


The Story
After road riding for a year with a mid-range bike which I like, but doesn't really do much for me, I decided it was time to get something I really wanted. From the first road bike specific magazine I read BMC bikes caught my eye. As a designer the whole Swiss thing is very appealing, and the spiritual connection (now a financial / sponsorship one) with another of my favourite brands - Assos - helped too.
My plan originally was to take the good parts off my Planet-X - DA 7900, Ritchey finishing kit - and put them on a new frame. I also looked at Cervelos, Specialized etc but nothing had the appeal of the BMC. The only thing that put me off was that to me there is a distinct package of what components go on a BMC frame, none of which I already had.
Then during my research of the BMC I stumbled across this pic. Bam. Perfection:

This changed my plans straight away, this is what I wanted. I downloaded a super high res version off the BMC site and made a list of what parts I would need to build this bike. I was able to get good deals on most of the bits - Ribble had a 15% sale on so the Super Record was a good price, and I secured the EC90 Aero wheels for more than a third off RRP, albeit 2008 models without the ceramic bearings. The only concession to the picture was the bars - I'm not sure on the shape of the EC90 SLX3s, and I really like the Ritchey Evos, so I tracked down another pair. At just over £50 they were a third of the price of new SLX3s too.
As this was not the most original build, I added a few details from the BMC team bikes such as the US / Swiss flags on the bar finishing tape, the Cateye computer (not yet fitted), white Speedplays and Blackburn cages. Fortunately BMC and their team have impeccable taste so there aren't any products they use which I wouldn't.

Build Sheet - Spec & Weights

Actual weight on the scales: 15lbs, 7oz (7kg dead).
Some details
Exactly 45mm of tape to avoid valve extender rattle:

Team issue style flag bar finishing tape:

These go to eleven:

Lots more photos on my flickr page