In this article, I’ll guide you through a comparison between the BMC Roadmachine and Pinarello X; both popular road bikes among cyclists.
I’ll walk through the BMC Roadmachine and Pinarello X models lineup, their specifications, and retail pricing (USD). I’ll explain the carbon fiber technology used (BMC ACE+ vs Pinarello TorayCa Carbon), and unique frameset features for each bike.
The goal is to help you get a better understanding before you make your final purchasing decision.
| BMC Roadmachine | Pinarello X | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | Endurance | Endurance |
| Frame material | Premium 01 carbon Premium carbon | Toray T600 carbon |
| Frame sizes | 47, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 | 430, 460, 490, 515, 530, 545, 560, 580, 600 |
| Groupset | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Cabling | Internal (Roadmachine 01) External (Roadmachine) | Internal |
| Price (USD) | $3,399 to $12,999 | Check with local retailers |
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
Pinarello X
The Pinarello X series was announced in February 2023 as a direct replacement for the popular Pinarello Paris.
It’s an endurance bike that focuses on comfort and compliance. The Pinarello X has a shorter, more upright geometry than the Pinarello Dogma F and F series. Pinarello claims the X series is 21% more compliant than the top-of-the-line, racy Pinarello Dogma F. The standout feature is the rear triangle, which has a Flexy Stay design to dampen road vibrations without resorting to mechanical means such as on the Pinarello K8 in the past.
The Pinarello X is available in 9 frame sizes with a choice of either Shimano 105 Di2, SRAM Rival AXS, or Shimano 105 mechanical shifting.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pinarello X3 | Toray T600 carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Fulcrum Racing 800 DB |
| Pinarello X3 | Toray T600 carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Fulcrum Racing 800 DB |
| Pinarello X1 | Toray T600 carbon | Shimano 105 (R7000) | Shimano WH RS-171 |
Pinarello X vs others
BMC vs Pinarello carbon fiber
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. |
Pinarello X
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Asymmetric frame | The Pinarello X series has an asymmetric frame that compensates for the unbalanced forces generated by the drivetrain. The right side of the frame is stiffer and stronger than the left side, to improve power transfer and efficiency. The asymmetric frame also enhances the handling and stability of the bike |
| TiCR | Total Internal Cable Routing (TiCR) is the state-of-the-art internal cable routing system that sets the standard across the whole bike industry. This system is versatile, accommodating both wireless and electro-mechanical group sets. TiCR completely conceals the cables within the bar/stem or integrated handlebar. This not only enhances the bike’s aesthetic appeal but also significantly improves aerodynamic performance and protects the cables from external elements. |
| FlatBack Profile | The FlatBack Profile is a significant aerodynamic feature in the Pinarello X. Essentially, it’s a truncated aerofoil design that provides an aerodynamic advantage while adhering to the 3:1 rule set by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI). By using this design, the bike achieves excellent aerodynamic performance with minimal lateral wind resistance. This means less energy is expended fighting wind resistance, leading to greater speed and efficiency. |
| Onda Fork | The Onda Fork is a distinctive Pinarello technology that has been around since 2000. This fork’s unique design offers precise steering abilities, stability, and a notable reduction of both longitudinal and lateral shocks. It does this by effectively absorbing road vibrations and dissipating them before they can reach the rider, resulting in a smoother, more comfortable ride. |
| Flex Stays | Flex Stays are designed to absorb road vibrations without reducing the responsiveness of the rear triangle. They are part of the Pinarello X series endurance bike, which is designed for riders who love cycling for pure joy. Flex stays work by having a curved shape that allows them to flex slightly when the bike encounters bumps or rough surfaces. This flexion helps to smooth out the ride and dampen the shocks that would otherwise be transmitted to the rider’s body. The flex stays also have a concave profile on the back, which improves the airflow and reduces the drag. |
Frameset technologies and innovations
BMC Roadmachine and Pinarello X 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 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.
Pinarello TorayCa
Pinarello uses Torayca carbon in their bikes due to the material’s performance characteristics and the consistency of its quality. Toray’s manufacturing processes ensure a high level of control over the properties of carbon fiber, resulting in a reliable and predictable material.
Different grades of Torayca carbon are used in Pinarello bikes, which are distinguished by their moduli. The T in T1100, T900, T700, and T600 refers to Torayca, and the number denotes the grade of the carbon fiber.
A higher number equates to a higher grade of carbon, which in turn offers more stiffness and less weight, but also typically costs more to produce.
- T1100 carbon is the top Pinarello’s carbon offering. This high-end carbon fiber blend is created for the ultimate stiffness-to-weight ratio. Utilizing the highest quality carbon fiber available, Pinarello designs frames with T1100 Carbon for their flagship, Pinarello Dogma F series.
- T900 carbon is another high-quality carbon fiber offering from Pinarello, albeit slightly less stiff and lightweight than T1100. It’s used in the Pinarello F series road bikes, such as the F9 and F7.
- T700 carbon is a step down from the T900 but still offers a solid balance between weight, stiffness, and cost. It’s found in mid-range models, such as the Pinarello F5.
- T600 carbon is the entry level of Pinarello’s carbon range, is heavier, less stiff, and more comfortable. It’s used in the Endurance road bike series, the Pinarello X.
Where to buy
BMC retailers
- BMC retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest BMC retailers.
Pinarello retailers
- Pinarello retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Pinarello retailers.
Alex Lee is the founder and editor-at-large of Mr. Mamil. Coming from a professional engineering background, he breaks down technical cycling nuances into an easy-to-understand and digestible format here.
He has been riding road bikes actively for the past 12 years and started racing competitively in the senior category during the summer recently.