0Every now and then, a bargain comes along that is almost too much to pass up. One of those opportunities presents itself in the form of the 2020 BMC URS TWO, a go anywhere, do anything gravel bike with a design and look to match its UnReStricted name. 
The BMC URS is a premium gravel bike with a featherlight frame loaded up with top-end components and the perfect blend of road and mountain bike geometry and features.
The BMC URS TWO is a full carbon road frame with inspiration taken from the World Cup-winning BMC Twostroke hardtail mountain bike. Mix in the best of Shimano GRX Di2 powertrain and a bump dampening MTT cushion built into the rear triangle and you get a bike ready to take on the gravel roads of your dreams. Throw in some sweepy single track or double track fire roads and the adventures are limited only by your imagination. 
Let’s take a look at the MTT system that comprises the rear suspension. Short for Micro Travel Technology, the 2020 BMC URS TWO uses this lightweight suspension system in a way that hides it in plain sight. The compressed rubber connects the seat stays to the seat tube in a way that provides a modest - but certainly noticeable - 10mm travel that takes the nastiness out of rougher trails without sacrificing much in the way of power transfer, stiffness, or compliance. If you didn’t know what you were looking at, the MTT system would go visually unnoticed. 
BMC used a 70-degree head angle to create added comfort to the URS. The long wheelbase and front end increase stability and comfort - touches you’ll appreciate when the gravel roads turn a bit bumpier. Built up with a Shimano GRX 1x11 Di2 drivetrain featuring an 11-42 cassette in the back, you’ll have the gearing to climb efficiently while also throw down a sprint in the unlikely event you sign up for an event and have a competitor capable of holding your wheel. Quick, efficient gear changes mean better power transfer and less momentum loss when you hit the button to adjust the gears to the road and riding conditions of the moment.
Fully-internal cable routing keeps the bike looking crisp, clean, and smooth with lines that flow together to create a stunning aesthetic. The 2020 BMC URS TWO is available in a sharp-looking burnt orange with yellow and sky blue accents. 
BMC knows you want to keep your bike looking beautiful. With that in mind, they’ve added a layer of clear frame protection to the underside of the downtube and an enlarged bash guard at the bottom bracket to limit impact damage while also providing direct access for maintenance needs.
A set of DT Swiss GR 1600 Spline carbon wheels and WRB Resolute 700x42 tires provide a plush, dependable and more-than-capable connection with the trail. The bike has tire clearance up to 45mm, giving you the ability to throw on a set of chunkier tires for chunkier trails. 
Of course, one of the key features that make gravel bikes appealing is the ability to use it as a road bike, too. Swap out wheelsets with your road bike or throw and you can take the BMC URS TWO out with the gang for a group ride on asphalt. Or maybe select some wider, smooth tires that can handle the pavement and transition to the rough stuff without skipping a beat.
The seemingly minimalist design doesn’t skimp on small, appreciated details. The fork is adorned with what BMC calls “Rock Socks.” These small rubber ‘socks’ slip over the fork mounts to provide a small bit of paint protection whether from flying trail debris or from setting your bike on the ground as you remove or service the front wheel. Another appreciated touch, especially for those who find themselves on wet or muddy roads and trails, is the seat-mounted fender that keeps wheel spray from painting a mucky stripe up your backside. Standard bottle cage mounts on the down tube and seat tube are partnered with another set of mounts on the top tube for an extra water bottle cage or a variety of frame-mounted bags to carry gear, tools, or quickly accessible snacks. 
Have any questions about the 2020 BMC URS TWO, or about gravel bikes in general? Drop a line by phone or send us an email any time to info@contenderbicycles.com.
Photos by Carlos Interone.