Choosing a road bike is a big decision—financially, physically, and emotionally. After all, you love riding, and you want a bike you love. Every cyclist thinks they’re making the right choice, of course, but then discomfort, pain, or underperformance starts creeping in. Drawn in by sleek designs, pro-level setups, and the allure of speed, many riders gravitate toward race bikes, assuming they’re the best tool for their goals. But that’s often not the case.

If a race bike doesn’t always equal faster and more powerful, what does? To find out what riders should really be looking for, we took a beat from two of BMC’s leading minds: Pierre-Henri Medas, BMC’s product marketing manager and former road product manager, who blends technical know-how with a clear understanding of rider motivation; and Damien Heiniger, the R&D expert behind the Roadmachine and a rider who knows exactly what real-world performance should feel like.

Why might a cyclist mistakenly choose a race bike over a more comfortable endurance bike?

Pierre-Henri Medas: Choosing a bike is rarely a quick decision. As a rider, your choices are often shaped by the people and experiences around you—whether it’s taking recommendations, watching the pros on TV, racing friends, or joining local group rides. Over time, your bike becomes more than just a tool; it becomes an extension of who you are.

Every purchase is influenced by different motivations—security, pride, novelty, comfort, money, or sympathy—as outlined in SONACS, the French theory on selling. Since cycling is largely driven by passion, emotion, and technology, many riders are influenced by pride and novelty—seeking a fast, race-inspired bike or the latest technology—rather than security or comfort, such as the assurance of a proper riding position or the right gear ratios.

Our challenge is to better advise riders to also consider the essential aspects of security and comfort—factors that often determine their long-term satisfaction with the bike.

Who should go for an endurance bike? 

Medas: For most riders—roughly 80 percent—an endurance bike like the Roadmachine is a better fit than a traditional race bike.

If you’re not racing, or if your body doesn’t allow for an aggressive riding position—due to limited hip range of motion, neck or shoulder issues, or a lack of core strength—you need a bike that lets you maintain a powerful yet comfortable position throughout your rides, without pain. And without pain, you’re stronger and faster.

As a rule of thumb, if you have more than 30 millimeters of spacers stacked under your stem, it usually means you’re either riding a frame that’s too small or simply on the wrong type of bike. There’s nothing wrong with additional stack—stack height is often more important to a proper bike fit than stem length. But if a race bike doesn’t provide the stack you need, an endurance bike might be the answer.

An endurance bike is still a performance bike, delivering similar levels of stiffness and aerodynamic design as a race bike. But it may weigh slightly more due to added features such as greater tire clearance or integrated storage.

What are the core advantages of the Roadmachine?

Heiniger Damien: The BMC Roadmachine stands out for its blend of comfort, versatility, and performance. Its higher stack allows a wider range of riders to find a natural and comfortable position. Lower gear ratios make climbing easier, helping you reach the top of steep gradients without burning out. Additionally, the increased tire clearance gives you options. Whether you take on wider slicks for a smoother ride or knobbier tires for rougher surfaces, the Roadmachine can handle it.

And when is a race bike a good fit?

Medas: If you race, if you have a fit body, and if you can sustain power in an aggressive riding position, then a race bike like the Teammachine SLR 01 or the Teammachine R is for you! Of course, you can also own both a race bike and an endurance bike, depending on how broad your cycling practice is.

What’s great about the Teammachine? 

Damien: While the Teammachine R is a purebred race bike, the Teammachine SLR 01 offers a more appropriate comparison to the Roadmachine. Both the Roadmachine and Teammachine SLR 01 share similar composite materials, finishes, and technologies, delivering comparable stiffness. That said, the Roadmachine’s longer chainstays and greater compliance provide more comfort and efficiency, even if it feels slightly less reactive. Aerodynamically, the two are closely matched, thanks to similar frontal areas and tube shapes. However, the Roadmachine may be marginally slower in real-world conditions, as it’s often set up with wider tires and wheels to favor comfort over speed.

While race bikes appeal to emotion and aesthetics, endurance bikes better serve most riders by offering lasting comfort, versatility, and real-world speed.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Since its founding in Switzerland, BMC has been dedicated to building fast, innovative bikes. With the Impec Lab, a team of highly skilled experts, and the support of world-class athletes, BMC has continuously pushed the boundaries of cycling technology, becoming a brand synonymous with speed, reliability, and performance.