Is high pivot the solution?
More and more manufacturers are equipping their long-travel bikes with a high pivot point and idler pulley. This is intended to improve the wheel lift curve and make it easier for the rear wheel to roll over obstacles. The idler pulley above the bottom bracket compensates for the increased pedal kickback during compression. High-pivot bikes appeared on the scene as early as the mid-2000s, but disappeared again after a few years. Will the trend stay with us for longer? One disadvantage of the system: increased resistance and maintenance effort on the small rollers.
GT, based in California, is a veteran of the mountain bike scene. In 2021, the Americans want to attack not only in the EWS with a high-pivot rear triangle and internally routed cables. Freerider Brage Vestavik from Norway should also be happy with the Force Carbon. Depending on preference, an air or coil shock should fit in the Force frame.
Compared to its predecessor, the new Force not only has larger wheels, but is also longer and slacker. A 63.5 degree head angle and a long reach should ensure a smooth ride. There is a flip chip in the rear dropout that can be used to adjust the chainstay length by ten millimetres. EWS rider Martin Maes from Belgium is set to compete for victory on the race machine with 160 millimetres of travel at the rear. The main frame is made of carbon, the rear triangle of aluminium. The frame should weigh 4100 grams with shock and small parts.
The GT Force Carbon will be available in three equipment lines in 2022. The affordable Elite version for 3899 euros should weigh 16.3 kilograms, while the Pro version for 4999 euros should weigh 15.8 kilograms. The Force Carbon Pro LE weighs 15.4 kilograms and costs 6099 euros. In terms of price, weight and rear triangle design, the GT Force is therefore in the same league as the recently launched Cannondale Jekyll.
