The size large frame sports 445mm tapered rectangular chainstays with a generous 197mm rear end that holds a 197 x 12 axle. Connecting to the 68.5 degree head tube is a slightly tapered carbon fork taking a 15 x 150 axle. The head is also tapered and should be able to accommodate a fork if needed – but that would definitely bulk up this lightweight.

Adding to the clean look of the Gros Louis 0 is the internal cable routing starting up near the head and travelling all the way to the rear of the bike. You will also find a generous number of braze-ons mounted to this carbon beauty – a pair on the seat tube and downtube and another set on the seatstays matched with a pair on the chainstays.

And the icing on the cake with the Gros Louis 0 is the custom paint job by the artists in Garneau’s Dream Factory . The entire frame is has a matte black finish, and while the fork appears to be just gold paint . . . when you get closer it actually sparkles and morphs into a rainbow of colors. It's really cool looking.

The Gros Louis 0 sports a 1 x 11 drivetrain supported by the house of SRAM and Race Face. Up on the bars you will find a bulletproof SRAM GX 11spd shifter with X-ACUATION that claims to keep shifting crisp and sharp throughout the entire gear range.

Out back we have a SRAM GX 11spd derailleur with X-ACUATION, Cage Lock that allows for easy wheel removal, and a super stable roller bearing clutch. The cassette is a lightweight black SRAM 11spd PG-1130 that delivers a wide 11-42t gear range.







Garneau sourced a reliable Race Face Aeffect alloy crank for this bike and mated up a direct mount 28T RF narrow/wide chainring to ensure lots of low end torque. A KMC x11 EPT “rust buster” chain connects all the pieces.







Stopping power is also handled by SRAM with Guide RS levers and 4-piston hydraulic calipers. SRAM Center Line rotors finish out the package with 180mm up front and 160mm in the rear.







WHEELS & TIRES



Wheels on the Gros Louis 0 consist of 26 x 80mm HJC MP80 alloy hoops with stainless steel spokes. A 150mm KT Fat Systems hub graces the front while a 197mm rests in the rear – both having quick release axles.







The Garneau selected ultra cool tan wall Kenda Juggernaut Elite 4.5 for this fattie. These tires are tubeless ready, have a supple 120 TPI and a claimed weight of 1397g.







COCKPIT



The The Gros Louis 0 is equipped with an alloy 60mm stem (10 degree rise) holding a set of 740mm x 31.8 alloy bars – both are A-Spec.









Carbon headset spacers maintain spacing between the FSA Orbit C-40-ACB tapered headset and the stem. Grips are slim Garneau branded lock on grips with a dimple pattern.







Garneau paid particular attention to the seat and seatpost. A 31.8 carbon seatpost is topped by a black Fizik Tundra M5 mountain bike racing saddle.







FIRST IMPRESSION



The Gros Louis 0 is definitely an eye catcher. With its non-traditional tan wall tires coupled with custom paint from Garneau’s Dream Factory . . . this fattie definitely has character. I named the bike "Goldie".







Weighing in at 13.6 kg (29.9 lbs) without pedals, this sub-30 carbon beauty is shot with a flawless coat of flat black paint, while the fork is painted gold with what looks like a clear coat overlay of blue/green iridescence. Complimenting the gold fork are matching gold decals on the bike.







It was unexpected to see a carbon seatpost on this fattie as you would normally find something like that on a more pricy bike. And the race inspired Fizik Tundra M5 saddle, while it looked uncomfortably stiff, indicated that Garneau was serious when wanting to create a quick fatbike.







Another unexpected upgrade was the carbon headset spacers. Yup . . . I’m pretty sure that there are no other fatbikes on the market that come stock with carbon headset spacers. Garneau was definitely trying to reduce weight, with pops of carbon, while keeping overall costs in check.



