Fuji Gran Fondo 2.0 LE Road Bike Performance Exclusive

If you're going to talk the talk, then you should walk the walk. The Fuji Gran Fondo 2.0 LE is a ride with impeccable style and the speed to back it up. Shimano Ultegra 11-speed high-end performance parts, Oval Concepts components, and proprietary Fuji frame and fork technology are the perfect blend of fashion and function. The LE is a limited edition and exclusive to Performance Bicycle.

Using a longer head tube than a traditional race bike, about 10mm on a 55cm frame, the Gran Fondo creates a slightly more upright rider position in order to stave off upper body fatigue on longer rides. The Gran Fondo frame is made from Fuji's proprietary C5 high modulus carbon blend. High modulus is an engineering term which defines stiffness in fibers. Therefore, a high modulus frame has a stiffer blend of fibers which results in less flex and better transmission of power spent. Carbon fiber, for much of its mode life in the aerospace industry, is a valuable high performance product for its lightweight, high temperature tolerance and low thermal expansion properties. The C5 frame is further refined with a Shimano press fit bottom bracket and tapered head tube. An oversized bottom bracket creates more surface area to attach the down and seat tubes, thereby creating a very stiff pedaling area. The larger press fit design also allows Fuji to move the frame material around, thinning out the seat stays and strengthening the chain stays, which puts the carbon where it matters to you most. The tapered head tube stiffens the front end of the bike for better power transmission.

The Gran Fondo 2.0 LE drivetrain is outfitted from head-to-toe in Shimano Ultegra 11-speed components. Shimano Ultegra features flawless function and lightweight performance. That's why Fuji selected Ultegra and an FSA Gossamer Compact crankset to provide the efficiency that you require for hills and descents alike. The Ultegra 6800 shifter levers are angled outward, which gives a head start on the arc of the shift with optimized hand placement, increasing comfort and efficiency. Ergonomics are further enhanced by a re-profiled perch that reduces overall reach and girth. The wide-link Ultegra rear derailleur's main body was produced with rigid pivots, which creates the foundation for precise shifts. The body and cage design accommodates a 28 tooth large cog so any mountain can be attacked with confidence.

Oval Concepts provide the majority of the static component package. Oval 310 and 313 series handlebar and stem are oversized for improved handling and maximum stiffness during acceleration on the drops. The material is leaned out for lighter weight without compromising durability. An improved and lighter Oval 750 seatpost is easy to adjust fore and aft to ensure proper pedaling position. An Oval Concepts 500 saddle has great elasticity and soft construction which provides greater comfort in the more fragile areas of your anatomy.

Finally, Oval 527 clincher wheels with sealed hubs are outfitted to Vittoria Zaffiro Slick tires for the best blend of durability and traction. This is combination for low rolling resistance and speed without compromising overall use.

Features:

• C5 high-modulus carbon frame, press fit bottom bracket and tapered head tube provide exceptional stiffness and acceleration

• Lightweight FC-440 carbon monocoque fork

• Oval 720 50/34 compact crank and an 11-speed 11/28 cassette allow for many gearing possibilities for the greatest amount of pedaling comfort

• Full Shimano Ultegra 11-speed drivetrain is light on weight and high on performance with advanced Shimano technology

• Oval Concepts handlebar, stem, seatpost and saddle provide mile after mile of dependable use

Specs:

• brakes: Tektro R540
• cassette: Shimano Ultegra, 11-speed
• chain: KMC X11

• crankset: Oval 720 50/34 compact

• fork: FC-440 full carbon, tapered steerer

• frame: C5 high-modulus carbon, integrated head tube w/ 1 1/2" lower, inteal cable routing, oversized PIIS BB86 shell, double water bottle mounts, C5 high-modulus carbon thin seatstays

• front derailleur: Shimano Ultegra
• grips/tape: Oval Suede
• handlebar: Oval 310, alloy

• headset: FSA


• levers: Shimano Ultegra
• pedals: None
• rack mounts: None

• rear derailleur: Shimano Ultegra, 11-speed
• saddle: Oval 500

• seatpost: Oval 750, alloy 31.6x350mm
• shifters: Shimano Ultegra, 11-speed
• stem: Oval 313, alloy, 7-degree rise
• tires: Vittoria Zaffiro Slick, 700x25
• wheelset: Oval 527 alloy clinchers, 20/24 spoke count

• rating: 5