Description

Agonist 01 ONE: Complete Guide to BMC’s Versatile XC Marathon Mountain Bike

If you’re searching for a high-performance full-suspension mountain bike that excels on long XC rides, marathon events, and light trail adventures, the Agonist 01 ONE deserves a close look. This premium model from BMC Switzerland strikes the perfect balance between race-ready efficiency and all-day comfort.

2020 BMC Agonist 01 One Bike – Reviews, Comparisons, Specs – Bikes – Vital MTB

In this in-depth guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Agonist 01 ONE—from its innovative design and top-tier components to real-world riding impressions, pros, cons, and who it’s best suited for. Whether you’re a competitive XC racer, an endurance enthusiast, or someone who wants one bike for varied terrain, this review will help you decide if the Agonist 01 ONE is the right choice.

What Makes the Agonist 01 ONE Special?

The Agonist 01 ONE is BMC’s answer to riders who want more than a pure race hardtail or a heavy trail bike. Launched around 2017–2018, it sits in the XC/marathon category with 110mm of front and rear travel on 29-inch wheels. Unlike traditional XC bikes limited to 100mm, the extra travel and slightly slacker geometry give it surprising capability on technical descents while keeping it light and efficient on climbs.

BMC Agonist 01 ONE first ride review | BikeRadar

BMC designed the Agonist 01 ONE around the idea of “agonist and antagonist” muscle groups working in harmony—hence the name. It’s built to push hard on climbs and reward you on flowing singletrack descents. The flagship 01 model uses BMC’s lightest premium carbon fiber for both the front triangle and rear triangle, delivering a feathery weight (around 10–11 kg depending on size and setup) without sacrificing stiffness or durability.

Key Specifications of the Agonist 01 ONE

Here’s a breakdown of the standout specs that define this bike:

• Frame: Premium carbon fiber (01-level) with internal cable routing and clean aesthetics
• Travel: 110mm front and rear
• Wheels: 29-inch with Boost spacing (148mm rear)
• Fork: Fox Float 32 FIT4 or Performance Elite, 110mm, with remote lockout
• Shock: Fox Float DPS EVOL (Factory or Performance Elite) with remote lockout
• Drivetrain: SRAM XX1 Eagle 1×12 (top builds) or GX Eagle mix
• Brakes: SRAM Level Ultimate or similar high-end
• Wheels/Tires: DT Swiss tubeless-ready rims with Vittoria Barzo 2.25–2.3″ tires
• Geometry: Modern XC—69.5° head tube angle, 73.75° seat tube angle (size-dependent), longer reach for stability
• Weight: Approximately 21–24 lbs (9.5–11 kg) for the complete 01 ONE build
• Price (original): Around $7,500 for the top-tier 01 ONE model

These components make the Agonist 01 ONE feel lively yet planted. The remote lockout turns the bike into a near-hardtail for pavement sections or smooth fire roads.

2019 BMC Agonist 01 One Bike – Reviews, Comparisons, Specs – Bikes – Vital MTB

Frame Design and Progressive Geometry

BMC’s engineers focused on creating a stiff, responsive frame that still offers compliance. The Agonist uses an updated APS (Advanced Pivot System) suspension platform that’s efficient under power but supple over small bumps.

Geometry updates give the bike a more capable feel than older XC rigs:

• Slightly slacker head angle for better high-speed stability
• Longer reach and shorter stem-friendly cockpit
• Low bottom bracket drop for cornering confidence

This modern geometry means the Agonist 01 ONE handles aggressive trails better than classic XC bikes while remaining quick on race courses. The carbon frame features thoughtful details like hidden cable ports, a threaded bottom bracket, and room for larger tires if you want to swap for more grip.

BMC Agonist 01 ONE first ride review | BikeRadar

Suspension Performance: Plush Yet Efficient

The 110mm travel on both ends, paired with Fox’s proven DPS shock and FIT4 fork, delivers a balanced ride. In open mode, it soaks up roots and rocks comfortably—ideal for long endurance rides. Flip the remote to “firm” or “lockout,” and the bike pedals like a hardtail with minimal bob.

Riders consistently praise how the Agonist 01 ONE maintains traction on steep climbs without feeling wallowy. The progressive suspension curve means it uses travel early for comfort but ramps up to prevent bottom-outs on bigger hits.

Component Highlights That Impress

The 01 ONE build spares no expense:

• SRAM Eagle drivetrain provides smooth, reliable shifting with a massive gear range for steep climbs.
• Fox suspension is tunable and proven in racing.
• DT Swiss wheels roll fast and stay true.
• Vittoria Barzo tires offer excellent grip in dry-to-moderate conditions with low rolling resistance.

Many owners add a dropper post (not stock on all models) to unlock even more trail versatility. The cockpit is comfortable for long days, and internal routing keeps things tidy.

How Does the Agonist 01 ONE Ride?

On climbs, the Agonist 01 ONE feels efficient and responsive. The suspension platform keeps the bike planted, and the lightweight carbon frame makes it easy to spin up steep grades. Testers report it shines on marathon events and all-day epics where comfort matters as much as speed.

Descending is where the extra travel and geometry shine. It’s stable at speed, confident in corners, and more playful than a pure XC race bike. While it’s not a full-blown trail bike, it handles technical singletrack and moderate drops surprisingly well—especially with a dropper installed.

Review: The 2019 BMC Fourstroke 01 One is a Purebred XC Race Rocket – Pinkbike

Overall, the riding feel is lively, fun, and confidence-inspiring. It bridges the gap between dedicated race machines and more versatile trail bikes.

Pros and Cons of the BMC Agonist 01 ONE

Pros:

• Excellent balance of efficiency and comfort
• Lightweight premium carbon construction
• Modern geometry for better handling
• High-end components that perform reliably
• Versatile for XC racing, marathon rides, and light trails
• Beautiful design and thoughtful details

Cons:

• Higher price point (though premium builds justify it)
• No stock dropper post on some configurations
• Discontinued model (availability now limited to used market)
• Suspension may feel progressive and not use full travel for very light riders

Who Should Buy the Agonist 01 ONE?

This bike is ideal for:

• XC racers who want more fun on descents
• Endurance riders tackling long backcountry routes
• Riders seeking one bike for varied terrain without going full trail
• Anyone who values Swiss engineering and premium feel

If you ride mostly smooth XC trails or prioritize absolute lightest weight, a dedicated race hardtail or shorter-travel bike might suit better. But for riders who mix racing with adventure, the Agonist 01 ONE delivers unmatched versatility.

2019 BMC Agonist 01 One Bike – Reviews, Comparisons, Specs – Bikes – Vital MTB

How Does It Compare to Similar Bikes?

Compared to the BMC Fourstroke (BMC’s pure XC racer), the Agonist 01 ONE offers more travel and a more relaxed geometry for all-day comfort. Versus trail bikes like the Specialized Stumpjumper Evo, it’s significantly lighter and more efficient on climbs. It competes well with bikes like the Scott Spark or Trek Top Fuel but stands out with BMC’s unique suspension design and build quality.

Final Thoughts on the Agonist 01 ONE

The Agonist 01 ONE remains a standout in the XC/marathon category even years after its release. Its blend of lightweight carbon construction, efficient yet plush suspension, and modern geometry creates a bike that feels fast, capable, and genuinely enjoyable on every ride.

If you find a well-maintained example on the used market, it’s a smart investment for riders who demand performance without compromise. The Agonist 01 ONE proves that you don’t have to choose between speed and fun—you can have both.

Ready to take your riding to the next level? The Agonist 01 ONE might just be the versatile machine you’ve been waiting for.