Smooth. That single word immediately came to mind after just a few pedal strokes on the brand new Mosaic GT-1 IAR. Stepping outside and onto the road with this titanium beauty, the initial feeling was one of pure smoothness, quickly followed by a sense of stiffness and tightness, like the bike was a coiled spring ready to unleash. This responsive and eager feeling is precisely what any discerning rider seeks in a high-performance machine, and the Mosaic GT-1 IAR delivers from the outset.
Mosaic Bikes has just unveiled the GT-1 IAR, which stands for Integrated All Road. This model takes the beloved GT-1 platform and elevates it with integrated features. While the sleek ENVE In-Route cockpit and internally routed cables are visually striking and represent a significant upgrade, the GT-1 IAR also enhances practicality with increased tire clearance, now accommodating up to 40mm tires, a step up from the non-IAR version’s 38mm limit. The overall aesthetic impact is more profound than the specification changes might suggest. The bike presents an incredibly clean look, particularly at the front end, which is remarkably tidy. It’s the kind of bike that makes you want to ride simply to revel in its refined and uncluttered design.
Close up of the clean front end and integrated cockpit of the Mosaic GT-1 IAR bike
Side view of the Mosaic GT-1 IAR bike showcasing its titanium frame and clean lines
Venturing further on my initial ride, as the Marin roads began to climb, I had the opportunity to assess the bike’s performance on hills. While the GT-1 IAR isn’t explicitly marketed as a dedicated climbing bike, it proved to be more than capable of holding its own in fast-paced ascents. However, it was on the descents where the Mosaic GT-1 IAR truly shone. Its descending prowess is exceptional, rivaling only a couple of other bikes in my collection for sheer enjoyment and exhilarating speed. The GT-1 IAR encourages you to push harder, instilling confidence through its frame that it’s got everything under control, inviting a blissful and rapid descent.
Rider descending on the Mosaic GT-1 IAR bike, highlighting its downhill capabilities
Like many of the dream bikes brought to life at AC, this Mosaic bike features custom geometry, ensuring a perfect fit. Combined with Mosaic’s renowned craftsmanship, the exceptional handling of the GT-1 is hardly surprising. This bespoke approach to bike building is a hallmark of Mosaic Bikes, ensuring riders get the most out of their titanium frames.
Interestingly, the geometry of the IAR mirrors that of my English Cycles bike. As Rob English himself noted during its build, the geometry isn’t far removed from classic bike design principles. However, the Mosaic GT-1 IAR incorporates a longer top tube, a deliberate choice to prevent toe overlap when using fenders, a practical consideration for riding in less-than-ideal weather conditions. A shorter stem then compensates for this extended top tube, maintaining balanced handling.
Front view of the Mosaic GT-1 IAR showing the light mount and clean handlebar setup
In these images, you’ll notice a neatly positioned front light, without a traditional bike computer mounted on top. I’m currently using a combined computer and light mount but, preferring a simpler setup while using a Garmin watch, I sought a standalone light attachment. Finding none readily available, I opted for the combo mount for my light out of necessity.
It’s clear I’m a devoted admirer of the bikes emerging from Mosaic Cycles. This GT-1 IAR marks my fourth or fifth Mosaic, and each one has delivered a distinctive and cherished ride feel. The highest praise I can give the IAR is simple: it makes me genuinely excited to ride. Any bike that ignites that eagerness to pedal is undoubtedly a keeper. After putting a few hundred more miles on the GT-1 IAR, I plan to share a more detailed long-term review. Stay tuned for further updates on this exceptional mosaic bikes creation.
