Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

feature

Bike at Bedtime: check out the BMC Masterpiece

Based on the existing Roadmachine, the Masterpiece is BMC’s most exclusive bike

BMC showed off its Masterpiece road bike at last week’s Rouleur Live show in London, and we have to say that it’s one cool-looking model – as it should be when the frameset alone will set you back €10,500 (around £8,965).

Check out our huge gallery of shiny bike tech from Rouleur Live

BMC says that the Masterpiece, which it unveiled about a year ago, is “an exclusive and unparalleled example of what can be done when no expense is spared.”

BMC Masterpiece Rouleur5.jpg

With a name like Masterpiece, it’s not surprising that BMC has gone in hard with the hyperbole here.

“Driven only by perfection, each module is brought to life by the hands of the world’s leading carbon fibre artisans,” says BMC.

Right.

“This unequalled fidelity allows each Masterpiece frame to emerge from its mould wanting for nothing, each perfect at birth, surfaces flawless, seams accurate.”

Crikey.

BMC Masterpiece Rouleur9.jpg

“Like any masterpiece, it’s carefully curated. This is art that brings you into the tapestry. It’s an investment and an experience like no other.”

Okay, we get the picture, but what’s so special about it?

BMC says that only one Masterpiece frame comes out of the factory per day because it’s an incredibly labour intensive process.

This means that availability is limited. Rather than going to a shop, sticking your cash down on the counter and going home with a shiny new Masterpiece, you have to ‘inquire’ if you’re interested in buying one. Very exclusive!

2021 BMC Roadmachine Masterpiece - 2

We were told at Rouleur Live that only 80 have been sold worldwide, so the chance of running into someone else on the same bike while you’re out getting the miles in is limited, to say the least.

Take a look at 15 of the best exotic Italian road bikes

The Masterpiece is built to the same geometry as BMC’s RoadMachine. It comes out of the same mould and the type of carbon fibre grade used is pretty much the same.

So why bother paying much more for the Masterpiece?

BMC says that what puts the Masterpiece on a higher level is the craftsmanship involved in getting the high-modulus carbon fibre placement perfect. That said, the weight of the Masterpiece isn’t significantly lower than that of the RoadMachine and the stiffness isn’t significantly higher.

BMC Masterpiece Rouleur10.jpg

If you’re interested in sorting yourself out with a Masterpiece of your own, you can head to BMC’s global HQ in Switzerland for a “VIP tour, bike sizing process and componentry consultation”. You’ll also get to test ride a Masterpiece. We don’t know for sure if they’ll give you a cup of coffee or two while you’re there, but it would seem reasonable.

BMC Masterpiece Rouleur3.jpg

Alternatively, you can visit an authorised BMC dealer and they’ll help you out, although that doesn’t sound nearly as exciting. Your Masterpiece frameset will be shipped to the retailer and they’ll help with the build process.

BMC Masterpiece Rouleur4.jpg

Speaking of the build, you’ll need to factor components into your budget. The €10,500 gets you the frame, the fork, seatpost, stem, and handlebar. You’ll need to add your own groupset, wheels, tyres, saddle, and so on. We can safely say that it’s going to cost you a few quid.

2021 BMC Roadmachine Masterpiece - 3

The Masterpiece at Rouleur Live was built up with SRAM’s top-level Red components and Lightweight’s Meilenstein wheels. Well, you wouldn’t want a boring spec, would you?

If you want to know more, visit the BMC Masterpiece’s website.

Mat has been in cycling media since 1996, on titles including BikeRadar, Total Bike, Total Mountain Bike, What Mountain Bike and Mountain Biking UK, and he has been editor of 220 Triathlon and Cycling Plus. Mat has been road.cc technical editor for over a decade, testing bikes, fettling the latest kit, and trying out the most up-to-the-minute clothing. He has won his category in Ironman UK 70.3 and finished on the podium in both marathons he has run. Mat is a Cambridge graduate who did a post-grad in magazine journalism, and he is a winner of the Cycling Media Award for Specialist Online Writer. Now over 50, he's riding road and gravel bikes most days for fun and fitness rather than training for competitions.

Latest Comments