racemaster SLX01 Road Racing Bike

red dot: best of the best
red dot award: product design 2009

Of myths and peaks
They are the source of myths and pave the way for many innovations. Bicycle races such as the “Race Across the Alps” (RATA) which every year takes place across the high mountains in Austria, Italy and Switzerland, demand peak sporting performance by the participants and the material. The sport of cycling is marked by continuously rising requirements, turning these races into exigent real-life test benches – and it is a constant challenge to put into practice new insights so that they appeal to the target group and define new trends. The design of the racemaster SLX01 combines an innovative frame structure and a well-balanced geometry with a highly stringent language of form. The frame concept is based on a discreet combination of materials: the rigidity is carried along the uniquely profiled aluminium tubes emanating from the bottom bracket, while the top tube and seat stays of the frame act like an arch of unidirectional carbon. Though extremely stiff, the blend provides an absorbent ride while offering excellent handling. The chemically bonded juncture was succinctly designed while paying attention to the load-bearing challenges. A uniform flow of the frame profile provides the design language for materials employed. For the first time, both seat tube and fork have been integrated into the frame system. With this product BMC makes a statement against the use of low-quality carbon, clearly distinguishing itself from other bicycle manufacturers. Due to an innovative blend of materials and a design with a clear and succinct language of form thus emerged a racing bike that also manages to emotionally address its user.