About this Review: This review is my honest opinion of the bike, which I purchased with my own money in February of 2020.

My Take

The BMC Timemachine ONE Road Bike is a time trial/tri bike that is for the racer looking for all-out speed, taking both the rider and frame into consideration. BMC developed a race machine that is fast, confident, and smooth. This bike is for the racing enthusiast who is looking to take their performance to the next level and demands the highest level of equipment to excel.

About the bike I own

• Model: 2020 BMC TM01 (The 2022 model allows for rim brakes or disc brakes.)
• Build Kit: Shimano Dura Ace 9150
• Wheel/Tire Size: 650b, 700c/25c
• Frame Size: M/L Long
• Frame Material: Carbon
• Fork Material: Carbon

About me

• Height: 6’1”
• Weight: 135lbs
• Experience: 10 years of cycling, World Ultra Cycling Continental Champion 2021/2022

Test conditions

• When I bought it: February 2020
• Number of rides: Countless miles
• Total Mileage: 10,000 hrs
• Type of road conditions ridden: Dry, wet, gravel, dirt, flat roads, steep climbs, wind. You name it, I’ve raced through it.
• Where I’ve used it: I've ridden it from the streets of downtown L.A. to the hills of Italy.

How it performs

What I was looking for

There were three key features I was looking for when purchasing a new bike. First, adjustability. I needed a bike that is adjustable so that I can dial in my fit. I like to tinker, and being able to make micro adjustments was imperative. Second, responsiveness. Not all bikes are created equal. Some bikes perform better than others, and I wanted a bike that would be responsive under power, corner on rails, and perform under the demands I placed on it. Third, travel friendly. I race all over the world and need a bike that will allow for ease of packing and building that wouldn’t take hours or have me anxious to build or disassemble.

Why I chose this bike

The BMC TM01 is just different. From an adjustability standpoint, the bike allows great front-end adjustment, and takes all different types of aftermarket parts to really dial in the front end. Similarly, there are a variety of options for a TT fit under UCI regulations, and Tri fits. The brake booster concept on this bike allows me to easily take the front end apart without disassembling the whole bike. Within 15 minutes I can build and disassemble the bike, which doesn’t happen with other Tri bikes. At the time, I had considered a Trek Speed Concept and Canyon Speedmax. The BMC offered more fit options and “fit” me better, which ultimately drove my purchase decision.

What I love about it

• Frame /Geometry: The BMC TM01 is a full-carbon frame. One look at the lines on this bike and I knew that aerodynamics were at the forefront of the bike's creation. The position that results from the geometry focuses on power generation, and the layup of the carbon keeps the ride smooth and muted. I enjoy how the power goes right into the wheels and the acceleration is snappy when powering in the saddle. I also enjoy the horizontal dropouts so that I can dial in the fit of my rear wheel for those marginal aerodynamic gains. The only downside to a highly aerodynamic bike is the complexity of the cable routing. This is certainly not an easy bike build and even a challenge for an experienced mechanic. However, once built, the frame will perform well under all conditions.
• Wheels: I purchased this model as a frame and built up the bike with various wheelsets. For training, my go-to set of wheels are the Enve 5.6 tubeless carbon wheelset. The wheels are solid and have served me well in all conditions over all terrain. The alloy enve hubs are almost bombproof, and the aero benefits compliment the handling of the bike.
• Drivetrain: Drivetrains do not last forever, and especially with the miles I have logged on this bike, it is of no surprise that I have replaced several items. As of today, the Dura Ace Di2 has been the perfect compliment to the bike. The junction box for the system hides easily inside the frame for a sleek, cableless setup. I have had no issues with Shimano and easily see myself on a Shimano spec’d bike for my next ride.
• Cockpit: BMC stocks this model with a profile design front end. The versatility is excellent for most riders/racers. Through aero testing, I found that angling my front end would aid in better comfort and performance, which is why I upgraded my cockpit to a Wattshop Anemoi setup.
• Seatpost/Saddle: The seatpost is proprietary to BMC, meaning there is only one option. The seatpost has size measures so I can visually dial in my fit. And, the addition of a rough rear allows for greater grip and low risk of seatpost slip.
• Tires: I am running American Classic Timekeepers on my bike. These tires are an anomaly. They mount exceptionally quickly and offer great performance on a friendly budget. All tires get flats over time, and these are no different. However, they feel great on the road and will last in line next to other high-performing tires.
• Durability: This bike is like a tank. The performance remains regardless of terrain and is snappy under high and low power.
• Adjustability: One of the reasons I selected the BMC is due to the ease of adjustability on the frame. With various options for a TT/Tri set up, the BMC will be a great option for any cyclist looking for a great-fitting bike.
• Weight: Those who are looking for a lightweight bike shouldn’t be looking at a TT bike. Compared to other TT bikes, however, the BMC is toward the lighter end of the spectrum.

Issues I’ve encountered

• Brakes: The brakes are not as strong as what one would find on a disc-equipped road bike. However, this is a TT bike and the brakes are on par with TT bikes of this quality. They will slow me down and stop me.

Favorite moment with this bike

I have so many great memories with this bike. The ability to continue to push myself and reach new heights on this machine is a great memory by itself. However, setting a Continental record of 300 miles in 12 hours, winning the World Ultra Cycling Association’s National Championship, and setting three world records are stand out moments. In all cases, power, speed, aerodynamics, and comfort all came into play. Having a reliable bike that could travel well, handle my training demands, and allow me to perform was a critical aspect of my performance.

Value for the money vs. other options

I keep thinking about how my experience would be if I went with the Trek or Canyon TT bikes. And, I keep coming back to the same decision: I made the right choice with the BMC. The adjustability is unparalleled, and the ride of the bike is a high-performance machine that is a thrill. This model is expensive, but one gets what they pay for. When it comes to all out performance, I wouldn’t sacrifice any aspect and would absolutely make the same choice again.

Final verdict

This bike is SPEED. If one is looking for a bike that will keep pace with them, ride fast, handle well and live up to all demands they place it under, then this is their bike.