This article compares the differences between the Cervelo Caledonia and BMC Roadmachine.
The comparison covers the model lineups, specifications, and retail pricing. It compares the carbon fiber technology ( vs BMC ACE+) and frameset technologies on each bike.
The objective is to provide you with a clearer understanding of Cervelo Caledonia vs BMC Roadmachine before making the purchasing decision.
| Cervelo Caledonia | BMC Roadmachine | |
|---|---|---|
| Type of bike | Endurance | Endurance |
| Frame material | Cervelo carbon | Premium 01 carbon Premium carbon |
| Frame sizes | 44, 48, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 | 47, 51, 54, 56, 58, 61 |
| Groupset | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) | Shimano, SRAM (12-speed) |
| Brakes | Hydraulic disc | Hydraulic disc |
| Cabling | Internal | Internal |
| Price (USD) | $4,700 to $11,500 | $3,399 to $12,999 |
Cervelo Caledonia
The Cervélo Caledonia is an endurance bike for comfort and long-distance riding over tarmac, backroads, and smooth, hardpacked gravels.
Compared to the Cervélo R5 and S5, the Cervélo Caledonia has a much more relaxed geometry with a higher stack and shorter reach. This puts the rider in a more upright position for comfort rather than aero. Cervélo Caledonia 5 and Caledonia share the same carbon fiber and frame geometry and can take tires up to 34mm wide.
The major difference between the Cervélo Caledonia 5 and Caledonia is in aerodynamics.
- Cervélo Caledonia 5 has a better aerodynamics profile with a slimmer head tube, cleaner front end with internal cable routing, and a D-shaped seatpost.
- Cervélo Caledonia has a more traditional look with a rounder head tube with external cabling and round (27.2mm) seatpost.
Here are all the available Cervélo Caledonia 5 and Caledonia models and builds.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cervelo Caledonia 5 | Carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | Reserve 40/44 | $11,500 |
| Cervelo Caledonia 5 | Carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | Reserve 40/44 | $11,500 |
| Cervelo Caledonia 5 | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Reserve 40/44 | $8,500 |
| Cervelo Caledonia 5 | Carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | Reserve 40/44 | $8,500 |
| Cervelo Caledonia 5 | Carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Fulcrum Racing 600 DB | $6,000 |
| Cervelo Caledonia | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | Fulcrum Racing 900 DB | $5,500 |
| Cervelo Caledonia | Carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | Fulcrum Racing 900 DB | $4,700 |
| Cervelo Caledonia | Carbon | Shimano Ultegra (R8000) | DT Swiss E1850 | $3,600 |
BMC Roadmachine
The BMC Roadmachine is an endurance bike.
The BMC Roadmachine has a more relaxed geometry compared to the Teammachine. It has a carbon fiber layup geared towards more comfort, especially over rough roads, at the expense of high performance and stiffness.
There are two versions available; BMC Roadmachine 01 (higher grade) vs BMC Roadmachine (standard). Both have the same frame geometry but differ in carbon fiber grade (Premium 01 Carbon vs Premium Carbon) and internal vs external cable routing.
| Model | Frame material | Groupset | Wheelset | Retail price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMC Roadmachine 01 One | Premium 01 carbon | SRAM Red eTap AXS | Zipp 303 Firecrest | $12,699 |
| BMC Roadmachine 01 Two | Premium 01 carbon | Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 (R9200) | DT Swiss ERC 1100 | $12,999 |
| BMC Roadmachine 01 Three | Premium 01 carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | CRD-321 SL Carbon | $8,899 |
| BMC Roadmachine 01 Four | Premium 01 carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | CRD-321 SL Carbon | $8,299 |
| BMC Roadmachine 01 Five | Premium 01 carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | CRD-321 SL Carbon | $7,299 |
| BMC Roadmachine One | Premium carbon | Shimano Ultegra Di2 (R8100) | CRD-321 | $6,499 |
| BMC Roadmachine Two | Premium carbon | SRAM Force eTap AXS | DT Swiss E1800 | $5,999 |
| BMC Roadmachine Three | Premium carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | XRD-522 | $5,599 |
| BMC Roadmachine Four | Premium carbon | SRAM Rival eTap AXS | XRD-522 | $5,199 |
| BMC Roadmachine Five | Premium carbon | Shimano 105 Di2 (R7100) | Mavic Open Disc | $4,599 |
| BMC Roadmachine Six | Premium carbon | Shimano 105 (R7000) | Mavic Open Disc | $3,399 |
BMC Roadmachine vs others
Cervelo vs BMC carbon fiber
Cervelo Carbon
Cervelo doesn’t publicly release information about the types of carbon fiber used on their road bikes.
From my observation of the current Cervelo bikes lineups, there are at least two carbon fiber grades used.
- Highest grade. Cervelo R5 and S5 could be using the highest carbon fiber grade of all the models. These are pure race bikes used by the pros and would likely have the best carbon fiber available at Cervelo.
- Mid-grade. Cervelo Caledonia and Soloist could be using a mid-level carbon and heavier fiber grade of all the models. These are endurance bikes that prioritize comfort over stiffness. So it’s not a surprise to see a lower-grade carbon fiber being used here.
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.
Frameset technologies and innovations
Cervelo Caledonia and BMC Roadmachine framesets incorporate advanced technologies to enhance their bikes’ performance and ride characteristics.
Here’s an overview of the technologies used in each bike model.
Cervelo Caledonia
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| Aero Cable Management | The Aero Cable Management feature on the Cervélo Caledonia 5 enhances the bike’s aerodynamics without compromising usability or performance. The frame, fork, ST31 (carbon) or ST32 (alloy) stem, and AB09 handlebars are meticulously designed to conceal brake hoses and shifter cables from the wind. The Cervélo Caledonia doesn’t have the Aero Cable Management and has external cable routing. |
| Performance Fit | The beauty of the Cervélo Caledonia 5 lies in Cervélo’s Performance Fit. The stem and two bearing caps allow a choice between a more aggressive 7mm or relaxed 22mm stack without needing any spacers. |
| 34mm tire clearance | The 34mm tire clearance makes the Cervélo Caledonia a versatile endurance bike, especially in fitting wider tires for rougher terrains. |
| Integrated mounts | The 34mm tire clearance increases Caledonia’s versatility, especially in fitting wider tires for rougher terrains. |
BMC Roadmachine
| Name | Description |
|---|---|
| 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. |
Where to buy
Cervelo retailers
- Cervelo retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest Cervelo retailers.
BMC retailers
- BMC retailers. Use this tool to find your nearest BMC 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.