Reviews of Products
Short Video Overview of Guru Bicycles
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. While we lose some sales because we are not willing to always jump on the latest marketing bandwagon or just carry any brand people are interested in, we sleep well knowing that we offer our athletes products that work better, last longer and perform better.
Even though we have access to many brands we do not stock, these profiles are designed to help you understand the value we see in the brands we stock and why they are category leaders.
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Company Statistics:Location: Montreal (Laval), Canada |
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Pros of Guru Bicycles:• Innovative cutting edge designs (especially in carbon) that allow for shaped tubing and full customization simultaneously. 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).
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 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 timely their deliveries have been and how nicely finished the bikes appear. This is a company who understand that innovation is spawned by organization and passion. 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 through us. 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 bikes starting around $3000 and they build frames in a wide variety of materials – steel, 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 (prices have gone up since, sorry…). 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 material 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 or buy just the frame and build it up accordingly. No more just “taking what the factory offers”. Guru is only 2.5 hours from our Vermont location 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 steel Sidero road bike that starts around $2000 for the frameset to the fully decked out and ultralight Photon carbon road bikes 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. 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 $2500 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 spec 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.
Guru Bikes and Frames :Guru builds frames in aluminum, titanium and carbon fiber. Guru offers road and tri models. Each is available in either stock or custom geometry, is built from high quality tubing, and is available with some very competitively equipped component options. Some Guru models now also offer rider matched tubing so that the ride quality of your new bike is custom matched to your individual needs. Chromoly Steel -Built from high quality air hardened and butted chromoly, Guru’s steel frames are some of the nicest riding bikes on the market, especially at their price, and the craftsmanship built into each simply creates a higher quality bike than what you get at this price from most companies.
Who is it for? The performance oriented road rider/racer looking for a laterally stiff and responsive no-nonsense bike designed to provide the durability, liveliness and smooth ride of high quality steel. Noteworthy: One of the nicest frames available in a $3000+/- bike anywhere. Really good chromoly steel almost always rides and lasts better than basic carbon fiber and this frame uses a really nice tubeset that is rider matched for precision and balance. Bottom Line: Sidero, roughly translates to “of steel”. However, we think it means, “A bike that does not cut corners, yet is one of the least expensive fully customizable road bikes on the market”. A sensible component mix combined with top shelf workmanship, tubing 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 $3000 range and value quality and ride, consider getting carbon off your mind and getting a nice high grade steel into your head. The Sidero 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.
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 tunability 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 rider matched 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… Carbon Fiber -Guru does a lot well. This being said, they really design and build unique carbon designs that offer features that you simply can’t find for the same price anywhere else. Unlike most companies who go overseas and have a big factory pump out their carbon frames for them, 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 and that passion is built into each Guru at no extra charge. Every Guru carbon frame is also 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.
Who is it for? The carbon enthusiast who appreciates the quality of a hand crafted frame in a light and comfortable 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… The Evolo is quite light and comfortable, but plenty stiff for all but the absolute biggest riders (who should look at an Evolo R), making it a fantastic all around performer. The Evolo is finished 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?
Who is it for? The Time Trialist or triathlete who appreciates the quality of a hand crafted carbon aero frame that is made in North America and is very competitively priced with those from overseas. 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 CR.501 replaces the Magis in Guru’s line and it is the aero sibling of the proven Evolo road bike and is built using a similar assembly process. While the CR.501′s older brothers (the CR.701 and CR.901) are in a league of their own, the CR.501 is not a second rate bike. The assembly process used on the CR.501 is really very similar to what is used to assemble some of the most expensive carbon frames on earth. The process and design is less labor intensive for Guru than the CR.701 and 901 though and thus the CR.501 is priced less and brings custom aero carbon to the lowest price in the industry. Like the Evolo, the CR.501, 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 that cut its teeth in triathlon?
Who is it for? The road rider looking for a stiff bottom bracket, aero tubing, a no compromises fit without the penalty of undue harshness. Noteworthy: The replacement to the watershed Guru Geneo, the Evolo R remains true to the form while improving aerodynamics, cutting weight and adding in leading edge technology like carbon dropouts and BB30. Bottom Line: The Evolo R, and its TT sibling the CR.701, 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 without the compromise of a harsh and unforgiving ride. 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 and is under $9,000. The Evolo R uses an integrated seatmast, BB30 and full carbon dropouts to maximize torsional stiffness, reduce weight and remain aero. The Evolo R is an impressive combination of form and function that anyone considering a race oriented bike should consider.
Who is it for? The rider looking for one of the nicest riding and fitting carbon TT/Tri bikes that uses the new more aero profile of the CR.901 and some similar construction, but at a lower price. Noteworthy: If you want carbon with exceptional fit, quality and comfort, the CR.701 is a proven performer that replaces the venerable Crono in Guru’s line. Bottom Line: The CR.701 is the replacement for most successful customizable triathlon frame of all time – the Guru Crono. The CR.701 is priced head-to-head with many of the top mass produced options, but it offers three things that many of the mass produced frames do not: 1) A very good balance of stiffness and compliance. 2) North American craftsmanship. 3) Custom geometry option to fit virtually any rider optimally. It not only does all this, but like its road relative the Evolo, the CR.701 uses Guru’s proprietary fabrication process to create a structurally optimized frame that provides a smooth aero shape, while actually enhancing stiffness/power transfer and comfort. The CR.701 uses a slightly less stiff version of the ultra narrow rear section and aero seatpost of the top of the line CR.901 combined with an upgraded (lighter and better fork) version of the front from the CR.501 to bridge the price and performance gap in Guru’s line quite well.
Who is it for? The rider who wants ultra-lightweight and lateral stiffness without compromising fit and geometry options. Noteworthy: The Guru Photon was the first readily available frame on the market that weighed under 800 grams in many sizes. It remains the only bike in its price range that offers custom geometry and sub 800 gram weight. Bottom Line: We can think of at least one well known manufacturer in the past five years who managed to create a “lightest ever” frame and in the process also created a bike that fit almost no one (eliminating pesky tubing saves weight…) and seemed to have a tendency to shake violently as soon as the speed got above 30 mph. The goal behind the Photon was to minimize weight, which they certainly have accomplished, but to not compromise these other important variables in the process. The Photon uses compression molded carbon wherever possible to replace heavier metal internally and also uses ultralight and stiff carbon in the construction. The result is a frame that is quite possibly the lightest production frame ever and it still fits well without jeopardizing safety when the speed goes up. What is the compromise of the Photon’s construction? We expect that the Photon will be a little less compliant than models like the Guru Evolo as reducing weight while keeping strength in carbon fiber often requires increasing rigidity. This being said, if you want as light a bike as possible, you are likely fine with this difference. Also, the Photon does not have the same paint options as many of Guru’s other bikes as you can’t put “heavy” paint on a frame and expect it to be this light (paint can easily add 100 grams or more in weight). The Photon is available with a standard or BB30 bottom bracket as well as offering an integrated seat mast or traditional post design.
Who is it for? The rider looking for uncompromising fit, ride, aerodynamics, responsiveness all in a light chasis. Noteworthy: The second generation of the most successful customizable carbon bike of all time takes a very proven bike and brings the performance up even one more level. Bottom Line: The original Guru Crono (replaced by the CR.701) was a watershed bicycle. It was really the first fully functional customizable carbon fiber bike that was built without using round tubing and standard lug construction. The impressive mix of monocoque molding and long strand carbon fiber application allowed for shapes that had previously never been used in a bicycle. It also did this with a price that was significantly less than other attempts to bridge these technologies. The only valid performance criticism of the original Crono was that there were other frames that were more aero (but few that helped keep the bigger wind block, the rider, as aero). The CR.901 takes the premise of the Crono and focuses heavily on aerodynamics without compromising torsional rigidity and further enhancing vibration damping and comfort. This was all accomplished through a redesigned bottom bracket and seatstay design and a totally new lay-up schedule for the carbon fiber throughout. The CR.901 offers BB30 and improved internal cable routing and it is the most aero and technologically advanced tri bike Guru has ever offered. Stiff, responsive, aero, comfortable – it does it all. The CR.901, like the Crono, will become a benchmark bike at this price point as it will be at or near the top of the performance spectrum in all the performance variables that all triathletes and TT riders should value. |
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