This article compares the BMC Roadmachine and Giant Defy Advanced.
I’ll help you understand the bike model lineups, specifications, and suggested retail prices in USD. I’ll explain the carbon fiber technology (BMC ACE+ and Giant Advanced Composite) and innovative frameset technologies on each bike.
The objective is to provide you with a clearer understanding of BMC Roadmachine and Giant Defy Advanced.
| BMC Roadmachine | Giant Defy Advanced | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | Endurance | Endurance |
| Frame material | Premium 01 carbon Premium carbon | Advanced carbon |
| Frame sizes | 47, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 | XS, S, M, ML, L, XL |
| Groupset | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Cabling | Internal | Internal |
| Price (USD) | $3,399 to $12,699 | $2,800 to $6,500 |
BMC Roadmachine
The BMC Roadmachine is an endurance bike.
The BMC Roadmachine has a more relaxed geometry compared to the Teammachine. It has a carbon fiber layup geared towards more comfort, especially over rough roads, at the expense of high performance and stiffness.
There are two versions available; BMC Roadmachine 01 (higher grade) vs BMC Roadmachine (standard). Both have the same frame geometry but differ in carbon fiber grade (Premium 01 Carbon vs Premium Carbon) and internal vs external cable routing.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMC Roadmachine 01 One | Premium 01 carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | Zipp 303 Firecrest | $12,699 |
| BMC Roadmachine 01 Two | Premium 01 carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | DT Swiss ERC 1100 | $12,999 |
| BMC Roadmachine 01 Three | Premium 01 carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | CRD-321 SL Carbon | $8,899 |
| BMC Roadmachine 01 Four | Premium 01 carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | CRD-321 SL Carbon | $8,299 |
| BMC Roadmachine 01 Five | Premium 01 carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | CRD-321 SL Carbon | $7,299 |
| BMC Roadmachine One | Premium carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | CRD-321 | $6,499 |
| BMC Roadmachine Two | Premium carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | DT Swiss E1800 | $5,999 |
| BMC Roadmachine Three | Premium carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | XRD-522 | $5,599 |
| BMC Roadmachine Four | Premium carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | XRD-522 | $5,199 |
| BMC Roadmachine Five | Premium carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Mavic Open Disc | $4,599 |
| BMC Roadmachine Six | Premium carbon | Shimano 105 (R7000) | Mavic Open Disc | $3,399 |
BMC Roadmachine vs others
Giant Defy Advanced
The Giant Defy Advanced is an endurance bike.
Unlike the Giant Propel Advanced and TCR Advanced, the Giant Defy is designed for you to go longer distances and be comfortable.
To achieve this, the Giant Defy has a more relaxed geometry with a shorter reach and higher stack than a similar size Giant TCR Advanced. The frame can take up to 700x35c tires.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giant Defy Advanced Pro 1 | Advanced carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Giant SLR 1 36 | $6,500 |
| Giant Defy Advanced Pro 2 AXS | Advanced carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Giant SLR 2 36 | $5,200 |
| Giant Defy Advanced Pro Di2 | Advanced carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Giant SLR 2 36 | $4,800 |
| Giant Defy Advanced 0 | Advanced carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Giant P-R2 | $4,100 |
| Giant Defy Advanced 1 | Advanced carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Giant P-R2 | $3,900 |
| Giant Defy Advanced 2 | Advanced carbon | Shimano 105 (R7000) | Giant P-R2 | $2,800 |
Giant Defy Advanced vs others
BMC vs Giant carbon fiber
BMC ACE+
The BMC ACE+ (Accelerated Composites Evolution Technology +) is the latest carbon fiber layup technology used on all BMC road bikes.
ACE+ operates by determining the cross-sections of the frame, the arrangement of the carbon layers, and the geometric structure based on targeted performance values. Subsequently, it generates thousands of virtual models to pinpoint the ideal equilibrium of performance, focusing on three fundamental aspects; Stiffness, Weight, and Compliance.
BMC has two different carbon grades, 01 Premium Carbon and Premium Carbon, in their road bike frames. The choice between the two carbon grades depends on the rider’s preferences, budget, and desired level of performance.
- 01 Premium Carbon is a high-grade carbon fiber material with superior performance, stiffness, and weight savings. It provides enhanced ride quality with improved power transfer and responsiveness. Premium 01 carbon is used on all BMC models with 01, such as Teammachine SLR01 and Roadmachine 01.
- Premium Carbon is a mid-range carbon fiber material that balances performance, weight, and affordability. It is used on all BMC models without the 01.
Giant Advanced Composite Carbon
Giant’s Advanced Composite Carbon is a proprietary carbon fiber technology used in constructing bicycle frames. It’s a high-quality composite material with carbon fibers embedded in a resin matrix.
Using Advanced Composite Carbon, Giant can design frames with specific performance characteristics tailored to different riding disciplines. The material offers excellent vibration-damping properties, enhancing comfort and reducing fatigue on long rides. It also provides efficient power transfer, enabling riders to maximize their pedaling efficiency and accelerate easily.
The Giant Advanced Composite Carbon is available in standard and SL (Super Light) versions.
- Advanced SL represents the pinnacle of Giant’s carbon fiber engineering and construction. Advanced SL frames undergo additional optimization, utilizing a higher grade of carbon fiber and meticulous layup techniques. It’s found in Giant’s top-of-the-line bikes.
- Advanced is a step down from the top-tier Advanced SL carbon fiber, but it still offers an impressive balance of performance and value for money.
Frameset technologies and innovations
BMC Roadmachine and Giant Defy Advanced framesets incorporate advanced technologies to enhance their bikes’ performance and ride characteristics.
Here’s an overview of the technologies used in each bike model.
BMC Roadmachine
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Integrated Cockpit System (ICS) | Seamlessly integrates the handlebar, stem, and fork to improve aerodynamics, enhance stiffness, and provide a clean, integrated look. The elimination of external cables reduces drag and improves handling responsiveness. |
| Tuned Compliance Concept (TCC) | TCC optimizes vertical compliance by strategically tuning the carbon layup and tube shapes. This technology improves the frame’s ability to absorb road vibrations and bumps, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride without sacrificing performance or power transfer. |
| D-Shaped Seatpost | BMC’s D-Shaped Seatpost features a flattened shape that enhances vertical compliance and comfort by absorbing road vibrations. This design provides a smoother ride experience, particularly during long-distance or rougher road surfaces, while maintaining aerodynamic performance. |
Giant Defy Advanced
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Advanced Composite Technology | Utilizes Giant’s High Performance Grade raw carbon material and Modified Monocoque Construction technique to create a custom frame material. This carbon composite offers a high stiffness-to-weight ratio, balancing lightweight performance and strength. |
| OverDrive 2 | Features advanced steerer tube technology with oversized headset bearings and a tapered steerer tube (1 1/2″ lower, 1 1/4″ upper). This design optimizes the front-end steering performance, resulting in superior steering stiffness, enhanced control, and precise handling. |
| Compact Road Design | Originating with the professional Team ONCE in the 1990s, Compact Road Design revolutionized high-performance road bikes. It involves a downward-sloping top tube, creating smaller front and rear triangles for a lighter, stiffer bike. The design also enables riders of all sizes to find a perfect fit and maintain optimal power transfer. |
Where to buy
BMC retailers
- BMC retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest BMC retailers.
Giant retailers
- Giant retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Giant retailers.
Bernard Lu has 7+ years of experience working in a bicycle shop, overseeing the retail and workshop operations. He’s a qualified bicycle mechanic who understands a cyclist’s needs and speaks the same cycling lingo.
If you meet him at the cafe, he will happily talk to you for hours about all the intricacies of bikes and cycling tech. Just buy him a coffee next time you see him.