Gravel bike riding and racing is fast gathering pace – in both the male and female market - and with diverse terrains and evolving ecosystems offering up new and exciting routes, it’s no wonder riders are swapping the road for the gravel.
For years, the gravel bike market has been led by the S-Works Crux. Light, nimble and revered by all those who have had the pleasure of riding one. Several new models have tried (but failed) to overturn the Crux’s throne; that crown may be toppled with Swiss brand BMC’s latest offering to the gravel bike world entering the arena.
We took it for a thorough (gravel) road test to check out its credentials…
The brand
BMC has always smartly positioned itself snugly behind the bike giants of Specialized and Trek and rather than expand, BMC focuses its efforts and expertise on creating quality bikes for each discipline. The missing piece of its portfolio cake has been the gravel race bike. Until now.
Combining the development of revolutionary road technologies used in its racing machines, BMC has adapted its new Kaius range to be lightweight, stiff, compliant, aerodynamic and geometrically sound. These are the five magic ingredients that combine to create a dynamic and fast gravel bike that glides across a whole range of terrain.
The test
Impressed by what we heard (and rather excited too), we were invited to put it through its paces, and what better place than the renowned loose gravel paths of northern Italy, along a gruelling 80k route of loose and soft gravel paths, inclines, steep declines and winding roads with just the stunning views and the lure of vineyard-fresh vino at the finishing line to keep us going.
Instantly, this bike felt like a new generation of gravel bikes. Each of those aforementioned magic ingredients played its part in powering us through the route, like Pacman munching his cookies. The premium carbon fibres all play their own roles in the different parts of the frame with the high-module fibres providing stiffness whilst keeping the weight low and ultimately facilitating that ‘stop-go-stop-go’ aspect to gravel racing, especially when taking on more technical terrain.
The bike is incredibly light – impressively weighing in at 7.4kg total - including the grippy and blast-resistant Pirelli Cinturato Gravel H, 40mm tyres which makes rolling a breeze, especially on those dreaded inclines. Its ability to absorb most of the vibration from the surface through its frameset is seriously compliant (and some of the terrain I took on was so bumpy, even my suspension-enabled MTB would have struggled). We’ll get onto the cockpit shortly. The bike is also designed to be aerodynamically efficient with even the water bottle designed to store within the parameters of the frame. Given the geometric design and rider position it enables you to achieve, you really do glide along with confidence.
In the driver’s seat
Power transfer, via the rear triangular design of the frame, is not compromised. The middle bar is slightly sloped which exposes the seat post more, aids comfort and with its slightly longer reach from the seat to the cockpit, gives you more stability and feels more responsive than if you were on a road bike – again, crucial for gravel biking due to the nature of the terrain. In fact, this bike really does react quickly and with some large rocks in my way, I was able to successfully navigate some difficult technical terrain.
Going on to tarmac road surfaces after the gruelling gravel trail was surprisingly easy, and even though the tyres are a bit wider than you’d perhaps ordinarily use on the road, I was still able to roll along without feeling much resistance to be honest. If you prefer, you could always invest in a second wheelset and use the bike for road only ride outs.
The cockpit
The Kaius uses BMC’s lightweight ICS (integrated cockpit system) cockpit and whilst functionality is absolute priority, there is nothing like an integrated cockpit system that seamlessly and intuitively works for you. Whether you’re down in the drops or clinging on to the hoods of the handlebar, both the 12-gear changer and brakes are super easy to use. There is also no interference in steering due to the integrated cable routing, and both the stack and reach is easy to adjust.
Verdict
In conclusion, this new generation of gravel bike offers unbound speed across all surfaces. Overall weight is pushed to a minimum and power transfer to the max and even in those bone-rattling moments as I pushed through some loose rocky gravel surfaces on a decline, I had every confidence in the bikes ability to power on regardless.
The price point is at the top end of the market and is in the same bracket as the esteemed Specialized S-Works Crux but if you’re looking for race-ready gravel geometry, a lightweight and versatile machine with integrated technology for the ultimate gravel racing adventure, you won’t go wrong with the Kaius.
If price is a concern, there are two slightly lower spec models to choose from to suit your budget.
Prices:
Available in six sizes (47, 51, 54, 56, 58 and 61) and in three models.
- Model ONE - €11,350, 7.4kg
- Model TWO - €8350, 8.2kg
- Model THREE - €5699, 8.9kg
