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Fuji launch Gran Fondo with vibration-reducing technology and disc brakes

Endurance bike overhauled, four models from £1,549 to £3,399

Fuji have updated the Gran Fondo, equipping the endurance bike with disc brakes and introducing comfort-boosting ‘VRTech’ to reduce vibrations by a claimed 24.6 per cent.

The American-owned Japanese firm originally launched the Gran Fondo in 2012 but this is a significant update, bringing the frame up to date on two fronts.

VRTech, short for Vibration Reduction Technology, places a Polyurethane-treated natural fibre in key places within the Gran Fondo’s high-modulus carbon fibre frame – the fork, seatstays and chainstays.

The Gran Fondo has been part of Fuji’s range since 2012 but has been overhauled with a new frame and disc brakes

The wave design of the seatstays is also designed to improve comfort, while Fuji are on board with the trend for wider road tyres by giving the Gran Fondo clearance for 30mm rubber (all models are fitted with 28mm as standard).

“The Gran Fondo is our answer to a cyclist’s nemesis: road vibration. It causes fatigue, compromises comfort, and diminishes performance,” said Fuji road product manager Steven Fairchild. “By dramatically reducing vibration and enhancing compliance, we’ve designed a bike that removes the barriers to spending all day in the saddle and enjoying every minute.”

Fuji have also given the Gran Fondo disc brakes, utilising the latest flat-mount standard and using 12mm thru-axles at the front and rear, increasing the rigidity of the brake setup and improving steering precision, according to Fuji. However, with the disc road market still split as to whether thru-axles or quick releases are the future, Fuji have made the Gran Fondo’s axles convertible to conventional QRs.

The Gran Fondo’s endurance geometry places the rider in a more upright position compared to the Transonic aero bike and super-list SL. Fuji have also lengthened the wheelbase to stabilise the Gran Fondo’s handling. Other features of the frame include internal cable routing, an integrated chain catcher and hidden mudguard eyelets.

Four models will be available in the UK, from £1,549 to £3,399

“So we knew the Gran Fondo had to be comfortable,” added Fairchild. “But just as important was ensuring our newest platform also met the high-performance standards and incorporated the innovations of our top-level carbon race bikes. This is a bike built for speed and comfort. Why not have both?”

The Gran Fondo will be available through Evans Cycles from May, will bike available to pre-order from March 2. Four models will be available in the UK. The Gran Fondo 1.1 Disc tops the range with Shimano Dura-Ace for £3,399, before the 2.1 Disc steps in with Shimano Ultegra at £1,949. The 2.3 Disc then has Shimano 105 for £1,699, while the 2.5 Disc opens the range with Shimano 105 (with mechanical disc brakes, rather than hydraulic disc brakes, as on every other model) at £1,549.

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