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GT Grade alloy 105 2016

Any owners of GT Grade alloy 105's out there?

 

I'm looking at this as it seems to tick all my boxes, decent disc brakes, Mudguard/rack mounts 11 speed, 105 and under 1000 for the cycle to work scheme.

 

Any words of advise, or alternatives. 

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

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7 comments

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gunswick | 8 years ago
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I've had 2 rear spokes break on the alloy 105 Alex ATD470 supplied wheelset in 5 months, rather annoying! Otherwise a great bike

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melliott | 8 years ago
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Just wanted to check back in.

I've had some issues with the Grade recently, with 4 spokes snapping in just three rides on the same wheel. Granted I'm not the lightest but I'm under the recommended max and I was on reasonably well surfaced roads.

It turns out the factory wheel's spokes were massively over tightened. I would recommend getting your LBS to check the spoke tensions when they build it.

I bought mine under C2W from Halfords, and I have to say my local store has been really good; they have ended up swapping the wheels for some Mavic CX wheels.

Other than that, I still really like the bike.

On a side note, what's wrong with Gatorskins for a winter wheel? Decent reviews, not too pricey and I trust the brand.

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BrokenBootneck replied to melliott | 8 years ago
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melliott wrote:

Just wanted to check back in. I've had some issues with the Grade recently, with 4 spokes snapping in just three rides on the same wheel. Granted I'm not the lightest but I'm under the recommended max and I was on reasonably well surfaced roads. It turns out the factory wheel's spokes were massively over tightened. I would recommend getting your LBS to check the spoke tensions when they build it. I bought mine under C2W from Halfords, and I have to say my local store has been really good; they have ended up swapping the wheels for some Mavic CX wheels. Other than that, I still really like the bike. On a side note, what's wrong with Gatorskins for a winter wheel? Decent reviews, not too pricey and I trust the brand.

 

Cheers for the info, also I have ran gatorskins for years now and never had any issues I have only ever had 2 punctures and had got home before I noticed. the majority of my 5000 miles a year are done on them.

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BBLeeds | 8 years ago
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I picked up mine end of November to for using over the winter etc, I decided on the bike after reading so many good reviews, I wasn't sure about having a bike with disc brakes first of all - but they are superb and this time of year make perfect sense - the ride isn't as harsh as I thought it might have been - like Melliot i've swapped the tyres - 3 punctures in as many weeks to schwalbe marathon supreme - which are the bees for me. I'll probably change the seat in the near future - my rear is used to Fizik.  I've got rack and full mudguards to - Tortec and SKS - there isn't mounting for a rack on the seat stay so I used a seat clamp with mounts. 

All in all I think it's a great bike - does a great job on my commute and will more than likely be taking it out without rack and 'guards soon to test it on rougher ground.

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Sticks | 8 years ago
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I got one as an insurance replacement for a cyclocross bike. Bit heavy but good as a winter bike, for club rides and the odd off road excursion. Surprisingly fast and soaks up rough ground nicely but too heavy (10kg+) for seriously hilly rides or cyclocross. You can use up to 32mm tyres but max with mudguards would be 28.
Only downer was the front wheel went badly out of true without any real punishment and had to be rebuilt under warranty using stronger spokes.
Alternatives would be the likes of the cannondale caad series but they're probably just as weighty.

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melliott | 8 years ago
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Hi, I've had one since the end of November and covered over 500km. I've been really happy with it; it was my first proper road bike. It's more than quick enough for me, very comfortable for medium distances and goes well over towpaths, dirt tracks and pothole strewn roads.

I have replaced the tyres with Continental Gatorskins after a few punctures, but the Ultras will be going back on in the spring. I've tackled all my local hills with few problems despite being a big guy (ex rugby player) but I think I might struggle with big, steep hills until I get the power in my legs.

Do I regret my purchase? Not one bit. Feel free to ask any questions and I'll do my best to answer.

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mike the bike replied to melliott | 8 years ago
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melliott wrote:

......  I have replaced the tyres with Continental Gatorskins after a few punctures ......

 

Out of the frying pan and into the fire?

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