Old 04-01-13 | 08:07 AM
  #1  
JWK
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 356
Likes: 27
From: central Maine

Bikes: Surly Disc Trucker, GT Grade alloy, Trek 920

Bikes Direct Gran Turismo: I've done a lot of searching - not much info out there...

I'm looking to see if anyone has any more info on this bike than is stated on the BD website. I've done a lot of searching and came across all the old threads here and on other forums. I haven't run into anything with hands-on knowledge or experience.

My wife and I are trying very hard to make an informed decision as to the "what bike?" question. We are considering that maybe the Surly LHT might be overkill. Might. So we are seriously thinking of backing off a bit and going to something lighter and more inexpensive. Something that would be good for long day rides and weekend camping. Enter the BD Gran Turismo. And yes, I'm perfectly comfortable assembling and tensioning/truing the wheels.

Anyone know what frame this thing actually has? Is it on the same level as a Surly? Will it be worth upgrading in the future? I'm thinking the wheelset will be the first to go.

Anyone know anything about the fork geometry (rake and trail)? How does this thing handle? I would think with the 440mm chainstays, it is probably a bit more "nimble" than the Surly LHT, but hey, you never know.

Anyone know what the largest tires are that can fit with or without fenders?

Anyone know anything?

For $800, I don't mind the thought of upgrading the bike in a year or two. I haven't come across anyone that has actually owned this bike. I know a person or two on this board has had the Windsor (with positive experience), but the Gran Turismo could be a totally different frame set.

Just hoping someone might be able to tell me something. I think the last post I read on here about this bike was from over a year ago.
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