Saturday, October 11, 2014

Gunnar Roadie - Project Bike - Two Year Ride Review

Gunnar Roadie on the scales.
Gunnar Roadie


It's been two years since the build up of my Gunnar Roadie Project Bike. Thousands of miles and many component swaps have taken place on the Roadie in this time. 

A quality steel frame and fork, such as the Gunnar Roadie frameset, make for a bike that can be ridden a lifetime. (with reasonable care and baring any major accidents) 

Over the past two years I have changed many components on the bike:

  • Went from Shimano Ultegra 6700 10 speed group to an Ultegra 6800 11 speed group.
  • Swapped out the Pro Vibe 7 handlebars for FSA SL-K carbon handlebar 
  • Still using a Pro Vibe 7 stem, but added one that is a centimeter longer.
  • Built up a set of  Hed Belgium clincher rims with Powertap G3 hubs front and rear. These took the place of the original wheels that were built with Velocity hubs and A23 rims.
  • Added a NiteRider Solas rear light. 
  • Added a Bar Fly mount for a Powertap Joule bike computer.
  • Since this bike is ridden on a CycleOps Virtual Reality Trainer, I added a CycleOps ANT+ cadence sensor.

I expected the bike to have picked up some weight, but was pleasantly surprised to find that it had actually lost one once from the original build. The original build had the bike weighing in at 18 pounds and 13 ounces, now the bike weighs 18 pounds and 12 ounces. Even though I added a few things to the bike the overall weight has gone down. I think part of the lighter weight can be contributed to the Shimano Ultegra 6800 crankset.

The Gunnar Roadie has been my go to bike for the past two years. It has a nice smooth ride, corners like it is on rails, is light enough and very reliable. 

This is just one great bike. Several bikes have come and gone from my stable while I have had the Gunnar Roadie. After putting several thousand miles on it, it is just my go to bike and will continue to be so. I highly recommend a Roadie to everyone. Buy one, you'll be glad you did!
NiteRider Solas light is rechargeable using a USB cord.

Bar Fly computer mount for a CycleOps Joule bike computer.

Powertap G3 rear hub.

CycleOps cadence sensor.

Gunnar Roadie by Mallard Lake in Tanglewood Park.

Gunnar Roadie with horses at Tanglewood Park.

This horse is curious about the Gunnar Roadie!

He enjoyed me rubbing his long nose. I hated to say goodbye!
Click here for more information on Gunnar Cycles.
Click here for more information on this Gunnar Roadie frameset before it was built up into a bicycle.

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