There’s no denying the sexiness of the BMC Teammachine R 01 ONE and it’s no wonder we recently crowned it the best road bike of 2025, but does that make it the best road bike for you? Or would you be better off with BMC’s endurance alternative, the Roadmachine 01? Naturally, if you’re out shopping for a road bike, and money’s no object, you’ll be looking for the best bike. But you need to define that question a little more. You’re looking for the best bike for you. So, how do you go about answering that question, and why might the best road bike of 2025 not be the best road bike for you? Before we delve into the answers and underlying questions, let’s take a closer look at the two models in question, the Teammachine R 01 and the Roadmachine 01. While spec levels may vary, it’s the underlying platforms that really matter here.
Teammachine R 01
BMCs Teammachine R 01 is the Swiss brand’s uncompromising race platform featuring an aerodynamically optimised frame that maximises surface area while simultaneously keeping weight and unwanted flex to a minimum. The unusually wide Halo fork further optimises airflow around the frame, and the bike wouldn’t be complete without the aerofoil-shaped seatpost and equally aero one-piece carbon cockpit. Even the bottle cages are aero. That’s paired with up to 60 mm deep rims – depending on the build – and fast, skinny tires. If you’re wondering which road tires actually suit your needs, check out our extensive group-test of the best road bike tires. Considering that, together with the bike’s aggressive geometry with a low stack height, short rear centre and maximum tire clearance of just 30 mm, there’s no denying the Teammachine R 01’s podium ambitions.
Roadmachine 01
The Roadmachine 01 on the other hand has a considerably less aero frame with skinnier seat stays, a skinnier seat post and a cut-out in the seat tube, designed to offer increased compliance and comfort. What’s more, the frame features an integrated storage compartment in the downtube as well as an integrated tail light on the seat tube. Paired with a less aggressive handlebar offering 20 mm rise and wider 32 mm Vittoria NEXT tubeless endurance tires, it prioritises long-distance comfort over all-out speed. In terms of geometry, it’s got a higher stack with a more pronounced BB drop, clearance for up to 36 mm tires – or even 40 mm tires if you decide to go for a 1x setup – wider bars, and just slightly longer rear end, resulting in a more upright and comfortable riding position and more composed handling compared to the Teammachine R 01.
The Pitfalls of Choosing the Right Bike
Now, looking at these two bikes, which one do you choose, and why is it that so many riders choose the wrong bike? One of the first pitfalls is marketing, the faster more race oriented bike lends itself better to superlatives and is therefore easier to hype, making it seem more appealing as a whole. For those new to the sport, that will naturally draw them to the racier of the two models. Comfort is great, and comfort can result in faster times overall, but comfort doesn’t appeal to our ambitions as much as outright speed and performance. This isn’t always helped by reviews in magazines as they’re typically written by seasoned riders with a certain level of fitness and skill, making them somewhat blind to the inherent compromises of a race focused bike. Let’s be honest – it’s easy to get carried away by watts, weight and wind tunnels. But not every rider dreams of KOMs or podiums. That’s why we test bikes with both racing and real-world riding in mind – so you can trust our verdict, whether you’re chasing seconds or just the sunrise.
Furthermore, if you test ride a bike, you will usually go for a short ride, in which case the bike that’s fast right off the bat will leave a bigger, more lasting first impression. However, this doesn’t reflect most of your typical real world riding scenarios, which will be longer and more taxing overall. Which bike would you choose then? The one that leaves you bruised and battered, or the one that you could hop off of at the end of the day still feeling relatively fresh? Further biasing most riders in favour of the Teammachine R in a still largely male-dominated sport is peer pressure and our competitive nature. Who doesn’t want to be the fastest, who doesn’t want to win? We should never underestimate the power of status. And how do you increase your status? By winning.
Asking the Right Questions
So, what can you do to avoid these pitfalls and buy a bike that you will enjoy in the long run, even or especially when no one is watching? You must ask yourself why you ride. Do you ride to measure yourself against others? To set records on Strava? To strive for the podium? To be seen and admired? Or do you ride to get out? To stay fit? To explore your surroundings, enjoy the scenery and feel the wind on your face?
Answering these questions leads us to two deeper, underlying questions. Firstly, do you know yourself well enough to answer these questions? Secondly, can you answer them honestly? In other words, can you overcome your ego? If you say that you want to ride to measure yourself against others, set records on Strava, and strive for the podium, is it merely your ego speaking? Is it your ego that wants to be seen and admired?
The best way to test this is to see what kind of riding you default to when you aren’t tracking your ride on Strava, when you’re riding alone and you know that no one’s watching. Do you slow down to enjoy the scenery? Do you wish you had a more comfortable ride? Do you simply enjoy being outdoors, spending hours in the saddle while taking in the scenery? Are these the rides that are the most memorable to you? Or do you keep pedalling as hard as you can, enjoying the thrill of going as fast as possible, and revelling in the sting in your legs and your lungs?
If it’s the latter, you know the Teammachine R 01 is the bike for you with its stiff and aerodynamic frame, optimised for speed and efficiency. With its low stack height, stiff frame, and responsive handling, it demands a fit and alert rider, taking more out of you on long-distance rides and being less forgiving of rider errors. In return, it rewards you with a thrilling ride and uncompromising performance. However, if you enjoy more leisurely rides, you’ll have the most fun aboard the more forgiving and compliant Roadmachine 01. Its taller stack height and stabler handling let you stay more relaxed, so you can take in the scenery and let down your guard.
That’s not to say it isn’t fast, but don’t expect it to keep up with its purebred sibling. You also benefit from the practicality of an integrated storage compartment in the down tube for things like snacks, tools, or a windbreaker, as well as an integrated tail light for added safety. If you just don’t know, because you’re new to the sport and you haven’t been able to figure out what you enjoy, we’d recommend the more versatile Roadmachine, letting you explore a little more with tire widths and setups to find out which way you lean.
All That Matters in the End
Ultimately, you must ask yourself: what’s the point? And what it comes down to is having fun. That’s why we all ride. It’s just that we have different ideas of fun. There’s type 2 fun, the kind you can only enjoy in hindsight, once you’ve caught your breath and the pain has subsided. It’s the type of fun you love to hate and hate to love. It’s a sadistic kind of fun, but rewarding nonetheless. On the other hand you’ve got type 1 fun, which is the type of fun you can appreciate in the moment. It isn’t the type of fun you question while you’re doing it. It’s self-evident.
Conclusion
We’re not here to tell you what bike to ride, whether it’s the Teammachine R01, Roadmachine 01 or any other bike, we just want you to ride. And to keep riding, it’s got to be fun, which it’ll most likely be if you’re on the best bike for you. Unless you’re getting paid to perform, no one really cares if you’re the fastest or what bike you ride. Ride the bike that you enjoy, ignore everything and everyone else and be your own gauge. The only thing that matters is showing up with a smile on your face. So, what are you waiting for? We’ll see you out there.
Did you enjoy this article? If so, we would be stoked if you decide to support us with a monthly contribution. By becoming a supporter of GRAN FONDO, you will help secure a sustainable future for high-quality cycling journalism. Click here to learn more.
Words: Rolf Rhodes Photos: Lars Engmann