GT bikes: brand features, product line and selection tips

About the GT company that produces bikes, at least something was heard by all lovers of such a technique. But those who are not objectively familiar with it are unlikely to be able to correctly evaluate this manufacturer. You need to understand well what it is, what models it offers, and how to choose between them.

GT bikes first hit the market in 1972. Over the past time, the company has managed to become one of the leading bike suppliers in the United States. She achieved a very solid position in production:

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

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 model just for his family. The very first BMX bike made by Turner had a lightweight chrome-molybdenum alloy frame. By technological characteristics and strength / mass proportions, the original development turned out to be better than branded bicycles made of steel of that time. A decisive influence on the success of the brand was the overall rise of the BMX sector as a sport.

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

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

From this moment it can be said that Canada became the producer country, and not the USA, as before. But we must understand that physically the products are still produced in Southern California, and only the headquarters and financial flows have moved. GT products remain popular because they are still priced at affordable prices. It should be noted that the frames began to be made in Taiwan, and 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 bulk of the technologies currently in use in 2001. Therefore, we can conclude that Interaction with Pacific Cycle has brought significant benefits and helped strengthen the technical base. A characteristic feature of any bike of this brand is the so-called triple triangle. It was introduced not for the purposes of greater recognition, as one might think, but to improve the technical characteristics.

GT bikes are good:

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

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.

To pay increased attention to this particular segment in the classification is justified. After all, the GT most of the bikes are in mountain. These devices are designed to travel outside the equipped roads and in rough terrain.

Feature of a mountain bike are:

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

The GT Bicycles mountain bike is suitable for almost any kind of sporting event. Among this group, there are models for entry-level riders. Despite their low suitability for particularly extreme conditions, they are distinguished by great technical perfection, since they are made according to the proprietary concept of a “triangular triangle”. But there are versions of mountain bikes with additional options:

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

The company also produces hardtail (type of bike, devoid of rear suspension). Such solutions save on purchases and facilitate transport compared to double-suspension models. Both rigid and shock-absorbing forks are allowed. The hardtail design is used not only in the mountain, but also in the tourist versions, as well as in a hybrid two-wheeled vehicle.

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

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

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

A bicycle intended for children can 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 a lot from adult samples. Bicycles for the youngest children ride at only one speed.

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

Avalanche Sport is the very first version that should be taken apart carefully. The designers tried to provide confidence and comfort when driving in any conditions. Strong propulsors with a cross section of 27.5 inches are wrapped in tires with a powerful knurling. Therefore, you can move fast enough. A fork with shock absorption and hydraulic disc brakes have been deliberately used.

Avalanche Sport is designed for use by both men and women. The frame is made of aluminum, the pipes are hydroformed. The stern switch holder can be replaced. The size of the steering glass is optimized for 27.5-inch wheels, other propulsors cannot be used.

For the manufacture of carriages, industrial-grade sealed bearings were used. Locking the plug is achieved mechanically. Its stroke is 0.1 m. The switches from Shimano and the Sunrise cassette work perfectly. The designers provided for the use of brass nipples and rotor brakes with a stroke of 0.16 m.

As an alternative, you can consider the bike series Zaskar. Among it, the modification 9R CARBON EXPERT draws attention. These are solid and well-established hardtail. As it is easy to understand by name, the frame is completely made of carbon fiber. The material is processed according to proprietary technology F. O. C; the use of dropouts for through axles is provided, which allows to increase the rigidity of the structure.

The modification appeared in 2019, and the steering glass meets the standard of 1.125-1.5 inches. Knitting needles are made of stainless steel. To obtain the seatpost, aluminum grade 6061 is used. The cone-type steering column is not satisfactory. Brakes and brake levers are available at SRAM factories. Standard wheel size is 29 inches. Suspension of a rigid type, without the slightest stroke.

Zaskar Elite deserves attention. This is also a hardtail with a double butted frame. In the production process, Speed ​​Metal technology is used, which allows you to provide the ease necessary for racing - and most importantly, without any risk. The brake is mounted using the Post Mount method. The carriage assembly, steering tube and dropouts are made by forging. The fork of the rear shock absorber has a stroke of 0.1 m with an axis of 0.015x0.11 m. Until the moment of blocking, compression can be adjusted. Cone stock provided.

It shows itself and hardtail Labomba. The model is presented in 2019. It is made of aluminum pipes based on alloy 6061. Both the rebound and the preload can be adjusted on the plug; its stroke is 0.1 m with an axis size of 0.02 x 0.1 m. The European standard carriage has a sealed bearing. The pedals have a plastic case.

Cassette type 10T refers to the format of "one-piece driver." The double rim is made of aluminum. Shifters and aft switch are not provided; spokes are formed from stainless steel alloy. The width of the 26-inch tires is 2.2 inches. Both bushings used sealed bearings. The suspension is made on a rigid type.

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

The default steering column is without thread and without integration into the rest of the structure. The steering wheel was butted twice. The transmission is designed for 24 gears, the convenience of switching between which is guaranteed by Shimano parts. Disc brakes can have both mechanical and hydraulic drives.

If you need a mountain bike such as a hardtail, you can pay attention to the GT Palomar Al. On such a bike, it is easy to drive through the park and along a city street. It is as if created for a leisurely, thoughtful movement. However, wheels with a diameter of 27.5 inches can also force quite substantial barriers.

Experts sometimes believe that the GT Transeo is not a clean mountain bike, but a kind of hybrid bike. The company description shows that this version is also made in the format of a “triangular triangle”. The front fork travels to 0.075 m. The transmission is designed for 24 speeds, and switching between them is provided by accessories from Shimano. Wheel size - 28 inches. They are complemented by Al-based paired rims.

At an average level of performance is the GT Pantera series, the main parameters of which are shown in the table below.

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

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

• 29-inch wheels with a pair of aluminum rims;
• Suntour front fork with a stroke of 0.1 m;
• steering column without thread;
• hydraulic traction disc brakes.

But if it’s convenient to start all-mountain training at Karakoram, then GT Force with 10 or 11 speeds is much better for advanced athletes. The front brake rotors reach 0.203 m and the rear 0.18 m. The basic equipment is equipped with RockShox suspensions. In a more advanced version, a Fox Racing shock absorber is mounted at the rear.

GT Slammer is a worthy BMX bike. With its help it is easy and pleasant to ride both on the streets of the city, and on specially designated areas, as well as engage in stunt riding. In the company description, it is noted that the two-wheeled bicycle has a frame with a reinforced front tube. Wheels with a diameter of 20 inches were equipped with single rims of aluminum.

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

In the line of this manufacturer there was a place for road bikes. So, GTS is designed for entry level skiing. At the same time, it allows you to quickly and / or long ride on a regular flat road. The transmission can be rated at 16 or 18 speeds. The front fork is made of carbon fiber, and the steering column is integrated into the steering wheel of the form “ram's horns”. Wheel dimension 28 inches.

As a universal road bike stands Grade. The manufacturer positions this model as suitable for the ordinary city dweller. But if desired, professional athletes can also train on it. They make the frame, maximally smoothing the seams. The front fork is made of aluminum or carbon fiber.

Laguna opens a section of women's bicycles and closes it. By execution, 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 thread. The basic kit includes 26-inch wheels.

The American-Canadian company also remembers about the children's segment. Products in this series are less weight than usual, and they try to set the frame as low as possible.

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

Aggressor Expert is a model introduced in 2018. Despite the “threatening” name, it is difficult to find a more favorable version for the novice rider. Although these devices will not allow you to come to new records, but they provide undoubted vivacity and a pleasant mood. For the manufacture of the structure used pipes based on alloy 6061-T6. The diameter of the steering tube is 1.125 inches. The fork travel is 0.08 m, it is provided for locking with a disc brake.

Avalanche Elite is another attractive bike. Some experts distinguish it in a special branch called the “trail bike”. The design was first introduced in 2019. When it was created, pipes from 6061-T6 alloy were deliberately used. The fork travel reaches 0.1 m, the rebound control and fork locking are provided.

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

As you can see, the product range of the brand GT 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 common name, but also to the so-called model year. Even if the model is called the same, but released in different years, it may differ:

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

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

Chain transfer of force is a classic option. However, there are now more and more bicycles with a belt drive. She is most justified on a folding city bike. Lightweight and free-bending design does not need lubrication. However, the belt is less reliable than the chain - and the difference is especially great with increased load.

Anyway the smaller the mass, 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, while for a city bike this figure is 15 kg. But more experienced cyclists focus not on general numbers, but on personal needs.

It is useful to take a closer look at the opinions of owners of GT bicycles. The Aggressor bike in the “expert” version attracts attention not only with its appearance, but also with attractive technical characteristics. The aluminum frame provides optimum lightness. The saddle is a bit tough because of the sporty style, but it’s 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, it is not difficult to upgrade and upgrade a bicycle, which is what any experienced cyclists do. The product performs equally well on asphalt roads, and on concrete, and on dry soil.

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

The aerial fork performs excellently even on very harsh roads. Appearance exceeds all expectations. The product fully justifies its value. It is pleasant to ride a bicycle both on solid asphalt and on obviously uneven ground. The design is praised for the virtues of the assembly and the relatively low weight.

Browse the GT Avalanche Elite bike in the next video.