GT Bicycles, Inc. GTR Carbon Expert Road

Price Paid:  $2000.00 at Performance

Favorite Ride:
Kancamangus Highway in NH

Bike Setup:
ROL Race SL wheels and Selle Italia SLR saddle. Will add wider bars at some point.

Summary:
Carbon Frame and Full Ultegra for 2k you just can't go wrong, right...well kinda. I had never purchased a bike on line before, but I did some research and considering my significant experience, especially over the last 3+ years during my return to road riding, I figured I knew exactly what I was doing...kinda
Bottom line is that I got great value in the GTR Carbon expert from Performance. But in retrospect, the GT Carbon frame was not ideal for my body type. I am a smaller/compact rider (5'6", 180lbs)and the GT frame (even size XS), along with its uniquely shaped tear drop laid back carbon seat post, cause the frame to be a bit too long for me using the standard reach componants (Stem & Bars).
After 1 ride I quickly determined that my position was not right and made a few adjustments, to no avail. I contacted GT and they explained a 0 (zero) laid back post simply was not available and reccomended that i to try shorter steering componants. Performance offered no alternative except to return the bike.
I was not happy to say the least, and I e-mailed GT Customer Service to inform them of my dissatisfaction, the lack of competent alternatives offered by GT & Performance, and my intention to return the bike.
To my surprise I received a stellar response from GT. Got a direct call from GT Management to discuss the issue and not just reccommend, but 'offer' alternatives. The first alternative worked, and a shorter stem (supplied directly by GT) has provided not an ideal, but comfortable riding position.
Thank you GT, you reaffirmed my confidence in good old fashioned customer service, and I will buy from GT again.

Strengths:
-Customer Service, it took escalating my issue to the next level, but the result was great.
-Light Weight (~17lbs)
-Stiff Frame (Feels great when sprinting)
-Ultegra adjustability, small cog on the cassette is tough to get cleanly when using the small chainring, but you can fine tune just about every other gear combination to be silent and smooth. An option I did not have with my old 105 group.

Weaknesses:
-Not designed for shorter/wider riders. Top tube and laid back post make it a long bike and the handlebar width on the XS bike is made for XS shoulders which I do NOT have
-Graphics are a bit domestic
-Equipe wheels are a bit low end/heavy

Similar Products Used:
Felt F70