BMC has launched a €10,000 frameset, the Masterpiece (Mpc), claiming that it is “an exclusive and unparalleled example of what can be done when no expense is spared.”
Before we get into what makes this frameset so expensive, we might as well consider just what you’re getting for your 10 grand. You get a frame, the fork, a seatpost, the stem and a handlebar. You’ll need to add your own wheelset, a groupset along with everything else that will make it into a bike.
BMC says that “like any masterpiece, it’s carefully curated. This is art that brings you into the tapestry. It’s an investment and an experience like no other.”
While the marketing claims may have been dialled up for the Mpc, great attention to detail has been given to the production of each frame which, BMC claims, takes a whole day for each frame.
The frame is apparently incredibly labour intensive (as most carbon frames are), but when BMC says that it takes a whole day to make a frameset, what they’re actually saying is that only one frameset is coming out of the factory per day. If the price hadn’t done so already, this will make the availability of the Mpc frameset incredibly limited, something that is indicated by the fact that BMC invites you to ‘inquire’ about the Mpc, rather than being able to buy the bike instantly.
The Mpc uses the same geometry as BMC’s standard road racer, the RoadMachine. It comes out of the same mould and the carbon fibre grade used in the Mpc is pretty much the same as the standard bike. What sets the Mpc apart, says BMC, is the craftsmanship to get the placements of the high-modulus carbon fibre spot on. This said, the weight and stiffness of the Mpc aren’t significantly better than the RoadMachine's.
If you’re interested, you’ll need to head to the BMC global HQ in Switzerland for a “VIP tour, bike sizing process and componentry consultation” or an authorised BMC dealer can help you out.
We doubt that BMC will be sending us one in for testing, but there’s no harm in asking!
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18 comments
As the owner of a BMC (a belt drive city bike not a road bike) I wouldn't pay €10,000 for one of their products because of their customer service, which consists of "Nothing to do with us, take it up with the dealer/Gates".
Admittedly all the problems with my bike were caused by buying it from an incompetent dealer who no longer sell their products (Evan Cycles), but I did expect some sympathy/help from BMC. I was wrong.
I've now tried their new UK distributor (Zyrofisher) because the bike cannot be fixed without a BMC-specific part. Is a stony silence better or worse than "take it up with the dealer/Gates"?
Looks like I'm left with an unrepairable bike that's less than 2 years old.
Lovingly handmade in the Swiss mountains by craftsmen/women; it's the lightest, most stiff, most aero & most compliant frame we've made. It will also leave a large vacuum in your wallet.
Their state of the art facility at the foot of Mont Shenzhen
Is this BMC saying "this is what your bike would cost if we made it properly?"
It takes a day to make! With factory labour that costs £50 🤔
You can't run an entire factory for £50/day
The whole factory stops what they're doing and every member of staff works on this one frame?
Or does this frame get made like any other, with one person laying the carbon in the mould and pressing the oven's "on" switch. How much is a days labour in a Far East Bicycle factory?
All your mates will think it's an open mould AliExpress special
I'll give up cycling before I buy an all black frame.
Ideal winter snotter. Does it take fat tyres and mudguards?
What is one to do with all those pesky, untidy piles of banknotes that clutter up one's penthouse/manor/mountain retreat?
Ah, I see those good chaps and chapettes at BMC are offering to help tidy up! Jolly good!
"What sets the Mpc apart, says BMC, is the craftsmanship to get the placements of the high-modulus carbon fibre spot on."
What are the odds on the press fit BB starting to creak after 3 months?
Hilarious, subtley written piece, thank you.
I think we'll all be queuing up to pay 250% the normal fee for a frame that offers no weight or performance benefits over the stock model.
However, if Rapha can sell £600 jerseys, I guess there will also be a market for this.
well to be fair it wasn't Rapha selling £600 jerseys it was joe public ripping each other off/ being stupid enough to pay it
They're going for about £300 now
Looks fab. I have some tatty 105 in the shed that will fit perfecty.
Tempted but it doesn't look like it will take mudguards and a rack.
I hope it comes with someone to do the pedalling for me