BESANÇON, France (BRAIN) — BMC and Look have each used the Tour de France to introduce new road bikes. Both offer increased integration, improved aerodynamics and accommodation for electric drivetrains.
BMC's time machine TMR01 is the road bike version of the company's time machine TM01 time trial/triathlon bike introduced last year, and which Cadel Evans used to win last year's Tour de France. The TMR01 is UCI-certified for road use and features a "truncated" aero cross section on its tubes, a variation of the Kamm tail designs used by Trek, Scott and others. The cross section optimizes aerodynamics and stiffness within the UCI's regulations governing how flat a bike part can be.
The TMR01 also features a direct-mount rear brake under the chainstays; the front brake also is integrated with the fork.
The company did not release information on availability or price.
Look's new 675 continues the company's move toward integration. Most notably, it integrates the stem into the frame design. The short head tube tapers from 1 1/2-inch at the bottom to 1 1/8-inch at the top. The design is said to optimize stiffness; the stem design allows height adjustment without spacers.
The 675 has "a fairly high head tube to favor comfortable positions." The fork and the rear triangle are optimized for comfort and lateral rigidity.
Like BMC's new frame, the 675 has modular cable/wire stops that work with Campagnolo or Shimano electric groups or mechanical groups. Look has a patent pending on its removable cable stops. Look did not release information on availability or pricing.
