New Bikes!!!! From Everyone!!!!

We've got some very nice bikes to talk about folks. All four of our primary builders have released new models. We thought we would shed some light on what each builder has been up to. We'll be starting with Guru.

One thing worth mentioning before we begin is that, although I'm about to use a lot of these wordsa, I detest industry jargon and hype. Every company uses the line "stiffer and lighter". That term means nothing unless you know and understand exactly what that's relative to. So, with that in mind, I'll try to be objective and you should understand that I am using these terms with reference to previous models as well as other bikes I might personally know about. As much as I would like to get into the subjects of hype vs reality and how to properly evaluate a bike, I'll save it for another time. And without further ado...

Guru - Our Friends to the North 

Guru's Photon Series - Guru launched three new models at NAHBS. The Photon Series consists of the Photon SL, Photon R and Photon HL. 

The Photon SL

The Photon SL is very similar to the original Photon, the focus here is combining light weight and comfort. Although comfort is part of the idea, by no means is this bike a slug. The previous Photon was a very efficient frame and had awesome drivetrain response. This new model is simply a further refinement, a little stiffer and little lighter (there it is) with similar vertical compliance and vibration damping. I spent a bit of time on the previous version so I'm excited to see these hitting the road. The SL starts at $4500 for a stock size and $5500 for custom. Details include pressfit 30 bottom bracket, carbon dropouts and Enve's 2.0 fork. Of course, plenty of custom paint options as well.

The Photon R

The Photon R is the "race" model. This bike is meant to be stiff and fast period. This frame has significantly increased both torsional (front to back) and bottom bracket stiffness. It uses a tapered Enve fork, BB86 standard, and oversized tubing throughout. In short...go fast! The Photon R starts at $5000 for stock and $6000 for custom. Of the three, I'm most curious about this bike. I've got a few years of fast left in me so I've been looking at bikes with this in mind.

The Photon HL

The Photon HL is the new flagship from Guru. HL = Hyperlight and they aren't kidding around. A size 54 reportedly weighs in at less than 670 grams stock! The new HL utilizes a completely new carbon layup and tubing configuration and they've even developed a new extremely light weight clear coat. This bike will certain delight the weight conscious but it won't sacrifice on ride quality. Because of the new method of construction, Guru was able retain all the signature ride character while shedding the weight. This frame is available in full custom only at $8500.

I think it's worth mentioning what Guru bikes generally ride like. Please keep in mind that this, along with any bike review or assessment is always subjective and subject to a variety of other factors such as wheel choice, tire pressure, what kind of day you're having and fit and on and on. My feeling with Guru's approach is that they have a fairly neutral to agile front end feel in most stock sizes. By that I mean they are sporty but fairly predictable. I like this. I have personal bikes that are less racy and some that are more racy...feeling. They are never lacking in drivetrain response. One of the less expensive models, the Evolo seems a bit more comfort focused that the Photons or Evolo R but that's not a bad thing at all. I think with the new Photon SL and the Evolo, they are offering a great balanced ride at two different price points. They've done their homework in putting out a line with distinct differences and and value. We've known all along what potential this company has and we're super excited about the new bikes not to mention what they're probably developing for the future.