Last Updated on October 30, 2023 by Igor Karni
BMC Switzerland was founded in 1986 by a former professional cyclist named Bob Bigelow. It has humble roots, having started from the ground as a family-run business. It manufactured customized mountain bikes for locals in Grenchen and steadily grew over time.
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They expanded to include road bikes and, inevitably, e-bikes. The brand made a reputation as an innovator, especially during the early 2000s when it introduced its patent carbon fiber frames to the industry. It also built a solid reputation in bike racing over the years.
It is no surprise that BMC is also at the forefront of developing e-bike technology. For all its efforts, the company has become known for its top-notch components, innovative designs, and, like most e-bike companies, commitment to environment-friendly and sustainable manufacturing practices.
Is BMC a Good E-bike Brand to Buy?
“High-quality”, “high-performance”, “socially responsible”, and “reliable” are but some of the labels that have been attributed to BMC as a company. For most e-bike riders, any one or two of those qualities make a brand worth buying. It lives up to its Swiss heritage pretty well with those considered.
BMC e-Bikes Review: Model Lines
| Model Line | Type |
| Roadmachine 01 AMP X | Road |
| Fourstroke AMP LT | Mountain |
| 257 AMP AL | City, Commuter |
| Alpenchallenge AMP AL | Hybrid |
There’s an apparent balance in the BMC catalog as far as categories are concerned. At best, there’s a single representative line for every major category: mountain, road, city, and hybrid.
You can expect from BMC the lofty standards innate in anything Swiss-made. The stellar engineering is evident, and a cursory glance at the essential components readily reveals the models’ high-end quality.
Their lightweight frames and reliable drive systems complete the Holy Trinity of elements that make this brand a top choice. Popular models of the past that are not included in the current catalog include the BMC Trailfox AMP e-MTB and Alpenchallenge AMP Road unit.
Read also: Best known electric bicycle brands in Switzerland.
BMC Road Model Line Review
What’s great about BMC road e-bikes, especially the latest models, is that their excellent design and superior compartment smoothly combine to deliver versatility. The Roadmachine 01 AMP X ONE, the premier offering at present, fits that description to a tee.
It’s a model that you can confidently use for marathons and lengthy rides, and all the while, you never lose that confidence once you subject it to some gravel and moderate off-trailing.
The power is there (thanks to the 50Nm torque), and it doesn’t leave you wanting more as you negotiate steeper hills. This is all thanks to the revolutionary TQ-HPR50 drive unit it incorporates.
There’s also the fact that it integrates the motor well, to the point that you can mistake it for a regular bike. That certainly lends to the sleek, stylish design overall. The display is just as innovative without sacrificing the aesthetics that BMC was going for.
As for the battery, it’s definitely in the above-average range. It can guarantee up to 60 miles (95 km) with minimal assistance and probably around 40 miles (65 km) with plenty, especially if you frequently go over more challenging inclines. That’s still relatively exceptional compared to most.
The tires are evidently wider, helping stability and absorbing shocks from humps. Also, the drive system adds to the riding comfort, as it feels more natural than the other drive systems integrated into previous models.
Read also: How to select the best road e-bike (with examples)? – and also in this article. And, How much does a good road e-bike cost?
Overall, it won’t hurt to use it as a regular commuter as well – it’s even encouraged because you can easily fit it with fenders and front lights to complete the transformation.
You get your money’s worth from this model alone, and almost all the other road models in the catalog deserve the same praise. It’s just that this particular one demonstrates what the BMC touch is fully capable of if it doesn’t pull punches.
BMC Mountain Model Review
The latest e-MTB lines in the catalog, namely the Fourstroke AMP LT line, also incorporate the TQ-HPR50 motor mentioned above. And we have to say that, rightly so, since that motor was designed for mountain e-bikes in the first place.
One of its strengths is that it’s quiet and was specifically designed to make the ride feel as “natural” as possible. This allows the Fourstroke AMP LT to feel like you’re riding without motor assistance.
It’s also a unit that’s more on the lightweight side, which is always a plus for eMTBs. These qualities certainly make BMC’s latest eMTBs amenable to riders who want a more traditional-feeling ride. It makes it easier to ride the models more playfully, as some mountain bikers are wont to do.
The models give more leeway for those who want to exert more effort and control during climbs by minimizing power and, in turn, weight. Not that the said power is negligible, though, as proven by our previous review above – it’s a very sublet power, to say the least. The lower weight allows the models to use a lighter suspension, and there are even rear shock absorbers in a few.
We like the option for mudguards and as far as accessories go. The Maxxis Rekon 2.4″ TR EXO undoubtedly aids in keeping the models agile, designed for light-duty and speedy trail rides.
Read also: How to select your first electric mountain bike? And, How much does a good eMTB e-bike cost?
The SRAM Rival eTap AXS HRD rotors are impressive hydraulic disc brakes and tick all checkboxes as far as overall performance and stopping power is concerned.
Tech-wise, you can expect the same minimalistic display found in most BMC e-bikes nowadays, which fits the models’ overall style. It shows the essentials, such as range and battery life, along with all the data gathered via the TQ app – not really that notable, admittedly.
BMC City/Commuter Model Line Review
The 257 AMP line is available in step-thru variants, recommended for those who want to maximize the comfort these city/commuter options impart. The power is also there, as evidenced by the Bosch motors in all four models.
They feature the same smooth frame integration of the battery as in most BMC options. These are a few of the more powerful urban options available in the market.
BMC appears to be applying the trend of keeping their models’ weight down, regardless of category. These models are noticeably lightweight while still delivering superb power from its unquestionably reliable Bosch motors, especially when you need it during challenging climbs.
We couldn’t ask for more accessories-wise, too. You get a kickstand, mudguards (which are quick to catch one’s attention thanks to their bold orange colors), and headlights – all the essentials for smooth commuting and urban riding. A hidden rack is included in the rear mudguards as an added pleasant bonus.
Read also: How to select the best commuter e-bike (with examples)? – also in this article. And, how much does a commuter e-bike cost?
If you want more power from your urban ride and don’t want to compromise your safety every time you hit the road to commute, any of these models will do.
Most of BMC’s models can be categorized as hybrid if we consider just how versatile most of them are. This sole fact underlines just how unique these models’ designs are.
Read also: How to select the best city e-bike (with examples)? – also in this article, and this article. And, How much does a good city e-bike cost?
Does BMC Have E-Bike Accessories Available?
They mainly offer apparel such as beanies, caps, hoodies, and other clothing. Check out BMC’s original accessories here.
Does BMC Offer a Manufacturer’s Warranty?
The frame is covered for three years, while the paint is protected for two years. There’s a two-year comprehensive warranty for every other BMC product.
Buyers need to register their frames 30 days after purchasing their e-bikes to extend the warranty period up to 5 years. They need to do this in an official BMC retailer only.
The warranty doesn’t apply to worn-out parts, alterations, or modifications change without the manufacturer’s knowledge. The same goes for improper maintenance, usage, and repair – besides consequential damage and integration of non-BMC components.
Should you need more information regarding BMC’s warranty regulations, head over to this page for a complete reference.
Does BMC Offer a Test Period for Its E-Bikes?
No, the brand doesn’t officially offer a trial or test period for its e-bikes.
What Do E-Bike Riders Think of BMC?
BMC is a well-recognized brand worldwide. Many people associate it with high-end bikes that almost always turn out to be high-quality a lot of the time. The fact that the brand manages to cater to entry-level riders without compromising on the said quality only heightens its appeal.
What Countries Does BMC Ship To?
Direct-to-consumer delivery is available for France, Germany, and Switzerland residents. The brand does have multiple dealers all over the rest of Europe, North America, East Asia, and specific countries like Australia, South Africa, and the United Arab Emirates.
Igor is a sustainable mobility and green energy advocate. His mission for Easy E-biking is to help make electric cycling simple, practical, and fun. Follow him on Facebook and LinkedIn.
