This article compares the differences between the BMC Timemachine Road and Canyon Aeroad.
The comparison covers the model lineups, specifications, and retail pricing. It compares the carbon fiber technology (BMC ACE+ vs Canyon Carbon Fiber) and frameset technologies on each bike.
The objective is to provide you with a clearer understanding of BMC Timemachine Road vs Canyon Aeroad before making the purchasing decision.
| BMC Timemachine Road | Canyon Aeroad | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | Aero | Aero |
| Frame material | Premium 01 carbon | CFR carbon CF SLX carbon |
| Frame sizes | 47, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 | XXS, S, M, L, XL, XXL |
| Groupset | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Cabling | Internal | Internal |
| Price (USD) | $7,199 to $12,799 | $4,499 to $9,499 |
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
Canyon Aeroad
The Canyon Aeroad is an aero bike designed for pure speed. This is seen from the new cockpit design, which is very clean with hidden cables and steeped with innovative thinking.
The Aeroad is Canyon’s flagship bike, ridden by Matthew van der Poel to stage wins at the Tour de France.
Generally, a one-piece handlebar is very expensive to swap if you need a different dimension to achieve the right fit. Canyon overcomes this problem by having a handlebar that is both height and width adjustable from 390 to 430mm. They can also be folded and packed inside a bike bag for traveling. This new handlebar is used in the CFR and CF SLX models only.
The CFR model sits atop the Aeroad lineup with a weight of 7.3kg, followed by SLX (7.7kg) and SL (7.8kg).
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canyon Aeroad CFR Tokyo Ed. | CFR carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 | DT Swiss ARC 1100 | $9,499 |
| Canyon Aeroad CFR | CFR carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 | DT Swiss ARC 1100 | $8,999 |
| Canyon Aeroad CFR | CFR carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | DT Swiss ARC 1100 | $7,999 |
| Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 8 | CF SLX carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | DT Swiss ARC 1400 | $5,999 |
| Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 8 | CF SLX carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 | DT Swiss ARC 1400 | $5,999 |
| Canyon Aeroad CF SLX 7 | CF SLX carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | DT Swiss ARC 1600 | $4,499 |
BMC vs Canyon 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.
Canyon Carbon Fiber (CF)
Canyon’s innovative approach to bike design includes the utilization of advanced carbon fiber technology, resulting in performance-oriented bicycles that offer remarkable strength, reduced weight, and improved ride quality.
Canyon employs three main types of carbon fiber in their range of bikes; CFR, CF SLX, and CF SL, each offering unique benefits to cater to your needs and budgets.
- Canyon CFR (Canyon Factory Racing) Carbon is the top-tier carbon fiber used by Canyon, designed for maximum performance. Bikes built with CFR carbon are the lightest and stiffest in the Canyon line-up, favored by professional racers and serious enthusiasts alike. The CFR series represents the pinnacle of Canyon’s engineering prowess and innovation, employing state-of-the-art materials and advanced manufacturing techniques.
- Canyon CF SLX Carbon is a step below CFR, but it still offers exceptional performance characteristics. It used to be the highest-grade carbon in Canyon’s arsenal until the introduction of the CFR series. Bikes with CF SLX carbon frames provide a perfect balance of weight, stiffness, and comfort, making them highly versatile for a range of riding conditions.
- Canyon CF SL Carbon is the entry-level carbon fiber in Canyon’s range, but it still offers excellent performance. While it doesn’t quite match the extreme weight savings and stiffness of the CFR and CF SLX grades, CF SL frames are still impressively light and stiff, providing excellent performance for the value. Ideal for cyclists who desire a high-quality, performance-oriented bike without breaking the bank, the CF SL series is a testament to Canyon’s commitment to delivering value and performance.
Frameset technologies and innovations
BMC Timemachine Road and Canyon Aeroad 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. |
Canyon Aeroad CFR
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| CFR Carbon | Canyon Factory Racing (CFR) Carbon is the highest-grade carbon fiber used by Canyon. It’s designed for ultimate performance, with CFR carbon frames being the lightest and stiffest in Canyon’s range. This carbon is employed for the most performance-driven models in Canyon’s lineup. |
| Pro Geometry | Pro Geometry is Canyon’s design approach that tailors each bike frame’s size with specific tube dimensions and carbon layups, optimizing performance and ride characteristics for riders of different sizes. This ensures that every rider, irrespective of their size, enjoys a consistent and optimal cycling experience on the Aeroad CFR. |
| Adjustable Cockpit CP0018 | The Canyon Aeroad CFR and CF SLX feature the innovative Cockpit CP0018, designed for aerodynamic efficiency and versatility. With fully internal cable routing, it offers a clean look and enhanced aerodynamics. The unique wing design allows for easy bike packing, eliminating the hassle of dealing with internal routing. Its innovative width adjustment feature lets you switch between narrow, medium, and wide settings (390-430mm) using just one tool. It provides a total adjustment range of 40mm (+/- 20mm on each side), allowing you to fine-tune your fit for comfort and efficiency. CP |
| Aeroad System Complete | This design principle ensures the Canyon Aeroad is developed as a complete system, incorporating the frame, fork, seat post, stem, handlebar, and even spacers into the aerodynamic optimization process. The goal is to minimize air resistance and maximize speed for the rider. |
| Aero Testing | Canyon uses cutting-edge technologies and tools to achieve aerodynamic efficiency, including wind tunnel testing and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). These tools help them simulate and analyze air flow over the bike, enabling Canyon to refine the design for optimal aerodynamics. Canyon’s rigorous testing approach ensures the Aeroad CFR offers superior aerodynamic performance. |
Where to buy
BMC retailers
- BMC retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest BMC retailers.
Canyon shops
- Canyon online shop. Available to ship to most countries worldwide.
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.