GR20 - Gravel Bike
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We searched everywhere for the perfect gravel bike, the perfect daily adventure bike and although some came close, none were just right. Maybe we’re just truly fussy and, yes, that is true. We have never found a bike to have the perfect specification. We’ve always had to change something. Price is always a factor that ruins many options, you could custom build a bike but they always work out so expensive. So, we wanted to design a bike, a combination of the finest parts all having the most outrageous party, enjoying being together as one. We want to offer customisation, beautiful attention to detail and all at an extremely competitive price. We wanted to do this so that as many people as possible can enjoy the benefits of an uncompromised biking experience. When you ride one of our bikes, you’ll know it’s a bike that’s been built with passion for perfect performance, by people who love riding. And we do love riding our bikes.
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Your Forwards bike is designed for you, which is why you can choose your own colour. We’ve chosen a colour here for our feature build but we ask you to imagine it in your own choice of colour. After all, thats what a Forwards is all about, imagining and realising your very own dream bike.
Our bikes are not restrained by factory paint. Every single one is truly individual. They are custom painted by the finest Artisan painters here in the UK.
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Our bike graphics are tastefully subtle and feature 30mm tall ‘Forwards’ on the main down tube and the model name on the back of the top tube, 20mm wide. The production number is on the inner side of the left hand chain stay and is 10mm tall. They also have a small Union Jack on the back of the seat tube to mark that they are assembled by hand, here in the UK.
The graphics are airbrushed onto the frame by our Artisan painters, flat polished and clear coated to create a seamless transition between graphic and chassis colour. You can also choose the graphic colour to compliment the chassis colour.
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Every Forwards Bike is individually numbered according to its production. This number continues to increase across our entire range of models. We introduced the numbering on build number 10 and the number is 10mm tall to mark this event.
GR20 Carbon Frame & Forks
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Our chosen frames are manufactured with a specific mix of Toray T700 and T800 carbon fibre. T700 and T800 is ideally suited for the stresses and strains of a dedicated gravel adventure bike and balances reduced weight and performance without compromising strength. The frames are EPS molded and EN tested.
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The integrated oversized headset offers precise handling and steering with aesthetic perfection. With it’s 1 1/8” to 1 1/2” system its superbly stiff and silky smooth.
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The GR20’s carbon fibre frame features a dropped right hand chain stay to allow extra tyre clearance between the stays, with the added benefit of a reduction in chain slap.
650B x 2.1 Inch
700c x 50mm, although we’d personally not recommend more than 45mm for clearance and frame protection
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From bottle cages, bags, mudguards and racks, with 23 mounting points, the GR20 frame and forks will accommodate all your adventure equipment.
All of the mounting hardware is now stainless steel.
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Gravel bike, adventure bike, road bike or urban commute. The GR20 offers exceptional flexibility with its accomplished frame design. Huge tyre clearance is thanks to its dropped righthand chainstay and well thought out design.
GR20 for Gravel - 650b wheels with 650b x 47mm multi-terrain tyres
GR20 for CX racing - 700c wheels with 700c x 33c tyres
GR20 for Road - 700c wheels with 700c x 32c tyres
GR20 for Urban - 650b wheels with 650b x 47mm city tyres
Components.
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Absolute solid reliability was what we wanted here so we didn’t compromise at all. Gearing is offered by the sublime Shimano GRX810 series groupset, the highest level mechanical gravel specific groupset in the range. The GR20 is running a 1x11 speed set up and we can customise gear ratios and crank lengths to suit your requirements. We include a left hand dropper post lever should you want us to fit one, but we’ve chosen not to use one due to their weight and limited use in our experience. A Di2 version of this groupset is also available as an option.
All GRX mechanical builds are built with direct cable outer from shifter to mech to ensure perfect cable shifting and reliability.
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We wanted this to be perfect as bottom brackets can be a total pain, so we’ve specified the threaded BSA-68 standard for our bottom bracket to ensure reliability and precision. The design incorporates a full 68mm lightened aluminium bottom bracket sleeve which is bonded into the carbon fibre frame. We have specified a Praxis Works BSA68-24 bottom bracket for superior performance and reliability. We have been using Praxis Works BBs across our fleet of bikes for many years now and have been extremely happy with the performance of them. Feedback from our research group was to fit a great BB, so we have.
We now offer a Ceramic Hybrid bottom bracket bearing upgrade.
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Braking is performed via the Shimano GRX810 STI levers and callipers through to the XTR M9100 160mm centre lock rotors. We have chosen these rotors for a few reasons. First, they offer ICE TECH cooling but retain mud clearance over road rotors like the Dura Ace and Ultegra versions. Secondly, the rotor fins are gloss black and do not stain like the bare metal ones, yes, it’s true, we considered that. Thirdly, they look ultra cool don’t they?
We offer 160mm, 140mm or 160/140mm options for the rotors.
Contact Points.
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The points of contact on your bike are exceptionally important, which is why we’ve taken our time to test a number of combinations before settling on the superb Pro Discover gravel handlebars and stem. Pro offer a number of sizes for us to customise your GR20 and the 12 degree flare is comfortable but not over the top. With the introduction from Pro of the 20 degree flare we now offer this option and it’s the most popular choice. For smaller builds we also offer the Pro Koryak stem.
Hands to bar comfort has evolved over time and we now use the BBB 3.5mm gravel bar tape, it’s superb to wrap, finishing detail is fantastic with the matched end strips and extremely comfortable and durable. Headset spacers are available in matt UD or gloss carbon fibre.
To ensure the security and longevity of the handlebar stem to fork steerer interface we pass the fork steerer all the way through the stem and use a 10mm carbon spacer on the top for tension adjustment.
We finish it all off with a choice of carbon top cap and have a number of options available.
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We’ve chosen the fabulous Ergon range of saddles which are available in 2 sizes and have proven to be extremely comfortable saddles during extensive testing. We measure you up for this on our dedicated tool which is part of our bike fitting service before you place your order.
As an Ergon Official Dealer we stock a number of different options and advise you on a saddle according to your riding preference.
The carbon fibre seat post is our own and at just 180 grams it’s really light and offers superb micro adjustment and comfort.
Wheels & Tyres.
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We’ve tested a number of wheels and tyres for the GR20 and have now partnered with Hunt. Hunt as we are sure you are aware are an exceptionally reportable UK wheel manufacturer. As an Official Hunt Stockist we are now able to offer customers a wide range of wheel options at the design stage. Our preferred wheel size has also evolved over time and most of our gravel bikes are built with 700c wheels. The standard build comes with a choice of Hunt alloy wheels with the option to upgrade to carbon wheels if you wish.
We think that 650b still has a place in the options and we’ve affectionally named this ‘hooligan mode’ option. Riding 650b enables you to run bigger tyres and edges the bike closer to a rigid MTB for real crazy trail blazing. They’re also a great option for the bike when built in smaller sizes for smaller riders.
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We have loads of tyre options and only offer tyres that we’ve extensively tested and would ride ourselves. The choice here is all part of the design stage at the shop.
Attention to Detail.
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All of our bikes feature stainless steel allen key bolts and washers with the length matched to the application area on the bike. We’ve also weighed them and they’re 1g lighter for a bolt and washer over the originally supplied part from the factory. We also use additional stainless steel locking washers in key areas to prevent accessories shaking loose.
Our bikes feature a stainless steel seat bolt and lock washer to prevent rusting in this area.
We became a little obsessed with the rubber plugs for blanking the unused holes in the frame left over from using a 1x groupset and source our own for a far superior fit.
All of our bikes are fitted with Bike Shield at the time of manufacture to protect the paint from chips and scratches in certain areas. This is on the underside of the downtube, top of the chainstay and small patches over the disc brake calliper mounts.
| Forwards GR20 12 Speed - Specification | |||||
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| Component | Shimano GRX RX820 1x12-speed Close | Shimano GRX RX820 1x12-speed Wide | Shimano GRX RX820 2x12-speed | Shimano GRX RX825 Di2 1x12-speed Wide Wireless | Shimano GRX Di2 2x11-speed |
| Frame | 100% toray T700/T800 UD carbon fibre mix for balanced strength and weight saving using EPS molding process | 100% toray T700/T800 UD carbon fibre mix for balanced strength and weight saving using EPS molding process | 100% toray T700/T800 UD carbon fibre mix for balanced strength and weight saving using EPS molding process | 100% toray T700/T800 UD carbon fibre mix for balanced strength and weight saving using EPS molding process | 100% toray T700/T800 UD carbon fibre mix for balanced strength and weight saving using EPS molding process |
| Custom Paint Colour | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Custom Graphics Colour | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Forks | Carbon with rack mounts | Carbon with rack mounts | Carbon with rack mounts | Carbon with rack mounts | Carbon with rack mounts |
| Headset | Ahead 1.5” | Ahead 1.5” | Ahead 1.5” | Ahead 1.5” | Ahead 1.5” |
| Headset Spacers | UD Carbon | UD Carbon | UD Carbon | UD Carbon | UD Carbon |
| Steerer bung | Compressor | Compressor | Compressor | Compressor | Compressor |
| Bottom Bracket | Praxis Works BSA 68 Threaded | Praxis Works BSA 68 Threaded | Praxis Works BSA 68 Threaded | Praxis Works BSA 68 Threaded | Praxis Works BSA 68 Threaded |
| Lever & Calliper Assembly Left | ST-RX820/LA GRX | ST-RX820/LA GRX | ST-RX820 GRX 2-speed STI | ST-RX825 GRX | ST-RX825 GRX Di2 2-speed |
| Lever & Calliper Assembly Right | ST-RX820 GRX 12-speed STI | ST-RX820 GRX 12-speed STI | ST-RX820 GRX 12-speed STI | ST-RX825 GRX Di2 12-speed STI | ST-RX825 GRX Di2 12-speed STI |
| Sprint Shift | NA | NA | NA | NA | NA |
| Front Derailleur | NA | NA | FD-RX820 GRX 2-speed | NA | FD-RX825 GRX Di2 2-speed |
| Rear Derailleur | RD-RX820 GRX 12-speed | RD-RX822 GRX 12-speed | RD-RX820 GRX 12-speed | RD-RX827 GRX Di2 12-speed | RD-RX825 GRX Di2 12-speed |
| Chainset | FC-RX820 GRX | FC-RX820 GRX | FC-RX820 GRX | FC-RX820 GRX | FC-RX820 GRX |
| Chainring Options | 40 or 42T | 40 or 42T | 48/31T | 40 or 42T | 48/31T |
| Crank Length Options | 170/172.5/175mm | 170/172.5/175mm | 170/172.5/175mm | 170/172.5/175mm | 170/172.5/175mm |
| Cassette | CS-R8101 Ultegra 12-speed | CS-M8100 XT 12-speed | CS-R8101 Ultegra 12-speed | CS-M8100 XT 12-speed | CS-R8101 Ultegra 12-speed |
| Ratios | 11-34 or 11-36T | 10-45 or 10-51T | 11-34 or 11-36T | 10-45 or 10-51T | 11-34 or 11-36T |
| Chain | CN-M8100 XT/Ultegra with quick link, 12-speed | CN-M8100 XT/Ultegra with quick link, 12-speed | CN-M8100 XT/Ultegra with quick link, 12-speed | CN-M8100 XT/Ultegra with quick link, 12-speed | CN-M8100 XT/Ultegra with quick link, 12-speed |
| Di2 Battery | NA | NA | NA | BT-DN320 Di2 wireless rear derailleur | BT-DN300 Di2 internal mount |
| Cables | Shimano | Shimano | Shimano | Shimano | Shimano |
| Brake Callipers | BR-RX820 flat mount | BR-RX820 flat mount | BR-RX820 flat mount | BR-RX820 flat mount | BR-RX820 flat mount |
| Rotors | XTR/Dura Ace RT-CL900 | XTR/Dura Ace RT-CL900 | XTR/Dura Ace RT-CL900 | XTR/Dura Ace RT-CL900 | XTR/Dura Ace RT-CL900 |
| Rotor Sizes | 160mm | 160mm | 160mm | 160mm | 160mm |
| Handlebars | Pro Discover | Pro Discover | Pro Discover | Pro Discover | Pro Discover |
| Handlebar Options | 12/20 degree 40/42/44cm | 12/20 degree 40/42/44cm | 12/20 degree 40/42/44cm | 12/20 degree 40/42/44cm | 12/20 degree 40/42/44cm |
| Stem | Pro Discover | Pro Discover | Pro Discover | Pro Discover | Pro Discover |
| Stem Options | 70/80/90/100/110mm | 70/80/90/100/110mm | 70/80/90/100/110mm | 70/80/90/100/110mm | 70/80/90/100/110mm |
| Seatpost | Carbon 180g 27.2mm | Carbon 180g 27.2mm | Carbon 180g 27.2mm | Carbon 180g 27.2mm | Carbon 180g 27.2mm |
| Seatpost Options | 0/20mm | 0/20mm | 0/20mm | 0/20mm | 0/20mm |
| Saddle | Pro Stealth Performance | Pro Stealth Performance | Pro Stealth Performance | Pro Stealth Performance | Pro Stealth Performance |
| Saddle Sizes | 142/152mm | 142/152mm | 142/152mm | 142/152mm | 142/152mm |
| Wheels | Hunt 4 Season Gravel Alloy 2025 | Hunt 4 Season Gravel Alloy 2025 | Hunt 4 Season Gravel Alloy 2025 | Hunt 4 Season Gravel Alloy 2025 | Hunt 4 Season Gravel Alloy 2025 |
| Wheel Options | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sealant | Orange Seal 100ml x2 | Orange Seal 100ml x2 | Orange Seal 100ml x2 | Orange Seal 100ml x2 | Orange Seal 100ml x2 |
| Tyre | Vittoria Terreno T10 - T80 | Vittoria Terreno T10 - T80 | Vittoria Terreno T10 - T80 | Vittoria Terreno T10 - T80 | Vittoria Terreno T10 - T80 |
| Tyre Options | Yes, model, colour and size | Yes, model, colour and size | Yes, model, colour and size | Yes, model, colour and size | Yes, model, colour and size |
| Axle Front | 12 x 120 x 1.5 | 12 x 120 x 1.5 | 12 x 120 x 1.5 | 12 x 120 x 1.5 | 12 x 120 x 1.5 |
| Axle Rear | 12 x 171 x 1.5 | 12 x 171 x 1.5 | 12 x 171 x 1.5 | 12 x 171 x 1.5 | 12 x 171 x 1.5 |
| Bartape | BBB BHT-16 - Gravel Ribbon 3.5mm or BBB BHT-14 2.0mm | BBB BHT-16 - Gravel Ribbon 3.5mm or BBB BHT-14 2.0mm | BBB BHT-16 - Gravel Ribbon 3.5mm or BBB BHT-14 2.0mm | BBB BHT-16 - Gravel Ribbon 3.5mm or BBB BHT-14 2.0mm | BBB BHT-16 - Gravel Ribbon 3.5mm or BBB BHT-14 2.0mm |
| Hardware | SS Allen Bolts, Washers and Spring Washers | SS Allen Bolts, Washers and Spring Washers | SS Allen Bolts, Washers and Spring Washers | SS Allen Bolts, Washers and Spring Washers | SS Allen Bolts, Washers and Spring Washers |
| Anti Rattle | Capgo 1m | Capgo 1m | Capgo 1m | Capgo 1m | Capgo 1m |
| Forwards GR20 - Geometry | |||||||||||||
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| Size | Size mm | SC | O | HS | HC | F | OT | WB | FC | RC | G | Reach | Stack |
| XS | 490 | 74.5 | 520 | 120 | 70.5 | 395 | 50 | 1020 | 594.2 | 435 | 67 | 371 | 536.6 |
| S | 520 | 74 | 535 | 140 | 71 | 395 | 50 | 1025 | 595.3 | 435 | 67 | 375 | 557.4 |
| M | 540 | 73 | 550 | 150 | 71.5 | 395 | 50 | 1025 | 600 | 435 | 67 | 376 | 568 |
| L | 560 | 73 | 565 | 170 | 72 | 395 | 50 | 1036.5 | 610.6 | 435 | 67 | 384.6 | 589.8 |
| XL | 580 | 73 | 580 | 190 | 72 | 395 | 50 | 1052 | 626 | 435 | 67 | 393.7 | 608.9 |
| XXL | 610 | 73 | 595 | 210 | 72 | 395 | 50 | 1067.5 | 641 | 435 | 67 | 403 | 628 |
