what's the hole in the frame for BMC SLR?

[addictR1]

i've always wondered why the 2016 and earlier SLR frameset all have a hole between the sea tube and top tube section. what's that for?

[silvalis]

speed holes.

[glam2deaf]

You can store an energy gel in there from the looks.

[addictR1]

i thought maybe that was for them to chain up all the bikes in the BMC SAG.. haha

but then on the new SLR model.. the filled the hole.

[wwnick]

well, probably the company line is that it is for stiffness, muck like a gusset on a BMX bike. However, one would think vertical compliance would be more important in this zone.
and my humorous reason is that, being a swiss bike, a nice wedge of emantaller can be inserted there which not only gives a delicious after ride snack (albeit, non-vegan) but also fine dampening properties much like the Specialized Zerts Inserts.
and the real reason, me thinks, is it is just brand differentiation (markeiting).

[jekyll man]

If you go back to the mid 2000's BMC's, they had huge machined alloy lug clusters, to make them standout.


The hole in the later ones probably served no purpose, other than is a brand trait, a bit like GT's triple triangle and so on.
A straight tube is lighter than 2, so ditch 1 and you make next years improvements

[addictR1]

speed holes.

lol.. love that!

nice wedge of emantaller

woo.. i love that cheese!!