A lightweight build for a client attempting their next Everesting, this BMC Teammachine FRS delivers spectacular results without breaking the bank. The end result, a gorgeous bike that tips the scales at just over 16 pounds with pedals, cages, 30mm tires, and good ol’ fashioned butyl tubes.
Frame
To be clear, this is not the $5,300 SLR01 frameset from BMC, rather it’s the standard SLR that retails for $2,200 with a matching fork and seatpost. That’s a great price for BMC quality. And because the standard SLR frame doesn’t use a proprietary front end, our customer was able to repurpose an existing Black Inc. one piece bar & stem to save a few dollars on the build.
Drivetrain
With holographic decals that match, this frame was destined to run the new SRAM Force AXS components. The 1x setup shaves weight, and the 40t front matched with a 10-36 cassette provides plenty of range for training and everyday riding. Rather than opting for an XPLR setup and larger cassette from SRAM, we’ll simply swap to a 38t chainring for the Everesting event. This should provide extra relief for tired legs, without the ungainly visual of a massive cassette.
Wheels
The wheels on this bike are the star of the show, and one of the biggest ways we saved weight. These are 24 hole Light Bicycle AR25 rims, laced to Industry Nine hubs with Sapim Laser spokes. The 1109g weight is astonishingly light, and these hand-built wheels retail for more than $1,000 less than a comparable set from ENVE or Zipp.
We could have shaved another 40g going with a straight pull DT240, or something of that nature, but ultimately decided the style and durability of Industry Nine hubs were too good to pass up.
And yes, the AR25 is technically a gravel rim with a max psi of 70. We’ve done the math, and visited the SILCA tire pressure calculator to confirm that a pressure in the high 50’s with 30mm tires will work just fine for this rider’s weight. What’s more, the hybrid hook design allows for the use of either a tubed or tubeless setup.
MISC
An alloy railed Pro Stealth Evo saddle is a solid choice, and perhaps our best selling saddle in the shop. Ultegra pedals stay true to the build, and Pirelli P-Zero 4 Season tires are a quality option. Slap on a pair of Arundel cages, and you’ve got an extremely nice bike, that leaves room in the budget for groceries.
We could weight-weenie this bike down to the low fifteens, but these are all components that will provide years a durable service. This is a bike that will be ridden, and not looked at, after all.
Have a build in mind? Come see us. These are the things we love to do.