GT Bicycles, Inc. 2000 ZR-1000

Price Paid:  $300.00 at ebay

Favorite Ride:
GMR

Bike Setup:
What I had lying around - Campy Centaur 10v, FSA Energy compact cranks, Chorus hubs with Excellence rims (blue). Basic stuff.

Summary:
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.

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

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...

Price Paid:  $900.00 at Ebay

Favorite Ride:
Prospect park and Central Park NYC

Bike Setup:
Dura Ace Groupo, Mavic Classics Pro Wheelset, Ritchey SPD-R Pedals, Stock seat,post,bars,fork.

Summary:
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.

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.

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.

Price Paid:  $1250.00 at www.roadbikereview.c

Favorite Ride:
Hilly rides in southern and central IN

Bike Setup:
Dura Ace grouppo, ITM cockpit, Classics Pro wheels, GT Edge fork

Summary:
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.

Strengths:
Weight, component (Dura-Ace), fork is stiff yet forgiving, paint job

Weaknesses:
GT doesn't make road bikes anymore. What are they going to do should a warranty problem arises.

Similar Products Used:
Trek 5200, Bianchi, GT mountain bike, Mountain Cycle

Price Paid:  $1700.00 at bike shop in San Die

Favorite Ride:
San Diego north county to the inland empire

Bike Setup:
Full Dura Ace, Mavic Classics Pro wheelset(great wheels), Reynolds Ouzo Pro, King headset, 3T prima

Summary:
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.

Strengths:
Pretty light and responsive. Cool paint job too.

Weaknesses:
Stem, handlebar and fork are a little on the heavy side for gram counters.

Similar Products Used:
Only my mountain bike.

Price Paid:  $2700.00 at The Bicycle Chain

Favorite Ride:
long hard uphills!

Bike Setup:
Koobi Xenon saddle, Speedplay X2, red/blue/yellow handlebar tape

Summary:
Great price. I got it through my team shop. By this if you race. I'm not good w/ telling frame stiffness but I think it's pretty stiff. Some of the road shock goes into the top tube thanks to the triple triangle. Great bike. I really like it a lot.

Strengths:
Light, Looks sweet, stiff, fits me perfect, wonderful components

Weaknesses:
Black handlebar tape-ewwwwww

Similar Products Used:
Doghouse w/ campy