New BMC AMP Cross

[R120]

Not strictly an EMTB, but interesting nevertheless less - uses both shimano 6000 and 8000 systems depending on the model.

 

[Kernow]

Strange bike , some sort road bike like compliance in the rear end with a rigid road or gravel bike type fork , I can’t imagine it’s much use off-road . But I don’t even get the gravel bike craze , I thought that’s what xc hardtails were best suited to .

 

[R120]

I had the chance today to put some miles on one of these, mostly on road, with a bit of gravel. Absoloutely awesome bike.

It uses the e8000 motor, yet weighs in at 15kg, and the biggest thing i took from riding it is how different riding the Shimano system is with smaller low resistance tyres, and a whole lot less weight. For starters it accelerates like a rocket, and eco mode feels like boost on an EMTB, this is all mainly to do with the weight. Also the lack of weight and rolling resistance means you really don't notice the motor cutting in or out at all - it felt like riding a derestricted bike.

Another thing i really liked was how they have positioned the battery - this really removes weight from the front end, and as a result the bike feels very playfull, and has you wanting to pop off curbs etc.

It's an odd one, as really it's not necessary to have a motor on this type of bike, and expensive, it would be the ultimate pub bike in many ways, or an expensive plaything, and i am guessing a great commuter bike too.

I really really liked it, and pretty much the only thing preventing me looking into getting one is the price, and that i really dont need it!

 

[R120]

Just to add the most interesting thing i took form the ride, is that its a glimpse into the future of what an EMTB might be like if you got the weight down to 15kg, in that to move around and manhandle the bike really felt no different to a normal bike, you can pick it up easily, and the motor works so much more efficiently.

 

[MattyB]

I do really like this bike, but it’s a great example of a machine hamstrung by the 25kph EU limit.

On paper it looks a great commuter, but unless you are exclusively using it in a busy urban environment it is going to rapidly get to it’s max assistance speed, then it is effectively just a heavy road bike. With a 32kph/20mph limit this would be a super commuter for cyclists of all types - as it is I think it is still too expensive and heavy to be a viable option unless you live and work in a very hilly area.

 

[MattyB]

Strange bike , some sort road bike like compliance in the rear end with a rigid road or gravel bike type fork , I can’t imagine it’s much use off-road . But I don’t even get the gravel bike craze , I thought that’s what xc hardtails were best suited to .

Gravel bikes are awesome - they are significantly quicker and more nimble than a hybrid on road, yet still have the tyre clearance and a slack enough head angle to take on gravel and gentle single track. Don’t think of them as a true XC MTB alternative, more as a flexible road bike for the average rider who does decent mileages on mixed surfaces and doesn’t want a super aggressive aero position. I wouldn’t swap mine for any other bike, it’s just so flexible.

 

[R120]

I have to disagree - one of my main takeaways from riding the bike is that it feels like it is derestricted - you really don't notice the cut off of the assistance, there is no real sense of interruption when you go over the limit, which is what makes it so interesting.

 

[MattyB]

Maybe, but it is still at least 50% heavier than even a fairly low end gravel or hybrid, and double a light end carbon road bike. That is a huge penalty over an extended distance when travelling above the assistance limit on the road. In a hilly area though I agree it’s a great machine.

 

[bissona]

Love the BMC, will try one when I get a chance. Currently have a Cannondale Bad Boy One for commuting, which seems to share a little DNA with the BMC. Let's hope BMC see the light with regards to Gates drives and Alfine hubs....