Although the Sensor Carbon Elite is also not a new model, it is a current trail bike with a strong inclination towards the all-mountain category, offering 150 millimetres of travel at the front and 140 millimetres at the rear. With a price tag of 3999 euros, the Sensor is by far the most expensive bike in this comparison. In return, GT equips its fully with a carbon main frame including carbon seat stays. Only the chainstays are made of robust aluminium in order to be able to withstand hard chain impacts in the long term. Despite the lightweight frame material, the GT only tips the scales at 15.5 kilos without pedals. You don't have to look far to find the weight drivers: Since GT obviously prioritises suspension performance over weight, the 140 rear triangle transmits the shocks to a Marzocchi steel spring damper. The wheels also weigh over a kilo more than those of the Cube due to the solid tyres and heavy WTB rims. With appropriate tuning, 1.5 kilograms could easily be saved here.
GT Sensor: Focus on downhill
After the first few metres off-road, it becomes clear that the GT product managers had a different goal in mind than weight optimisation. The Sensor reacts much more slowly to hard pedalling than the competition. Due to the high front end with a lot of rise on the handlebars, you sit more relaxed and upright. The GT likes it cosy. Nevertheless, the Sensor surprised us positively on technical climbs. Long chainstays and a steep seat tube angle put pressure on the front wheel, while the wide tyres and sensitive rear end generate a lot of traction. The GT masters steady climbs without increasing speed without any problems, even with excess weight, as long as you don't run out of juice with the tight gearing. On the other hand, the rear suspension pumps noticeably when pedalling. You won't find a quickly switchable platform on the Marzocchi shock.
As soon as the trail tips into the fall line, the GT really blossoms. Thanks to the geometry with a slack 64.6 steering angle and generous wheelbase, the bike is very composed even in fast sections. However, the sensor has to be pulled firmly onto the rear wheel. The Marzocchi suspension irons out small and large bumpy sections sensitively and with a willingness to swallow. The fork and rear work in harmony. Even with a steel spring, the rear suspension offers sufficient progression against bottoming out. Thanks to the powerful TRP brakes and the grippy Maxxis tyres, the GT can be controlled perfectly and delivers riding safety en masse. The rest of the equipment with Sram SX gears and cheap hubs is less convincing.
GT Sensor Carbon Elite in detail
15.5 kg / 150/140 mm / 29" / 3999 Euro / carbon/aluminium
Equipment
- Fork: Marzocchi Bomber Z2 Rail
- Shock absorber: Marzocchi Bomber CR
- Gear system: Sram SX Eagle, 1 x 12
- Gear ratio / bandwidth: 32, 11-50 / 454 %
- Brakes: TRP Slate T4200/180 mm
- dropper post/stroke: GT Dropper Post / 170 mm
- Wheels: WTB STi30 rims, no-name hubs
- Tyres: Maxxis Assegai/Dissector Exo 29 x 2.5/2.4
Measured values
- Total weight: 15.47 kg (without pedals)
- Weight of wheels: 5923 g
- Impeller inertia: 4460 g x cm²
Conclusion Peter Nilges, BIKE Test Manager
With its potent steel rear suspension and solid tyres, the GT Sensor is a force to be reckoned with downhill. However, the meagre equipment and high weight limit the range of use.
