Description

Agonist 01 ONE Super Red: In-Depth Review of BMC’s Premium Full-Suspension XC Marathon Mountain Bike

If you’re searching for a high-performance cross-country mountain bike that delivers race-ready efficiency with enough capability for long endurance rides and technical trails, the Agonist 01 ONE Super Red stands out as a true standout from BMC Switzerland. Released in 2019 as the flagship model in BMC’s Agonist lineup, this bike blends lightweight carbon construction, sophisticated suspension, and aggressive-yet-efficient geometry into one incredibly capable package.

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

Priced at around $7,499 when new, the Agonist 01 ONE Super Red was built for riders who demand speed on climbs, stability on descents, and all-day comfort during marathon events or backcountry adventures. Even though it’s now discontinued, it remains a highly sought-after used bike among XC enthusiasts. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into its specs, riding performance, key features, pros and cons, and why it still holds its own in today’s mountain bike market.

What Makes the Agonist 01 ONE Super Red Unique?

BMC designed the Agonist series as a more trail-capable evolution of their pure XC race bikes like the Fourstroke. The Agonist 01 ONE Super Red sits at the top of that range with its full 01 Premium Carbon frame (both front and rear triangle), 110mm of travel front and rear, and 29-inch wheels.

The striking Super Red colorway—paired with black accents and premium components—gives it a premium, head-turning look that’s instantly recognizable on the trail. But aesthetics aside, this bike was engineered for real-world performance: efficient pedaling, plush yet supportive suspension, and geometry that feels modern even by today’s standards.

BMC Agonist 01 ONE first ride review | BikeRadar

Key highlights include:

• Advanced Pivot System (APS) suspension for excellent pedaling efficiency
• Full Fox Performance Elite suspension with remote lockout
• High-end SRAM Eagle 1×12 drivetrain and Shimano XT brakes
• Internal cable routing, integrated frame protection, and tubeless-ready wheels straight from the factory

Detailed Specifications of the Agonist 01 ONE Super Red

Here’s a complete breakdown of the 2019 BMC Agonist 01 ONE build:

Frame & Suspension

• Frame: 01 Premium Carbon (full carbon front and rear)
• Fork: Fox Float 32 Performance Elite FIT4, 110mm travel, remote lockout, 15x110mm thru-axle
• Rear Shock: Fox Float DPS Performance Elite EVOL, 110mm travel, remote lockout
• Bottom Bracket: PF92 press-fit

Drivetrain

• Shifters: SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed
• Rear Derailleur: SRAM XX1 Eagle
• Crank: Truvativ Stylo Carbon, 34T chainring
• Cassette: SRAM XG-1275 10-50T
• Chain: SRAM GX Eagle

Wheels & Tires

• Rims: DT Swiss XR1501 Spline One 25
• Hubs: DT Swiss XR1501 Spline One
• Tires: Vittoria Barzo TR 29×2.25″ (tubeless ready)

Brakes & Cockpit

• Brakes: Shimano XT hydraulic disc, 160mm rotors
• Handlebar: BMC MFB 01 Carbon, 750mm wide
• Stem: BMC MSM 01
• Seatpost: KS LEV Integra dropper, 125mm travel
• Saddle: fi’zi:k Antares R5 K:ium

Geometry & Sizing

• Modern aggressive XC geometry with a 69.5° head tube angle and 73.75° seat tube angle
• Available in S, M, L, XL (perfect fit for riders 5’7″ to 6’3″+)
• Boost 148mm rear spacing, tapered head tube, and low standover for excellent handling and confidence

The bike weighs in as a true lightweight performer thanks to the premium carbon layup and high-end parts—ideal for racing or long days in the saddle.

BMC Agonist 01 ONE first ride review | BikeRadar

How Does the Agonist 01 ONE Super Red Ride?

Testers consistently praised the Agonist 01 ONE Super Red for its balanced feel. On climbs, the APS suspension and remote lockout create a rock-solid platform that feels almost like a hardtail—perfect for grinding out fire roads or technical ascents without bob.

On descents and rough singletrack, the 110mm of Fox suspension shines. The progressive rear end soaks up chatter and small hits while delivering support on bigger impacts. The geometry provides stability at speed without sacrificing the nimble handling XC riders love.

Real-world impressions from reviews highlight:

• Climbing efficiency that rivals pure race bikes
• Confident handling on rowdy trails thanks to the slightly slacker geometry
• All-day comfort with the plush saddle and dropper post (a rare find in stock XC builds at the time)
• Smooth, predictable suspension that requires minimal fiddling once dialed in

The stock Vittoria Barzo tires offer good rolling speed and versatility, though many owners upgraded to slightly wider or more aggressive rubber for even better traction.

Pros and Cons of the BMC Agonist 01 ONE Super Red

Pros:

• Exceptional pedaling efficiency and climbing performance
• Versatile enough for XC races, marathon events, and light trail riding
• Premium components throughout (Fox, SRAM XX1/GX, Shimano XT, DT Swiss wheels)
• Beautiful Super Red finish with thoughtful details like integrated protection and internal routing
• Dropper post and modern geometry make it more capable than traditional XC race bikes
• Lightweight full-carbon construction

Cons:

• Premium price point when new (though excellent value on the used market today)
• Remote lockout levers can feel slightly dated compared to newer integrated systems
• Stock tires may need upgrading for very aggressive or muddy conditions
• Discontinued model, so parts and warranty support rely on aftermarket or used availability

Who Is the Agonist 01 ONE Super Red Best For?

This bike is perfect for serious XC and marathon riders who want one bike that can do it all—race on Sunday, explore epic trails on Saturday, and still feel lively on weekday rides. If you log long miles, value efficiency, and occasionally tackle more technical terrain, the Agonist 01 ONE Super Red delivers without compromise.

It’s also a fantastic choice for riders upgrading from a hardtail or entry-level full-suspension bike who want Swiss-engineered precision and long-term durability.

How Does It Compare to Modern XC Bikes?

While newer bikes offer more travel or slacker geometry, the Agonist 01 ONE Super Red still competes strongly thanks to its refined suspension and lightweight build. It sits between pure XC race machines and short-travel trail bikes—more capable than a classic 100mm XC bike but lighter and more efficient than many 120-130mm trail options.

On the used market, you can often find well-maintained examples for a fraction of the original price, making it a smart buy for performance-focused riders.

Buying Tips and Maintenance for the Agonist 01 ONE Super Red

Since production has ended, look for clean used frames with service records. Check the carbon for any cracks (though BMC frames are known for durability), ensure the Fox suspension has been serviced, and verify the dropper post functions smoothly.

Routine maintenance tips:

• Keep the remote lockout system clean and lubed
• Service Fox suspension every 100-150 hours
• Run tubeless tires with fresh sealant
• Inspect frame protection regularly

Final Thoughts: Is the Agonist 01 ONE Super Red Worth It?

Absolutely. The Agonist 01 ONE Super Red represents BMC at its best—Swiss precision engineering, thoughtful design, and a ride quality that still feels fresh years later. Whether you’re chasing podiums, conquering epic rides, or simply want a beautiful, high-performing bike that turns heads, this model delivers on every level.

If you’re in the market for a versatile, efficient, and fun XC/marathon machine, keep an eye out for the Agonist 01 ONE Super Red. It’s a bike that rewards skilled riders and inspires confidence on every trail.

Have you ridden the BMC Agonist 01 ONE Super Red? Share your experiences in the comments below—we’d love to hear how it performed for you!