BMC Roadmachine AMP One Review

BMC Roadmachine AMP One Review

Only a slight increase in the size of the down tube distinguishes the AMP from the non-assisted bike in terms of geometry.

The 350Wh battery and Mahle X20 motor, however, provide it an impressive range in addition to a comfortable ride.

BMC Roadmachine AMP One motor and spec details

The 160mm disc rotor and SRAM Force 10-36 cassette on either side of the new rear-hub Mahle X20 electric bike motor entirely obscure it. This is because the new motor is so much smaller than the older X35 unit.

In order to give the bike a constantly natural feel, the operating system makes use of innovative AI to enable the bike to auto-adapt to the environment, the user, and their exertion.

The new Mahle bottom bracket measures both cadence and power (watts) when you apply the power. Regardless of which of the three available power modes you are riding in, the programme optimises the power assistance being given.

The 350Wh internal battery has provided plenty of kilometres throughout my testing, greatly increasing the bike's range. It handled temperatures as high as 30 °C in Switzerland and the UK and as low as -3 °C on icy rides in December with ease.

Then, you can use the Mahle phone app to change the motor and map settings, keep an eye on your energy use, and even connect to your heart rate monitor to get power to keep you in the HR zones of your choice.

The app also records the entire route, providing a considerably more thorough analysis of the ride.

The modes are cycled through using a top-tube control device, and the current power mode and battery life are indicated by a strip light that changes colour.

It's easy to use and straightforward, but if you link it to a (Garmin) head unit, you can use your touchscreen to manage the motor assistance and obtain even more precise information about the battery level and projected range.

With a full recharge taking little under four hours, the new Smart charger can provide an 80% charge in under two hours. With a USB port, you may upgrade your own systems at home by downloading firmware updates to a USB stick.

BMC Roadmachine AMP One ride impressions

The low-slung electric motor on the Roadmachine gives the bike balance. I was genuinely startled by how much the 12kg AMP resembled the non-electric BMC Roadmachine.

The fork's significantly more relaxed 63mm trail and the fork's slightly relaxed head angle of 71 degrees contribute to the steering's steadiness and well-balanced handling.

However, this is combined with a sharp 74.2-degree seat angle that places you directly over the cranks for more power and helps propel you forward.

This results in a bike that is easy to climb on and can easily carve steep, winding road descents.

How about the range? Impressive. The Mahle's sophisticated assistance management makes it more dependent on the rider than other electric bikes in terms of range. You can expect a wider range of results the more work you put forward.

Its battery was still slightly over 40% charged when I reached Switzerland after travelling 94 kilometres and ascending 2,029 metres.

In the same warm weather here in the UK, I've covered 157 kilometres and 2,058 metres of ascent. However, it is evident that cold weather affects the range because the AMP only managed a relatively modest 132km with 1,040m of elevation on a day when the average riding temperature was just 3 C.

The construction is precisely what you would anticipate from a bike at this price. The SRAM Force AXS groupset has outstanding braking and precise shifting. It has a lot of feel and is great for maintaining momentum on lengthy descents and scraping just the right amount of speed to strike the correct line at every curve. The contact points are also first-rate.

Along with the excellent carbon seatpost, Fizik saddle, and smooth-riding frame, I appreciated the form of the BMC bar.

A fantastic endurance bike that also happens to be electric results from all of this. Although the Vittoria tyres have attractive tan walls and good grip and roll on dry roads, I wouldn't recommend them as one of the best winter road tyres.

BMC Roadmachine AMP One bottom line

One of my fave e-road rides is the Roadmachine AMP, which has quickly taken over. Although there are other options that are lighter, the AMP isn't all that much heavier than its competitors and it handles its mass extremely well.

The handling is perfectly balanced, the assistance seems well integrated and quite natural, and the ride quality is remarkable.

90% of the time, it feels exactly like a high-end, unassisted endurance bike. For the other 10%, it provides a much-needed boost up the toughest climbs.