Choices

[gazman]

Anyone know anything about the GT range of bikes? I am tossing up between a Pro - carbon with sram rival running gear or a Series 1 alloy/carbon with ultegra and tektro brakes. Both are 2008 run out models. There is only $600 between the two. Both feel good. I am aware that there is much more experience in this forum who can help with pros and cons. I am a relative newcomer at this level.

[Mulger bill]

Tektro road brakes are sh1te. Factor in quick replacement if you go down that road. Isn't Rival a figurative step down from Ultegra?

That's it really.

Shaun

[gazman]

Thanks for the heads up regarding the brakes. I am unsure re sram v ultegra, hence the post.

[JV911]

Isn't Rival a figurative step down from Ultegra?

i'd agree

SRAM Force ~ Ultegra

[morephyous]

Rival = Ultegra/105
Force = DA7800 = Record
Red = DA7900 = Super Record

[vitualis]

Though I think that a lot of people would disagree with that...

Red might be super light, but just about every review on the net written by people who have also ridden DA/Record/SR would suggest that Red does not run as smoothly as the top end groups from Shimano and Campy.

Regards.

[sogood]

And Shimano groups are relatively heavy compared with others. It's a far stretch of imagination to match it with Super Record.

[wayno]

Rival = Ultegra/105
Force = DA7800 = Record
Red = DA7900 = Super Record

+1 on this for me, having ridden 105 and Rival, I would put Rival above Ultegra SL.

[morephyous]

Smoothness and weight are just one of many measures. Some prefer a smooth silent shift, others prefer a more positive change. I've used Force, Rival, Red, Record, DA, Ultegra, 105, and Super Record so I do have some idea of what I'm talking about.

I run a Red cassette instead of the quieter DA or lighter Tune/Cycle Dynamics one because I prefer the noise . Although it's offset with a 7900 chain .

[gazman]

Being relatively new to the bicycle world I am ununsure if GT is an accepted/well supported brand? Are there any concerns with this brand?
I think I am out of my depth with the shimano/sram debate.

[Mulger bill]

Can't comment on their road frames Gaz, but their mid/upper MTBs are well designed and made. I wouldn't have a problem buying one.

Shaun

[sogood]

All made in East Asia anyway...

[rednaxela]

I ride a '08 GT Series One and very pleased with it. I think it all depends on the type of riding you intend to do. I ride twice (25 - 30 k's) on weekdays and weekends (40 - 60 k's) plus the occasional century ride and had no issues with the bike. Marked improvement from my other 105. Those Tektro brakes are also bit lighter than the equivalent Shimanos.