Pro bike: George Hincapie's 'Gentleman's Round' BMC TeamMachine SLR01

This article originally published on BikeRadar

George Hincapie is racing a record-setting 17th Tour de France this year and BMC company owner Andy Rihs presented the affable veteran with a special gift: a custom finished BMC TeamMachine SLR01 celebrating not only a milestone in racing history but as it turns out, Hincapie's birthday, too.

Hincapie's machine isn't special for any of its equipment. In fact, it's a bone stock BMC TeamMachine SLR01 frameset with a standard team-issue build kit, including the Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 transmission, SRM crankset, Easton EC90 Aero wheels, Continental tubular tires, Shimano pedals, Easton cockpit, and fi'zi:k saddle. The only notable difference from a standard consumer frame is the stainless steel rear derailleur hanger that the team uses for better shift performance and improved durability in a crash.

The rear of the bike is even equipped with the team's usual carbon fiber number plate holder but Hincapie said he has no intention of actually racing it. It's simply too special a possession and one that he would prefer to display in the safety of his own home.

The finish is indeed highly personalized with a gold-on-black paint job, several small '17' decals with Eiffel Tower outlines, and a number of phrases and icons referencing Hincapie's well-known demeanor: "Big George's SLR01", "gentleman's round", and a small hat on the down tube.

The fit reflects Hincapie's usual race setup and the bike is still admirably light at 7.32kg (16.14lb) as shown here. Hopefully once the season is over, though, Hincapie won't pay much attention to his power outputs and will only reflect serenely on what will have been a memorable career.

Special graphics adorn George Hincapie's (BMC) commemorative gift

Complete bike specifications

Frame: BMC TeamMachine SLR01 'Gentleman's Round', 57cm
Fork: BMC TeamMachine SLR01 'Gentleman's Round'
Headset: FSA Orbit IS integrated
Stem: Easton EA70, 130mm x -10°
Handlebars: Easton EA70, 44cm (c-c)
Tape/grips: fi'zi:k bar:tape
Front brake: Shimano Dura-Ace BR-7900 w/carbon-specific pads, grey compound
Rear brake: Shimano Dura-Ace BR-7900 w/carbon-specific pads, grey compound
Brake levers: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 STI Dual Control ST-7970
Front derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 FD-7970
Rear derailleur: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 RD-7970
Shift levers: Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 STI Dual Control ST-7970
Cassette: Shimano Dura-Ace CS-7900, 11-25T
Chain: Shimano Dura-Ace CN-7900
Crankset: SRM PowerMeter Dura-Ace 7950 Compatible, 175mm, 53/39T
Bottom bracket: Shimano Dura-Ace press-fit SM-FC7900P
Pedals: Shimano Dura-Ace SPD-SL PD-7900
Wheelset: Easton EC90 Aero tubular
Front tire: Continental tubular
Rear tire: Continental tubular
Saddle: fi'zi:k Aliante Carbon
Seat post: BMC Racepost Carbon
Bottle cages: Elite Sior Evo (2)
Computer: SRM PowerControl 7

Critical measurements

Rider's height: 1.90m (6' 3")
Rider's weight: 77kg (169lb)
Saddle height, from BB (c-t): 810mm
Saddle setback: 98mm
Seat tube length, c-t: 590mm
Seat tube length, c-c: 545mm
Tip of saddle nose to C of bars (next to stem): 621mm
Saddle-to-bar drop (vertical): 101mm
Head tube length: 188mm
Top tube length: 575mm (horizontal)
Total bicycle weight: 7.32kg

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