This sizing guide helps you find your ideal BMC Teammachine size.
According to BMC’s size guidance, the sizing for the Teammachine SLR is determined not only by the height of the rider but also by other factors like arm and leg length. This is why their size recommendations based on height somewhat overlap for certain riders.
BMC offers six Teammachine SLR frame sizes. Both the SLR and non-SLR variants maintain consistent sizing.
| Bike size | Rider height (in) | Rider height (cm) |
|---|---|---|
| 47 | <5’5″ | <166 |
| 51 | 5’5″ – 5’9″ | 166 – 174 |
| 54 | 5’8″ – 5’11” | 172 – 180 |
| 56 | 5’10” – 6’1″ | 178 – 186 |
| 58 | 6’0″ – 6’4″ | 184 – 192 |
| 61 | >6’3″ | >190 |
Important factors to consider beyond height
Here are important things to consider from my experience working at the bike shop, helping hundreds of customers get their right bike size.
BMC sizing compared to other brands
BMC’s sizing approach uses sizes like 47, 51, 54, 56, 58, and 61. While these numbers offer a general frame size indication, they might differ from other brands like Cannondale or Trek. It’s essential to understand these nuances to make an informed decision.
These numbers provide a general indication of the frame size. However, they might not be consistent across other bike brands. What constitutes a size 51 in a BMC differs from a Cannondale or Trek.
Stack and reach are important measurements
Stack and reach are crucial measurements in determining the correct bike size.
If you currently have a bike that fits you well and is comfortable, use that as a reference point. Find out its Stack and Reach measurements and compare them against the BMC Teammachine’s measurements. Then, pick the closest size.
- Stack is the vertical distance from the bottom bracket to the head tube’s top. It influences your handlebars’ height relative to your saddle. A higher stack offers a more upright riding position, ideal for extended rides, older cyclists, or those with limited lower back flexibility.
- Reach measures the horizontal distance from the bottom bracket to the head tube’s center. It determines your riding position’s compactness. A longer reach offers an aggressive posture, while a shorter one provides a more relaxed stance.
The Stack and Reach measurements can be found in the geometry chart below.
Size up or down, if in between sizes?
The BMC Teammachine SLR’s sizing chart has overlapping height limits. It’s common to find yourself torn between two sizes.
If that’s you, then there are many things to consider, such as your legs-to-torso proportions and the final look of the bike, taking into consideration the number of spacers, stem length, and the amount of exposed seatpost.
Generally, I’d recommend sizing down for most cyclists.
The smaller frame has more room to extend reach, and increase stack. However, there is a limit to these corrective measures to avoid having too many spacers (30mm+) or too much exposed seatpost, which makes the bike look out of proportion.
The smaller frame is also stiffer, more maneuverable, and marginally lighter. If set up right, it’ll have more exposed seatpost, leading to more comfort due to increased seatpost flex.
If you have a normal legs-to-torso proportion, opting for the smaller size would be a better choice.
- If you have longer legs with a shorter torso, consider sizing up to avoid having too much exposed seatpost.
- If you have short legs with a longer torso, consider sizing down and using a longer stem to extend reach.
Test ride before you buy
Nothing beats the insights gained from a test ride. I recommend visiting your local BMC dealer to try the sizes in question. Most dealers, equipped with a demo fleet, will happily facilitate a test ride.
BMC Teammachine frame geometry (2020-2023)
The geometry chart below applies to all BMC Teammachine SLR frames from the following:
- Years: 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
- Models: BMC Teammachine SLR01, Teammachine SLR
- Variants: Ltd, ONE, TWO, THREE, FOUR, FIVE, SIX, SEVEN
- Frame material: Carbon
Each of the geometry measurements is explained in detail in this article.
| Frame Size | 47 | 51 | 54 | 56 | 58 | 61 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rider Height (cm) | <166 | 166 to 174 | 172 to 180 | 178 to 186 | 184 to 192 | >190 |
| Rider Height (ft) | Below 5’5″ | 5’5″ to 5’9″ | 5’8″ to 5’11” | 5’10” to 6’1″ | 6’0″ to 6’4″ | Above 6’3″ |
| Stack (mm) | 506 | 530 | 550 | 565 | 584 | 608 |
| Reach (mm) | 367 | 377 | 386 | 392 | 401 | 409 |
| Top Tube (mm) | 517 | 534 | 549 | 559 | 574 | 589 |
| Seat Tube (mm) | 423 | 468 | 504 | 524 | 545 | 574 |
| Seat Tube Angle | 73.5º | 73.5º | 73.5º | 73.5º | 73.5º | 73.5º |
| Head Tube (mm) | 110 | 130 | 145 | 165 | 184 | 210 |
| Head Tube Angle | 71.5º | 71.5º | 72.3º | 72.3º | 72.3º | 72.3º |
| Chainstay (mm) | 410 | 410 | 410 | 410 | 410 | 410 |
| Front Center (mm) | 568 | 586 | 589 | 599 | 614 | 630 |
| Wheelbase (mm) | 968 | 986 | 989 | 1000 | 1015 | 1030 |
| BB Drop (mm) | 69 | 69 | 69 | 69 | 69 | 69 |
| Fork Length (mm) | 368 | 368 | 368 | 368 | 368 | 368 |
| Fork Offset (mm) | 48 | 48 | 43 | 43 | 43 | 43 |
| Fork Trail (mm) | 63 | 63 | 63 | 63 | 63 | 63 |
| Crankarm Length (mm) | 170 | 170 | 172.5 | 172.5 | 175 | 175 |
| Stem Length (mm) | 90 | 90 | 100 | 110 | 110 | 120 |
| Stem Angle | -12.5º | -12.5º | -12.5º | -12.5º | -12.5º | -12.5º |
| Bar Width (mm) | 400 | 420 | 420 | 420 | 420 | 440 |
| Bar Drop (mm) | 125 | 125 | 125 | 125 | 125 | 125 |
| Bar Reach (mm) | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 | 70 |
| Post Offset (mm) | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 | 15 |
| Standover Height (mm) | 717 | 752 | 779 | 797 | 817 | 843 |
| Seatpost Length (mm) | 330 | 380 | 380 | 380 | 380 | 380 |
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.