BMC URS 1 2020 - Gravel Bike

Adventures can be hard work. But that’s half the magic.

Maxime Barat is a man of distance. A teacher, a bikepacker and a storyteller. Along with hearing his tips for successful bikepacking, we wanted to find out what drives him to turn the pedals day after day on all manner of terrain.

Barat describes himself as a bikepacker that “occasionally” becomes an endurance rider using bikepacking equipment to go further and faster. As plainly as he puts this, his tales of adventure make you want to immediately ride your bike as far and as courageously as he does. He’s impressively accomplished - twice finisher of the Transcontinental and third at the 2,200 km French Divide - but for him, it’s all about travelling light, exploring, and sharing moments with friends.

In the past two months alone, he’s ridden 3,700 kilometres, of which a not-insignificant 2,700 were off-road and frequently on mountain bike trails better suited to multiple inches of travel. URS has been there throughout.

“On last weekend’s trip I only saw full-sus enduro bikes, who were faster than me on the downs but I go uphill much quicker. The traction thanks to the MTT is unbelievable. And isn’t that what counts? On a bike you spend a lot of time going uphill.” He has a point. Adventures can be hard work. But that’s half the magic

Gravel+ Geometry
Optimized for a modern, aggressive gravel riding style. URS features a slack 70˚ head angle to create a long front-end and wheelbase for incredible stability.

Micro Travel Technology (MTT)
A lightweight and minimalist suspension system that adds 10mm of travel for perfect power transfer and control on the most challenging terrain.

Tuned Compliance Concept (TCC) Gravel
The highest level of compliance through a dedicated carbon layup, D-shape seatpost and Micro Travel Technology.

Integrated Cockpit System (ICS)
Integrated Cockpit System with gravel specific stem dimensions. The aesthetic simplicity and innovative functionality of the Integrated Cockpit is the epitome of Swiss engineering and design. ICS technology keeps cables and housing in their place: out of sight.

Top Tube Mount
Mounting option for bolt-on top-tube bags and accessories.

Versatile Fork
45mm tire clearance, 160mm flat mount (a clean mounting solution for bigger rotors), hub-dynamo cable routing and compatible with Fox 32 SC AX suspension fork.

Integrated Protections
Protections on fork dropouts, downtube and chainstays.

Occasionally, without notice, manufacturers change product design and/or specifications.