George Hincapie (BMC) received a very special gift before starting his record-setting 17th Tour de France. Hincapie doesn't plan on riding it, preferring instead to put it on display in forever-pristine condition.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
George Hincapie (BMC) prefers an anatomic-bend handlebar on his special edition BMC TeamMachine SLR01, fitted with a Shimano Dura-Ace Di2 electronic group.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Dashed stripes are littered throughout the frame.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Special graphics adorn George Hincapie's (BMC) commemorative gift.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Fi'zi:k's Twin Flex shell is notably flexible but is still super light.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
George Hincapie's (BMC) special bike features a machined stainless steel rear derailleur hanger for more precise shifting.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Brand-new Shimano Dura-Ace PD-7900 pedals are installed into the ends of the SRM power measuring arms.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
George Hincapie (BMC) doesn't plan on racing this special bike but there's a number holder installed just in case.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
A standard name label simply wouldn't be good enough for this machine.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The carbon cap on the FSA Orbit IS integrated headset matches the frame finish well.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The "Gentleman's Round" theme is perfectly represented with this hat.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
BMC included a matching seatpost for George Hincapie's (BMC) special edition TeamMachine SLR01.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
BMC head Andy Rihs presented George Hincapie (BMC) with a special gift - honoring not only his 17th Tour de France but also his birthday.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Big George has a SRM power meter installed here but after this year, he likely won't be as concerned with his power output.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
An Easton EA70 aluminum cockpit is fitted to George Hincapie's (BMC) special edition BMC TeamMachine SLR01.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
A pair of Elite's ultra-premium Sior Evo bottle cages sit empty for now.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Carbon-specific pads are fitted in the Shimano Dura-Ace dual-pivot brake calipers.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
Press-fit cups are installed in the bottom bracket shell.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
The Easton EC90 Aero carbon tubular wheels are wrapped with Continental tires.(Image credit: Jonny Irick)
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
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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
