Beautiful Bicycle: Custom BMC Kaius 01

The Gist

• All-Season Capability: equally at home on winter tarmac as it is on spring gravel, this BMC Kaius 01 delivers race-level performance in every season. 

• Precision & Power: a top shelf build that's ready to train hard and race even harder, with SRAM Red/XX Eagle hybrid drivetrain, integrated power meter and DT Swiss carbon wheels, paired to ENVE HEX 44 mm tires. 

• Form Meets Function: from its acid-yellow-to-river-blue fade to the fully integrated ICS cockpit, this Kaius 01 is a stunner, front to back. 

Introduction

As gravel riding continues to grow in Utah and beyond, the race calendar too is growing–with more races, and more early season race options. Utah’s race season now starts well before the snow fully melts, with southern Utah and the west desert officially open for business in March and April, with the True Grit Epic and Salty Lizard gravel races in St. George and Wendover, respectively. 

For gravel riders seeking a successful spring, showing up as race ready as possible, that means a gritty, hard-working winter, indoors and out, has never mattered more. 

Fortunately, a singular bike like the BMC Kaius 01 is more than up to the task. 

The subject of our latest Beautiful Bicycle, this gorgeously painted, exceptionally fast gravel bike is equally adept at winter training on the road–where wintry mix conditions rule the day, and where stability is key–while also being race ready for spring, able to dominate on champagne gravel and technical fire roads alike. 

Frame and Platform

At the heart of this build is the BMC Kaius 01, the most advanced gravel frame in BMC’s lineup. Developed in BMC’s “Impec Lab,” it combines lightweight carbon construction with aerodynamic shaping and race-oriented geometry. The result is a bike that’s equally fast and stable: stiff under power, smooth over chatter, and fully capable of handling variable surfaces.

On the design side of the house, this Kaius 01 frame features a striking paint job–acid yellow on the top tube and fork, with a gradient that fades into river blue on the bottom bracket, seatstays, and chain stays. Clean ICS cable integration and the brand’s Aerocore design keep airflow efficient and the overall look ultra-refined and clean. With clearance for 44mm tires, this Kaius opens the door to all-season, all-road versatility, whether it’s wet winter roads or springtime desert gravel.

Drivetrain and Power Meter

Moving this Kaius forward is a SRAM Red AXS drivetrain paired with a SRAM XX Eagle rear derailleur and cassette–a hybrid setup that brings road-level precision and mountain-level gearing and durability. The SRAM Red power meter crankset (40t) allows riders to track every watt through winter training, while the 10–52t cassette ensures plenty of range for steep climbs or long-haul adventure rides.

Wheels and Tires

DT Swiss GRC 1100 carbon wheels pair with ENVE HEX 700x44 tires for a mix of light weight, traction, and confidence across all conditions. Whether it’s damp pavement with road grit, soft gravel, or mixed terrain, this combo delivers speed and stability year-round; a true “set it and forget it” configuration. 

Cockpit and Finishing Touches

On the front end, the BMC ICS Carbon Cockpit keeps things clean and aero, wrapped in Lizard Skins DSP V2 tape for grip through wet weather rides. A BMC carbon seatpost and Fizik Vento Argo saddle round out the build; light, sleek, and ready to race.

The Build

Learn More

At Contender Bicycles, we love helping riders build all-season machines that blend performance, beauty, and purpose. Whether you’re training for next spring’s gravel season or chasing your own adventure, our team can bring your dream bike to life.

Ready to take the plunge? Stop by the shop (M-F 9a to 7p, Saturdays 9a to 6p), give us a call at (801) 364-0344, or send us a message here. 

Featured Product

BMC Kaius 01 ONE

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