Just one month after unveiling its updated Roadmachine, BMC has gone all-in on gravel with the all-new URS. Designed as an any-road all-rounder with a huge emphasis on versatility including space for huge rubber, a choice of road, MTB or gravel groupsets, micro-suspension and much more, join us as we take you through eight things to know about the all-new all road BMC URS gravel bike.
1. Adventure-Ready
With its all-new URS, standing for UnReStricted, BMC is aiming to give riders the freedom to tackle just about any terrain they’re likely to encounter. From billiard table smooth asphalt, rough country lanes, gravel roads and even mild single track, the URS is said to be well suited to meet the demanding and diverse needs of gravel riders the world over. Add to this integrated mounts for bags, bottle cages and frame protection and the URS should serve as a do-it-all machine for all comers.
2. Gravel Tuned Geometry
Using the proven endurance geometry as used on the Roadmachine as a foundation, BMC has adapted a new geometry category for the URS dubbed Gravel+. This Gravel+ geometry makes use of a slack 70º head angle and a long wheelbase for increased stability with an emphasis on performance riding, on gravel roads. As a result of the long front-end reach has also been increased; ranging from 403mm to 429mm across the size range, putting a rider in a lower position than is typically found on other gravel bikes such as the Giant Revolt.
3. Micro-Suspension Equipped
In addition to a host of other mountain bike inspired components that have found their way onto the URS, micro-suspension at the rear of the bike also debuts. Located at the seat stay bridge, MTT (Micro Travel Technology) is said to provide up to 10mm of travel at the frame. Elastomer micro suspension isn’t brand new to BMC per se, a similar system has been used to great effect on its World-Cup winning hardtail XC (cross-country) mountain bikes in the past. Further up the bike, a D-shaped full-carbon seatpost is also included, which is said to reduce trail buzz and smooth out rough roads for increased comfort.
4. Integrated Features
As is the case on the Teammachine, Timemachine, and Roadmachine road bikes, the URS makes use of an integrated cockpit system dubbed ICS. The ICS set-up is available in a range of sizes, has adjustable reach and stack and integrates the cabling through the stem and down the headtube for a clean set-up. Other integrated features found on the URS include dropper post compatibility, frame protection at the downtube, chainstay, and fork dropouts as well as mounts for top-tube accessories such as bags and additional bottle cages.
5. 1x Specific
In a move that may irk some traditionalists, BMC has opted to make the entire URS range 1x (single chainring) drivetrain specific. The mountain bike industry has been pushing a 1x standard in recent years, and it looks like BMC trend is set to carry over to the world or gravel bikes as well. The drivetrain options on offer across the product line-up primarily make use of a mullet set-up, combining all business road orientated shifters with party-spec wide-range mountain bike derailleurs and cassettes. Set-ups such as this provide the best of both worlds, with enough gear range to scamper up steep gravel punches, yet offer the refined ergonomics that drop bar shifters provide.
6. Fork Versatility
One of the headline features of the URS is its versatile front fork and beefed up tyre compatibility. Thanks to an all-new front fork that is said to provide tyre clearance up to 45mm (47mm with 650b wheels), cleaner mounting for bigger disc brake rotors and integrated cabling for both the front brake and a dynamo hub. Additionally, the URS is said to be compatible with the FOX 32 SC AX gravel bike suspension fork, which offers up an additional 40mm of travel at the front end.
7. Short Stem, Wide Bars
Further blurring the lines between gravel bikes and XC mountain bikes, the URS is equipped with a stubby (by road and gravel standards) stem and wide bars for increased control on rough terrain. A choice of either 55mm or 75mm stem lengths will be offered while Easton AX series handlebars fitted across the range feature a 16º flare, increasing the bar width by 6.8cm compared to a standard drop bar.
8. Pricing and Availability
Three iterations of the BMC URS are slated to hit local shores in just four sizes, Small, Medium, Large, and Extra-Large, with stock expected to land towards the end of 2019. Check with your nearest bike shop for local availability.
Australian models and pricing are as follows;
- BMC URS One: AUD$11,499
Premium carbon frame and fork, SRAM Red/XX1 Eagle AXS eTap 12-speed groupset, DT Swiss GRC1400 wheelset, WTB Resolute 42c tubeless-ready tyres.
- BMC URS Three: AUD$5,499
Premium carbon frame and fork, Shimano GRX600/XT 11-speed groupset, Mavic Allroad disc wheelset, WTB Resolute 42c tubeless-ready tyres.
- BMC URS Four: AUD$4,199
Premium carbon frame and fork, SRAM Apex 1 11-speed groupset, DT Swiss C1850 wheelset, WTB Resolute 42c tubeless-ready tyres.
Looking for more information? Our Gravel Bikes Explained article is loaded with all you need to know.
