Flow’s First Bite: GT Sensor Carbon Team


The not-so-minor details

Product

GT Sensor Carbon Team

Contact

Monza Bicycle Imports

Price

AUD6,299.00

Positives

Effective and proven suspension design.
Easy to find in the dark.

Negatives

Nothing to report at this stage.

Slotted in between the short travel GT Helion and all-mountain GT Force is the all-rounder trail bike with 130mm of rear suspension travel, the GT Sensor. Available in four carbon and aluminium versions ranging from $2899 for the base aluminium Sensor Alloy Elite and topping out with the Carbon Team for $6299.

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The paint is fluorescent!

What is it?

For what is touted as a trail bike, the Sensor sits at the meaty end of the trail spectrum with some fairly burly components and a 150mm travel RockShox Pike. The fork travel has gone up since earlier models of the Sensor, the 150mm fork matched to 130mm or rear suspension travel helps kick the front end out for a slacker and more aggressive ride. This Carbon Team model is the only one with a 150mm fork, the rest of the Sensor range uses a 140mm travel option.

Taking a look at the geometry chart, the Sensor keeps it fairly neutral, exactly what we like to see with mid-travel trail bikes. Not too long, not too slack, it all looks good on paper. We’ll find out how it goes on dirt next!

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All the suspension bits are kept low and centred in the frame, great for the bike’s handling.

The frame:

In addition to the mighty bright paint, the Sensor also uses a pretty bright concept for a suspension design. The AOS suspension Path Link might promote a few puzzled looks, but it’s actually quite a clever and well-executed design.

The rear wheel pivots around a super high point, and all the other stuff below keeps the important drivetrain and suspension forces playing nicely together. We’ve ridden the AOS design many times, most recently with the GT Helion and we found it impressively effective, the rear suspension is quite efficient while still super active to hard impacts.

Read our review of the GT Helion here: GT Helion test.

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See how high that main pivot is?
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The cranks are housed in a two-piece aluminium linkage that pulls back and pushes on the shock.
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The GT Path Link, clever design, if a little complicated looking.

The parts:

The Sensor rolls on 27.5″ wheels and none of the fun bits are left off, its complete with tubeless wheels and tyres, a dropper post and a chain guide securing the single ring drivetrain.

The FOX Float rear shock is a real winner in our past experience, and the SRAM drivetrain and Guide brakes will also no doubt be excellent as always.

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SRAM’s Guide RS brakes are constantly impressing us with their smooth lever feel and consistent power.

_MG_7755Keep an eye out for our review, it’s time to throw some dirt on that bright paint!

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