Fuji Gran Fondo Disc 2.3 Disc Brake Road Bike

Fuji Gran Fondo Disc 2.3 Disc Brake Road Bike. Gran Fondos originated in Italy but are catching on like wildfire in the new world. Gran Fondos are long, timed rides with a mass start, run over closed and open roadways, with full support and post ride podium presentations, and usually a fun party as well. If you want to feel like a veteran Italian racer, or just want to challenge yourself over a long distance, the all new Fuji Gran Fondo Disc 2.3 is the bike to ride in it. The Gran Fondo Disc takes the same full carbon, endurance oriented bike you know and love adds in the revolutionary power of disc brakes. Disc brakes give you improved braking modulation and feel, and give you improved performance in wet weather or in tough terrain. They also allow for a larger tire to be used, since the tire size is no longer limited by the brake caliper. Disc brakes transform the Fuji Gran Fondo from an all day bike that lets you explore new roads, to an all day bike that lets you keep exploring long after the road has ended. In a Gran Fondo bike you want comfort without sacrificing performance. Fuji accomplishes this by giving you a slightly longer head tube along with a more relaxed geometry so you're more upright. You might argue that you're less aero in this position, but really even the pros can stay areo for only so long. We mortals aren't built that way. The longer wheelbase on the Gran Fondo Disc also gives you more stability for cornering in crowds or snaking through a long descent. Carbon is the popular choice for long rides because its' lightweight and strong, with just enough flex to reduce fatigue. The Gran Fondo Disc frame is made from Fuji's proprietary C5 high modulus carbon blend. High modulus carbon means a stiffer blend of fibers, which results in less flex and better transmission of power spent. The new Gran Fondo Disc frames also feature Fuji's revolutionary VRTec frame design. In a nutshell, VRTec inserts a natural vibration dampening material into the carbon layup in key areas to improve rider comfort without impacting performance. Fuji studied how road feedback impacts rider fatigue, and realized that the fork, chainstrays and seatstays were the main transmitters of road chatter to the rider's body. To combat this, Fuji incorporated VRTec into the carbon layup in these key areas to maximize comfort, which in turn maximizes performance. The C5 frame is further refined with a Shimano press fit bottom bracket and tapered head tube. An oversized bottom bracket creates more surface area to attach the down and seat tubes, thereby creating a very stiff pedaling area. The larger press fit design also allows Fuji to move the frame material around, thinning out the seat stays and strengthening the chain stays, which puts the carbon where it matters to you most. Double water bottle mounts are there for your hydration needs. Fuji offers high end components on their Gran Fondo line, because on a long ride you want lightweight technology alongside reliable shifting and braking. The Shimano 105 series is legendary for providing cost efficient componentry at the highest value and performance, so Fuji mated up 105 shifters to the companies new RS505 hydraulic shifters giving you the best in mechanical shifting and hydraulic disc brakes. The Shimano 105 5034 crankset along with an 1128 cassette helps you keep that magical cadence you need for long rides, regardless of the terrain. The shifters are silky smooth and the chain easily finds its sprocket with the 105 derailleurs. Dual pivot alloy brakes help you control your descent and stop quickly at water stations or the finish line. When the horn blows perch yourself on the Oval Concepts R300 saddle, designed for comfort, although still lightweight, and find your best hand position on the Oval Concepts 310 alloy handlebars. Finally, the Oval Concepts 327D wheelset matches perfectly with the Vittoria Zaffiro 28mm tires, an industry favorite for rolling efficiency and resisting punctures, so you'll finish the ride strong and not in the back of a van. Bellissimo!