BMC has launched its new Twostroke 29er hardtail, a bike which offers contemporary XC racing geometry at a spread of competitive price points.
The Swiss bike brand has configured the Twostroke range with a portfolio of both carbon and aluminium options, all featuring the latest XC race focussed geometry.
Both the composite and aluminium Twostroke’s have similar core geometry values and reflect BMC’s awareness of contemporary design trends and XC rider expectations.
The Twostroke frame is relatively slack and long, with a 67° head angle balanced by a 75° seat angle. These geometries place the rider in a confident position when descending technical terrain, but also provides a strong pedalling position when climbing.
Reach is the crucial measurement for steering accuracy and stability at speed and here BMC’s designers have given the new Twostroke a generous 465mm worth, in a size L frame.
Light to ride and handle
For those XC riders who demand agility on tight forest singletrack, the Twostroke’s 44mm offset 100mm fork and tight 425mm chainstays create a credibly responsive axle-to-axle relationship between front-wheel steering and rear-wheel power inputs.
Although steering agility is a benefit of running the 44mm offset fork standard, there is a risk of crown to downtube impact damage, if the event of an acute angle crash. BMC has cleverly integrated a fork stopper on the downtube, which also acts as an entry port for the fully guided internal cable routing.
In an attempt to deliver superior ride comfort on all off-road terrain tyres, the Twostroke has a D-shaped seatpost which is 27.2mm in diameter and stealth dropper post compatible with a special shim.
For most XC hardtail riders weight is a crucial consideration and the premium specification Twostrokes manage to dip 10kg. BMC’s range-topping Twostroke One is 9.52kg, whilst the Two weighs 9.9kg. The Three and Four versions are both 11.67kg.
If the value offering of aluminium appeals, the metal Twostroke One has a mass rating of 13.06kg and the Two is 13.16kg.
Build and price specification see the Twostroke One retail at $4299, with a RockShox Sid Select fork, DT Swiss XR1700 wheels and X01 Eagle blended drivetrain. The Two prices at $3299 and features a Reba RL fork, DT Swiss X1900 wheels and GX Eagle drivetrain.
At $2699 the Twostroke Three offers a Recon RL fork, Alex rims and mix GX Eagle drivetrain, whilst the Four option is specced with Shimano’s Deore 1x12 system and Rockshox Judy Silver fork. Similar wheel and fork specifications transfer to the aluminium Twostrokes, which price at $1599 for an NX drivetrain and $1199 if you choose Deore.
All of these Twostroke hardtails have a 110kg rider weight limit and should clear a 2.3” tyre in the rear, as BMC’s tyre frame tolerance value calculates to 58mm at the back.
