BMC – For 30 Years a Brand About Innovation and Speed

The cycling brands that have stood the test of time have all had a unique vision when it came to creating bikes. Pinarello, Colnago, Trek, and Cervello are some of those bicycle manufacturers that have continued to earn their Palmares. And the Swiss company BMC is yet another. From its start, the company has focused on innovation and a unique vision to make the fastest bikes.

A Brief History of BMC

Born in Grenchen, Switzerland where the company still makes its headquarters, BMC was started in 1986 when it sold Raleigh-branded bikes. 1996, however, is when BMC’s real story began. A few years later in 2000, Andy Rihs, chairman of the Phonak Cycling Group, took over the company.

The Phonak Cycling Team, in fact, was the first pro team to race on BMC bikes. By 2003, the company forged an international presence and in 2004 entered the Tour de France. In 2005, BMC had its first stage win at the race. That was due to the company’s newly designed bikes the Team Machine TT01 and its Pro Machine SLC01.

BMC Victories Mount On The Road and On The Trails

In addition to launching its Fourstroke innovative MTB bikes, BMC gained more acclaim when Cadel Evans, racing for the BMC Cycling Team, won the Tour de France in 2011. The team would continue with victories as the years went on, but when Andy Rhis passed in 2018, the team was discontinued.

Despite losing its owner, BMC continued to innovate and create new bikes. With its URS bike, the company responded to the growing popularity of gravel riding. In the years that followed, BMC bikes would be ridden to victory in every grand tour and would also gain victories in the mountain biking category.

BMC’s Record of Innovation That Still Continues Today

BMC prides itself on its innovative vision so riders can have the best experience possible. The company has been at the forefront of these innovations and remains a unique presence in the cycling industry.

As gravel riding gained popularity, BMC created its Micro Travel Technology, its Tuned Compliance Concept, and its integrated cockpit system (ICS), which is a carryover from its road bikes. With its mountain bike line, BMC created the automatic drop post and its advanced pivot system.

All these innovations carried over to the company’s other categories of bikes: lifestyle, track, and E-bikes. But it is with BMC’s road bikes where its innovation is still applied the most generously with its integrated cockpit system, its accelerated composites (carbon inlays), and its tuned compliance system.

Last Thoughts

For 30 years, BMC has focused on innovation and speed to make the best bikes available for Tour riders and the everyday cyclist. It continues to be a dynamic player in the cycling industry by staying current with the changes and trends in the world of cycling. That viewpoint will most likely only continue to be the case as the materials and technology improve as BMC carries its vision into the future.