NTT’s BMC Teammachine SLR Bike Check

In July, before the pro racing season even resumed, NTT Pro Cycling riders received a performance gift from BMC in the form of a new Teammachine SLR road bike. The new design reduced weight, improved aerodynamics, increased stiffness, and even allowed them to run fatter rubber.

With the weight reduction in the frameset, in addition to a few gram-saving product updates from equipment partners, the new Teammachine SLR falls right at the UCI’s minimum weight limit (14.9 pounds) in the team build. As some World Tour teams are having to resort to unorthodox measures in search of weight savings, such as changes to frame paint and the use of rim brakes, the new SLR allows NTT riders to enjoy all the modern technological advancements while still achieving the minimum weight limit. Riders will still have the option of the aero-optimized Timemachine Road for flat stages, allowing them to select the ideal bike to match the route profile.

In addition to the new bike, team riders have more options than ever in wheel choice now that tubeless has been added to the line-up. Traditionally, tubulars have been the go-to for everything with the exception of time trials. However, after the February cobbles test camp, where Edvald Boasson Hagen asked the question, “Why aren’t we using tubeless all the time?”, the riders have had that option at their disposal. Giacomo Nizzolo is one of the riders that has jumped on the benefits of tubeless and the reduction in rolling resistance it delivers compared to tubulars. Leading up to the Tour, he’s ridden his SES 5.6 Disc tubeless wheels to victories in both the Italian National Championships and European Championships.

Frameset – BMC Teammachine SLR
Wheels – Choice of SES 3.4 Disc, 5.6 Disc, 7.8 Disc, 4.5 AR, 3.4 AR
Tires – Vittoria
Crankset – Rotor 2InPower
Pedals – Shimano Dura-Ace
Drivetrain – Shimano Di2 Dura-Ace Hydro
Handlebar/Stem – BMC Integrated
Brakes – Shimano Dura-Ace Hydro Disc
Saddle – Selle Italia