Mosaic's GT i55 32 gravel bike is a game-changer in the world of cycling. With its 32-inch wheels and in-house component brand, Zero Components, it's a testament to the brand's innovation and commitment to pushing boundaries. The bike's design is a response to the growing trend of big wheels in gravel racing, and it's a move that could redefine the genre.
One of the key features of the GT i55 32 is its fork. Mosaic's decision to create its own fork was driven by the limited options available in the market. The existing forks forced compromises in axle-to-crown height, offset, tire clearance, and fit, which would negate the performance benefits that Mosaic was aiming for. The new Zero Components fork is specifically designed for the GT i55 32, with a 445mm axle-to-crown length and a 60mm fork offset. This design ensures that the bike maintains toe clearance across all frame sizes while providing the steering characteristics that Mosaic was after.
The GT i55 32 is not just a concept bike. It's immediately available through Mosaic's Made to Order program and will eventually be part of the brand's batch-build program. The frameset starts at USD $8,250 and includes custom geometry, fully-internal brake routing, and choice of Mosaic's standard paint options. The GT-2 i55 32, which includes rider-specific custom geometry and a "Titanium Ghost" finish, starts at USD $5,000.
Zero Components is more than just a 32-inch fork. It's a full line of four forks, covering road to all-road, gravel, and the big wheels. The brand was born out of Mosaic's desire to create components that support the unique needs of their bikes, rather than compromising around what was available in the market. The forks will be available aftermarket for riders upgrading bikes, independent frame builders, and small OEM manufacturers, and they will also ship as standard with every Mosaic build starting from the MADE Bicycle Show.
The GT i55 32 is designed for 2.2-inch tires, but it also has the option to size down to as narrow as 45mm. However, going narrower might risk adversely impacting how the bike feels and handles. The bike's geometry is race-bred, with big clearance and a compact rear triangle, making it feel more like a regular gravel bike than a Cadillac. The GT i55 32 is also designed to work with 1x drivetrains only, using a gravel crankset with up to 46t chainrings.
Mosaic's GT i55 32 is a bold move that could redefine the gravel bike genre. It's a bike that's designed to go fast, with big wheels that are nimble, fun to ride, and accessible to a wider range of rider sizes. The brand's commitment to innovation and its in-house component brand, Zero Components, is a testament to their dedication to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in cycling.