GT bicycles: brand features, lineup and selection tips

All fans of such technology have heard something about the GT company, which produces bikes. But those who are not familiar with it in detail are unlikely to be able to correctly assess this manufacturer. You need to understand well what he is, what models he offers, and how to choose between them.

GT bicycles first hit the market in 1972. Over the years, the company has managed to become one of the leading bike suppliers in the United States. It has reached a very solid position in production:

• road;
• mountain;
• intended for the highway;
• a bicycle for women and children;
• BMX standard techniques.

The work of the enterprise began in 1972... At its origins was a resident of southern California, welder Gary Turner, who began by making the first sample just for his family. That very first BMX bike, made by Turner, had a lightweight chrome-molybdenum alloy frame. In terms of technological characteristics and strength / weight proportions, the original development turned out to be better than the branded bicycles made of steel of that time. The overall rise of the BMX sector as a sport has had a decisive influence on the success of the brand.

In 1974, GT frames caught the eye of bike shop owner Richard Long. The next year, the 2 founders agreed among themselves and began to supply bicycles for official sales. The brand got its name in honor of the first developer. Since entering the market, GT products have been considered the best in their category for about 20 years. And since 1988, success has immediately come in the creation of mountain bikes.

But no amount of technical success helped to avoid the processes taking place in the market. In 1998, GT Bicycles and Schwinn merge. However, after 3 years, the concern was declared bankrupt.Its assets are acquired by Pacific Cycle. But this company also could not withstand the intensity of the competition, and in 2004 it was absorbed by Dorel Industries.

From that moment on, we can say that Canada has become the producing country, and not the United States, as before. But you need to understand that physically, products are still produced in Southern California, and only the headquarters and financial flows have moved. GT products remain popular as they continue to be affordable. It should be noted that frames began to be made in Taiwan, while in the United States only the final assembly and manufacture of some other components takes place. GT bikes are also in demand by professional cyclists in various competitive disciplines.

The company created the main part of the technologies used now in 2001. Therefore, we can conclude that Cooperation with Pacific Cycle has been of significant benefit and has helped to strengthen the technical base. A characteristic feature of any bike of this brand is the so-called triple triangle. It was introduced not in order to make it more recognizable, as one might think, but to improve technical characteristics.

GT bikes are good:

• good quality of a well thought-out design;
• using reliable and proven brakes;
• ease of management;
• verified frame geometry.

Weaknesses (typical for some models):

• insufficiently perfect coloring;
• the appearance of "eights" at the wheels;
• too much conservatism in the formation of the frame (it may not change for many years);
• the use of sometimes excessively thin feathers.

It is quite justified to pay special attention to this particular segment in the classification. After all, GT has the bulk of its bicycles on mountain models.... These devices are designed for off-road and rough terrain.

The peculiarity of the mountain bike is:

• extra strong frame;
• thickened tires with a special protector;
• increased ground clearance;
• additional shock-absorbing elements.

Mountain bike from GT Bicycles is suitable for almost any kind of sport riding. This group includes models for entry-level riders. Despite the low suitability for particularly extreme conditions, they are distinguished by great technical perfection, since they are made according to the proprietary concept of the "triple triangle". But there are also versions of mountain bikes with additional options:

• blocking at a distance;
• optimization of rebound and preload;
• air spring.

The company also makes hardtails (a type of bike without rear suspension). Such solutions allow you to save on purchase and facilitate transport compared to two-suspended models. Both rigid and shock-absorbing forks are allowed. The hardtail design is used not only on mountain, but also on tourist versions, as well as on hybrid two-wheeled vehicles.

Road subtype, how easy it is to understand adapted for fast travels on a well-equipped road. This task is achieved by using relatively narrow, but mechanically strong wheels. On them it is not difficult to rush far and at the same time develop high speed. It is definitely worth noting that amortization is not provided on road modifications. Racing is designed for even higher speeds that can only be developed on specially prepared and designed tracks.

But a sports bike can also be created for triathlon training. In this case, it is distinguished by its increased speed and excellent aerodynamic characteristics.The design of the bike for trial and freestyle is optimized based on the performance of various tricks and sharp maneuvers.

The country bikes, which GT also eagerly supply, can tackle a wide variety of obstacles. Even those borrowed from downhill and other types of sports races; There are, of course, the usual versions for driving along city streets in the line.

A bicycle designed for children may have almost no differences from an adult, with the exception of dimensions and weight. This is not surprising, because the main feature is the ability to use the bike even for those who do not have too much physical strength. But there are also designs that differ quite strongly from adult samples. The bike for the youngest children only travels at one speed.

He obviously does not need a complex multifunctional transmission.... Tubeless tires are widely used. Products designed for the age of 3-6 years are usually equipped with side wheels. They are used only until the child has mastered confident driving.

The Avalanche Sport is the very first version that should be taken apart carefully. The designers have tried to provide confidence and ride comfort in all conditions. The sturdy 27.5-inch propellers are wrapped in powerful roll-on tires. Therefore, you can move fast enough. Deliberately used forks with shock absorption and disc brakes on a hydraulic basis.

The Avalanche Sport product is designed for use by both men and women. The frame is made of aluminum and the pipes are hydraulically formed. The stern switch holder is replaceable. The head tube is optimized for 27.5-inch wheels, no other propellers can be used.

For the manufacture of the carriage, closed industrial-grade bearings were used. The fork is locked mechanically. Its travel is 0.1m. Shimano derailleurs and Sunrise cassette work excellently. The designers provided for the use of brass nipples and rotary brakes with a travel of 0.16 m.

As an alternative, you can consider the bike of the series Zaskar. Among them is the 9R CARBON EXPERT modification. These are solid and well-proven hardtails. As the name suggests, the frame is made entirely of carbon fiber. The material is processed according to the proprietary F. O. C technology; the use of dropouts for through axles is envisaged, which makes it possible to increase the rigidity of the structure.

The modification appeared in 2019, with the head tube meeting the 1.125-1.5-inch standard. The needles are made of stainless steel. Aluminum 6061 is used to obtain the seatpost. The cone-type steering column is not satisfactory. Brakes and brake levers are manufactured by SRAM. The standard wheel size is 29 inches. Rigid suspension type, without the slightest move.

The Zaskar Elite also deserves attention. This is also a hardtail with a double butted frame. The production process uses Speed ​​Metal technology to provide the lightness you need for racing - and last but not least, risk-free. The brake is mounted using the Post Mount method. Bottom bracket assembly, rudder tube and dropouts are forged. The rear shock absorber fork has a travel of 0.1 m with an axle of 0.015x0.11 m. Compression can be adjusted up to the moment of blocking. Tapered stem is provided.

Shows itself well and the hardtail Labomba. The model is presented in 2019. It is made of aluminum tubes based on alloy 6061. Both the rebound and the preload can be adjusted at the fork; its stroke is 0.1 m with an axis size of 0.02x0.1 m. The European standard carriage is distinguished by a closed bearing. The pedals have a plastic housing.

The 10T cassette is a one-piece driver format. The double rim is made of aluminum. Levers and stern switch are not provided; the spokes are formed from a stainless steel alloy. 26 "tires are 2.2" wide. Both bushings used sealed bearings. The suspension is rigid.

The next model on the list is Aggressor Comp. This is also an entry-class hardtail designed for ordinary consumers. There are male and female versions, and both options are designed for driving on a good road or on a weak off-road. The bike is equipped with a spring-oil fork with a travel of 0.08 m. On one of the modifications of this series, a travel lock was provided.

By default, a steering column is used without threads and without integration into the rest of the structure. The steering wheel was butted twice. The drivetrain is designed for 24 gears, the convenience of shifting between which is guaranteed by Shimano parts. Disc brakes can be either mechanically or hydraulically driven.

If you need a hardtail mountain bike, you can also pay attention to the GT Palomar Al. On such a bike it is easy to ride both in the park and along the city street. It is as if it was created for a leisurely, thoughtful movement. However, the 27.5-inch wheels are capable of forcing quite significant barriers as well.

Experts sometimes think that the GT Transeo is not a pure mountain bike, but a kind of hybrid bike.... The brand description shows that this version is also made in the "triple triangle" format. The front fork travels up to 0.075 m. The drivetrain is designed for 24 speeds, and shifting between them is provided by Shimano components. Wheel size is 28 inches. They are complemented by paired Al-based rims.

The GT Pantera series is at the middle level of performance, the main parameters of which are shown in the table below.

At the semi-professional level is the model GT Sensor. This is a full suspension mountain bike that will suit both advanced cycling enthusiasts and those who simply intend to ride in comfort. The steering column is integrated. A switch of Japanese origin allows you to set 20 different speeds.

And here Karakoram - a hardtail, the creators of which tried to achieve optimal suitability for active trips around the city, and for phlegmatic skiing, and for all-mountain sports. The main parameters of the product are as follows:

• wheels 29 inches with twin aluminum rims;
• front fork Suntour with 0.1 m travel;
• steering column without thread;
• hydraulic disc brakes.

But if it is convenient to start training in the spirit of all-mountain on Karakoram, then The 10 or 11 speed GT Force is much better suited for advanced athletes. The brake rotors reach 0.203 m at the front and 0.18 m at the rear. RockShox suspensions are standard. The more advanced version has a Fox Racing shock at the rear.

The GT Slammer is a decent BMX bike. With its help, it is easy and pleasant to ride both along the city streets and on specially designated areas, as well as to practice stunt riding. The branded description notes that the two-wheeled bike has a frame with a reinforced front tube. Wheels with a diameter of 20 inches are equipped with single rims made of aluminum.

If you need to choose a single-speed bike for an extreme, definitely the best option would be Mach One.

The line of this manufacturer also found a place for road bicycles. So, The GTS is designed for beginners... At the same time, it allows you to drive quickly and / or for a long time on a regular flat road. The transmission can be designed for 16 or 18 speeds. The front fork is made of carbon fiber and the steering column is integrated into the ram horn style handlebars. Wheel size 28 inches.

Grade stands out as a versatile road bike. The manufacturer positions this model as suitable for the average city dweller. But if desired, professional athletes can also train on it. The frame is made by smoothing the seams as much as possible. The front fork is made of either aluminum or carbon.

Laguna opens the women's bicycles section and closes it. By design, the model belongs to the hardtail group and is categorically unsuitable for overcoming any difficult terrain. The product is equipped with a spring-oil fork and a steering column without a thread. The basic kit includes 26-inch wheels.

The American-Canadian firm also remembers the children's segment. The products of this series are distinguished by their lighter weight than usual, and they try to set the frame as low as possible.

Option Vamoose will suit those who need a pedal bike for users from 1 to 5 years old. Wheels with a diameter of 12 inches have single rims made of aluminum. For older ages, up to adolescence, use Grunge (Siren). A good option for a child or teenage hardtail can be Stomper, which has a rigid or shock-absorbing front fork.

Aggressor Expert is a model introduced in 2018. Despite the "threatening" name, it is difficult to find a version more favorable for the novice rider. Let these devices not allow you to come to new records, but they provide undoubted cheerfulness and a pleasant mood. For the manufacture of the structure, pipes based on the 6061-T6 alloy were used. The head tube diameter is 1.125 inches. The fork travel is 0.08 m, and it can be locked with a disc brake.

The Avalanche Elite is another attractive bike. Some experts distinguish it into a special branch called "trail bike". The design was first presented in 2019. During its creation, pipes made of alloy 6061-T6 were deliberately used. The fork travel is up to 0.1 m, rebound regulation and fork blocking are provided.

The carriage is made with a cartridge-type bearing. Both derailleurs and brakes are purchased from Shimano, with the front derailleur complemented by a 0.0349 m clip. The double rim is adapted for tubeless use. The WTB Silverado Sport seat is fitted as standard. The wheel circumference is 27.5 inches. The cone-type steering column is partially integrated.

As you can see, the range of products from the GT brand is very large. But choosing the right modification is not as difficult as it seems. When getting acquainted with the proposal, one should pay attention not only to the general name, but also to the so-called model year. Even if the model is named the same, but released in different years, it may differ:

• by color;
• on technical equipment;
• by type of brakes and other details.

Moreover, the newer the device, the more expensive it is, even if the equipment has been reduced. The next step is to evaluate the bike type. Posh models for BMX are completely redundant on the city street, and not every road bike can perform at least 40% of the tricks when performing on the velodrome track. A mountain bike, also known as a mountain bike, should be purchased when it is firmly planned to ride off-road. At the same time, it is also acceptable for ordinary city traffic.

Power transmission by means of a chain is a classic option. However, nowadays more and more bicycles with a belt drive are found. It makes the most sense on a foldable city bike. Lightweight and flexible design does not require lubrication. However, the belt is less reliable than the chain - and the difference is especially large under increased load.

Anyway the less weight, the more practical the bike. This rule is equally true in the city, and in the mountains, and in the forest, and even on the tracks.For a hardtail, the limit is 13.5 kg, and for a city bike, this figure is 15 kg. But the more experienced cyclists are not guided by general numbers, but by personal needs.

It is useful to take a closer look at the opinions of GT bike owners. The “expert” version of the Aggressor bike attracts attention not only by its appearance, but also by its attractive technical characteristics. The aluminum frame ensures optimum lightness. The saddle, due to its sporty style, is a little stiff, but relatively comfortable.

Karakoram has proven itself from the very best side and can be operated without any problems for 3-4 years. At the same time, the bike is not difficult to modernize and upgrade, which is what any experienced cyclist can do. The product performs equally well on asphalt roads, and on concrete, and on dry ground.

Avalanche Elite works stably even when 4-7 thousand kilometers are driven on it during the season.

The air fork performs excellently even on very harsh roads. The appearance exceeds all expectations. The product fully justifies its cost. It is pleasant to ride a bike both on solid asphalt and on obviously uneven ground. The design is praised for its build quality and relatively low weight.

For an overview of the GT Avalanche Elite bike, see the next video.