BMC has launched its updated URS gravel bike, with a greater focus on adventure riding compared to the previous generation.
I was invited to the Swiss Jura region to try out the new platform in practice and to subject the new models to an initial test.
The URS is divided into four versions: the rigid standard URS, the top model URS 01, the URS 01 LT and the e-bike URS AMP LT.
To give a little insight into the capabilities of the new bikes (before the full reviews), here are my impressions of the three options I tried.
I found the URS platform to be incredibly capable on the rougher terrain it was designed for, but I’m not sure BMC hasn’t unnecessarily complicated the range for the typical gravel adventurer.
Highlights of BMC URS
- Mountain bike inspired geometry
- Four URS platforms
- Smooth MicroTravel technology (MTT) in URS 01, URS 01 LT and URS AMP LT
- The MTT stem features RedShift ShockStop suspension technology
- MTT seat stay design refined with re-aligned compression cylinders
- The MTT fork offers 20 mm travel, but cannot be combined with the stem
- The cheapest price for URS Three is $3,799/€3,799
- The top model URS 01 One costs 11,999 $ / 11,999 €
The BMC URS series – is it too complicated?
No matter which BMC-URS you are looking at, it is difficult to tell them apart at first glance.
The geometry of the frames is virtually identical across the entire product range, which BMC says it wanted to maintain in order to keep the handling characteristics consistent.
The short stems and long frame length give the bikes a somewhat stubby look, while the 44mm wide WTB Raddler tires fitted across the range have a pronounced tread for grip on rough and rocky terrain – no smooth tire centers here.
Upon closer inspection, the nuances become clear.
The rigid frame URS lacks the MTT suspension technology found on other bikes.
That said, with the 44mm wide tires running at around 30 PSI/2 BAR (I weigh 82kg), this will probably have the biggest impact on compliance and grip.
The URS 01 includes the suspension stem and seat stays from MTT. The URS 01 LT replaces the stem with a suspension fork.
Both systems offer a suspension travel of 20 mm.
Etienne Goy, the engineer responsible for the latest URS, explained that the stem is primarily designed for more control, with increased comfort being a secondary (albeit important) benefit in BMC’s eyes.
The suspension fork of the URS 01 LT is primarily designed to increase comfort, but also improve driving control and confidence.
However, a combination of stem and suspension fork is not possible because the fork has a 1 ¼ inch shaft, while the stem can only accommodate the 1 ⅛ inch shaft of the rigid fork.
I think it’s a shame that this is the case. Given that many aftermarket gravel suspension forks have around 40mm of travel, combining these two systems would have been the solution for BMC to deliver an ultra-soft front end while maintaining the adjustment flexibility of both systems.
So the open question is: “If I can’t have both, which is better?”
Unfortunately, I cannot give a definitive answer to this particular question here – not after the 100 kilometers I completed with three bikes on unfamiliar and often technical terrain that at times scared the hell out of me.
First driving impressions of the BMC URS series
BMC URS Two
When I first rode the rigid URS Two, it was clear that the URS gravel bike platform is incredibly capable when the terrain gets tough.
The geometry with a noticeably flat head tube and a long front center (the distance between the bottom bracket and the front wheel axle) leads to very stable handling.
Loose gravel roads and dirt roads with potholes didn’t bother me. I felt like the bike would go in the direction I chose without any problems.
The excellent tires offer plenty of comfort, grip and control and seem to suit the bike’s more demanding needs well – the fact that BMC uses the same tires across the entire range speaks volumes.
I opted for a slightly lower tire pressure than on the suspension bikes, which did feel a little spongier, but paid off when I wanted grip when climbing and over rocks.
At high speed on undulating, rocky terrain, I felt an understandable vibration of the wheel, but I never felt like I was being shaken excessively or losing control.
The relatively undamped sensations through the bar meant the bike was a little quicker (and easier) to handle when I needed to react to what was coming ahead on the trails, but I did feel a little more tired towards the end of the ride.
BMC URS 01 One and BMC URS AMP LT
With the URS 01 One and the URS AMP LT I was able to test both types of front suspension offered by BMC in addition to the MTT seatstay design.
There are subtle but noticeable differences, but I wonder if anyone would ever notice the difference unless they tested them extensively back to back.
With the URS 01 One mounted on the MTT stem, the handlebar moves in a slight arc through its 20mm travel. I rode it in BMC’s stock medium setting.
This gave me the impression that the handlebars moved independently of the bike. In comparison, the AMP LT’s fork offers a more conventional telescopic range of movement.
The stem makes the handlebars feel a little disconnected from the rest of the bike – although I can understand that someone who feels even more confident riding off-road than I do might find this feeling of isolation a positive thing.
Personally, I preferred the ride quality of the fork, which helped the cockpit feel more stable but still provided a welcome comfort on bigger hits.
Also, the ability to lock it via the top cap wheel was a bonus, especially on the few asphalt sections I rode on.
Both systems ensure a smooth ride even on bumpy terrain, thus reducing fatigue.
Both bikes also feature the MTT seat stay design, which allows for a more comfortable seated ride.
The additional suspension systems make riding the bike less strenuous, although I suspect this does compromise pedal efficiency somewhat.
When climbing steep, gravelly slopes, I occasionally found myself rocking a little on the saddle – a feeling I didn’t have when riding with the rigid frame.
However, I used the medium density elastomer that comes standard with a size L frame. A firmer unit might be better for me, but I would have to buy it at a higher price.
Conclusion on the BMC URS series
The BMC URS is a confidence-inspiring gravel bike aimed at the adventure end of the gravel scale.
The handling is agile enough to respond to the demands of the trail when riding fast, but also feels stable when cruising leisurely through terrain – I suspect most URS riders tend towards the latter.
At this early point, I wonder if BMC missed a trick by not making the MTT stem and fork compatible with each other. This way, they could have made a gravel bike that was just one step below a mountain bike, with all the comfort benefits that brings.
I’m also not sure BMC hasn’t overcomplicated the range for many buyers. There are too many subtle differences between the ride characteristics of the URS 01 and URS 01 LT, but both are capable of largely doing the same thing.
Of course, testing will reveal more, but the outlook is promising.
