In this article, I’ll guide you through a comparison between the BMC Timemachine Road and Cannondale System Six; both popular road bikes among cyclists.
I’ll walk through the BMC Timemachine Road and Cannondale System Six models lineup, their specifications, and retail pricing (USD). I’ll explain the carbon fiber technology used (BMC ACE+ vs Cannondale BallisTec), 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 Timemachine Road | Cannondale System Six | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | Aero | Aero |
| Frame material | Premium 01 carbon | BallisTec Hi-Mod carbon |
| Frame sizes | 47, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 | 47, 51, 54, 56, 58, 60, 62 |
| Groupset | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) | Shimano (12-speed) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Cabling | Internal | Internal |
| Price (USD) | $7,199 to $12,799 | $13,050 |
BMC Timemachine Road
The BMC Timemachine Road 01 is BMC’s fastest bike to date.
Designed for all-out speed, the tubes are aerodynamically shaped, and cables are fully hidden and integrated, achieving a clean front end. All models are specced with deeper 50mm wheels.
The BMC Timemachine Road lineup has three models priced from $7,199 to $12,699. The option for frameset only is also available.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMC Timemachine Road 01 One | Premium 01 carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | DT Swiss ARC 1100 | $12,799 |
| BMC Timemachine Road 01 Two | Premium 01 carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | CRD-501 carbon | $7,999 |
| BMC Timemachine Road 01 Three | Premium 01 carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | CRD-501 carbon | $7,199 |
BMC Timemachine Road vs others
Cannondale System Six
The Cannondale SystemSix is the latest addition to the road bike lineup. It’s designed as an all-out aero bike with a 100% focus on speed.
The engineers designed the Cannondale SystemSix based on a six-part system (hence the name); the integration of frame, fork, seat post, handlebar, stem, and wheels in a package to maximize aerodynamic advantages. All cables are routed internally via the two-piece carbon Cannondale Knot SystemBar for all Cannondale SystemSix models.
In 2023, Cannondale streamlined its SystemSix offerings from five to only one model with the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) groupset.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cannondale SystemSix Hi-MOD | Hi-MOD carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | HollowGram 64 SL KNØT | $13,050 |
Cannondale System Six vs others
BMC vs Cannondale 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.
Cannondale BallisTec Carbon
Cannondale BallisTec is a proprietary carbon fiber construction technique used to manufacture Cannondale bicycle frames.
The BallisTec carbon technology utilizes advanced engineering and construction methods to create frames that balance strength, stiffness, and weight. It involves the precise layering and placement of carbon fiber sheets, which are impregnated with epoxy resin and then molded under high pressure and temperature.
The BallisTec carbon is available in three grades.
- BallisTec LAB71 is Cannondale’s latest advancement in carbon construction. Also known as the Series 0 carbon, LAB71 is designed to be the lightest and most advanced, taking over from the Hi-MOD carbon. LAB71 frameset delivers exceptional performance, weight reduction, and overall ride quality.
- BallisTec Hi-MOD stands for High-Modulus, which refers to using high-modulus carbon fibers in the frame. This results in a stiffer and lighter structure, providing enhanced power transfer and a more responsive ride feel. Hi-MOD carbon frames are designed for riders who prioritize performance, stiffness, and weight savings.
- BallisTec is the standard carbon in Cannondale’s frames, which offers a balance of weight, stiffness, and durability at more affordable prices.
Frameset technologies and innovations
BMC Timemachine Road and Cannondale System Six 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 Timemachine Road 01
| 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. |
Cannondale System Six
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| BallisTec carbon construction | A proprietary manufacturing technology that uses meticulously woven carbon fiber material to create strong and lightweight bike frames. The goal is to maximize the stiffness-to-weight ratio, providing riders with a responsive and efficient ride experience. Available in three grades; BallisTec LAB71, BallisTec Hi-MOD, and BallisTec |
| Speed of Six | A comprehensive system consisting of frame, fork, seatpost, handlebar, stem, and wheels to minimize drag. |
| Customized airfoils | Tailored airfoil shapes for each frame section to reduce drag across various wind angles and increase aerodynamic efficiency. |
Where to buy
BMC retailers
- BMC retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest BMC retailers.
Cannondale retailers
- Cannondale retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Cannondale 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.