GT Edge
The GT ZRX
is a 7005-series aluminum bike with a ride that's even stiffer than its steel cousin, the Edge. It's a superb climber and sprinter, and quick as a turpentined woodrat in corners and on descents, but the price is a brutal ass-whuppin' on a bumpy course unless you enjoy riding out of the saddle on a more or less permanent basis. A suspension seat post from RockShox or USE -- and a more comfy saddle than the house-brand GT -- would make nice after-purchase upgrades to this bike.The nine-speed 105 STI seems to shift a little less crisply than the eight-speed 105 on my VooDoo Loa, and the gearing (48/39 chainrings with a 12-25 cogset) is a little too manly for me in August, though I didn't have any problems with it last December. But I prefer the ergonomics and look of the nine-speed levers to the clunky eight-speed version.
Speaking of handiwork, oversize tubes present a couple of carrying challenges. If you have little hands like me, you may have trouble grabbing the ZRX's downtube on the first try, especially with a wet, slippery glove. And if you're a long drink of water (I'm 6-0, with most of my height in my torso), you may occasionally clip your right elbow on the seat tube while picking up the bike. If you've ridden skinny-tubed steel all your life, practice your pickups with the ZRX before toeing a start line.
The replaceable derailleur hanger is a nice touch, and the top-tube cable routing is every bit as elegant as on the Edge. Other goodies include the Modolo anatomic bars, which left me dissatisfied with the Scott LFs on my other bikes. But I don't much like the Mavic CXP-21 rims and black spokes ... they're heavy and prone to pinch-flats, especially if you run a fat clincher like the Michelin. Consider selling these to an enemy and replacing them with an Excel Sports Cirrus wheelset: Mavic Open Pro rims, Dura-Ace hubs, plus 2x Revolution spokes up front and 3x spokes in the back (14/15 on the drive-side, and Revolution on the flip side).
Hey, as long as you're spending money, lose the Avid 10c cantilevers for a set of Paul's Neo-Retros. These are the same brakes God uses on His bikes; use a Touring Canti on the rear for lots of room during dismounts and remounts. Of course, real 'cross riders never use their brakes ... but if someone screws up in front of you, it's nice to know you can stop on a dime and give 11 cents change.
--Patrick O'Grady/Mad Dog Media
