Given the relative lack of attention most bike companies give to the aspect of handling, you'd think that those cycling races are happening on drag strips. Maybe it's seeing their bikes on the road with towering stacks of spacers that is making them nervous? In any case, we'd like to submit that if your bike is only fast when going in a straight line, if it's got you thinking about slowing down when approaching a turn or going downhill, it's really not that fast at all. At GURU, we design bikes that deliver total "race speed," with precise tracking, maneuvrability and overall stability getting equal billing to acceleration and aerodynamics.

It begins with custom geometry, of course, where elements such as the head tube angle (in conjunction with fork rake), bottom bracket drop and wheel base are calibrated based on individual cyclist morphology and profile. Achieving proper weight distribution for a specific cyclist's riding style and objectives is key – conventional wisdom in the industry sets the acceptable range at 55-60% of a rider's weight on the rear wheel (with the balance on the front wheel). The smallest change in stem length and/or saddle position, often done to retro-fit a rider on a stock bike, can have a significant negative effect on weight distribution. A cyclist moving around on the saddle to relieve discomfort can also throw things off-kilter.