GT has had fullys in its product range for over 25 years and can look back on a wealth of experience. Fans of the brand will certainly remember the RTS, LTS (Linkage Tuned Suspension) rear triangle or the unconventional i-Drive kinematics, with which GT went its own way. With the two new Sensor and Force models, GT is picking up on the LTS rear triangle and is once again using a conventional four-bar linkage with Horstlink.
Trailbike sensor
130-millimetre suspension travel, 29-inch wheels and a rigid chassis describe the new GT sensor best. The geometry of the new trail bike is modern and downhill-orientated. With a steering angle of 65.5 - 66 degrees (depending on the flipchip setting) and 435 mm chainstays, the Sensor is geared towards smooth running and high speeds downhill. GT combines a carbon main frame with an aluminium rear triangle on all carbon models. Thanks to the massive rocker and the solid rear suspension bearings, the Sensor makes a very solid impression. In order to maintain the ease of maintenance, but still have a tidy appearance, all cables run in a recess on the down tube. When viewed from the side, the cables are no longer visible and can still be serviced quickly. Three carbon models from 2999 to 5499 euros will be available in Germany.
All Mountain/Enduro Force
At the new Force combined GT 160 mm fork with a 150 mm rear triangle, which puts the bike somewhere between the all-mountain and enduro categories. However, the Fox 36 fork and Float DPX2 shock on the top model as well as the Schwalbe Magic Mary tyres on the front and rear wheels tend more towards the enduro segment. Team rider Martin Maes (currently in second place in the EWS) also rides a Force, albeit with a 170 fork and an even more potent Fox Float X2 shock. The Force also has a four-bar rear triangle and the same details as the Sensor frame. The biggest difference apart from the suspension travel is the wheel size. The Force rolls on 27.5-inch wheels and has a steering angle of 65-65.5 degrees. At 435 millimetres, the chainstays are the same length as the 29er Sensor. Three models of the Force are planned in Germany: Two with carbon main frames for 4199 and 5499 euros and an aluminium model with steel spring shock for 2999 euros. Five frame sizes from XS to XL will be available for both the Sensor and the Force.
First driving report:
BIKE has already had the opportunity to ride the two new GT bikes exclusively: Despite a long reach of 470 millimetres in size L, the steep seat angle means you don't sit too stretched out on the Sensor. When climbing, there is a lot of pressure on the front wheel, which is why even steep climbs are no problem. Both the main frame and the rear triangle feel extremely stiff and precise. The rear suspension is very active, but tends to pump slightly when pedalling without a shock platform. Thanks to the slack steering angle, the Sensor likes fast and steep sections best and gives a high degree of confidence. In tight bends and when lifting the front wheel, however, a little more effort is required. In the top configuration, the Sensor comes with Rock Shox suspension. The Pike and Deluxe work solidly and make good use of the suspension travel.
The Force's frame stiffness is also immediately noticeable. Similar to the Sensor, a steep seat angle with a slack steering angle is also used. Due to the increased suspension travel, the Force rear suspension also tends to pump slightly when pedalling. The platform on the DPX2 damper provides a remedy. In contrast to the Sensor, the Force rear suspension has significantly more progression, which is why we struggled to utilise the full travel on the recommended SAG. Due to the high ratio of the rear suspension, the shock pressure is already relatively high for a 70-kilo rider (220 PSI). For a little more ground clearance in rocky sections, it makes sense to use the flip-chip. The effect is noticeable, places the rider a little further forwards and prevents unintentional bottoming out. The Force is also more on the smooth side and demands speed. Despite the 27.5 mm wheels, the Force is not really playful.
Interview with Patrick Kaye, Senior Product Manager GT:
BIKE: With the I-Drive rear triangles, GT has always gone its own way and stood out from the crowd. Why are you returning to the classic four-bar linkage with the new models?
Patrick Kaye: The demands of riders and riding styles have changed over the years. In addition, our rear suspension systems were not always easy to understand. They worked fabulously, but certainly put some customers off.
BIKE: The Sensor rolls on 29er wheels, the Force on 27.5er wheels. Why don't you follow the current trend for long-travel 29ers and put the Force on bigger wheels?
PK: We are convinced that you can reach a wider range of riders with 27.5s than with 29ers customised for EWS courses. But of course we are also experimenting with different wheel sizes.
BIKE: The Force has moved closer to the Sanction. What does that mean for the Sanction?
PK: The Sanction is still a very potent bike and is a lot of fun on demanding courses and in the bike park. As already mentioned, we are of course also observing the market and seeing whether 29ers can really establish themselves in the suspension travel range.
