This article compares the differences between the BMC Teammachine SLR and Orbea Orca.
The comparison covers the model lineups, specifications, and retail pricing. It compares the carbon fiber technology (BMC ACE+ vs Orbea Monocoque (TorayCa) Carbon) and frameset technologies on each bike.
The objective is to provide you with a clearer understanding of BMC Teammachine SLR vs Orbea Orca before making the purchasing decision.
| BMC Teammachine SLR | Orbea Orca | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | Lightweight, all-rounder | Lightweight, all-rounder |
| Frame material | Premium 01 carbon Premium carbon | OMX (T1100) OMR (T800) |
| Frame sizes | 47, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 | 47, 49, 51, 53, 55, 57, 60 |
| Groupset | Shimano, SRAM, Campagnolo (12-speed) | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Cabling | Internal | Internal |
| Price (USD) | $4,599 to $15,999 | $5,199 to $13,199 |
BMC Teammachine SLR
The BMC Teammachine SLR is an all-rounder, pure-breed race bike.
Cadel Evans won the Tour de France in 2011 on the same BMC Teammachine SLR01 model, albeit an older generation model. At first glance, the naming convention of the Teammachine SLR01 can be confusing and looks to be all over.
There are two versions available; BMC Teammachine SLR01 (higher grade) vs BMC Teammachine SLR (standard).
Both models have the same frame geometry but differ in carbon fiber grade (Premium 01 Carbon vs Premium Carbon vs ), internal vs external cable routing, and components.
The range-topping model is the BMC Teammachine SLR01 Ltd, the same bike the AG2R Citroën Team rode at the 2023 Tour de France. It’s followed by the One, Two Three, Four, and Five models. Top-of-the-line BMC Teammachine SLR01 models are equipped with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 or SRAM Red AXS. Mid-range models are equipped with Shimano Ultegra Di2 or SRAM Force AXS.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMC Teammachine SLR01 Ltd | Premium 01 carbon | Campagnolo Super Record EPS | Campagnolo Bora Ultra Disc WTO | $15,999 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR01 One | Premium 01 carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | Zipp 353 NSW | $14,999 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR01 Two | Premium 01 carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | DT Swiss ARC 1100 DICUT | $12,999 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR01 Three | Premium 01 carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | DT Swiss ARC 1650 | $9,299 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR01 Four | Premium 01 carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | CRD-351 SL | $8,499 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR01 Five | Premium 01 carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | CRD-351 SL | $7,499 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR One | Premium carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | CRD-351 | $6,499 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR Two | Premium carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | DT SWISS P1800 | $5,999 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR Three | Premium carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | XRD-522 | $5,599 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR Four | Premium carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | XRD-522 | $5,199 |
| BMC Teammachine SLR Five | Premium carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Mavic Open Disc | $4,599 |
BMC Teammachine SLR vs others
Orbea Orca
The latest Orbea Orca was launched in mid-July 2023, during the last week of the Tour de France.
Compared to its predecessor, the 2024 Orbea Orca is a lot lighter (832g previously vs 750g for a size 53 frame). This is achieved using a traditional-looking, round tube frame without the dropped seat stays seen on the majority of road bikes today. At 6.7kg for the top-of-the-line M11eLTD PWR model with SRAM Red AXS, it’s among the lightest, disc brake road bikes available today, alongside the likes of Cannondale Supersix Evo LAB71 and Cervelo R5.
Like many other Orbea models, the Orbea Orca offers a lot of customization options for the riders, thanks to the MyO configurator. There are 11 models available with either Shimano or SRAM electronic shifting groupsets. The models with PWR indicate it comes with a power meter, the LTD models use the highest grade OMX carbon.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orbea Orca M11eLTD PWR | OMX (Toray T1100) carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | Oquo RP35LTD (carbon) | $11,599 |
| Orbea Orca M10iLTD PWR | OMX (Toray T1100) carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | Oquo RP35LTD (carbon) | $11,599 |
| Orbea Orca M21eLTD PWR | OMX (Toray T1100) carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Oquo RP35LTD (carbon) | $7,999 |
| Orbea Orca M20iLTD | OMX (Toray T1100) carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Oquo RP45LTD (carbon) | $6,999 |
| Orbea Orca M31eLTD | OMX (Toray T1100) carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Oquo RP45LTD (carbon) | $5,999 |
| Orbea Orca M31iLTD PWR | OMX (Toray T1100) carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Oquo RP45LTD (carbon) | $5,999 |
| Orbea Orca M21eTEAM PWR | OMR (Toray T800) carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Oquo RP35TEAM (carbon) | $6,899 |
| Orbea Orca M21iTEAM | OMR (Toray T800) carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Oquo RP35TEAM (carbon) | $5,999 |
| Orbea Orca M31eTEAM | OMR (Toray T800) carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Oquo RP35PRO (alloy) | $4,699 |
| Orbea Orca M35i | OMR (Toray T800) carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Oquo RP35TEAM (carbon) | $4,599 |
| Orbea Orca M30i | OMR (Toray T800) carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Oquo RP35PRO (alloy) | $3,599 |
Orbea Orca vs others
BMC vs Orbea 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.
Orbea Monocoque (TorayCa) Carbon
Orbea uses carbon fiber from TorayCa in their bikes. It’s one of the handful of bike manufacturers that uses a monocoque carbon fiber construction, resulting in a lighter and stiffer frameset. The two most prominent types of carbon used in Orbea’s bike frames are OMX (T1100K) and OMR (T800) carbon.
- OMX (Orbea Monocoque X) carbon is Orbea’s top-grade carbon fiber, with the ultimate blend of stiffness, lightness, and strength. Monocoque refers to a type of construction technique where the external skin supports the structural load, which, when applied to bike frames, results in a balance of strength and weight. Due to its high manufacturing cost, OMX carbon is typically reserved for Orbea’s top-tier models.
- OMR (Orbea Monocoque Race) is the standard carbon composite used by Orbea. While OMR doesn’t match the absolute performance capabilities of OMX, it offers a fantastic performance-to-value ratio. This makes it a great choice for riders looking for top-notch performance without the premium price tag of the top-grade OMX carbon.
Frameset technologies and innovations
BMC Teammachine SLR and Orbea Orca 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 Teammachine SLR
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Accelerated Composites Evolution Plus (ACE+) | ACE+ utilizes advanced computer algorithms and simulation techniques to optimize the layup and design of carbon fiber frames and components. With BMC ACE+, engineers can explore various design possibilities and fine-tune the carbon layup to achieve specific performance objectives. This technology allows precise control over stiffness, compliance, weight, and aerodynamics. ACE+ enables BMC to create frames that offer optimal balance and performance characteristics by analyzing numerous virtual prototypes and conducting virtual testing. |
| Aerocore Design System | An advanced aerodynamic design approach used by BMC to optimize the aerodynamic performance of their road bikes. It is a holistic system that integrates multiple bike elements, including frame shapes, tube profiles, component integration, and overall bike geometry, to minimize aerodynamic drag and maximize efficiency. |
| 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. |
Orbea Orca
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Monocoque Carbon Construction | Monocoque carbon construction is a process that uses the most advanced carbon technology to create the most sophisticated bike frames possible. Monocoque means that the frame is made of a single piece of carbon fiber, rather than multiple pieces joined together. This ensures that the frame is lighter, stiffer, and stronger, as there are no weak points or excess material. Orbea has two grades of carbon fibers; OMX (Orbea Monocoque X-Light) and OMR (Orbea Monocoque Race). Orbea also uses a bladder molding technique with EPS (expanded polystyrene) forms and PU (polyurethane) inserts to prevent wrinkles and gaps in the carbon layers, which can compromise the quality and durability of the frame. |
| ICR Plus | This stands for Internal Cable Routing, which is a system that routes all the cables neatly through the bar, stem, and headset for a clean look and improved aerodynamics. ICR also makes it easier to maintain and service the bike compare to other bike brands’ solutions. |
| Powerspine | Powerspine is a frame design technology that enhances the stiffness and power transmission of the bike. The Powerspine is the lower spine of the frame that handles the large majority of torsional and lateral loads. This means that the frame is stiff in the right places, which results in direct power transfer to the rear wheel and more efficient pedaling. The Powerspine also contributes to the lightness and aerodynamics of the Orca, as it eliminates unnecessary material and reduces drag. |
Where to buy
BMC retailers
- BMC retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest BMC retailers.
Orbea retailers
- Orbea retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Orbea dealers.
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.