Grinduro x GT Grade Winner Announced!

​We are beyond excited to announce that the custom Grinduro inspired GT Grade gravel bike has found a home! The bike was created as part of a fundraising campaign to support Grinduro Pennsylvania’s partner organization, the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League (PICL). All of that cash money is going directly to PICL, to support them #getmorekidsonbikes.

The bike, a fully custom GT Grade Carbon, was custom sprayed by the highly respected Fat Creations, based in the UK. After the super glossy paint was applied, it was over to Shimano to install the slick shifting GRX RX820 12-speed mechanical groupset, PRO Discover cockpit and dropper post. Topping off the build was a swanky pair of Shimano GRX carbon 32mm wheels, equipped with Schwalbe G-ONE-RS tires.

The success of this campaign would not have been possible without the support of Grinduro Pennsylvania‘s partners, GT Bicycles, Shimano, PRO and Schwalbe. They put together this truly unbelievable prize. But enough about the bike, we know you’re ready to find out who won…

Introducing Jason Zerbe

Jason took delivery of the bike back in late July, but wanted to take time to get acquainted with the GT Grade before sharing his feedback,  “so I could do it justice.” As he so rightly puts it. “I am trying to treat it right – I got it wrapped before it ever hit dirt, I don’t want to ruin that amazing paint job! So the first week or so I really just gawked at it.” Jason added.
 
How does it feel to have won the Grinduro x GT Grade?
JZ – I am super pumped to have won the bike for a few reasons. I have always been a big fan of GT.  I started on a GT, and I have owned dozens of them in the past. I currently have a Zaskar LT that looks good next to this Grade. Winning this at Grinduro is special too, because I absolutely love the format. You can ride with your friends most of the day, but get serious when the stages hit. Most gravel events are just about how you can climb, and who has the best pure endurance. But Grinduro gives riders with some all-around skills a chance to get on the podium. It has always worked out for me, because I have won my age group at Grinduro Pennsylvania the last 3 years.
Jason and his Grinduro GT Grade
Have you had much experience of the GT Grade before, or is this your first time?
JZ – I chatted with the GT Bicycle guys at Grinduro Pennsylvania and rode a demo Grade. I was really impressed, and I was instantly comfortable on it. GT bikes are always on my radar, but I never quite felt like the (previous generation) GT Grade was exactly what I was looking for. But the latest version is spot on for me – especially the head tube angle and the 50c max tire width. The geometry is excellent; it gives you so much confidence at speed. The frame compliance is on the money – smooths out the rough stuff but doesn’t feel lazy when you stamp on the pedals.
 
What do you think to the Fat Creations paint job?
JZ – The paint is amazing. Pictures don’t do it justice; when you see it in full sun it really comes to life. I really like the classic GT logos on the seat tube and under the down tube.
 
And the build? 
JZ – The build is great. All the Shimano GRX components are top notch, and I honestly can’t think of anything I would change about it. I threw on some GRX pedals to match the rest of the Shimano kit, and the bike is right around 20 lbs. And that’s with the PRO Discover 70 mm dropper and some stout tires, so you can ride it hard on any terrain.
 
I don’t really have a side in the cable routing battle, but the first time you try to pack a bike into a bag for a trip, you find out that cables running through the headset makes packing much more difficult. So I really like that GT runs cables to the downtube on the Grade.
GT Grade x Grinduro Bike
Any plans for some adventures and Good Times?
JZ – I plan on traveling with the GT Grade quite a bit. I’m not sure about this year, but I am hoping to get myself and this bike to a Grinduro event in Europe or Japan. It just so happens our team color for Keystone Racing (Jason’s cycling club) is purple, so you won’t miss me coming by!
 
I’m really thankful for the bike, and I will put it to good use. It’s also great to support youth cycling in PA, so I would been happy to see my money get put to good use even if I didn’t win.