GT

Grade FB Expert Complete Bike - 2016

Whether you've been commuting for years or are just starting to consider it, it's undeniably important to have a bike that's comfortable and prepared to handle the unexpected as you get where you're going. According to GT, demand from customers was a key reason the brand decided to introduce a more relaxed flat bar version of its popular, all-surface Grade bikes. Offering more versatility than a traditional road frame, the Grade FB Expert Complete Bike was engineered with the geometry of a road bike and the adaptability of GT's gravel grinders so you can take it almost anywhere.

GT begins with hydroformed aluminum, constructing the frame of the Grade Expert out of the lightweight, responsive material to create a bike that can be carried up a few flights of stairs or hung upside-down relatively easily. Rough city streets can be a strain on your hands and shoulders, so GT includes its Grade Carbon fork to help absorb road vibrations. The overall geometry of the frame is relaxed enough for comfort, but not so relaxed that the Grade Expert is only for cruising — use it to commute, hit gravel detours, or get a quick spin in on the bike path after work.

You have enough to worry about while you're riding to work without adding your drivetrain to the list, so GT uses Shimano Sora and Claris components on the Grade Expert to give you peace of mind so that you can enjoy the fact that you're outside spinning rather than stuck in traffic behind the wheel. Created by Shimano with commuting in mind, Sora's trigger shifters offer 9-speed dependability, and the triple crankset ensures that you're prepared for whatever terrain you encounter on your daily rides. Rain or shine, Shimano's hydraulic disc brakes and levers will give you the control you need to stop quickly in traffic and safely navigate busy streets. With 160mm rotors and 28mm Kenda tires, you can also take the Grade Expert onto gravel trails or bike paths without sacrificing any control.