Description

BMC Fourstroke 01 LT ONE: Your Ultimate Guide to This High-Performance Trail Bike

If you’re in the market for a mountain bike that bridges the gap between cross-country efficiency and trail-riding capability, the BMC Fourstroke 01 LT ONE stands out as a compelling option. This premium carbon full-suspension bike is designed for riders who demand versatility without compromising on speed or control. In this comprehensive review, we’ll dive deep into its features, specifications, performance, and why it might be the perfect addition to your cycling arsenal. Whether you’re tackling steep climbs or navigating technical descents, the Fourstroke 01 LT ONE promises an exhilarating experience on diverse terrains.

Fourstroke 01 LT ONE

Understanding the Design and Build Quality

At the heart of the Fourstroke 01 LT ONE is its premium carbon frame, engineered by BMC to deliver lightweight strength and responsiveness. Weighing in at approximately 11.3 kg (24.9 lbs) without pedals, this bike strikes an impressive balance between agility and durability. The frame utilizes BMC’s Advanced Pivot System (APS) dual-link suspension, which features two short links to control the rear triangle’s movement, ensuring efficient power transfer and smooth bump absorption.

One of the standout aspects of the design is the integrated cable routing, which not only enhances the bike’s sleek aesthetics but also protects cables from trail debris. The frame is compatible with 29-inch wheels exclusively, incorporating BMC’s Big Wheel Concept (BWC) geometry. This approach optimizes the benefits of larger wheels, such as better rolling efficiency and increased traction, while fine-tuning elements like the front-center length, bottom bracket drop, and chainstay dimensions for nimble handling.

The Fourstroke 01 LT ONE comes in a striking color scheme, often featuring deep greens or blacks with subtle accents that give it a premium, race-ready look. It’s available in sizes from small to extra-large, accommodating a wide range of rider heights. Priced around $9,999 in the US or €7,999 to €8,499 in Europe, it’s positioned as a high-end model, reflecting its top-tier components and Swiss engineering precision.

Suspension System: Smooth and Versatile

Suspension is where the Fourstroke 01 LT ONE truly shines, offering 120mm of travel both front and rear – a step up from the standard Fourstroke’s 100mm, making it ideal for downcountry riding. The “LT” in its name stands for Long Travel, which enhances its capability on rougher trails without sacrificing climbing prowess.

Up front, you’ll find the Fox Float 34 SC Performance Elite fork with FIT4 damping, providing adjustable compression and rebound for fine-tuning based on terrain. This fork is lightweight yet robust, ensuring precise steering and excellent small-bump compliance. At the rear, the Fox Float DPS Performance Elite shock complements the APS linkage, delivering a progressive suspension curve that feels supportive during pedaling but plush when absorbing impacts.

Riders appreciate the three-position adjustability on both the fork and shock, allowing you to switch between open, trail, and firm modes via a remote lever. This setup makes the bike efficient on climbs – almost like a hardtail – while unlocking full travel for descents. In reviews, testers note that the suspension remains active and grippy, even under hard braking, thanks to the anti-squat characteristics of the APS design.

BMC Fourstroke 01 LT ONE – In our big 2022 downcountry group test | ENDURO Mountainbike Magazine

Drivetrain and Braking: Precision Power Delivery

The drivetrain on the Fourstroke 01 LT ONE is powered by SRAM’s GX Eagle 1×12 system, featuring a 10-52t cassette and a 34t chainring for a wide gear range. This setup ensures you can tackle steep ascents with ease and maintain momentum on flats. The electronic shifting (in higher specs) provides crisp, reliable changes, even under load, making it a favorite for competitive riders.

Braking duties are handled by SRAM Level TLM brakes with 180mm front and 160mm rear rotors, offering modulated power that’s confidence-inspiring on technical sections. These brakes are lightweight and feature tool-free reach adjustment, allowing for personalized setup. Combined with the bike’s overall low weight, this results in a machine that’s quick to accelerate and easy to control at high speeds.

Wheels, Tires, and Cockpit: Ready for the Trail

Rolling on Crossmax Carbon XLR wheels with 30mm internal width rims, the Fourstroke 01 LT ONE is shod with Maxxis Rekon 2.4″ tires in a tubeless-ready setup. These tires provide excellent grip on loose surfaces, with EXO protection for puncture resistance. The carbon rims contribute to the bike’s responsiveness, reducing rotational weight and enhancing acceleration.

The cockpit includes a BMC carbon handlebar (760mm wide) and a short stem (around 60-70mm), promoting a balanced riding position. An integrated dropper post, such as the BMC RAD with 80mm travel, allows for quick saddle height adjustments, crucial for transitioning between climbs and descents. The Fizik Antares R7 saddle rounds out the setup, offering comfort for long rides.

BMC Fourstroke 01 LT One first ride review – MBR

Geometry: Modern and Aggressive

The geometry of the Fourstroke 01 LT ONE is tuned for modern trail riding. In a large size, it boasts a 66.5-degree head tube angle for stable descending, a 74.8-degree seat tube angle for efficient climbing, a 456mm reach, and 429mm chainstays. This setup provides a long, low, and slack profile that’s confidence-boosting on steep terrain while remaining agile on twisty singletracks.

Compared to pure XC bikes, the slacker head angle and longer travel make it more forgiving on rough descents, yet the short chainstays keep it playful and easy to maneuver. Riders report that it feels planted at speed but quick to change direction, making it suitable for everything from marathon races to all-day adventures.

On-Trail Performance: Climbing, Descending, and Everything In Between

When it comes to climbing, the Fourstroke 01 LT ONE excels with its efficient suspension and lightweight build. Lock out the shock, and it pedals like a rocket, minimizing bob and maximizing power transfer. Testers have praised its ability to punch up steep inclines, with the BWC geometry ensuring the front wheel stays grounded.

On descents, the 120mm travel and progressive suspension shine, soaking up roots and rocks with composure. The bike encourages aggressive riding, popping off jumps and carving corners with precision. It’s not an enduro beast, but for a downcountry bike, it handles chunkier trails remarkably well, often outperforming expectations in rough conditions.

In mixed terrain, the versatility is evident. Whether you’re on flowy trails or technical features, the Fourstroke 01 LT ONE adapts seamlessly. Its weight distribution promotes balanced handling, and the dropper post adds to the fun factor on drops and steeps.

BMC Switzerland BMC Fourstroke LT ONE

Pros and Cons: A Balanced View

Pros:

• Lightweight carbon frame with premium build quality.
• Versatile 120mm suspension for XC and trail use.
• Efficient climbing and capable descending.
• High-end components like Fox suspension and SRAM drivetrain.
• Modern geometry for confident handling.

Cons:

• Premium price point may deter budget-conscious buyers.
• 80mm dropper travel might feel limited for taller riders on very steep descents.
• Not as aggressive as dedicated trail bikes for extreme terrain.

Comparisons with Similar Bikes

How does the Fourstroke 01 LT ONE stack up against competitors? Compared to the Specialized Epic EVO, it offers similar travel but with a more race-oriented pedigree, thanks to BMC’s World Cup heritage. The Trek Top Fuel provides comparable versatility but at a potentially lower price, though it lacks the integrated dropper innovation of the BMC.

Against the standard Fourstroke 01 (100mm travel), the LT version adds extra capability for rougher trails, weighing only about 0.5kg more. For e-bike enthusiasts, BMC’s Fourstroke AMP LT offers electric assistance with similar geometry.

In group tests, the Fourstroke 01 LT ONE often ranks highly for its balanced performance, making it a top choice for riders seeking one bike for multiple disciplines.

BMC Fourstroke 01 LT ONE – City Bikes

Maintenance and Upgrades

Maintaining the Fourstroke 01 LT ONE is straightforward, with accessible pivot points and standard components. Regular servicing of the Fox suspension is recommended every 100-200 hours of riding. For upgrades, consider wider tires for more grip or a longer dropper post if needed. The frame’s tire clearance supports up to 2.4″ rubber, and the boost spacing ensures compatibility with modern wheels.

Who Should Buy the BMC Fourstroke 01 LT ONE?

This bike is ideal for intermediate to advanced riders who want a do-it-all machine. If you enjoy long XC loops with occasional trail adventures, or compete in marathon events, the Fourstroke 01 LT ONE fits perfectly. It’s not for beginners due to its price and performance focus, but for those investing in quality, it’s a rewarding choice.

Final Thoughts

The BMC Fourstroke 01 LT ONE redefines what a cross-country bike can be, blending race-ready efficiency with trail-taming capability. With its premium components, innovative design, and versatile performance, it’s a standout in the downcountry category. If you’re ready to elevate your riding, this bike could be your next obsession. Check it out at your local dealer and hit the trails – you won’t be disappointed.