2014 Guru Photon SL (Frameset)

Carbon Fiber:

Carbon fiber is an amazing material. Contrary to metals like steel or titanium, it actually behaves differently depending on how it's brought together. Thus, if you know what you're doing, you can actually determine the performance characteristics of the carbon based on the specific bike you want to produce. Based on our advanced modelling capabilities, we are able to avoid the “over-building” the other guys need to perform in order to give their composite bikes any semblance of durability. Long story made short: we can get right to the limit with our carbon configurations, delivering pure energy transfer to the wheels and a dynamic, comfortable ride. Time after time.

3D CAD Drawing:

We begin each bike with a plan; a singular configuration based on the specific characteristics of an individual rider. These measurements are double-checked by our team of engineers to ensure a good start.

Pattern Cutting:

Using a state-of-the art cutting table, pre-impregnated, high-modulus carbon fiber sheets are precisely cut based on individual specifications. We strive to achieve a 70/30 fiber-to-resin ratio in our final product, a fiber content that's significantly higher when compared to the industry norm. It costs us considerably more, but we think you're worth it.

Lay-up:

With the rest of the industry using open molds to create their carbon parts – based on the principle of combining two "halves" into one so-called monocoque part – GURU takes a totally different tack. Sorry, this is one of our best-kept secrets. If we told you how we did it, we'd have to...you know. Let's just say that we have discovered a revolutionary new way to lay-up carbon that produces true monocoque parts. The elimination of a continuous seam allows the carbon fibers to interact exactly as they were intended to. Ultimately, it results in a frame with a much stronger structural integrity. Given genuinely seamless components, we don't have to over-build our carbon bikes to compensate for an inherent weakness. The benefit for riders: an ideal stiffness-to-weight ratio combined with a dynamic ride quality that just won't quit.

Molding:

The carbon lay-up is placed in a mold (for each respective part of the frame) and is cured in our very own autoclave unit. The goal at this stage is to pressurize the fiber / resin mix to the max in order to compact the fibers as tightly as possible.

Part Optimization:

The individual carbon components are removed from their respective molds. Given that every GURU bike has its own distinct configuration, we take the extra time to bring the parts together to ensure a proper fit. The parts are then machined to optimize the overall shape of the frame.

Bonding:

Our builder places the carbon parts into a specialized jig that has been set-up according to the custom geometry schematic. The specialized jig ensures the proper alignment of the final frame. Advanced, aerospace grade adhesives are then used to bring the sections together into one unbreakable frame.

Frame Prep:

Just before heading to the GURU paint & finish shop, our bike goes through a fine-tuning session where key parts of the frame are sculpted to make sure components will fit flawlessly. Our craftsman meticulously goes over the entire frame and, with special tools, works to perfect its profile.

Paint:

When you've spent this much time bringing a frame to life, you don't just slap paint on it—you apply maximum TLC to embellish it for all it's worth. As with the rest of our fabrication method, painting a Guru carbon bike is a laborious, multi-phased process that requires skilful hands and exceptional patience.

Polishing:

One more thing. We polish-up the frame, real nice, and inspect its entire finish before sending it off to our expert mechanics for detailing and component assembly.

ASSEMBLY:

The threads within the bottom bracket, along with its outside walls, are systematically cleaned with special tools to eliminate any lingering residue. Another small step that makes a big difference. This one ensures the proper functioning of all gearing components, while minimizing any power-draining friction. We do the same detailing job to the head tube in order to assure an optimal functioning of the head set bearings. The bike is finally built-up with customer-specified components. The bottom bracket, crankset, derailleur, brakes and other functional elements are precisely installed and calibrated by our master mechanic.