The Norwegian bike manufacturer Fara - a specialist in gravel and all-road bikes - has given its gravel bike an extensive update. The fourth generation of the gravel bike, simply labelled GR4, has been specially designed for the demands of gravel and ultra-distance races, but also offers practical features for everyday riders. Special attention is paid to the enormous tyre clearance of up to 57 millimetres, which corresponds to the current trend towards ever wider tyres in the gravel segment. This means that even mountain bike tyres with a width of 2.2 inches (57 mm) can be fitted, blurring the boundaries between traditional gravel bikes and mountain bikes.
According to Fara, the development of the GR4 is based on extensive racing experience, including success at the Traka and good placings in the Badlands, Atlas Mountain and Transcontinental races. Unlike many other manufacturers who have recently launched separate, specialised models for competition and adventure touring, Fara has adopted a single, versatile bike approach. Jeff Webb, founder of Fara, explains the approach in the press release: "We didn't want to force riders to choose between a competition bike and an adventure bike. With the GR4, we worked with our athletes and designers to create something that excels in both areas. A lightweight, responsive frame with tremendous tyre clearance and refined ergonomics makes it perfect for modern gravel racing, exploration and everyday riding."
Fara GR4: Lighter and more aerodynamic
The new GR4 frame is said to be significantly lighter than its predecessor. With a weight of just 970 grams in size M, Fara claims to have been able to save more than 200 grams. If you consider the combined weight of the frame, fork, seatpost and cockpit, the weight reduction is even more significant at almost half a kilogramme. Fara uses high-modulus Torayca T1000 and M40X carbon fibres for the frame. Despite the low weight, attention was also paid to aerodynamic properties in the design. A short rear triangle should ensure responsive handling, while the lowered chainstays allow maximum tyre clearance with compact geometry.
Modular cockpit with many setting options
A special feature of the GR4 is the newly developed modular cockpit. Compared to standard handlebars, this should offer improved ergonomics and at the same time be highly customisable. According to Fara, the new handlebar unit ensures a neutral alignment of wrists, elbows and shoulders. The shape of the handlebar surface also offers several defined hand positions. The flare angles on the drops vary depending on the size of the handlebar, from 8 degrees for the smallest to 12 degrees for the widest version. The interface between the handlebars and stem section allows the length to be adjusted by 10 millimetres. These screw positions also serve as anchoring points for an optionally available aero handlebar, with which the GR4 can be customised for long-distance races. The cockpit is available in widths from 360 to 440 millimetres and three adjustable stem lengths: 80-90 millimetres, 100-110 millimetres and 120-130 millimetres.
Practical features and equipment options
The frame has a threaded T47 bottom bracket shell, which should make maintenance easier and reduce creaking noises. The storage space in the frame has also been improved. For bikepacking enthusiasts, the GR4 offers numerous mounting options for luggage, hidden mudguard mounts and magnets for Fara's integrated bikepacking system. The frame is equipped with a UDH dropout (Universal Derailleur Hanger).
Individual customisation options
Fara attaches great importance to customising the bikes to the needs of the riders. Customers can choose the handlebar width, stem length and crank length for a customised fit for all equipment variants. This allows the bike to be precisely customised to individual body proportions and preferences. The GR4 is also available as a frameset, consisting of a frame, modular cockpit, carbon seatpost, CeramicSpeed bottom bracket and SLT headset bearings.
Equipment and prices of the Fara GR4 gravel bike
The GR4 is available in four sizes (49, 53, 56, 59 cm) and four different colour variants. There is a choice of three different equipment variants, all of which come with electronic AXS shifting groupsets from SRAM with a chainring and 13 sprockets: the top version with SRAM Red XPLR AXS and Zipp 303 XPLR wheels costs €9900; the mid-range version with SRAM Force XPLR AXS and Zipp 303 S XPLR wheels is available for €8000. The entry-level version with SRAM Rival XPLR AXS and Fulcrum Rapid Red 300 wheels still costs a hefty 6200 euros. All models are equipped with Schwalbe Thunder Burt 2.1-inch tyres, the modular Fara cockpit, a 27.2-millimetre carbon seatpost, CeramicSpeed bottom bracket and SLT headset bearings. The frame set for self-assembly, including handlebar unit, seat post and bottom bracket, costs 5200 euros.
Jens Klötzer
Editor
