New 2015 BMC FOURSTROKE FS02 29 XT BIKE

Smart is snazzy. The BMC Fourstroke FS02 29 XT is flashy for those who believe that thoughtful selections matter more than brute cash. The geometry is the same as the FS01, as is the suspension system. The two bikes even share a main triangle fabricated from carbon-fiber, though the suspension elements are welded, triple-butted aluminum rather than molded carbon-fiber. This means you get a hefty price break on the frame for no change in performance and a little extra weight.  A little more durable, too.And you still get all the great features designed into the FS01. That includes a BB90 bottom bracket, for greater frame strength and less weight, an integrated, adjustable chain catcher to protect the bottom bracket, an integrated chain guide under the right chain stay to keep the chain on no matter what, a replaceable aluminum anti-chainsuck piece, a tapered 1 1/8" to 1 1/2" headset, Natural Born Post Mounts on the left seat stay have replaceable nuts, mounts are designed for 160mm rotors, but can be adjusted to take up to 185mm rotors. The headset tapers from 1 1/8" at the top to 1 1/2" below. There's a 142x12mm thru axle joining the two sides of the rear suspension for great lateral stiffness. Even the cable routing has been thought through. There are mounts for cables and brake hose underneath the down tube while there's a way to internally route a cable for adjusting your seat post.

BWC, Big Wheel Concept, is the first point of thinking. This is BMC re-considering geometry to maximize the benefits of 29ers while minimizing any negatives. The result is an agile climber that is as comfortable picking lines while crawling uphill as it is ripping up an open descent. The keys are lower bottom bracket, longer top tube, shorter head tube, and more relaxed head angle. APS, Advanced Pivot System, is how they isolate the pedaling inputs from the trail-created inputs. The suspension is active whether you're pedaling or coasting. And to tune it perfectly, you just sit on the bike and look down at the swingarm to find the Initial Load Indicator. Machined and painted lines on the arm that allow you to figure out where neutral is, and then tune for firm or soft.

The rear shock is set up to give you 100mm of travel.  It's pretty much the matching Fox shock, the Float CTD E-S, gives you on-the-go adjustment with the same kind of tuning you get in front. The fork is Fox's 32 Float CTD E-S 100mm. The damper adjusts via a knob for three different settings, Climb Trail Descend. It's an easy twist to get the right rebound, and you can change the setting in an instant. 

Shimano XT componentry dominates the bike. The parts work great, are lightweight without being ostentatious. BMC specs a 38/24 double crank and pairs it with a 11-36 ten-speed cassette, which is shifted by an XT Shadow low-profile rear derailleur. XT also takes care of the hydraulic disc braking, with 180mm rotors front and rear.

The wheels are DT Swiss M1700 Spline.  It's an 1855g wheelset built to ride on rocks, roots, and ruts.  The aluminum rim is wide for more air and better float. Rotating weight is minimized with double-butted spokes. Engagement is near instantaneous thanks to the patented ratchet system. They have a thru-axle front, thru-axle rear. The rims are tubeless ready, though they come equipped with Onza Canis TL 2.25 tires, which are a light, fast-rolling all condition tire. They come with tubes installed: get your goo in and go if you want tubeless.

Finishing off the bike are a suite of BMC components. BMC supplies the aluminum flat bars, low-rise short stem, and two-bolt seat post. Fizik's Tundra 2 is what holds your backside in position, with a shape specifically designed for the needs of off-road riders.

The BMC Fourstroke FS02 combines high-tech aspirations with a sense of reality.