Strengths: Light (the bike shop who assembled it had to weigh it it was so light) at about 2.5lb
I've crashed a couple of times and the frame hasn't taken any damage. 10+ years and no cracks or any other problems...And it's US made.
Weaknesses: GT is not GT anymore, and the new road bikes aren't the same. Can't even get a US made frame from these guys.
Bottom Line:
Over ten years old and still my favorite bike. I bought it new after reading a bicycle magazine review and had to have one. I've ridden this bike in races and on long(200mi+) single day rides. The handling is precise, and you can feel the power put to the road with this frame. This frame climbs with ease and I've never had a problem with 50+ mph descents. And it's comfortable, even on chipseal (a crappy road repair). I did replaced the original fork, but I actually liked it better and would have reinstalled it if I hadn't damaged it removing the race.
Strengths: Weight, strength, paint, stiffness, ride quality, not many of them around, ping-pong paddles (Santa Ana built)
Weaknesses: One inch fork (2001 solved that issue), the GT that built this bike is not the GT that you see today
Bottom Line:
I'm a bike geek. A machinist and mechanic in my youth, so it was a huge surprise when I built one for a friend on a budget and really enjoyed the 50 mile shake down ride. So I kept an eye out and built one for myself. Light enough even by today's standards, certainly stiff enough and actually comfortable enough to use as a century bike. This is the same frame that Lotto rode back in the day, and I can see why. While it's not the latest carbon uber-bike, and I've ridden those too, it just works. Frankly, I'm stunned.
Similar Products Used: Too many to name - All the good ti (Moots, Seven, Serotta). Italian goodness - Colnago Dream HP, Ovalmaster, C-40, MXL. Belgian Beauties - Merckx. Even the GT 853 National Team, Pegoretti Marcelo and other really good steel...
Bike Setup: What I had lying around - Campy Centaur 10v, FSA Energy compact cranks, Chorus hubs with Excellence rims (blue). Basic stuff.
Strengths: Stiffness, weight, handling. And VALUE. 4 year old aluminum = money left over to vacation and buy your wife something nice, LIKE ANOTHER GT!!!!
Weaknesses: Not sure what to do if the frame has problems. A risk we all take in the used market. At this price and age, you can buy another frame for less than $300.
Bottom Line:
Love this Ride! Stiff - Light - and inspires confidence. Picked it up on ebay for a song. This bike couldn't have been ridden more than 50 miles! My first aluminum frame and I'm impressed. I've heard and read a lot of negative comments about aluminum. OK, it doesn't feel as nice as a Ti Merlin Superlight I rode, but for those of us unable to drop 5K on a bike right now, Aluminum is quite alright.
I'm 180lb 70" and currently pretty green when it comes to racing. I'm sure it will feel even better if I can drop 20 lbs- we'll see. This bike has inspired me, my average speed over a 35 mile loop has already jumped 1.5mph. If you are looking for an inspiring ride and shopping on a budget - look at the GT ZR1000.
Also as far as the unstated ego factor. My frame has the yellow and blue pain scheme. I've already received several glowing comments from fellow NYC riders. The same riders already riding Italy's finest as well as an army of Merlin's and Lightspeeds.
Similar Products Used: Bridgestone RB2 - What a classic ride! Been riding my brother's for the past year. Merlin Superlight Compact- my favorite, but can't afford it yet.
Bike Setup: Dura Ace Groupo, Mavic Classics Pro Wheelset, Ritchey SPD-R Pedals, Stock seat,post,bars,fork.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
Phil Newby
a Road Racer
from Indianapolis IN
Weaknesses: GT doesn't make road bikes anymore. What are they going to do should a warranty problem arises.
Bottom Line:
Bought this used (about 1000 miles on it) from roadbikereview.com. The best bike I have ridden. Rode a 5200 Trek, Bianchi, and another GT. Nothing was like this on. Super stiff for the sprints. Light enough and fast enough on the climbs. Definitely a very capable racing bike.
Favorite Ride: Hilly rides in southern and central IN
Price Paid:
$1250.00
Purchased At: www.roadbikereview.c
Similar Products Used: Trek 5200, Bianchi, GT mountain bike, Mountain Cycle
Bike Setup: Dura Ace grouppo, ITM cockpit, Classics Pro wheels, GT Edge fork
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
lpdjshaw
a Recreational Rider
from Vista, CA
Date Reviewed: October 24, 2001
Strengths: Pretty light and responsive. Cool paint job too.
Weaknesses: Stem, handlebar and fork are a little on the heavy side for gram counters.
Bottom Line:
First road bike I've ever owned so I can't really compare the stiffness with anything else, but I've done some 50 to 75 milers and haven't felt beat up at the end. So I guess it's not too bad. Great component mix.
