To meet the needs of the demanding and diverse gravel rider BMC has applied its engineering expertise to create a new model called the UnReStricted, offering progressive geometry, sleek cockpit integration and an all-new gravel-tuned frame to deliver a compliant and adventure-ready bike that can tackle everything from high-intensity gravel racing to limitless backroad explorations.
“The UnReStricted was developed in BMC’s backyard, the Swiss Jura Mountains. To highlight the bike’s Swiss heritage, we opted for a truly Swiss name. The motivation was unrestricted riding and hidden in the term UnReStricted one will find URS,” says BMC.
Since the gravel segment is a completely new territory for BMC, the company turned to experienced gravel riders of different styles to field-test the URS prototype over several months and give their direct feedback.
“During our development of URS, we focused on creating a bike that would crush gravel and dirt roads, but also be capable and fun on twisty, high-speed terrain that’s technically challenging for current gravel bikes,” explains Mart Otten, Senior Product Manager Road at BMC Switzerland. “It’s easy to make a bike that rides well on a straight gravel road, so we pushed the boundaries of URS capability by implementing our progressive gravel geometry, huge tire clearance, and dropper post compatibility, plus incorporating BMC’s proprietary Micro Travel Technology (MTT) for additional rough terrain performance.”
Terrain-Smoothing, “Do-It-All” Carbon Frame & Componentry
During the ground-up development of the URS, BMC focused on the demands of three key riding styles, the ambitious gravel racer, the high-mileage, backroad adventure rider and the long-haul bikepacking cyclist.
To meet such a wide range of rider demands, BMC developed its Tuned Compliance Concept Gravel, which utilizes a gravel-dedicated carbon frame and fork layup and proven D-Shaped seatpost, plus incorporates 10mm of seatstay-mounted MTT damping for optimum compliance and traction on rough terrain.
To further enhance the URS’s compliance and capability, BMC developed its Gravel+ specific geometry, which features a slack 70-degree head angle and combines a long reach with a super-short (55 or 70mm) ICS integrated stem for enhanced control and responsiveness on varying terrain.
Ready for Limitless Backroad Exploration
Equipped with purpose-built componentry such as 1x drivetrains, 45mm-wide tires, disc brakes and tubeless wheels and tires, plus dropper post compatibility, URS is ready for whatever the rider chooses to throw its way.
For instance, should the front wheel need to be removed while in the “wild” and the fork placed on the ground for a tire change, cleverly integrated fork protection keeps the dropouts safe from rough surfaces. Additional features include hub dynamo cable routing, a wide handlebar, three water bottle mounts and the saddle-integrated Dfender – a lightweight and minimalist fender that mounts to the D-Shaped seatpost to help protect riders from mud and crud. Moreover, bikepackers and “long-haulers” will appreciate the frame’s various fender, rack, and top-tube mount options; while “hard-chargers” who push the limits of gravel bike capability will be pleased to know it’s compatible with Fox’s 32 SC SX suspension fork as well.
Stealth, Gravel-Specific Cockpit Integration
BMC’s Integrated Cockpit System (ICS) technology is aimed at providing a perfect fit that’s sleek, aerodynamic and aesthetically pleasing, allowing riders to dial in their bike fit by utilizing the all-new gravel-optimized ICS stem lengths (55 and 70mm options) that are designed for agile handling, while simultaneously maintaining integrated and stealth aero cable routing.
When it came to maintenance and set-up, BMC set-out to make the URS easy to install components on, make adjustments and perform service, as well as provide a durable, weatherproof location for electronic cables and hydraulic hoses. Furthermore, its ICS allows for complete stack and reach adjustability via a dedicated spacer system for easy fit adjustment without stem removal and hydraulic hose disconnection.
Sizing, Geometry, and Models
URS is offered in the following models, the URS ONE, URS TWO, URS THREE and URS FOUR with sizes available in S, M, L, and XL.
You can learn more about the UnReStricted and its various build options by visiting BMC/s website here.
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