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GT Sanction Pro in the test

Dimitri Lehner

 · 21.02.2016

GT Sanction Pro in the testPhoto: Franz Faltermaier
GT Sanction Pro in the test
The GT is not a fun bike and certainly not a bike for everything. The high weight and the special geometry limit the range of use.
Test 2015 Enduro bikes: GT Sanction ProPhoto: Franz Faltermaier Test 2015 Enduro bikes: GT Sanction Pro

The GT put wrinkles in our foreheads. According to the spec sheet, the heavy bike with its generous suspension travel should be a downhill wonder. 170 millimetres front and rear, a slack steering angle and the longest wheelbase in the test field - we concluded that the race bike from enduro ace Dan Atherton would whizz down the valley like a mini downhiller. The reality was different. The extra travel was barely noticeable and the GT didn't feel very confident in rough terrain. The rear suspension absorbed big hits willingly, but the topography gave it quick, short blows, then it stamped and seemed less sensitive. In addition, the massive swingarm (despite the wrapped chainstay) produced so much rattling that it downright demoralised the test riders. What was going on? To be fair, we have to say that GT can only supply the "Sanction" in size L at the moment. Despite the long reach, the bike didn't feel too big, only the long seat tube was annoying. This and the Fox dropper post with its wide clamp meant that the saddle was far too high and annoying between the legs. Striking: the massive frame with its oversized diameters and splayed seat tube. The heavy wheels also put a lot of pressure on the scales and limit the bike's range of use. The GT has an additional lever on the handlebars to adjust the compression of the shock via a cable. In our opinion, the bike hardly needs this, as the rear suspension is powerful enough.


ConclusionThe GT is not a fun bike and certainly not a bike for everything. The high weight and the special geometry limit the range of use. The "Sanction" left a diffuse impression on the testers and unfortunately came last in the test field.


STRENGTHS Weight, fork, cockpit
WEAKNESSES Weight, legroom, loud

The GT suffered from its long seat tube. This limited freedom of movement and handling. The awkward Fox seatpost with its wide centre section also raised the saddle.Photo: Franz Faltermaier The GT suffered from its long seat tube. This limited freedom of movement and handling. The awkward Fox seatpost with its wide centre section also raised the saddle. The 165-millimetre rear triangle of the GT Sanction proved to be powerful and bob-free. However, due to the long chainstays, you need a lot of arm pull to pull the bike onto the rear wheel.Photo: Franz Faltermaier The 165-millimetre rear triangle of the GT Sanction proved to be powerful and bob-free. However, due to the long chainstays, you need a lot of arm pull to pull the bike onto the rear wheel. Test 2015 Enduro bikes: GT Sanction ProPhoto: FREERIDE Magazin Test 2015 Enduro bikes: GT Sanction Pro Test 2015 Enduro bikes: GT Sanction ProPhoto: FREERIDE Magazin Test 2015 Enduro bikes: GT Sanction Pro
How do you like this article?
The number (maximum 10 points) reflects the overall impression of the testers and is not an addition of downhill and uphill points.Photo: FREERIDE Magazin The number (maximum 10 points) reflects the overall impression of the testers and is not an addition of downhill and uphill points.


Manufacturer information


Distribution Cycling Sports Group www.gtbicycles.com
Material/sizes Aluminium/M, L, XL
Price/weight without pedals* 4499 Euro/14.6 kg


Measurement data


Front/rear suspension travel170 mm/165 mm
Rear suspension system Drivetrain


Equipment


Fork/damper Fox 36 Float RC2/Fox Float X CTD
Cranks/gears Race Face Turbine/Shimano XT
Brake system Shimano XT
Impellers Shimano XT hubs, Mavic EN 423 disc rims, Continental Baron Projekt 2.4 tyres

You can find this article in FREERIDE 2/2015 - you can order the magazine here > FREERIDE IOS App (iPad) FREERIDE Android AppPhoto: Lars Scharl You can find this article in FREERIDE 2/2015 - you can order the magazine here > FREERIDE IOS App (iPad) FREERIDE Android App
Dimitri Lehner

Dimitri Lehner is a qualified sports scientist. He studied at the German Sport University Cologne. He is fascinated by almost every discipline of fun sports - besides biking, his favourites are windsurfing, skiing and skydiving. His latest passion: the gravel bike. He recently rode it from Munich to the Baltic Sea - and found it marvellous. And exhausting. Wonderfully exhausting!

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