BMC Roadmachine AMP One review

It’s hard to tell, at first glance, that the Roadmachine AMP is an electric bike. It follows the silhouette and shape of the non-electric Roadmachine very closely.

The geometry is an exact match for the non-assisted bike and only a small increase in the size of the down tube marks the AMP as a different beast.

However, it features a Mahle X20 motor and a 350Wh battery, providing impressive range alongside its pleasingly smooth ride.

It's a compelling package that promises to make the Roadmachine AMP one of the best electric road bikes.

BMC Roadmachine AMP One motor and spec details

The new rear-hub Mahle X20 electric bike motor is so much smaller than the older X35 unit that it’s hidden completely by the SRAM Force 10-36 cassette on one side and the 160mm disc rotor on the other.

The operating system uses new AI that enables the bike to auto-adapt to the environment, the rider and their effort, for a consistently natural feel.

As you put in the power, the new Mahle bottom bracket measures both cadence and power (watts). The software optimises the power assistance being delivered, whichever power mode you’re riding in (there are three).

That has hugely boosted the bike’s range, with the 350Wh internal battery providing plenty of miles throughout my testing. It coped well with 30˚C temperatures in Switzerland and the UK through to -3˚C frosty rides in December.

Mahle’s phone app can then be used to adjust motor and map settings, monitor energy consumption and even link to your heart rate monitor, delivering power to keep you in the HR zones of your choice.

Full route data is recorded through the app too, giving a much more in-depth analysis of any ride.

A top-tube control unit cycles through the modes, with a colour-changing strip light showing which power mode you’re in and your battery reserves.

It’s simple and clear, but connecting it to a (Garmin) head unit means you can control the motor assistance from your touchscreen and get even clearer information on the battery life and estimated range.

The new Smart charger can deliver 80 per cent charge in just two hours, with a full recharge in just shy of four. A USB port means you can download firmware updates to a USB stick and carry out your own system upgrades at home.

BMC Roadmachine AMP One geometry

BMC Roadmachine AMP One ride impressions

The Roadmachine's electric element sits low, giving balance to the bike. What really surprised me about the 12kg AMP was just how much it felt like the non-electrified BMC Roadmachine.

The handling is well balanced, with its slightly relaxed head angle of 71 degrees bringing a stability to the steering, helped by the much more relaxed 63mm trail on the fork.

This is, however, paired with a steep 74.2-degree seat angle, putting you square over the cranks for added power and helping drive you forwards efficiently.

This makes for a bike that’s great to climb on and carves steep, twisting road descents with ease.

And how is the range? Impressive. Because of the Mahle’s clever assistance management, the range is very dependent on the rider, more so than other electric bikes. The more effort you put in, the more range you can expect.

In Switzerland, it still had just over 40 per cent left in its battery after I’d done 94km with 2,029m of elevation.

Back in the UK, in similarly warm conditions, I’ve achieved 157km with 2,058m of climbing. Cold weather obviously influences the range, though: on a day when the average ride temperature was just 3˚C, the AMP managed a more modest 132km with 1,040m elevation.

The build is exactly what you’d expect of a bike at this price. The SRAM Force AXS groupset shifts with precision and the braking is excellent. It's full of feel and ideal for keeping momentum on long descents and scrubbing just enough speed to hit the perfect line on every corner. The contact points are excellent too.

I liked the BMC bar’s shape, combined with the high-quality carbon seatpost, Fizik saddle and smooth-riding frame.

It all adds up to a great endurance bike that just happens to be electric. The Vittoria tyres look great with their tan walls, and the grip and roll are good on dry roads, but they wouldn’t be my first choice as one of the best winter road tyres.

BMC Roadmachine AMP One bottom line

The Roadmachine AMP has fast become one of my favourite e-road rides. There are some lighter alternatives available, but the AMP isn’t that much heavier than its rivals and it carries its mass very well.

The assistance feels well integrated and very natural, the handling is superbly balanced and it rides impressively well.

It feels just like a quality non-assisted endurance bike 90 per cent of the time. For the other 10 per cent, it gives you a welcome boost up the steepest climbs.