BMC URS 01 ONE Review
- Price: $10,999
- Frame: Carbon
- Tires: 700c Carbon
- Gear: 1 × 12 Electronic
What We Like About It: The BMC URS 01 ONE is a lightweight, high-integration gravel bike with flawless, stylish looks, offering all the performance needed for gravel riding enthusiasts.
What we don’t like about it: It comes with a high price tag, making it less accessible to some riders.
Rating: (4.9/5)
The BMC URS 01 ONE boasts a premium carbon fiber frame with ICS and MTT technology, Gravel+ geometry, and ample tire clearance, delivering an epic level of practicality. It conquers all gravel road riding challenges with ease.
Now, let’s dive into our analysis of the BMC URS 01 ONE, covering the riding experience, key features, components, specifications, and other versions. In the latter part of this article, we’ll also compare it with several other bicycles. If you’re interested in more bike reviews, be sure to follow us.
Riding Experience
The BMC URS 01 ONE is an ultralight gravel bike fitted with top-tier components, providing one of the best gravel riding experiences for riders.
To put it to the test, I packed up the BMC URS 01 ONE and headed to the gravel bike course at Barry-Roubaix. The terrain there is filled with sand and features rolling hills and long descents. So, I promptly made a hotel reservation through IHG to stay nearby and set out.
Climbing
The BMC URS 01 ONE is undeniably lightweight, with a carbon fiber frame offering robust rigidity. I could feel the overall cohesiveness of this bike as I climbed, with every pedal stroke feeling efficient and without any sense of energy wastage. Consequently, this allowed me to maintain a faster climbing speed.
After a decent distance of climbing, the gradient steepened. Each pedal stroke became more laborious, but thanks to the SRAM 1×12-speed drivetrain, I had a wide range of gear options. Using the largest cogs, my pedaling felt lighter, allowing me to ascend steep gradients with less effort.
The geometry of the BMC URS 01 ONE also proved excellent, helping me maintain a stable center of gravity while climbing. Coupled with high-quality WTB Raddler 40mm tires, I had ample traction, resulting in more efficient power transfer during the climb.
In summary, the climbing performance of the BMC URS 01 ONE is robust, with each pedal stroke translating into a faster ascent.
Descending
For me, the BMC URS 01 ONE offered a comfortable descent on gravel roads. The carbon fiber frame and fork, along with the suspension, absorbed road vibrations, ensuring a smooth ride.
The 700x40C large-diameter wheelset provided impressive passability and stability on downhill stretches, effortlessly handling minor surface irregularities. Furthermore, the high-quality tires significantly reduced the risk of punctures.
As I reached higher speeds, I applied the brake levers, and the SRAM RED eTap AXS HRD hydraulic brakes, with 180mm front and 160mm rear brake rotors, delivered top-tier braking performance, allowing me to quickly control my speed. Even with continuous braking, the brakes did not experience any fading due to overheating. This provided reliable, all-weather braking.
Finally, the excellent geometry of the BMC URS 01 ONE made for agile handling on gravel paths, while the grippy tire tread enabled me to navigate these trails with ease and flexibility.
Specifications
The BMC URS 01 ONE employs BMC’s lightest carbon fiber frame and fork with a certain degree of compliance to absorb road vibrations, providing enhanced riding comfort.
Furthermore, this bike is available in four frame sizes, catering to riders with heights ranging from 5’6″ to 6’6″. This wide height range suitability ensures that the majority of riders can find an appropriate fit.
The integrated internal cable routing design offers a cleaner appearance and makes routine cleaning more convenient. The design of the quiet chainstay ensures a quieter riding experience.
Featuring SRAM Red eTap AXS Eagle drivetrain and brake components, the bike delivers rapid and precise shifting with highly efficient power transmission. The top-tier hydraulic disc brakes provide all-weather braking performance.
Video
Other Versions
The BMC URS 01 ONE features a lightweight carbon fiber frame with excellent geometry, making it suitable for off-road, non-paved surface riding. However, this bike comes with a significantly high price tag and may not be the best choice for beginners or budget-conscious riders.
To address this, we offer an alternative version of this gravel bike. It comes at a more affordable price point while still providing reliable and durable components, making it suitable for beginners and riders on a tighter budget.
BMC URS TWO
The BMC URS TWO also boasts a carbon fiber frame and fork, making the entire bike lighter and enhancing its strength. The bike offers a more direct power transfer feel during riding.
Additionally, it features the SRAM APEX 1 drivetrain with a 1×11-speed configuration, providing ample gear options for tackling various gradients during climbs. The hydraulic disc brakes ensure powerful and reliable braking performance in all weather conditions.
Most importantly, this bike is priced to accommodate a broader range of riders. It’s an ideal choice for budget-conscious riders and beginners interested in gravel riding.
What do we like about it?
- Integrated internal cable routing design for a cleaner appearance and reduced aerodynamic drag.
- The SRAM Red eTap AXS Eagle Drivetrain performs exceptionally well, offering efficient power transfer and precise, rapid shifting.
- Optimized for modern and aggressive gravel riding styles, providing enhanced stability.
- A lightweight and minimalist suspension system increases suspension travel, delivering a more comfortable and seamless ride on challenging terrains.
- Hydraulic disc brakes offer reliable braking performance in all weather conditions.
- Thru-axle wheel attachment ensures stable and secure riding.
What don’t we like about it?
- High price, which may limit access for some riders.
FAQ
- How are BMC bikes generally regarded?
BMC mountain bikes are typically considered high-value, high-quality bikes. If you’re looking for a top-tier bike, BMC is certainly a brand worth considering. However, if you’re on a tight budget, there may be other brands that are more suitable.
- What is the maximum weight limit for this bike?
The maximum weight limit is 120kg.
- 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 |
| <5’8″ | S |
| 5’6″ – 5’11” | M |
| 5’10” – 6’3″ | L |
| 6’1″ – 6’6″ | XL |
Specs
Build
| Frame | URS 01 Premium Carbon with Micro Travel Technology Tuned Compliance Concept Gravel, Gravel+ Geometry, ICS Technology Stealth Cable Routing, Fender and Rack Mounts, PF86 Bottom Bracket, Flat Mount Disc, 12x142mm Thru-AxleBB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press FitTire Clearance: 42c |
| Fork | ICS MTT x Redshift Suspension Stem |
| Rear Shock | Micro Travel Technology Stays |
| Bottom Bracket | BB86/BB92, press-fit |
| Stem | ICS MTT x Redshift Suspension Stem – Integrated Cockpit Design |
| Handlebar | Easton EC70 AX |
| Saddle | WTB SL8 Titanium Medium |
| Seatpost | URS 01 Premium Carbon D-Shaped Seatpost, 0mm Offset |
Groupset
| Rear Derailleur | SRAM XX1 EAGLE AXS |
| Crank | SRAM RED 1 AXS 38T |
| Shifters | SRAM RED eTap AXS HRD |
| Cassette | SRAM XG 1295 EAGLE 10-52T |
| Chain | SRAM X01 Eagle |
| Brakes | SRAM RED eTap AXS HRD | SRAM Centerline X Rotors 180 / 160mm |
Wheels
| Rims | Zipp 101 XPLR Carbon Tubeless |
| Front Hub | Zipp |
| Rear Hub | Zipp |
| Tires | WTB Raddler – 40mm |
Comparison Table
| Bikes | Click view | Wheelset | Frame Material | Brake Type | Drivetrain |
| Cervelo Aspero-5 Red XPLR eTap AXS 1 | Click View | 700c Carbon | Carbon | SRAM Red HRD | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Trek Checkpoint SLR 9 AXS | Click View | 700c Carbon | Carbon | SRAM Red | 1 × 12 Electronic |
| Specialized S-Works Diverge STR | Click View | 700c Carbon | Carbon | SRAM Red | 1 × 12 Electronic |
BMC URS 01 ONE vs. Cervelo Aspero-5 Red XPLR eTap AXS 1
These are both top-tier gravel bikes. They feature high-end carbon fiber frames that make the entire bike lightweight and dependable in terms of strength.
In terms of drivetrain components, both of them use SRAM’s top-tier electronic versions, ensuring efficient power transmission and precise, crisp shifting. Additionally, electronic components are easier to fine-tune.
Both of these bikes use SRAM Red hydraulic disc brakes, which are lightweight, deliver powerful and reliable braking performance, and can handle all kinds of weather conditions.
Therefore, these two gravel bikes are both reliable and high-quality choices, offering riders the ultimate riding experience.
Learn More: Is Cervelo Aspero-5 Campagnolo Ekar Worth Buying? [2022 Cervelo Aspero-5 Campagnolo Ekar Review]
BMC URS 01 ONE vs. Trek Checkpoint SLR 9 AXS
Both of these bikes feature high-quality and lightweight carbon fiber frames and forks, making them some of the best gravel bikes available.
In terms of drivetrain and braking components, they both utilize SRAM’s top-tier electronic shifting and hydraulic disc brakes. This results in excellent power transmission efficiency and precise shifting. The hydraulic disc brakes provide powerful and reliable braking performance, capable of performing well in various challenging conditions.
Finally, the first bike has partial rear suspension travel, which enhances comfort when riding on rough gravel roads.
Learn More: Is Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 A Good Bike? [Trek Checkpoint ALR 5 Review]
BMC URS 01 ONE vs. Specialized S-Works Diverge STR
These are both top-tier gravel bikes. Firstly, they feature lightweight and robust carbon fiber frames. However, the latter has both front and rear suspension travel, which offers a more comfortable ride on bumpy sections compared to the former, which only has rear suspension.
Furthermore, when it comes to drivetrain and braking components, these two gravel bikes share the same top-notch features. They are equipped with SRAM’s premium electronic drivetrain and hydraulic braking components, ensuring that both bikes can deliver top-notch performance.
So, if your budget allows, the Specialized S-Works Diverge STR would be a great choice. It provides enhanced stability when riding on gravel surfaces.
Learn More: Is Specialized S-Works Diverge a Good Choice? – [Specialized S-Works Diverge Review]
Summary
Above is my review of the BMC URS 01 ONE. In our opinion, it’s a top-tier gravel bike that offers a lightweight and fast riding experience, which is why we have given it a rating of 4.9.
Of course, if you want to explore other gravel bikes, we also review a wide range of bikes with various price points and interesting features. Feel free to check out our other reviews.
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