GT Sensor ST Carbon Pro: 60 % discount on the trail bike with the best handling!
Max Fuchs
· 04.02.2025
So far, the name GT has brought to mind scene greats such as Trial pioneer Hans Rey and new-school shredders Brage Vestavik come to mind. Both were under contract with the iconic US brand until recently. However, according to official information, GT Bicycles has recently run into financial difficulties and has ended its collaboration with Rey and Vestavik. What a pity! The good news: at least the bikes are still being sold. Our test bike GT Sensor ST Carbon Pro is also still available - and sometimes even with a discount of up to 60 per cent.
The facts about the GT Sensor ST Carbon Pro
- Price: 4499 Euro (RRP)
- Range of use: Trail/All Mountain
- Frame material: aluminium / carbon
- Suspension travel: 140 mm front / 120 mm rear
- Wheel size: 29-inch
- Frame sizes: S, M, L, XL
- Weight: 14.25 kg in size L (BIKE measurement)
- Weight of wheels: 5147 g
- Acceleration wheels: 3696 kg x cm² (BIKE measured value)
- Guarantee: for life
- Special features: -
Expensive fun - at least on a regular basis
The GT Sensor ST regularly costs 4499 euros, making it by far the most expensive bike in this range. Comparison and, in our opinion, also goes beyond the price range of an affordable trail bike. However, due to a lack of availability, we had to make do with the Pro model. However, if you take a look at the equipment list, the GT doesn't seem to gain any advantage from its generous budget. Quite the opposite. Unlike the mail order companies YT and Canyon carbon fibre is only used for the main frame. The rear triangle is made of cheaper aluminium. The Americans don't go all out with the suspension either, specifying Rockshox suspension elements from the second-class Select+ series - just like the 1000 euro cheaper YT Izzo. The only justification for the higher price tag: the flawless GX drivetrain from Sram. However, we think that a higher quality chassis would have been a better investment.
The test group: 4 trail bikes in comparison
- Canyon Neuron CF 7
- GT Sensor ST Carbon Pro (in this article here)
- NS Bikes Define 130 AL
- YT Industries Izzo Core 2
- An overview of our test can be found here
>> Trail mountain trend: mismatched companions - trail bikes from Canyon, Cube & GT in the 2024 test
The features of the GT Sensor ST Carbon Pro
- Fork / Shock: Rockshox Pike Select+ / Rockshox Deluxe Select+
- Gearing / range: Sram GX Eagle 1x12 / 472 %
- Brakes: Sram G2 RSC / 180/180 mm
- Wheels: WTB ST i27, Formula hubs
- Tyres: Maxxis Dissector/Recon Maxxterra Exo Protection 29 x 2.40
- Seatpost: GT Drop Kick / 170 mm
- max. system weight: 125 kg
Less suspension travel, more fun!
But enough bland theory. In the practical test, the Sensor ST fought a thrilling duel with the Canyon for the test victory. The candidate secures first place in the uphill classification. Super steep seat angle, long chainstays and good traction - no bike masters technical climbs as confidently as the GT. In terms of efficiency, the four-bar linkage of the Sensor is also the measure of all things in this test. In the race for the most riding fun, the bike is narrowly beaten by the significantly lighter Canyon and the Izzo with its playful geometry. Nevertheless, the GT is not entirely unsuitable for playing. The rear suspension - with only 120 millimetres of travel - rewards the physical effort of active riders with plenty of support. The bike catapults itself over off-road edges with ease and quickly generates speed.
In the downhill classification, the GT is back on top form. The moderate chainstay length and long reach perfectly harmonise directional stability and manoeuvrability. The high front also conveys the feeling of being low and secure on the bike. "Best handling", summarises test manager Peter Nilges. However, when things get really rough, the Sensor ST earns penalty points with its short suspension travel. The suspension responds well, but is firmer and digests big bumps less skilfully than the NS and Canyon suspensions. Due to additional deductions in the spec and in the lab, the GT has to admit defeat to the Canyon in the overall ranking.
GT Sensor ST Carbon Pro: Lab results & BIKE rating
Conclusion from Max Fuchs, BIKE test editor
Both uphill and downhill, the GT Sensor ST scores top marks for handling, which ultimately secures it victory in the practical evaluation. If you don't mind paying a little extra, you'll get a trail bike with first-class riding characteristics. Unfortunately, the Sensor ST misses out on important points in terms of equipment and in the laboratory and therefore only comes in second place in the overall ranking.
Max Fuchs
Editor
