GT Mountain Bikes: My Breakdown of The 2020 Range
GT mountain bikes are really popular for a good reason. Their bikes are designed to be fun and durable with continuous innovation every season. In this post, I breakdown the range to help you decide which bike is for you.
GT is a brand from California and they have come a long way since they started with BMX bikes in the ’70s. They began with the notion of providing innovative bike frames to allow riders to push the boundaries of cycling. GT mountain bikes appeared in the late ’80s and sprouted suspension in the ’90s. They continue to innovate and push the boundaries; this keeps them at the forefront of mountain bike technology.
The GT Aggressor is the entry-level hardtail. It is the type of bike that will be fine to ride on the trails, but also as a commuter bike. It is designed for everyday recreational use. If you are planning on being ambitious with your riding, you may want to spend more money if you can. However, this is a fun and durable bike that should last you a while as long as you don’t try to throw it down mountains.
The specification is decent enough for a bike of this type, but you may find that the fork of low quality if you ride bumpy terrain regularly.
There are three versions of this bike:
- Sport
- Comp
- Expert
If you have your heart set on a GT Aggressor, I recommend going for the higher-spec expert. It isn’t that much more expensive but has better components. This means it will be more reliable and ride better.
One of the things I like about the 2020 GT Aggressor, is that you can specify your wheel size when you buy. It comes with either 27.5″ or 29″ wheels. The smaller wheel size will make the bike feel more agile in the corners but the 29″ will ride over bumps easier, which will give you a faster straight-line speed.
Specifications (GT Sport)
- Frame: All new 6061 T6 Aluminium, triple triangle with floating seat stays, forged drop-outs with disc brake mounts, zero stack 1 1/8″ head tube, 27.5/29″ wheels
- Fork: SR Suntour M3030, 75mm, coil
- Stem: 6061 Alloy, 31.8mm clamp, 8°, 90mm
- Handlebar: GT All Terra Alloy riser, 25mm rise, 8° sweep, 6° rise
- Front Derailleur: Shimano Tourney, 31.8mm clamp
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Tourney
- Shifters: Shimano EZ Fire EF41
- Brakes: Cable actuated mechanical disc, 160/160mm rotors
- Crankset: All Terra, 42/34/24T
- Cassette: Sunrace, 14-34T
- Chain: KMC Z51, 7 speed
- Tyre: WTB Ranger Comp, 27.5/29×2.25″, DNA compound
- Rims: WTB SX19, 32h
- Front Hub: Sealed Alloy disc, QR
- Rear Hub: Sealed Alloy disc, QR
- Saddle: GT MTB
- Seatpost: Alloy Micro Adjust 27.2x300mm
Who is it For?
The GT Aggressor is a nice bike for the price. It will suit those that want a bike that wants to be able to commute, ride light off-road trails and have fun on. As long as you don’t ride anything too crazy, the GT Aggressor is a good value, entry-level hardtail bike.
GT Avalanche
The GT Avalanche is a step up from the Aggressor. This is a much more capable bike as it has more travel on the fork. The design is biased more towards off-road riding and is more rugged. Although it is more capable (as you can see from the video below), it still isn’t the type of bike that you would want to tackle big alpine descents. It is a great bike, but you just need to be realistic about its capabilities.
The frame is designed to be very stiff. This adds to the fun factor, as it makes it responsive and easier to change direction. The Avalanche is at home whipping around forest trails and mild off-road routes.
There are four versions of the GT Avalanche:
- Sport
- Comp
- Elite
- Expert
The Sport bing the lowest specced bike and the Expert being the highest. The Expert has some high-end components that are more durable and will make your ride more fun. For example, it has the SRAM Eagle drivetrain. This will make pedalling uphill much easier, thanks to its large 50 tooth gear. If you can afford it, go for this version.
Again, this bike comes with the choice of 27.5″ and 29″ wheels. If you are planning on riding more technical terrain, selecting a 29er might be your best bet, as it will roll smoother over the bumps.
Specifications (Sport)
- Frame: 6061 T6 aluminium Frame, Triple Triangle™, replaceable derailleur hanger, disc brake mounts, and Zerostack tapered 1 1/8-1 1/2” head tube, 27.5/29 design
- Forks: SR Suntour XCT-DS, 100mm, hydraulic lockout, Coil
- Rims: WTB ST i19 double wall
- Hubs: Formula QR front and rear
- Spokes: Stainless Steel, 14g
- Tyres: WTB Transition, 27.5/29×2.25″
- Pedals: GT Slim Line flat
- Chainset: All Terra, 44/32/22T
- Bottom Bracket: Cartridge sealed
- Chain: KMC Z99, 9-speed
- Cassette: Shimano Alivio, 11-34T, 9 speed
- Front Derailleur: Shimano Altus, 34.9 clamp
- Rear Derailleur: Shimano Alivio
- Shifters: Shimano Altus, 3×9
- Handlebar: GT All Terra Alloy Riser, 25mm rise, 8° sweep, 6° rise, 720mm
- Grips: GT Statement logo grips
- Stem: All Terra Alloy 1 1/8” Threadless, 4-Bolt W/ CNC Face Plate, 31.8, 8°
- Headset: Semi Integrated, Sealed cartridge, Tapered
- Brakes: Tektro disc, 27.2x300mm rotorsrotors
- Brake Levers: Tektro disc
- Saddle: All Terra MTB
- Seatpost: All Terra micro adjust, 6061 Alloy, 30.9x350mm
Who is it For?
The GT Avalanche is for those that want a more capable bike than the Aggressor and don’t mind spending a little more. If your local off-road terrain requires something a more rugged and you like your bike to be more responsive, the GT Avalanche is a good option.
GT La Bomba
If jumping is your thing, you should check out the GT La Bomba. This bike is designed for dirt jumping, so it is lightweight and super tough.
The frame is made from high-end aluminium to withstand the impacts associated with dirt jumping. The Manitou Circus Expert fork helps absorb the shock from the hardest of landings.
Its geometry gives you the confidence to go big in the air and fast in the pump track.
Specifications
- Frame: GT Dirt Jump 6061 Aluminium, Euro BB, disc brake mount, Integrated 1-1/8″-1.5″ Taper H/T, 15mm horizontal adjustable dropout w/ Integrated chain tensioners
- Fork: Manitou Circus Expert, coil w/ rebound adjust, 20mm thru-axle dropout, 1-1/8″-1.5″ taper AL steerer, pre-load adjuster
- Rims: Alloy double wall, 32h
- Hubs: Front: Alloy disc body, Sealed Bearings, 32 hole, 3/8″ x 17mm female bolt; Rear: Alloy disc body, 5pcs sealed bearings, 3/8″ x 17mm female bolt, 10T cassette, 32 hole
- Spokes: Stainless Steel, 14g
- Pedals: GT Low Profile large size platform design, PP material, Boron axle
- Crank: GT Power Series seamless tubular CrMo 2Pc., 170mm arms, Cold Forged CrMo 19mm x 48T Spline spindle, 25T GT 5mm AL chain wheel
- Bottom Bracket: Euro sealed bearing
- Chain: KMC HL1 Half Link
- Handlebar: Spank Spoon 785, Alloy 31.8mm, 60mm Rise, 10-degree back, 4-degree up, 785mm width
- Grips: GT Super Soft 155mm single compound w/ GT removable plug
- Stem: GT Jumper 35mm Reach
- Headset: 1-1/8″-1.5″ Threadless, Steel, hollow compression nut
- Brakes: Promax hydro disc, 160/160mm rotors
- Brake Levers: Promax single finger hydro
- Saddle: GT Pivotal Slim padded
- Seatpost: Alloy Pivotal 27.2 x 200mm
- Extras: 10mm Steel axle adaptors
- Front Tyre: GT LP-5, 26 x 2.2″
- Rear Tyre: GT LP-5, 26 x 2.2″
Who is it For?
This is a good bike for those that are established dirt jumpers or riders wanting to get into the sport. It is super tough and reliable, which is essential when your bike takes so much punishment.
GT Zaskar
The GT Zaskar is a proper mountain bike. This is a really popular hardtail, as it is so versatile. It is a great bike for cross country rides, but it is also a perfect trail bike. This is thanks to the frame design. It is super stiff and durable, making it fun and rugged enough for the majority of riders.
The GT Zaskar comes in three different versions:
- AL Comp
- AL Elite
- Carbon Comp
The AL means that bike has an aluminium frame. As you can see, there are two versions of the aluminium bike, which are both specced pretty well. The Elite version has higher-end components, such as the drivetrain, fork and brakes.
The carbon version is lighter but isn’t yet available with those higher-end components (not that there is anything wrong with the ones it has).
Specifications (Comp)
- Frame: Zaskar Alloy, triple triangle construction featuring floating seatstays, BSA 73mm, boost 12x148mm thru-axle, tapered head tube
- Fork: RockShox Reba RL remote, 100mm, motion control, 15x110mm, tapered steerer, 51mm offset
- Stem: GT All Terra, 3D Forged Alloy, 31.8mm clamp, 7°, 80mm
- Handlebar: Spank Oozy 780 Trail, 30mm rise, 780mm width
- Shifters: SRAM NX Eagle
- Brakes: SRAM Level T hydraulic disc brakes, 160/160mm Centerline rotors
- Crankset: SRAM NX Eagle DUB, 34T
- Cassette: SRAM PG-1230, NX Eagle, 11-50T
- Front Derailleur: N/A
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM NX Eagle
- Chain: SRAM NX Eagle, 12 speed
- Tyres: Vittoria Barzo, 27.5/29×2.25″, wire bead
- Rims: WTB ST i21 TCS, 32h, tubeless ready
- Front Hub: Formula 15x110mm
- Rear Hub: Formula 12x148mm
- Saddle: WTB Silverado Sport, Steel rails
- Seatpost: All Terra micro adjust, 6061 Alloy, 30.9x350mm
Who is it For?
The GT Zaskar is for riders that want a proper mountain bike to take on tougher trails, but doesn’t want or need a full suspension mountain bike.
GT Sensor
The Sensor is where we start to get full suspension in the GT range. To some, this may look expensive, but this is actually really good value for money for a bike of this type. This is a 29″ wheeled bike that is designed for aggressive trail riding. This means that it will be super fast in a straight line. However, previous versions have been a bit awkward when it comes to tight corners, thanks to the high bottom bracket.
The suspension lockout can be used to stiffen up the back end to stop it bobbing about while climbing. Climbing is made even easier with the SRAM Eagle drivetrain too.
There are five different versions of the GT Sensor:
- AL Sport
- AL Comp
- Carbon Elite
- Carbon Expert
- Carbon Pro
The video below gives you an idea of what to expect from the Sensor. However, the specifications are different on the 2020 GT mountain bikes; also the bike in the video has had some upgrades.
Specifications
- Frame: Sensor Alloy 29″ frame, 130mm travel, BSA 73mm, LockR pivots, tapered head tube, boost 12×148 thru-axle, 185x50mm Trunnion shock mount, ISCG05
- Fork: RockShox Recon RL, 140mm, DebonAir, 15x110mm, tapered steerer, 42mm offset
- Stem: GT All Terra 3D forged Alloy, 31.8, 6°
- Handlebar: GT Alloy riser bar, 15mm rise, 780mm width
- Front Derailleur: N/A
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM SX Eagle
- Shifters: SRAM SX Eagle, 12 speed
- Brakes: Tektro M285 hydraulic disc brakes, 180/180mm rotors
- Crankset: SRAM SX Eagle, 30T, 170mm(S-L), 175mm(XL)
- Cassette: SRAM SX Eagle, 11-50T
- Chain: SRAM SX Eagle
- Tyres: WTB Ranger Comp, 29 x 2.25″, DNA compound
- Rims: Alex MD27, 32h, tubeless ready
- Front Hub: Formula 15x110mm
- Rear Hub: Formula 12x148mm with HG driver 12x148mm
- Saddle: WTB Silverado Sport, Steel rails
- Seatpost: All Terra 2-bolt, 34.9x400mm
Who is it For?
The GT Sensor is for someone that wants a great value for money full suspension bike. The lower specced bikes would be great first full sussers for riders that are “graduating” beyond a their hardtail or want to take on more technical terrain. The higher end versions are for those that ride reasonably technical trails often that want a fun and capable bike to play with.
GT Force
The GT Force is a versatile enduro bike. This bike is intended for big mountain riding, but will also feel at home in the bike park. Therefore, it is built so the rider can have as much fun as possible anywhere.
The GT force offers a great balance between climbing ability and downhill prowess. This is thanks to its modern geometry and high-end components.
There are 27.5″ and 29″ wheeled versions of this bike, so make sure you choose the right wheel size for you. You also get to choose between aluminium and carbon frame materials. The currently available bikes for 2020 are as follows:
- Force AL Comp 27.5
- Force AL Elite 29
- Force AL Elite 27.5
- Force AL Expert 29
- Force Carbon Expert 27.5
- Force Carbon Pro
These all have great specifications, but which one you choose will depend on your budget. Obviously, the more expensive ones have a better spec, making the bike more durable and fun to ride.
Specifications (Elite 27.5)
| SIZES | XS, S, M, L |
|---|---|
| MODEL CODE | G23300M |
| 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 |
| REAR SHOCK | RockShox Super Deluxe Coil Select R, Coil, 185x55mm, Metric Trunnion |
| CHAIN | SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed |
| CRANK | Truvativ Descendent 6K, Dub, 32t, 170mm (S-L), 175mm (XL) |
| BOTTOM BRACKET | SRAM DUB BSA |
| PEDALS | Not Included |
| REAR DERAILLEUR | SRAM SX Eagle |
| SHIFTERS | SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed |
| COG SET | SRAM XG-1275, GX Eagle, 10-50, 12-speed |
| RIMS | WTB ST i29 TCS 2.0, 32h, tubeless ready |
| TIRES | Schwalbe Hans Dampf Performance, 27.5 x 2.35″, TwinSkin, Addix Compound, tubeless ready Schwalbe Hans Dampf EVO, 27.5 x 2.35″, SnakeSkin, Addix Soft Compound, tubeless ready |
| WHEELS SIZE | 27.5″ |
| FRONT HUB | Formula 15×110 |
| SPOKES | Stainless Steel, 14g |
| BRAKES | TRP Slate T4 hydro disc, 203/180mm rotors |
| FRONT BRAKE | TRP Slate T4 hydro disc, 203/180mm rotors |
| REAR BRAKE | TRP Slate T4 hydro disc, 203/180mm rotors |
| BRAKE LEVERS | TRP Slate T4 |
| HANDLEBAR | GT Alloy riser bar, 15mm rise, 780mm width |
| STEM | GT Alloy Stem, 31.8mm Clamp, 45mm Length |
| 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) |
Who is it For?
The GT Force is for those that ride technical terrain often. It is an around bike that is tough enough to take on big alpine trails, steep descents and all day rides.
GT Fury
If charging down a mountain as fast as possible appeals to you, the GT Fury is worth a look at. This is up there with the best downhill mountain bikes in the world. The RockShox Boxxer fork and Super Deluxe coil shock are there to absorb the hardest of landings and biggest rocks and roots.
The GT Fury comes in two different versions for 2020:
- Fury Pro 29
- Expert 27.5
The one you choose will depend on your choice of wheel size, as they both have carbon frames.
Specifications (Expert 29)
- Frame: LTS Downhill Design, New for 19, FOC Carbon 29″ Frame, 200mm Travel w/Forged Linkage, Pivots, 1.5″ Head Tube, and 12 x 148mm Thru Axle Dropouts
- Fork: RockShox Boxxer RC 29, 200/190mm, adjustable rebound and compression, 20x110mm Boost Thru Axle
- Rear Shock: RockShox Super Deluxe Coil RC, 225×75 Metric Trunnion, Adjustable Rebound and Compression
- Chain: SRAM PC-1110, 11-speed
- Chainset: Truvativ Descendant DH, 36T
- Bottom Bracket: SRAM GXP 83mm
- Rear Derailleur: SRAM GX DH Mid Cage
- Shifters: SRAM GX DH Trigger, Right Side Only
- Cassette: SRAM PG 720, 11-25, 7-speed DH
- Rims: DT Swiss E 512, 32h
- Tyres: Maxxis Minion DHF 29″ x 2.5″, 3C Compound, DH Casing
- Hubs: Front: All Terra Alloy Sealed Bearing 6-bolt disc 20x110mm thru axle Boost DH; Rear: All Terra Alloy 6-bolt Disc 12x148mm
- Spokes: DT Swiss Alpine II, 2.3/2.0 Stainless
- Brakes: SRAM Code R hydro disc, 200/200mm Centerline Rotors
- Brake Levers: SRAM Code R hydro disc
- Handlebar: SPANK Spoon 785, 20mm Rise, 31.8mm Clamp
- Stem: SPANK Spike 25/30 DM Stem, 31.8mm Clamp
- Grips: GT Statement2 Double Lock-on Grips
- Headset: GT Fury External/internal Headset, 1.5″ to 1-1/8″ Reducer, Alloy Cups w/ Sealed Bearings
- Saddle: Fabric Scoop Shallow Elite, CrMo rails
- Seatpost: SPANK 2-bolt, 31.6mm
- Additional Extras: Downtube Protector, Custom e.thirteen Chainguide
Who is it For?
This big bike is for those that have access to uplifts or a ski lift system. Downhill bikes are made to go fast downhill as fast as possible and this is a great one.
Which of these GT Mountain Bikes is calling out to you?
GT mountain bikes are up there with the best in the world. They tend to be great value for money as they handle and ride better than some bikes that are way more expensive. This is thanks to their design and geometry. Which one are you buying? Please let me know your thoughts and questions in the comments section below.
