FIRST LOOK: BMC teamelite 02 XT
BMC are a Swiss brand synonymous with precision manufacturing. Their teamelite hardtail and fourstroke have been piloted to impressive victories around the globe.
We've been giving the BMC teameilte TE 02 XT a bit of a work out over the past few weeks, ready to write up a full test in Issue 157 of Australian Mountain Bike magazine. The TE 02 sits below the range topping TE 01, which has micro elastomers in the frame to build in some suspension, making that bike a soft tail.
The teamelite 02 is a full carbon version of the same frame, but with the same advanced geometry… even if the frame has been around for a three years. If you're lookingg into a new cross-country focused hardtail, chances are you have a bit of a tick list for geometry and features.
A long reach – yep, the teamelite has that.
A short head tube, for an aggressive position – yes, it has that too.
Short chainstays for responsive acceleration – got them, how does 429mm sound?
Full Di2 compatibility – yes, neat internal routing can take Di2, 1x or 2x.
Modern handling – of course. A 70 degree head angle with 51mm offset fork and 70mm stem keeps things sharp but stable.
Dropper compatibility – yes, that too.
Boost spacing – Ok no, not for the frame. But the 429mm stays are shorter than many Boost-ed hardtails.
Side-Swing front derailleur routing – yes, all set
Twin bottle mounts – of course, perfect for training, and for marathon races
With a full Shimano SLX/XT 2×11 group set, the BMC isn't skipping a beat. Running this bike 1×11 would be a cinch, with the ability to run a chain guide of the front derailleur mount. But as it is, I'm loving the close ranges of the 2×11 group.
Suspension is taken care of by the Fox 32 SC Performance fork – and so far the differences in feel to the Factory model tested in our current issue are minimal.
The frame itself is really smartly designed. Beyond the geometry, the internal routing, and the Side-swing mecha compatilibity, the 142×12 through axle sits into the frame really neatly, and the stays are shaped well for rotor and chain clearance, and mud clearance behind the bottom bracket.
It's stiff under power and reasonably forgiving for a hardtail. We tested a BMC fourstroke last year, and much of the bike is the same – in terms of quality of the finish, and attention to detail.
The teamelite 02 XT sells for $4999, and is available via BMC Australia. Our full review will be in next issue, out on October 27th.
