BMC

Team Elite TE29/Shimano SLX Complete Bike - 2012

Light, responsive, and maneuverable, the Team Elite takes full advantage of big wheels, while eliminating some of their inherent drawbacks. If you've been on the twenty-niner fence, now might be the time to climb down and hop on the BMC Team Elite TE29/Shimano SLX Complete Bike.

Long wheelbases, toe overlap, janky geometries and a lack of parts once plagued the twenty- niner. Now that the dust has settled, parts are plentiful, geometries are dialed, and big-wheeled bikes are no longer the investment risk they once were. BMC took their time, investing heavily in both saddle-time and computer feedback to perfect the Team Elite's geometry. They settled on a 70 degree head angle and super-short 430mm chainstays. Because of this, you'll enjoy easy negotiation of tight switch backs, stable handling around high-speed sweepers, and excellent traction when climbing.

The heart of the Team Elite TE29 is its triple-butted, hydroformed alloy tubeset. BMC's iSC (integrated Skeleton Concept) optimizes weight savings, strength, and ride characteristics by using Finite Elements Method (FEM) computer technology. Every 6000 series aluminum tube is shaped to exacting standards; what you get is a frame that reacts to rider inputs like power application, steering, and braking with impeccable efficiency and precision. While aluminum caries the stigma of being a harsh ride, BMC's extra attention to tube shape results in a compliant ride that still takes full advantage of aluminum's positive traits.

As a frame the BMC Team Elite TE29/Shimano SLX Complete Bike sounds blissful, but that's just a part of the equation. Without the right parts a frame is nothing. We set up this Team Elite with choice components like a Shimano 3x10 drivetrain, including an SLX crank, shifters, and derailleurs. Stopping duties are handled by Avid Elixir 3 disc brakes. A BMC Scor MKII stem and handlebar take care of steering duties, while a BMC Scor MKII seat post supports a Scor saddle. Alex XD-Comp rims are wrapped in Schwalbe Rocket Ron and Racing Ralph 2.25in tires and spin around Shimano 529 hubs.

The BMCTeam Elite TE29/Shimano SLX Complete Bike is available in White, and comes in three sizes -- Small, Medium, and Large.