In this comparison, I’ll dissect two popular bike models; the BMC Timemachine Road vs Orbea Orca Aero.
I’ll compare their lineups, bike specifications, and suggested retail prices in USD, then discuss the carbon fiber technology (BMC ACE+ and Orbea Monocoque (TorayCa) Carbon) and frameset technologies.
The goal is to give you a better understanding of BMC Timemachine Road and Orbea Orca Aero to help in your decision-making.
| BMC Timemachine Road | Orbea Orca Aero | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | Aero | Aero | |
| Frame material | Premium 01 carbon | OMX (Toray T1100) carbon | |
| Frame sizes | 47, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 | 47, 49, 51, 53, 55, 57, 60 | |
| Groupset | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) | |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc | |
| Cabling | Internal | Internal | |
| Price (USD) | $7,199 to $12,799 | $4,899 to $10,899 |
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
Orbea Orca Aero
The Orbea Orca Aero combines the design principles of the Orca Orca road and the Ordu time trial bike. It uses Toray’s T1100 monocoque carbon, which Orbea refers to as OMX carbon.
The most obvious and standout feature of the Orca Aero is the aero water bottle and storage box beneath the down tube. They are optional and can be removed, depending on your preferences.
The Orbea Orca Aero offers you a lot of customization options from frame color, groupset, wheelset, tires, and saddle using the MyO configurator. There are 6 models available with either Shimano or SRAM electronic shifting groupsets.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orbea Orca Aero M10iLTD | OMX (Toray T1100) carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | Shimano Dura-Ace C50 | $10,899 |
| Orbea Orca Aero M11eLTD | OMX (Toray T1100) carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | Vision 55 SC | $9,899 |
| Orbea Orca Aero M20iLTD | OMX (Toray T1100) carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Vision 55 SC | $6,799 |
| Orbea Orca Aero M21eLTD | OMX (Toray T1100) carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Vision 55 SC | $6,799 |
| Orbea Orca Aero M31eLTD | OMX (Toray T1100) carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Vision 40 SC | $5,699 |
| Orbea Orca Aero M30iLTD | OMX (Toray T1100) carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Vision 40 SC | $4,899 |
Orbea Orca Aero 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 Timemachine Road and Orbea Orca Aero 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. |
Orbea Orca Aero
| 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. |
| TrueAero | TrueAero is a combination of shapes, sizes, and materials that optimize airflow across the entire bike. TrueAero carbon is used to construct the Orca frame, which is designed to reduce drag and increase speed. TrueAero also includes features such as an integrated stem and handlebar, hidden cables, and an aero seatpost. |
| ICR | 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. |
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.