BMC Streetfire SS02 (1) - the Built!
Updated: Oct 18
The past few weeks have gone by incredibly quickly. We've been dealing with COVID-19, I had a bike accident that left me with a rather unusual injury, and I've been busy working for my company. Additionally, we experienced the largest earthquake in Taiwan in the last 25 years. All of these events kept me occupied, which may explain my absence from writing on this blog for some time.
Some Background and the Plan
The aforementioned bike accident deformed the head tube of my 'Italian Style' new Bike Built' frame. I didn't feel comfortable riding a deformed frame and took it as unsafe to ride and uneconomical to repair. So, I looked for a good 2nd-hand or NOS (new old stock) replacement, possibly unassembled.
My main goal for the new bike was to be as economical as I could by using still-good parts from my damaged bike. To achieve this, the new 700c wheeled frame should have
a similar size to my old traditionally designed frame with a horizontal top tube (58cm)
should take road caliper brakes
the same 1/8' head tube as my 'old' full carbon fork
130mm rear spacing
68 mm BSA bottom bracket
Like with my damaged frame,I wanted this new bike to be an endurance model, suitable for longer rides rather than a lightweight racer. The bag should be large enough to accommodate my frame bag, which holds my safety equipment for the road, including my multi-tool, spare inner tubes, phone, and, of course, my wallet. Additionally, there should be enough space for a rain jacket or regular jacket, as well as snacks or energy gels that I store in this bag. Sometimes, I would even like to carry my full camping gear, with my sleeping bag in a handlebar bag and my one-man tent in the saddlebag, along with some clothes.
To make it even more versatile, I planned on replacing my road bike shoes with gravel shoes and matching MTB clipless pedals. Comfort would improve with softer shoes, and no more walking on slippery plastic cleats would improve my safety and save some money on replacements.
Making all these plans with bags, gravel- and mountain bike parts based on a road bike frame, I realized that we are living in a very convenient age with nearly unlimited information through my phone or the internet. I can save on several bikes and choose from different styles and designs to build a bike for my needs.
Frame, BMC Streetfire SS02
I found a nice new alloy frame from a reputable Swiss bike company, BMC. The company started in 1986 as an assembler and wholesale distributor of Raleigh Cycles. After losing its distributor's license, it began building bikes under a new BMC label but remained a niche brand. In 2001, the company shifted its strategy, turning to engineering and design.
As the frame had all the right measurements to replace my older ones at minimal costs, I felt this could be the right one. The NOS (New Old Stock) seller had two frames in the same size XL, one in silver and the other in blue. I usually ride a L-framed bike but according to the internet, all BMC official sizes are on the smaller side. So the XL would fit my Large size and it felt right.
After discussing color options with my wife, we decided to go with the silver frame. Although the blue was vibrant and shiny, scratches would be more noticeable on it. I have decided to purchase the silver frame for NTD 4,500 (approximately EUR 130.00 or USD 138.00), incl. shipping and:
-complete headset with sealed bearings
-two different seat post binders, one with a screw and one with quick-release
delivered right to my front door.
Technical Details:
Material: Dedacciai 7003 triple-butted tubing
Brakes: Caliper Brakes
Steerer Tube: 1 1/8"
Seat Post Diameter: 31.6 mm
Bottom Bracket: BSA
Color: Silver
Available Sizes: S/M/L/XL
Overall Impression of the BMC Streetfire
As the frame is the most important part of any bike, I would like to add some more details:
The long head tube of the bike appears quite unconventional for a road bike. To me, it resembles a lion raising its head high against the wind. I only used one spacer between the end of the head tube and the stem, which gives it a low "pro" look. Even the front is built relatively high. The sloping top tube contributes to a mountain bike aesthetic. Apart from the head tube and seat tube, I couldn't find a single straight tube on the entire frame.
Top Tube: is D-shaped with a flat on the top. I looks like a flat aero style - I've measured around:
a. 32.0 (w) x 41.0 (h) near head tube
b. 35.0 (w) x 37.0 (h) near the seat tube.
The silver stickers indicate the name of the frame: 'SS02 Streetfire.'
Down Tube: is D-shaped with a flat on the top and bottom. I've measured:
a. 36.5mm (w) x 69.6mm (h) near the head tube
b. 56.5mm (w) x 51mm (h) near the BB.
The silvery stickers identify the manufacturer BMC in big letters.
Seat Tube: I measured an outer dia. of 34.9 mm for a 31.6mm seat tube. The 'dedacciai double butted' sticker can be found where the top and seat tube meet.
Seat Stays: Two alloy tubes are welded together to create a wishbone design. After the wheels, both seat stays make an elegant curve to create an inner wheel space of 130 mm. Silvery stickers style', passion, precision in white letters decorate the seat stays.
Chain Stays: the alloy tubes make a gentle curve from the buttom bracket to the rear wheel pace.
Weight:
I measured the overall weight of the frame (XL) at 1.695 kg, the same as my 58 cm steel Reynolds 853 with a carbon seat and chainstays. Although it is not a lightweight frame, it is reasonable given the price and extra-large size. In my experience, the total weight of the complete bike is 9.0 kg. I have measured it at 9.2 kg with pedals and two bottle cages for the final build.
Comments