Fit Werx - Road and Triathlon Cycling Specialists

Manufacturer Profile: Guru Bicycles

Why do we carry what we carry? This is one of the best questions you could ask of any dealer.

At Fit Werx, we spend a lot of time researching any product that we carry. We do not stock everything, but we do stock what we know to be the best products in their respective product category. While we lose some sales because we are not willing to always jump on the latest marketing bandwagon, we know that we offer our clients products that are the best available. This means products that work better, last longer and perform better. Even though we have access to many brands we don't stock, these profiles are designed to help you understand the value we see in the brands we stock and why they are category leaders.

Guru Bicycles Statistics:

Location: Montreal, Canada

Number of Employees: Approximately 30

Materials Used: Carbon, Titanium, Aluminum

Frame/Bike Point of Origin: Montreal, Canada. All Gurus are made by hand.

Delivery: Because Guru builds to order, all bikes and frames are available 4-7 weeks from order.

Specialty: Like Fit Werx, triathlon and road bikes and frames are Guru's sole focus.

Unique Attributes: Guru is the only builder who offers a custom geometry option on each and every bike model they offer at no extra charge and whose complete bikes (ready to ride) start under $2500.

Web Site: www.gurubikes.com

Pros of Guru Bicycles:

Innovative cutting edge designs (especially in carbon) that allow for shaped tubing and full customization simultaneously.
Paint and finish work that can only be found on a handbuilt North American made bike.
Starting under $2500, Guru offers the least expensive customizable models on the market in the tri specific Ventus or the Venio road bike.
State of the art custom factory in Canada turns out state of the art custom frames at a similar price to many mass produced frames out of Asia.

Considerations of Guru Bicycles:

Guru keeps costs in check by using less durable aluminum fittings in their carbon frames (like the vast majority of builders) compared to the titanium offered in other custom carbon frames (all of which cost more).
Standard internal cable routing has some component compatibility limitations in regards to Ergomo power meters and 30mm crank/bottom brackets (Guru offers a solution to this, but it costs extra).
Choosing what color from Guru's many options is often much harder than choosing what frame.

Our Take:

You can tell a lot about a company just by looking at their factory. Guru moved into a new factory in the spring of 2007 and the new factory shows Guru's commitment to being one of the very best builders in the bike business. The factory is modern, clean, organized and very professional looking. Like Serotta, you know that they they are serious about building exceptional bikes just by looking at how things are taken care of and arranged. Guru has one of the most modern and innovative small bicycle manufacturing facilities on earth and the results show up with how consistent their bikes have been and how timely their deliveries have been. This is a company climbing the ladder in a very competitive marketplace.

How did we first learn about Guru and what stood out? Our first experience with Guru Bicycles was in the spring of 2004 when an athlete we fit special ordered a custom TriLite. As we explored the brand, we realized that Guru was offering a few very unique aspects to their product line that no one else was offering.

Guru offers a complete line of road and triathlon models starting around $2000 and they build frames in a wide variety of materials - aluminum, carbon and titanium. The Guru line is quite diverse.
All Guru bikes are available in stock geometry or custom geometry (for no extra charge). This was huge to us as many people significantly benefit from custom geometry. We had been looking for a line that could build custom and offered complete bikes with custom geometry and Shimano 105 or better parts that were around $2000 and Guru offered this.
Guru's Italian heritage and flair match up well with North American based technology and innovation. These bikes are not only very innovative, they look great too.
Guru doesn't skimp on materials or components. Many companies will sacrifice frame quality or hide sub-quality components and wheels where they don't think people will look. Guru knows how important the frame and wheels are to performance and they don't cut such corners. Click here for a tour of how they do it.
Options. Guru actually allows you to choose the component group that matches your needs best with a given frame. No more "taking what the factory offers".
Guru is only 2.5 hours from us and we like working with companies in our region as it usually helps with customer service, supply and solving repair or warranty issues.

Guru had a lot going for them and after a season of trying them out, we became a full stocking dealer in the fall of 2004.

Model/Product Overview: Guru offers a full range of products ranging from the entry level Ventus tri bike that starts at $2200 to the fully decked out Geneo carbon road bike that can eclipse $8000 without trying too hard. Guru looks at bikes and components in much the same light as we do. They understand that nothing influences how the bike feels, rides and handles underneath you more than the frame. You want to get the best frame you can and never compromise on the fit of the frame. Guru understands this and all Guru models are available with custom geometry at no extra charge; making Guru the least expensive custom bike available and one of the best fitting regardless. We fit hundreds of riders annually and from experience we can tell you that the number of riders who benefit substantially from custom geometry for an optimal fit is larger than you might think. Besides, especially if there is not a price difference, why would you not have your bike built to match your needs as best as possible?

We also really respect that Guru does not believe in cutting corners on their components and wheels to try to make consumers think they are getting something they are not. Go into most any shop and you can find $2000 bikes claiming to be Dura Ace bikes. Look a little closer at the wheels, bearings, cranks (the internal parts that actually make things work...) and you will find that usually the only parts on the bike that are Dura Ace are the derailleurs. Guru does not play this game. Not only do you get a superior frame, you also get a full Shimano (or Campy) group on a Guru. You can rest assured that you are getting what you see on a Guru and that the bikes were designed around fit, performance and reliability first and foremost.

Details: It is difficult to compare a Guru to many of its mass produced competitors as they take a different approach. Instead of trying to cut costs at every opportunity, Guru focuses on building a handcrafted bike that is designed to last longer, ride better and eliminate compromise better. From their no-compromises component and wheel specifications to using thick glossy wet paint and clear coats instead of inexpensive powder coats, Guru simply builds a higher quality bike than their mainstream competitors. The only design item we can criticize Guru for is that the fully internalized cables on some Guru aero shaped frames adds some mechanical complexity that would be minimized with a partially concealed or external cable system. This being said, even the internal cable routing Guru uses has improved and become easier to work on and more reliable each year.

Bikes and Frames - Guru builds frames in aluminum, titanium and carbon fiber and offers a refined and condensed line for 2008 that is more logical and easier to understand than ever (sometimes less is more...). Guru offers four road models and four tri models. Each is available in either stock or custom geometry, is built from very high quality tubing, and is available with some very competitively equipped component options. Some Guru models now even offer rider matched tubing so that the ride quality of your new bike is custom matched to your individual needs.

Aluminum Guru Bikes

Titanium Guru Bikes

Carbon Fiber Guru Bikes

Aluminum - Guru's aluminum frames all use superior Dedacciai aluminum. These are some of the nicest riding aluminum bikes on the market (regardless of price) and the craftsmanship shown in each simply creates a higher quality bike.

Ventus:

Material: Dedacciai 7005 Butted Aluminum

Price: Complete Bike $2300.

Components: Ultegra/105 Mix.

Who is it for? The TT/Tri rider on a budget that understands the importance of the frame to how a bike rides and understands why a straight-forward component package makes sense.

Noteworthy: This is the least expensive tri specific bike with aero tubes and custom geometry options on the market today.

Bottom Line: This is one of our favorite entry level triathlon bikes, taking its name from "the wind" in Latin. By just looking at the price and components on the Ventus you would be missing the point of the bike. This is a special bike at this price for the following reasons: First, the Ventus is a handbuilt frame that is built out of the high grade 7005 Dedacciai Butted aluminum. The tubing used in the Ventus is superior to that found in any other bike on the market in the $2000-$2500 range. Second, while most companies are busy subbing in their own brakes or inferior bottom brackets and cranks to save a few dollars, the Ventus uses a straight-forward Shimano package. From our experience, we can tell you that full Shimano equipped bikes tend to work better and be less mechanically finicky; compare a Shimano brake to an imitator and you'll immediately understand. Third, this bike is handcrafted in North America and the fit and finish work shows the extra detail and quality. How many $2200 bikes could at first glance pass for the model that is $3000 more?

Venio:

Material: Butted hydroformed aluminum

Price: Complete Bike $2700

Components: Ultegra/105 Mix

Who is it for? The performance oriented road rider/racer looking for a stiff and responsive no-nonsense bike designed to last longer than the usual "disposable" lightweight aluminum being offered by many companies.

Noteworthy: One of the nicest frames available in a $2500 bike anywhere. Really good aluminum almost always rides and lasts better than really basic carbon fiber and this frame uses really good aluminum.

Bottom Line: The Venio, meaning "of physical movemet", is the least expensive fully customizable road bike on the market and (amazingly) it did not get that way by cutting corners. A sensible component mix combined with top shelf workmanship and finish makes for a bike that holds its own in ride quality and fits better than anything else in its price point. If you are looking in the $2500 range and value quality and ride, consider getting carbon off your mind and really good aluminum into your head. The Venio is an exceptional mid-level bike that gives you top of the line features at an entry level price.

Titanium - We really like titanium as a material. It is available in a wide range of tubing flex options to match big riders, small riders and everyone in-between well. Titanium is also incredibly durable and strong (when built properly). Some of the best ti frames even mix in carbon fiber to further enhance the frame's ride with minimal compromise to durability. If you are looking for a frame you could be riding 20 years from now, focus on titanium.

Praemio:

Material: 3/2.5 titanium w/optional carbon seat stay.

Price: Framesets $41800. Built bikes from $5300.

Components: Ultegra, Dura Ace or Fit Werx Custom.

Who is it for? The discriminating road rider who is looking for a frame that can last forever and gives you all that a top quality butted titanium frame can offer at a value based price.

Noteworthy: This frame looks better than ever and is offering tubing and quality that is equal or better to what other established titanium custom builders in the market are offering, and often for less money.

Bottom Line: Frame materials are like gem stones in that there are many levels or quality and purity. While there are cheap titanium frames available, we'd avoid them like the plague as they will ride just like they are built - cheaply. The Praemio, translated as "the prize or reward" from Latin, does not fall into this category; it is a top grade titanium frame that offers high grade 3/2.5 titanium tubing in conjunction with harder 6/4 machined dropouts. This frame does not try to use fancy shapes or marketing to create the impression that it is anything that it is not; it is a classic titanium frame that has the attention to detail and fabrication quality that all great ti bikes deserve. The result is that it rides like all great ti frames do - with life and inspiration - in a word, "Exceptionally". As an added bonus, like all Gurus, the Praemio is built right to your specifcations at no extra charge. Ride it, race it, keep it forever...

Merus:

Material: 3/2.5 aero profile Titanium w/horizontal 6/4 Titanium machined dropouts. Carbon seatstay option.

Price: Frameset: $4100. Built Bikes Start at $4900.

Components: Ultegra, Dura Ace or Fit Werx Custom.

Who is it for? The rider looking for one of the best riding and well made aero tubed titanium bikes on the market.

Noteworthy: One of the top two aero tube equipped titanium frames on the market.

Bottom Line: If you are looking for aero tubes, one of the highest quality carbon fiber rear seat stay systems available, the durability and ride of top quality titanium, and aero features like a cut away seat tube and fully integrated aero seat post/tube - this is one of the very best. While there are a few other aero titanium bikes on the market that compete with the Merus, it is little details, such as the name which means "pure", and quality parts (like the high modulus carbon rear stay option) that make the Merus just a little bit better. If it weren't for little details, you wouldn't be looking at a bike of this level in the first place. And there is no reason to get second best in the category (in this case aero tubed titanium) when the best is available for a similar price.

Carbon Fiber - Guru does a lot well. This being said, they really design and build unique carbon designs that offer features like no one else - especially for the price - well. Unlike most companies who are going overseas and having a big factory pump out their carbon frames, Guru builds each and every one of their carbon frames in their exceptionally modern and clean Montreal factory. This means that the carbon is stored in their specially made cooling refrigerator and kept as contamination free as possible. Also every carbon frame is heat cured (an expensive process, but one that makes for a much better frame in the end) before final hand painting and finish. Guru is one of a few very select companies whose carbon frames really can fit virtually anyone well as custom geometry is available at no extra charge on all their frames and they design and build carbon frames in shapes unlike any other company.

Evolo:

Material: Carbon fiber w/aluminum dropouts and bearing inserts

Price: Frameset $2800. Built Bikes Start at $4000.

Components: Ultegra, Centaur or Fit Werx Custom.

Who is it for? The carbon enthusiast who appreciates the quality of a hand crafted frame in a light package that is made in North America and is very competitively priced.

Noteworthy: Custom geometry makes this one of the few carbon fiber frames that can truly fit virtually any rider well and it costs less than many of its stock geometry competitors.

Bottom Line: The Evolo (translated as "to take flight") is built using a proven lugged assembly process that is similar to how lugged steel frames have been brazed for years, except that carbon fiber and resin are used instead of steel and brazing... While this process is different from the proprietary cutting and lay-up process used on the top of the line Geneo, it is very proven and makes the Evolo a well priced, light, responsive and comfortable frame. The Evolo is finished off with a thick, glossy clear coat and paint on this frame is superior to many mass produced carbon frames that cost thousands more. Also, because Guru builds their frames in Montreal, service and repair work (which is sometimes required on any full carbon frame) is close and personal. The Evolo is simply one of the better made carbon bikes currently available and it is priced the same or less than many of its mass produced competitors. Why get a generic mass produced bike from one of the big companies when you can get a hand crafted work of cycling art built just for you from a specialty company?

Magis:

Material: Carbon fiber w/aluminum dropouts and bearing inserts

Price: Frameset: $3000. Built Bikes Start at $3900.

Components: Ultegra

Who is it for? The carbon Time Trialist or triathlete who appreciates the quality of a hand crafted aero frame that is made in North America and is very competitively priced.

Noteworthy: Custom geometry makes this one of the few carbon fiber frames that can truly fit virtually any rider well and it costs less than many of its stock geometry competitors.

Bottom Line: The Magis, meaning "more or to a greater extent", is the aero sibling of the Evolo road bike and is built using the same lugged assembly process. While the Magis' older brother (the Crono) is in a league of its own, the Magis is not a second rate bike. The assembly process used on the Magis is really very similar to what is used to assemble some of the most expensive carbon frames on earth. It is less labor intensive for Guru though and thus the Magis is priced less and brings custom aero carbon to a whole new price point. Like the Evolo, the Magis, is priced the same or less than many of its mass produced competitors and offers geometry, finish and craftsmanship that is hard to beat. Why get a generic mass produced tri bike from one of the big companies when you can get a hand crafted work of cycling art from a specialty company?

Geneo:

Material: Carbon fiber w/aluminum dropouts and bearing inserts

Price: Frameset $4100. Built Bikes Start at $5300.

Components: Ultegra, Dura Ace, Record or Fit Werx Custom.

Who is it for? The road rider looking for a stiff bottom bracket, aero tubing, a no compromises fit and a smooth ride too.

Noteworthy: No one makes a road bike that looks like this. It has very good vibration damping qualities and also is one of the torsionally stiffest carbon frames available.

Bottom Line: The Geneo, translated as "to bring to life", and its TT sibling the Crono are designed to offer aero profile tubing built with a much higher than average carbon grade and a low resin count to build as balanced and strong a frame as possible. The result is a very torsionally stiff and responsive drivetrain in conjunction with one of the most forgiving and vibration damping rides you can get in a full carbon frame. By taking advantage of long-strand carbon fiber's capabilities, the design of the Geneo uses shape and lay-up to create frame that is stiffer where you want it stiffer and more forgiving where you want it more comfortable. If you look at the frame profile, it is thicker side-to-side where stiffness is needed (around the bottom bracket) , while being more svelte in the top tube and upper down tube and seat tube. As an added bonus, it is the only aero shaped carbon fiber frame equipped road bike available that offers custom geometry. An impressive combination of form and function.

Crono:

Material: Carbon fiber w/aluminum dropouts and bearing inserts

Price: Frameset: $4100. Built Bikes Start at $4900.

Components: Ultegra, Dura Ace or Fit Werx Custom.

Who is it for? The rider looking for the ultimate aero tubed carbon bike who does not want to compromise.

Noteworthy: If you want carbon with uncompromising fit, quality and comfort, the Crono is the bike to beat.

Bottom Line: This bike, with its name being translated from the Latin phrase "of time", stops people dead in their tracks to take a second look. And while there are a number of beautiful carbon fiber aero frames on the market, the Crono offers three things that only one of the others (Parlee's new TT frame) can claim to have all in one package: 1) Stiffness and compliance. 2) North American craftsmanship. 3) Custom geometry option to fit virtually any rider optimally. It not only does all this, but it is also priced head-to-head with many of the top mass produced options. Like its road relative the Geneo, the Crono uses Guru's proprietary design and lay-up pattern to create a structurally optimized frame that provides the aero look, while actually enhancing stiffness and comfort. While it continues to gain popularity every year, the Crono is a functional work of art and will likely never get lost in the crowd. The Crono was our number one selling full carbon tri bike last year for good reason.

Visit the Tech Center of fitwerx.com for more articles on a wide variety of bike technology and fitting subjects. If you have questions or are interested in a product, don't hesitate to stop in, call, or e-mail one of our locations. We continue to build our inventory and have one of the best selections of in-stock products anywhere in the northeast. We are always here to answer questions and we ship daily if you need anything.