Fuji Gran Fondo 2.1 (2013)

Pros

- Comfortable riding position
- Quality frame

Cons

- Stiff and a little harsh for an endurance road bike

Review

As the name suggests, the Gran Fondo 2.1 is designed for the average road cyclist to ride all day long. The frame is a nice bit of kit: high modulus carbon with internal cable routing and a BB86 bottom bracket shell, not bad looking either. Probably the most striking feature is the massive head tube area. It is very tall, obviously catering to the target market that wants an upright comfortable position, but this area is also race stiff and as a result the front end can be a little harsh.

Compliance is addressed elsewhere by the addition of a carbon seatpost, but this frame is probably still a little racier (apart from the headtube) and harsher than some other Roubaix or gran fondo bikes.

In saying that, this is still a great bike. The components are spot-on with Shimano 105 getting a healthy showing and Oval filling in the details. The wheels are a solid choice - no need to upgrade here, and the relatively wide rim bed and 25mm tires are a sensible option considering this bike's intended audience.

The Fuji Gran Fondo is an interesting cross between sport endurance and club race. This is certainly a bike to test ride to see if the geometry and road feel are what you are looking for.