedColors: Anthracite; Blue |
| Fork | Suntour XCM-LO-DS, 100mm |
| Bottom Bracket | BSA, 73mm, threaded |
| Stem | BMC MSM03 |
| Handlebar | BMC MRB03 700mm |
| Saddle | Velo VL3381 |
| Seatpost | BMC MSP03, 27.2mm |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano Deore 10 spd |
| Crank | Lightweight Forged Alloy Cranks, 32T 1x Specific Narrow Wide chainring, 170mm |
| Shifters | Shimano Deore 10 spd |
| Cassette | Shimano Deore 10-46T 10 spd |
| Chain | Shimano CN-HG54 |
| Brakes | Shimano BR-MT200 / Shimano RT-30 Rotors (160/160) |
Wheels
| Rims | XCD23 |
| Front Hub | Shimano HB-RM35 / FH-RM35 |
| Rear Hub | Shimano HB-RM35 / FH-RM35 |
| Tires | Maxxis Ardent Race 27.5×2.20 |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Travel | Frame Material | Brake Type | Drivetrain |
| Rocky Mountain Fusion 40 | Click View | 100mm front | Aluminum | Shimano MT4100 | 1 × 12 |
| Giant Talon 4 | Click View | 80mm front | Aluminum | TKB-172 | 1 × 8 |
| Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2 | Click View | 100mm front | Aluminum | Tektro MD-M280 | 3 × 7 |
| Specialized Chisel | Click View | 100mm front | Aluminum | SRAM Level T | 1 × 12 |
BMC BLAST 27 vs. Rocky Mountain Fusion 40
They both feature aluminum alloy frames, but the latter has superior components.
Firstly, the latter is equipped with a RockShox Judy suspension, which outperforms the former’s Suntour XCM suspension in terms of vibration damping and rebound. Moving on to the drivetrain, the latter comes with SRAM SX Eagle components, offering more speed and crisp shifting compared to the former’s Shimano Deore components. Regarding the braking system, both bikes utilize Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, but the latter boasts a higher-grade braking system, delivering superior braking performance and overall experience.
In summary, the Rocky Mountain Fusion 40 offers better performance. If your budget allows, it’s a worthwhile choice.
Learn More: Is Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon 70 a Good Choice? -[Rocky Mountain Altitude Carbon 70 Review]
BMC BLAST 27 vs. Giant Talon 4
The former’s suspension offers longer travel, which can absorb more shocks when riding on rough terrains, providing better riding comfort.
Moving on to the drivetrain, the former is equipped with a Shimano Deore 1×10 transmission, which offers more speed options and a greater advantage in climbing compared to the latter’s microSHIFT RD-M619 1×8 transmission. Moreover, I consider Shimano drivetrain components to be more durable in terms of quality.
In the braking department, both feature hydraulic disc brakes for the former and mechanical disc brakes for the latter. The former’s hydraulic disc brakes are more reliable, maintaining strong braking performance even after prolonged use.
In conclusion, although the former is a bit pricier, it does provide a more reliable off-road riding experience compared to the latter.
Learn More: Is Giant Talon 4 Worth Buying? [2022 Giant Talon 4 Review]
BMC BLAST 27 vs. Trek Marlin 4 Gen 2
Both of them feature sturdy aluminum alloy frames and 100mm front fork suspension travel, making them sufficiently reliable for light off-road riding.
Regarding the drivetrain, the former equipped with a 1×10-speed design is better suited for off-road cycling, offering simple gear shifting that helps maintain focus during the ride. Meanwhile, the latter comes with a 3×7-speed configuration, making it more suitable for flat terrain cycling.
In terms of braking components, the former’s Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes outperform the Tektro MD-M280 mechanical disc brakes the latter in terms of braking power and reliability.
In conclusion, with similar pricing, I prefer the BMC BLAST 27 for its superior components.
Learn More: Is Trek Marlin 4 Worth Buying? [Trek Marlin 4 Review]
BMC BLAST 27 vs. Specialized Chisel
While both of these bikes feature aluminum alloy frames, the latter has more advanced components, providing better performance on challenging terrain.
Both of these bikes also come with 100mm of suspension travel. However, the latter, equipped with the RockShox Judy front fork suspension, offers superior shock absorption and an enhanced riding experience.
In the drivetrain department, the former, with Shimano components, provides a smoother and more refined operation. In contrast, the latter, with SRAM components, offers more speed options and crisp gear shifting.
Lastly, in terms of braking components, the latter’s SRAM Level T hydraulic disc brakes provide more aggressive and direct braking. They are more reliable compared to the former’s Shimano MT200 hydraulic disc brakes.
In summary, both of these bikes are reliable hardtail mountain bikes. However, if the budget allows, the Specialized Chisel is a more worthwhile choice.
Learn More: Is the Specialized Chisel Comp worth buying? [Specialized Chisel Comp Reviews]
Summary
Above is my review of the BMC BLAST 27. In our opinion, it’s a reliable hardtail mountain bike. With its reasonable price and suitability for a wide range of riders, we’ve given it a rating of 4.8.
Of course, if you’re interested in other hardtail mountain bikes, we also review many bikes of various price ranges, which can be quite interesting. Feel free to explore our other tests.
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