GT Series 4 vs. Series 3
 

Hey folks.. Newbie here. I have my eye on the GT series 3 and 4 from Jenson USA.

My question is which one is better? Obviously the series 3 is more expensive and from my very limited knowledge the series 3 looks better, but is it worth the extra money?

Next question is the series 3 any different/better than the Fuji Sportif 2.1?

Thanks in advance!!

I haven't kept up with the GT line in recent years, but, a couple of years ago, the 3, 4, and 5 series all had the same frame. Only difference was the components. Series 4 was Sora, 3 was Tiagra. Tiagra is the better group of the two. The series 1 and 2 had a slightly lighter, slightly more aggressive geometry frame, with internal cable routing. The series 1 used to be only available in the US through Performance.

This may have changed over the last couple of years, so maybe someone else will update it.

Would you recommend the Fuji Sportif 2.1 over the GT Series 3? I put the links to the bikes info pages below:

The GT has: Shimano Tiagra front and rear derailleurs and shifters
2013 Gtr Series 3 - Performance - Road - Bikes - 2013

The Fuji has: Shimano Sora front derailleurs and shifters and Tiagra rear
Fuji Bikes | ROAD | ENDURANCE SERIES | SPORTIF 2.1

Thanks again.

The Tiagra RD on the Fuji is the older 9 speed Tiagra. Looking at the specs, the GT has a better group, the Fuji has better wheels. The other difference is that the GTR frames have a fairly aggressive geometry, and the Fuji is endurance geometry.

After I responded before, I saw another thread on GT with a link to their 2014 model line. Seems like they've downgraded the components since 2012. The 2014 series 3 uses a mix of Sora, Microshift, and Sun Race components. So I would definitely lean towards the 2013 with full Tiagra, if you decide on the GT.

I think what you need to decide on first is whether you want a more endurance geometry frame, or a semi-aggressive, more race oriented one. The GTR 3-5 frames aren't as aggressive as some race bikes, but they are more aggressive that the Fuji. Most entry level aluminum bikes will have similar component groups, and Sora works well enough for new riders. Most will also have entry level wheels, but Jalcos were the worst wheels that I ever owned.

Well after reading what you just said I'm leaving towards the Fuji.

The Fuji i am looking at is from my LBS, I've test rode it a few times and really like it. The bike has Vittoria Rubino Pro tires on it. It's a 2014 on sale for $649.99. They said they want to get rid of it to make room for the new 2015's so they are throwing in a bike computer, hand pump and a set of shimano clipless pedals to get it out of the door.

The 2013 GT Series 3 i am looking at is from JensonUSA. It is cheaper, but doesn't include all the accessories and i really like keeping the investment local and supporting local businesses (I'm a small business owner myself)

I am really just riding to ride. I ride about 10-15 miles a day. (I'm riding my dad's old 80's huffy road bike right now) I'm really not into racing or anything competitive. I had a MTB back in high school and then went off to college and gained weight. I just graduated college and am just looking for something to help lose that weight again and just get back into cycling again in general.

Sounds like the Fuji is more suited for me then?

get the fuji, you want it, i can tell. :lol: and i just happen to think it's more attractive too. i'm not sold on the seatstay/toptube offset on the GT.

You are almost always better off purchasing the more expensive model. Upgrades down the road will usually always cost you much more. Sora isn't bad, but Tiagra is a whole lot better.

Yeah, the one I had developed a crack in the seat tube in the gap between the seat stays and top tube. To be fair about it, I rode with a lot of saddle to bar drop, although the seat post was still above the minimum insertion mark. They did honor the warranty, but I decided to sell the replacement frame and move on. Dealing with them was a bigger PITA than it should have been. Even with the shop running interference for me.

i think the OP is better off buying the Fuji from the shop and supporting a local business. GT frames also tend to run smaller than comparable frames in the same size. Buying one online without getting sized on it probably isn't a good idea.

Sora is fine for a beginning rider doing his mileage. By the time he outgrows it, he'll be ready for an upgraded bike rather than an upgraded group and wheels. Unless Jalco is making better stuff now that they were when I had my GT, he'll be replacing at least the rear wheel inside of a year.