BMC have launched the Alpenchallenge AMP e-road bike, with a lightweight frame, powerful battery and Shimano STEPS system. It's the fourth e-bike in their Alpenchallenge range and might be their sleekest-looking yet, with the top model coming in at a cool £9,999.
There's plenty of clever trickery going on, including a rear micro-suspension system BMC have called Micro Travel Technology. It provides 10mm of extra travel and BMC claims it improves traction, while being low maintenance so it doesn't require constant fettling. This is complemented by BMC's D-Shape seatpost, that they say provides even more comfort and neat looks while keeping the weight down.
While we've seen cleaner battery integration from the likes of Pinarello and Ribble who make use of the Fazua and eBikeMotion systems respectively, BMC have specced a powerful 504 Wh battery that's centrally-mounted to create a low centre of gravity. BMC say this results in a natural ride feel and sharp responsive handling, and a total weight of 15kg shouldn't leave you feeling the strain of the bike beneath you. The motor is Shimano's STEPS system, and with their Ultegra Di2 drivetrain appearing on the top two models and the new GRX gravel groupset on the AMP Road TWO.
Tyre clearance is up to 40mm, and up front BMC have incorporated their Integrated Cockpit System (ICS) for the cleanest possible look with drop bars. They say it's also easy to maintain and install, and houses all electronic and hydraulic cables. BMC's Mart Otten says: “By testing a variety of different cockpit setups, we found the frame platform we developed worked really well with a drop bar, as its low centre of gravity perfectly placed in the centre of the bike. Additionally, a drop bar offers more variety for hand positions on longer rides. For road-oriented e-bikes, riders are looking for high power-to-weight ratio; a bike with the light and agile handling of a traditional road bike combined with pedal-assist power."
It's also very adjustable, offering complete stack and reach customisation with a wide range of stem lengths and angles available - the ICS comes on the two top-tiered models.
The three models availble are the Alpenchallenge AMP Road LTD (£9,999), Alpenchallenge AMP Road ONE (£6,299) and the Alpenchallenge AMP Road TWO (4,299), and they're available in sizes S, M and L. The LTD and ONE are both black with the full internal cable routing, and the TWO is comes in an orange colourway. Head over to BMC's website for full tech specs.
