BMC Granfondo GF02 Disc 105 review

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Just Landed: BMC’s Granfondo GF02 disc 105, which is said to be all things to all men; whether that is road, trail or cyclo-cross

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We usually don’t get too excited about all-round adventure road bikes, but with the striking colours of the new BMC Granfondo GF02 with added disc capabilities, we couldn’t help but take a sneak peak.

Disc power adds braking performance and reliability

Disc power adds braking performance and reliability

Dubbed the adventure bike by BMC the GF02 is said to handle like a dream across rough and broken roads whilst remaining stiff enough to not wallow away any power you lay down on smoother surfaces. Though this is great, BMC has entered a new highly competitive market and will need to be good enough to take on Specialized and Jamis, to name a few, to stand a hope of succeeding.

Our Granfondo is BMC’s lower-end aluminium version adorned with Shimano’s highly-acclaimed 105 11-speed groupset. The nice thing we find here is that BMC has given the bike the complete 105 groupset. We see time after time that manufacturers claim a full 105 groupset but to save cost leave it incomplete, using cheaper alternatives. Usually we see the chainset being replaced, which we find here at CW, a little frustrating.

External gear cables with internal brake cables tidy things up

External gear cables with internal brake cables tidy things up

BMC has managed to also offer this frameset with a number of Shimano’s componentry, including Ultegra and Tiagra, again supplying the full groupset. As well as the alloy version, GF02 also comes in a carbon layup (with standard brakes), decorated with Ultegra. If high-end is your thing and want to keep the ‘adventure’ in your riding, then BMC offer the GF01, which claims more stiffness and comes with Shimano Dura-Ace Di2.

Thankfully, BMC has included Di2 compatibility on the GF02, for those that will look to update.

Available in a number of bright colours, most notable is our test ride, which is a bright green with a touch of reflective on the logo and other details across the frameset. This is a good start to help the BMC stand out from its otherwise full competitors.

In basic terms, the GF02 disc is an update of the standard brake version we tested in 2013, which scored well in our sister publication Cycling Active. At £300 more though, what exactly is our money being spent on?

Di2 ready for when you are

Di2 ready for when you are

With a suggested weight of 9.4kg, chunky 35mm tyres and compliance for the rough stuff, we don’t foresee the BMC Granfondo GF02 setting the world alight, on the road at least. Though a comfortable workhorse, with removable rack mounts and reliable disc brake power, we think you’ll certainly get your monies worth.

Rear rack ready with relaxed rear stays offer comfort and versitiliy

Rear rack ready with relaxed rear stays offer comfort and versitiliy

For more details visit the Evans Cycles website.

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Symon Lewis joined Cycling Weekly as an Editorial Assistant in 2010, he went on to become a Tech Writer in 2014 before being promoted to Tech Editor in 2015 before taking on a role managing Video and Tech in 2019. Lewis discovered cycling via Herne Hill Velodrome, where he was renowned for his prolific performances, and spent two years as a coach at the South London velodrome.