BMC Granfondo GF01 Review

It's been designed for comfort and stability. The supersized down tube, chainstays and tapered head tube set the scene, then there's the long head tube and a slacker head angle (176mm and 72° respectively for a 56 frame) giving it a reasonably upright, stable position.

Add in BMCs 'Angle Compliance' features throughout the full-carbon frame and fork. These are effectively kinks along a tube's length which absorb the impact from direct hits - acting as a mini suspension and combined with 28mm tyres as standard, equal a very comfortable ride.

The seemingly random pro-hobby-cyclist cocktail actually works. It soaks up road defects and is predictably stable, thanks to those fat tyres, great for all-day adventures or those just wanting a ‘steady as she goes' ride. But find a pavé-clad road, turn on the gas and suddenly that compliance becomes traction, helping you stay put and allowing continuous forward momentum.

It smooths the otherwise body-battering road surfaces, it certainly kept us fresher and more planted on the few iconic Belgian bergs we rode on it. Equipped with Ultegra Di2 and an on-board chain catcher, also crosses both camps nicely - helping to keep mechanical attention minimal.