Strengths: When maintained properly and not abused, this bike is as reliable as it gets. If you prefer aluminum frames over carbon (and yes...there are still some of us out there!), this ride will give you a fast, stiff ride.
Weaknesses: At its current weight of 18lbs, this is not the lightest machine on the block. This, however, can be remedied by component upgrades.
Bottom Line:
I've had this bike for some time now and after continues upgrades over time, this bike has become like my favorite pair of jeans. When I climb aboard I know exactly what to expect. The frame is stiff yet comfortable, it's fast on the open roads, it corners like it's on rails and it makes the climbs seem easier every time.
Strengths: Great aluminum frame, strong, comfortable but still lite. As spec'd, the bike is an excellent entry point for some serious road riding/racing, even though more serious riders may prefer more expensive running gear.
Weaknesses: None, especially given the price. One criticism is manufacterers trend toward down spec'ing bikes, highlighted by use of cs-53 chain (from tiagra group set) instead of the cs-70 from the 105 range.
Bottom Line:
This review is of the 2004 GT ZR 2.0. I am unsure whether US buyers have this bike available, as I am unable to get recent reviews on the bike after 2001. Firstly, the later bikes seem to have been down spec'ed, as this bike came with 105, while most people report Ultegra on earlier bikes. The bike has carbon forks, as expected, and also came with Mavic Cosmos wheelset, and some Ritchey gear (stem, Biomax bar etc). This is my first serious racer for a while, having bought my last bike in the Cromoly days. Feels very fast and responsive, solid construction and no flexing, even when out of the saddle and pushing hard. The new 105 is a nice group set, and the mavic wheels roll well and look good, as I'm a sucker for some flash stickers.
Similar Products Used: Older Peugoet cromoly bike from the '80s.
Bike Setup: Aluminium frame, carbon fork
105 shifters, derailers, brakes, cogset, crank, bottombracket.
Mavic Cosmos wheelset.
Ritchey Biomax bar, stem o/s, seat post. Fisik seat.
Continental 2000 tyres (will upgrade as soon as worn out).
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Submitted by
scott nelson
a Road Racer
from foresthill ca usa
Date Reviewed: December 31, 2002
Strengths: Sprinting and climbing with no perceptible flex. Gotta be the best value available bar none. The design features of triple triangle and "S" shaped stays and fork seem to be functional in reducing flex. All tubes are oversized to the max, this could be considered overkill in design but not whe stomping out of the saddle.
Weaknesses: This bike will spoil you. If you want a real quick, Twitchy feel you will find this handles a bit deliberate. The ultimately stiff ride may seem harsh after two or three hours. Too bad for you if this is a problem. A bit heavier than the latest superthin tubesets, but let it be known: The rider weight limit is not a factor with this much beef to the design.
Bottom Line:
The frame has total stiffness, sprints and climbs flawlessly. Handling is on the neutral side, seat tube set back is somewhat relaxed.
Forks are stiff yet compliant.
Get it from Chucks bikes, check him out I highly recommend him.
Similar Products Used: Steel old school bikes, italian and custom columbus slx, sl, sp, and OS tubesets.
Bike Setup: Dura Ace/ Ultegra 9spd mix
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Dwight Chambers
a Road Racer
from Medford, New Jersey, U.S.
Date Reviewed: October 26, 2002
Strengths: Very stiff. Good for tall people. Lightweight and fast! With Dura Ace mine runs around 19 pounds... not bad for 58cm. Very nice looking too. Turns a few heads.
Weaknesses: None!
Bottom Line:
My first quality road bike. Too bad GT doesn't make road frames anymore. They just look better. Bought the frame / fork for $295 from Chuck's Bikes on the web (easy to find in a search). Bike is larger than the size indicates. Some people may have to go down a size on this one. I was lucky... fit me perfect, although I had to go down on stem length.
Bike Setup: Dura Ace, except 105 brake calipers. Mavic Open Pro rims, Selle Italia Flite Get saddle, Look carbon
Overall Rating:
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Submitted by
Jeff Powell
a Triathlete
from St.Louis, MO ( where the stick
Date Reviewed: June 27, 2002
Strengths: Ready to be ridden hard right out of the box or for a long day ride.
Weaknesses: Have NOT found one.
Bottom Line:
Incredible ride as a stock bike. I went from a 1988 Cannondale SR500 to this screamin machine. It is very light and responsive under my six foot, 195 pound frame. The geometry fits me like a glove. I can go out for an hour hammer ride or just cruise along back country roads all day. I am a huge fan of GT's and had to get one of the remaining quality rides left by them. I have ridden GT's for about 10 years and the ZR is the best I own. Get one!
