Previewed: GT's 2009 Lineup From Livigno

Text and photos: Alan Davis

The radical new carbon fiber Fury downhill bike from GT Bicycles will undoubtedly stir up lots of controversy, but there are lots of other GT bikes being released here in Livigno, Italy that we can actually ride. Here's an overview of the new GT quiver.

The carbon fiber Force Pro

Force
The Force premiered a year ago as the big brother to the i-Drive 5 model. It's a pure trail bike made for the vast majority of riders. And for 2009, GT has again whipped up a carbon fiber makeover for the Force. The new Force Pro model is a gorgeous curvy raw carbon beast that thankfully rides as good as it looks, after three days of on-trail testing anyways—a long term test is hopefully in the near future.

All Force models feature integrated headsets, replaceable forged aluminum dropouts, 69-degree head angles, six-inches of rear wheel travel and a 3:1 leverage ratio. The rear suspension is no longer being called i-Drive, GT is referring to it as Independent Drive, regardless it works and that is all that matters. The ride is very active under braking, has no noticeable pedal feedback and does not bob, even when out of the saddle and not using low-speed compression damping. I don't like to jump to conclusions about bikes without giving them a thorough test, but my initial impression told me that the Force Pro with the new carbon frame could become a new favorite for me.

Five Force models are slated to be built, two carbon, and three aluminum. I rode the aluminum model too and despite an additional 1.5 pounds, or so, of weight the alloy model rides just as good and will be less expensive—a perfect weekend warrior every-bike.

The aluminum Force 1.0

Zaskar 9r
GT has taken notice of the growing trend in popularity of twentyniner bikes and has redesigned a Zaskar hardtail model specifically for the genre. The Zaskar 9r is an XC platform for serious twentyniner riders. GT previously entered the 29-inch hardtail market with the steel Peace model and will retain that bike for recreational users. The new Zaskar 9r is built for racing and tough riding, letting user take full advantage of the improved traction, better stability and increased inertia of a 29-inch wheeled bike.

Zaskar 9r

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Reader Comments

Posted Fri Jun27, 2008, 2:13 PM — By bald skull

i gotta say, that Force Pro looks sick! well done guys.

Posted Sun Jul13, 2008, 8:09 PM — By Tim Pickett

I have an 06 I Drive 5.0, Love it, These bikes look fierce. GT has taken it to another level. Way to go.

Posted Sun Jul13, 2008, 8:10 PM — By Tim Pickett

I have an 06 I Drive 5.0, Love it, These bikes look fierce. GT has taken it to another level. Way to go.

Posted Fri Oct10, 2008, 7:24 PM — By John

Lovin' the Sanction EXCEPT that 3:1 leverage ratio...why not use a slightly longer stroke shock guys??? That is the ONLY thing making me look elsewhere...keeping the DHX air on that high leverage bike is not an option IMO...and the general opinion of just about anyone that's used an air shock on a 3:1 bike! ...wondering if i can switch it out myself??

Posted Thu Apr16, 2009, 11:37 PM — By dylan deGraff

I wonder when the company is going out of business again, then where do you find those i drive bearings?

Posted Fri Aug21, 2009, 3:46 PM — By Bill Freeman

The i-Drive bearings are standard headset bearings and the mechanism can be adjusted using a bottom bracket tool. I've been riding a Carbon Force Pro for a year now and it's taken a beating here in SoCal. I put a Fox 36 VAN and DHX Air on it with 7" Elixirs on Crank Bros Iodines and it rips. It's 31 lbs but rides much lighter. A friend has one with full XTR and a Fox 32 TALAS 15QR and it's just under 27 lbs with a Joplin seatpost. I can disassemble, clean, and relube the i-Drive in about 30 minutes so it's a snap to do. GT just needs to push the marketing here in the States.

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