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BMC has announced the off-road-ready URS, featuring progressive geometry, sleek cockpit integration for a custom fit and an all-new gravel-tuned frame.
In cooperation with ISPO Open Innovation, a concept was developed to involve the outdoor and gravel community in the development process. With the direct connection between customer and brand via the ISPO Open Innovation online platform, insights about the target group, the gravel segment and the new bike could be gained. Three gravel riders with different riding styles had the chance to test the URS prototype over several months and give direct feedback regarding product features.
“During our development of URS, we focused on creating a bike that would crush gravel and dirt roads, but also be capable and fun on twisty, high-speed terrain that’s technically challenging for current gravel bikes,” explained Mart Otten, senior product manager road at BMC Switzerland.
“It’s easy to make a bike that rides well on a straight gravel road, so we pushed the boundaries of URS capability by implementing our progressive gravel geometry, huge tyre clearance, and dropper post compatibility, plus incorporating BMC’s proprietary Micro Travel Technology (MTT) for additional rough terrain performance.”
During the ground-up development of the URS, BMC focused on the demands of three key riding styles, the ‘ambitious’ gravel racer, the high-mileage, backroad adventure rider and the long-haul bikepacking cyclist. It developed Tuned Compliance Concept Gravel, which utilises a gravel-dedicated carbon frame and fork layup and D-Shaped seatpost, plus incorporates 10mm of seatstay-mounted MTT damping for optimum compliance and traction on rough terrain. The Gravel+ specific geometry features a slack 70-degree head angle and combines a long reach with a super-short (55 or 70mm) ICS integrated stem for enhanced control and responsiveness on varying terrain.
The URS is also equipped with purpose-built componentry, such as 1x drivetrains, 45mm-wide tyres, disc brakes, and tubeless wheels and tyres, plus dropper post compatibility. Additional features include hub dynamo cable routing, wide handlebar, three water bottle mounts and the saddle-integrated Dfender, a lightweight and minimalist fender that mounts to the D-Shaped seatpost. The frame has various fender, rack, and top-tube mount options and it is compatible with Fox’s 32 SC SX suspension fork offering.
URS riders can dial in their bike fit by utilising the all-new gravel-optimised Integrated Cockpit System (ICS) stem lengths (55 and 70mm options) designed for agile handling, while simultaneously maintaining integrated and stealth aero cable routing. According to BMC, ICS delivers stack and reach adjustability via a dedicated spacer system for easy fit adjustment without stem removal and hydraulic hose disconnection.
URS is offered in the following models: URS One, URS Two, URS Three, and URS Four and in sizes S, M, L, and XL.
In April, ZyroFisher announced an exclusive distribution partnership with BMC Switzerland.
