2020 GT Force
The Force GT is an enduro mountain bike, and if you are a fan of the Enduro World Series, you will have seen Martin Maes on the podium after tackling some of the worlds most challenging trails. This gives you an idea of what to expect from a bike like this. In this post, I am going to go into the details of the 2020 GT Force to help you decide if this is the bike for you.
Who is it for?
The 2020 GT Force is designed for riders that like to go fast on descents. So basically, it is an all-mountain/enduro bike that can be ridden anywhere. If you ride technical terrain and like a bike that is rewarding at speed, the GT Force is worth your consideration. As mountain bikes go, this is excellent value for money. The 2020 GT Force is a competent enduro mountain bike that is way below the price tag of more exotic bikes built to do the same job.
Details
The 2020 GT Force range has had a new addition, a 29″ wheeled beast, with an aluminium frame. This is the bike that Martin Maes has been using on the Enduro World Series, with 150mm of travel on the rear and 170mm on the fork. There is a 27.5″ wheeled version too, but this one has 160mm at the front.
GT Call the Force an all-mountain bike, but it easily falls into the enduro category. GT says:
“The Force 29 is for riders who prefer descending and like to go fast. It hits that sweet spot right in between all-mtn and dh, it’s low fuss and provides more versatility than a dual crown bike.“
That is an enduro bike in anyone’s book. It looks very similar to the 2019 bike, but the frame and LTS suspension linkage has been redesigned to take those big wheels. The LTS (Linkage Tuned Suspension) is essentially a Horst system that works via a simple rocker. You will find this system on the GT Sensor and the Fury downhill bike. It is used on the Force and the sensor because it works on both climbs and descents.
The 29er has three different spec levels, and all come with air-sprung shocks, but you can change this for a coil if that suits you better.
The goal of the 2020 GT Force was to produce a more affordable range of mountain bikes while delivering a fun and predictable riding experience. There are some nice details on the Force; you may notice on the carbon-framed bikes that there is a groove on the downtube. This is to hide away the cables for the dropper seat post, derailleur and brakes. This keeps them safe but accessible for easy maintenance. The Force also has a threaded bottom bracket, to add to the easy to maintain and live-with nature of the bike.
Suspension Details
You will probably have seen the LTS (linkage tuned suspension) system on previous versions of the GT Force, but GT say that they have made some changes to it to accommodate the large wheel size options. It is a Horst linkage system that is actuated by a large rocker. This is quite a straight forward solution that you will see across the GT range.
Geometry
As you can probably guess, the 2020 GT Force has the modern geometry characteristics of being low and slack. The 29er does have quite a high standover height, though, which is something you will want to look at if you have little legs like me.
There is a flip-chip at the lower shock mount. This gives you 6mm of adjustment in the bottom bracket height and gives you a difference of half a degree on the head angle. The low setting is for increased stability and improved cornering. The high is for when you are hitting particularly technical terrain and huge jumps.
It is worth noting at this point that the geometry figures are not too different from the Santa Cruz Bronson and the Specialized Stumpjumper.
27.5" Wheeled Version
29" Wheeled Version
Ride Characteristics
At the time of writing, nobody has ridden 2020 GT Force yet. But, looking at the geometry figures, the component list and looking at last year’s version, we can get a good idea of how it will feel and behave. The linkage system, high-end drivetrain and fork and shocks available will mean it is an efficient climber. When it comes to descending, it will reward those that ride it fast. You will be able to plough through sections with big rocks and roots with a solid and sturdy feel.
The burly nature will suit some people’s tastes, but if you like a nimble, poppy feel to your mountain bike, this may not be the one for you. You may want to look at the Nukeproof Mega.
2020 GT Force Models
2020 GT Force AL Comp 27.5
Specifications
- Frame: Force Alloy 27.5” frame, 150mm Travel, BSA 73mm, LockR Pivots, Tapered Head Tube, Boost 12×148 Thru-Axle, 185x55mm Trunnion Shock Mount, ISCG05
- Fork: RockShox Lyrik Select RC, 160mm, Charger Damper, BOOST 15x110mm, tapered steerer, 46mm offset
- Headset: FSA NO.42, Semi Integrated, Sealed Bearing, Tapered
- Stem: GT Alloy Stem, 31.8mm Clamp, 45mm Length
- Handlebar: GT Alloy riser bar, 15mm rise, 780mm width
- Grips: GT Statement2 Double Lock-on Grips
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM NX
- Shifters: SRAM NX, 11-speed
- Brake System: Tektro M745 hydro disc, 203/180mm rotors
- Crankset: Prowheel, 30T, 170mm(S-L), 175mm(XL)
- Cassette: Sunrace, 11-42, 11-speed
- Chain: KMC X11, 11-speed
- Front Hub: Formula 15×110
- Rear Hub: Formula 12×148
- Rims: WTB ST i29 TCS 2.0, 32h, tubeless-ready
- Tyres: Schwalbe Hans Dampf Performance, 27.5 x 2.35″, TwinSkin, Addix Compound, tubeless-ready
- Saddle: WTB Silverado Sport, steel rails
- Seatpost: TranzX Dropper, 31.6, Internal Routing, 120mm (S,M), 150mm (L,XL)
2020 GT Force AL Comp 290
Specifications
| FRAME | All New Force Alloy 29” frame, 150mm travel, BSA 73mm, LockR Pivots, Tapered Head Tube, Boost 12×148 Thru-Axle, 185x55mm Trunnion Shock Mount, ISCG05 |
|---|---|
| FORK | Marzocchi Bomber Z1, 170mm, GRIP Damper, Gloss Red |
| REAR SHOCK | Fox Performance Float DPX2 185x55mm, 3Pos-Adj, Metric Trunnion |
| CHAIN | SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed |
| CRANK | SRAM SX Eagle, 30T, 170mm(S-L) 175mm(XL) |
| BOTTOM BRACKET | Truvativ Power Spline |
| PEDALS | Not Included |
| REAR DERAILLEUR | SRAM SX Eagle |
| SHIFTERS | SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed |
| COG SET | SRAM PG-1230, NX Eagle, 11-50, 12-speed |
| RIMS | WTB ST i29 TCS, 32h, tubeless ready |
| TIRES | Schwalbe Hans Dampf Performance, 29 x 2.35″, TwinSkin, Addix Compound, tubeless ready Schwalbe Hans Dampf Performance, 29 x 2.35″, TwinSkin, Addix Compound, tubeless ready |
| WHEELS SIZE | 29″ |
| FRONT HUB | Formula 15×110 |
| SPOKES | Stainless Steel, 14g |
| BRAKES | Tektro M745 hydro disc, 203/180mm rotors |
| FRONT BRAKE | Tektro M745 hydro disc, 203/180mm rotors |
| REAR BRAKE | Tektro M745 hydro disc, 203/180mm rotors |
| BRAKE LEVERS | Tektro M745 |
| HANDLEBAR | GT Alloy riser bar, 15mm rise, 780mm width |
| STEM | Alloy, 45mm |
| GRIPS | GT Statement2 Double Lock-on Grips |
| HEADSET | FSA NO.42, Semi Integrated, Sealed Bearing, Tapered |
| SADDLE | WTB Silverado Sport, steel rails |
| SEAT POST | TranzX Dropper, 31.6, Internal Routing, 120mm (S,M), 150mm (L,XL) |
2020 GT Force AL Elite 27.5
Specifications
- Frame: Force Alloy 27.5″ frame, 150mm Travel, BSA 73mm, LockR Pivots, Tapered Head Tube, Boost 12×148 Thru-Axle, 185x55mm Trunnion Shock Mount, ISCG05
- Fork: RockShox Lyrik Select RC, 160mm, Charger Damper, BOOST 15x110mm, tapered steerer, 46mm offset
- Headset: FSA NO.42, Semi Integrated, Sealed Bearing, Tapered
- Stem: GT Alloy Stem, 31.8mm Clamp, 45mm Length
- Handlebar: GT Alloy riser bar, 15mm rise, 780mm width
- Grips: GT Statement2 Double Lock-on Grips
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM SX Eagle
- Shifters: SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed
- Brake System: TRP Slate T4 hydro disc, 203/180mm rotors
- Crankset: Truvativ Descendent 6K, Dub, 32t, 170mm (S-L), 175mm (XL)
- Cassette: SRAM XG-1275, GX Eagle, 10-50, 12-speed
- Chain: SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed
- Front Hub: Formula 15×110
- Rear Hub: Formula 12 x 148 w/ HG driver 12×148
- Rims: WTB ST i29 TCS 2.0, 32h, tubeless-ready
- Tyres: Front: Schwalbe Hans Dampf Performance, 27.5 x 2.35″, TwinSkin, Addix Compound, tubeless-ready; Rear: Schwalbe Hans Dampf EVO, 27.5 x 2.35″, SnakeSkin, Addix Soft Compound, tubeless-ready
- Saddle: WTB Silverado Sport, steel rails
- Seatpost: TranzX Dropper, 31.6, Internal Routing, 120mm (S,M), 150mm (L,XL)
2020 GT Force AL Expert 29
Specifications
- Frame: All New Force Alloy 29” specific frame, 150mm rear wheel travel, alloy front and rear frame, Boost 148 thru-axle, LockR pivots, ISCG05 mounts, Metric Trunnion shock mount, coil shock compatible
- Forks: Fox Float Performance 36, 170mm, GRIP Damper, 3Pos, Kabolt, 44mm offset
- Rear Shock: Fox Performance Float DPX2 185x55mm, 3Pos-Adj, Metric Trunnion
- Headset: FSA NO.42, Semi Integrated, Sealed Bearing, Tapered
- Drivetrain: SRAM NX Eagle, 12-Speed
- Cassette: SRAM XG-1275, GX Eagle, 10-50T, 12-Speed
- Crankset: Truvativ Descendant 6K, Dub, 32T, OneUp Top Guide
- Brakes: TRP G-Spec Trail S hydro disc, 203/180mm rotors
- Handlebars: Spank Oozy 780 Trail, 30-degree rise, 780mm width
- Stem: Alloy, 45mm
- Saddle: Fabric Scoop Shallow, steel rails
- Seatpost: GT DropKick Dropper Post with lever, 31.6mm
- Rims: Stan’s NoTubes Flow S1, 32h, Tubeless Ready
- Hubs: Front: Formula Boost 15×110; Rear: Formula Boost 12×148
- Tyres: Front: Maxxis Minion DHF, 29 x 2.5”, 3C Compound, EXO+, Tubeless Ready; Rear: Maxxis Minion DHR II, 29 x 2.4”, 3C Compound, EXO+, Tubeless Ready
2020 GT Force Carbon Expert 27.5
Specifications
- Frame: Force Carbon 27.5″ frame, 150mm Travel, BSA 73mm, LockR Pivots, Tapered Head Tube, Boost 12×148 Thru-Axle, 185x55mm Trunnion Shock Mount, ISCG05
- Fork: Fox Float 36 Performance Elite, 160mm, GRIP2, Kabolt, tapered steerer, 44mm offset
- Headset: FSA NO.42, Semi Integrated, Sealed Bearing, Tapered
- Stem: Alloy, 45mm
- Handlebar: GT Alloy riser bar, 15mm rise, 780mm width
- Grips: GT Statement2 Double Lock-on Grips
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM GX Eagle
- Shifters: SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed
- Brake System: TRP G-Spec Trail S, hydro disc, 203/180mm rotors
- Crankset: Truvativ Descendent 6K, Dub, 32t, 170mm (S-L), 175mm (XL)
- Cassette: SRAM XG-1275, GX Eagle, 10-50, 12-speed
- Chain: SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed
- Front Hub: Formula 15×110
- Rear Hub: Formula 12×148
- Rims: Stan’s NoTubes Flow MK3, 32h, tubeless-ready
- Tyres: Front: Schwalbe Magic Mary Performance, 27.5 x 2.35″, TwinSkin, Addix Compound, tubeless-ready; Rear: Schwalbe Hans Dampf EVO, 27.5 x 2.35″, SnakeSkin, Addix Soft Compound, tubeless-ready
- Saddle: Fabric Scoop Shallow Sport, steel rails
- Seatpost: GT Dropkick Dropper Post, 31.6, Internal Routing, 125mm (S, M), 150mm (L, XL)
2020 GT Force Carbon Expert 27.5
Specifications
- Frame: All New Force Alloy 29 frame, 150mm travel, BSA 73mm, LockR Pivots, Tapered Head Tube, Boost 12×148 Thru-Axle, 185x55mm Trunnion Shock Mount, ISCG05
- Forks: Fox Float Performance Elite 36, 170mm, Grip2 Damper, 15x110mm, tapered steer, 44mm offset
- Rear Shock: Fox Float X2 Performance, 185x55mm, Metric Trunnion, 2Pos-Adj, Rebound and Compression Adjust
- Wheels: Stan’s No Tubes Flow MK3, 32h, tubeless-ready
- Drivetrain: SRAM GX Eagle 12-speed
- Cassette: SRAM XG-1275, GX Eagle, 10-50, 12-speed
- Crankset: SRAM Eagle, 30T
- Brakes: SRAM G2 RSC hydraulic disc brake
- Handlebars: Spank Oozy 780 Trail, 30mm rise, 780mm width
- Saddle: Fabric Scoop Shallow Elite, CrMo rails
- Seatpost: KS Lev Si dropper, Southpaw Lever, 31.6mm
- Tyres: Front: Maxxis Minion DHF, 29 x 2.5″, 3C Compound, EXO+, tubeless ready; Rear: Maxxis Minion DHR II, 29 x 2.4″, 3C Compound, EXO+, tubeless ready
2020GT Force Carbon Pro 27.5
Specifications
- Frame: Force Carbon 27.5″ frame, 150mm Travel, BSA 73mm, LockR Pivots, Tapered Head Tube, Boost 12×148 Thru-Axle, 185x55mm Trunnion Shock Mount, ISCG05
- Fork: Fox Factory 36, 160mm, GRIP2 Damper, Kabolt, tapered steerer, 44mm offset
- Rear Shock: Fox Float Factory X2, 185x55mm, Metric Trunnion, Air
- Headset: FSA NO.42, Semi Integrated, Sealed Bearing, Tapered
- Stem: Alloy, 45mm
- Handlebar: Spank Oozy 780 Trail, 30mm rise, 780mm width
- Grips: GT Statement2 Double Lock-on Grips
- Front Derailleur: N/A
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM GX Eagle
- Shifters: SRAM GX Eagle, 1×12
- Brake System: SRAM G2 RSC hydro disc, 200/180mm Centerline rotors
- Brake Levers: SRAM G2 RSC
- Crankset: Truvativ Descendent 6K, Dub, 32T
- Bottom Bracket: SRAM DUB BSA
- Cassette: SRAM XG-1295, X01 Eagle, 10-50, 12-speed
- Chain: SRAM GX Eagle, 12-speed
- Front Hub: Stan’s NoTubes Neo 15x110mm
- Rear Hub: Stan’s NoTubes Neo 12×148
- Rims: Stan’s NoTubes Flow MK3, 32h, tubeless ready
- Tyres: Schwalbe Magic Mary Performance, 27.5 x 2.35″, tubeless ready
- Spokes: Stainless Steel, 14g
- Saddle: Fabric Scoop Shallow Sport
- Seatpost: KS Lev Si dropper, Southpaw Lever, 31.6mm
What Do You Think Of The 2020 GT Force ?
Are you going to buy a 2020 GT Force? Have you got experience with this bike? If so I would really like to know what your experiences and thoughts are. Please leave your thoughts and questions in the comments section below.
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