After much hand-wringing, I have concluded that the Guru Cron-Alu is the bike for my first dedicated tri bike, to complement the Merckx.
What do you think of this: stock size 51cm. I’ll push the STA to 78-79 deg, for a build kit likely full Ultegra, although I’m considering a bastard 9-speed group so I don’t have to swap cassettes when I swap wheels between the Merckx and the tri bike. No clue as far as bars … probably something simple like the ‘normal’ Profile basebars mated to either Profile T2 or VT clip-ons.
I might try to buy it sans wheels, fuselage only, as I have plenty of wheels (race, training, etc). This way, I might be able swing a Renn disc (new) or something else used.
Any insight on changes between 05 and 06 models? How early should I order? I’m planning on a winter purchase (I’m doing IM CDA early Summer 06). Maybe sooner (the purchase, not the IM) if I find a good deal (and/or approval from the wife … which really amounts to the same thing!).
One last thing … How is 'Cron-Alu" pronounced? Like it’s spelled … or is there some weird Italo-French-Canadian pronunciation that eludes me?
I don’t think there are any changes. I’ll know for sure when I get back from Vegas. Turnaround time for this company is know to be stellar. I just ordered a Trilite for a customer. Turnaround for a custom painted bike is 2 weeks right now! Still, better to order early and beat the rush.
I’m working on buying my first good bike this fall and GURU’s at the top of the list. They seem to be an exceptional company from everything I’ve read. The biggest challenge now is deciding on frame materials…there seems to be so many schools of thought…it makes my brain hurt trying to sort it all out.
The more I read, frame (material) selection seems to be more about personal preference…but are you guys influenced by the type of riding and racing you do when you look at materials?
For example…J, I read your orginal post, why was an aluminum back end a priority? Were you looking at it for handling/performance over comfort?
Nice bike BTW…there was a new one at my bike fitters the other day. GURU makes a pretty bike.
mostly personal bias. i don’t think a carbon rear-end adds anything to the performance of the frame, and can actually detract (carbon stays are usually heavier, more failure prone due to the bonding process, more expensive, etc). carbon stays seem like the answer to a problem that exists only in the minds of the marketing department.
Good luck on your bike purchase. Guru’s road bikes are very cool. Don’t over analyze the whole materials debate. IMO, it doesnt matter that much. As long as the frame is well designed, well build and fits, it will ride fine no matter what it’s made out of.
I’ve ridden bikes from all the materials and the differences between them are pretty insignificant. Changing wheels-tires will make a much bigger difference in ride than the frame material.
I love my cron’alu! I pronounce it crow na lou. I don’t know if that’s right…but beware, because I pronounced Chris Legh’s last name, Leg, and made an ass out of myself, (again, sigh).
I’m not a techie at all, so I just went with my LBS recommendation for this bike and couldn’t be happier. I’m not a FOP’r triathlete, so I can’t tell you about what parts will make it better.
It came in pink, and that’s all I care about really. I get lots of attention, and hey, it’s not about the bike, it’s about the attention;)
I also really like my Cron’alu. I’ve had it for 3 seasons. Absolutely one of the best bikes at this price point. Very smooth and fast and rides decent. I do notice a much better ride with my Zipp 404’s than with my Reynolds Alta (aluminum rim) trainers.
You won’t be disappointed for sure. There are better bikes, but not at this price. Since you already have road bike (I also have a Vortex) - should be perfect. Just one bike? Maybe a Soloist would be my choice in this price range.
Doc – Thanks again for the foot advice a few weeks back. I took your advice and it’s nearly healed. Stitches are out, the cut has closed but is still a little tender. The scar tissue is pretty knotty (for lack of a better term) and the scar is going to be fairly impressive looking. If only I had a cool story to go with it.
No prob! Forgot about that. Can try some MEDERMA scar cream (over the counter and readily available at any pharmacy/grocery store). Just use as directed.
I LOVED my Cron’alu. I had a 2004, custom sized/painted. I went w/ 105, Mavic Cosmic Carbons,(race wheel) Ritchy Pro Comp Wheels, Profile Carbon Stryke Aero Bars and other goodies. LOVED IT
I ordered Mid winter, came before Easter. ~6 weeks. Had a delay with the wheels(NOT Guru’s fault but the other suppliers)
This year, I will be ordering a Chrono. CAN’T WAIT. Custom size, custom paint, Zipps and Ritchey Pro wheels, Full ultegra, Profile Carbon Strykes(great aero bars) and other bells and whistles.
They stand behind their product and are easy to deal with. You will love riding your new Guru.
Own a bike shop and am now a Guru dealer so not a fair comparison for you to use.
I owned my Chron’alu before owning the shop so I am not just telling you the “sales pitch”. I loved my Guru and am so pleased to be getting another one. Had a hard time selling the first one off!
yeah, i thought about a titanium color since they have several metallic colors. but, it seemed to lack an identity. I like the idea of black with pink flames, though… =)
Had to go the custom route. TT is 45. Height is 46. So, obviously 650 wheels!
my LBS guy said they could do any color, so I gave him a swatch of a color I liked, and then he said “uhhh…well, i’m not sure they can do THAT.” but, they are going to try to come close (fingers crossed). It should be in the paint department today, actually. It’s sort of a dark coral color. Not orange, not pink, not red…but the combination of all 3, if you can imagine that. White letters (not the “open” font, but the other one).
Couldn’t decide what name to put on the top tube. I decided to go with only my last name - knowing that it may (someday far away) change when i get married. Plus, people always think they can make clever jokes about my name (Walker), so at least it will be a topic for conversation (i.e. “Walker? You look like a biker to me” etc etc).
I got mine in May. It took 4 weeks. Ultegra 10. Compact crank. Ksyrium Elites. Black with white block letters. Oh, and a Profile saddle. I’ve been very happy. Paid 'bout $2,200 since you asked.
