GT went to town when developing their new range of suspension bikes, they are nothing like their previous designs, some may say they look a lot like everything else, but that can’t necessarily be a bad thing, as the Sensor is a considerable improvement from previous years.
We tested the Carbon Elite which sells for $4500 with a carbon front end, 130mm of travel, 29 wheels, RockShox suspension and a SRAM Eagle NX 12-speed drivetrain.
Watch the Sensor in action here:
GT in 2019, a whole new direction.
We attended the official 2019 GT launch this year where they unveiled the completely re-vamped Sensor and Force, we chatted with the engineers behind the design and offered our opinions on the ride experience. Click on through to that one here:
Carbon frame for $4500!
Yep, this Sensor Carbon Elite is made from the expensive stuff, not overly common at this price point. Though after a few weeks testing we are torn between that age-old debate; carbon with a lower spec, or aluminium with a higher spec?
How does it ride?
Solid, fast and efficient.
The LTS suspension feels firm and heavily damped creating a high-speed and efficient ride, sacrificing a little sensitivity to achieve this. Out of the saddle and on the gas the Sensor flies and the long and low front end puts you in a great riding position to attack the singletrack. If you’re an aggressive rider but doesn’t necessarily need lots of suspension, the solid chassis and efficient suspension provide a winning combo for fun singletrack times.
The parts.
With a good showing from SRAM and RockShox, the drivetrain and suspension had us not wishing for too much more; it was the brakes and tyres that we’d suggest upgrading if your trails are rocky or descents are long.
Good, yes?
If it weren’t for the carbon vs aluminium debate that rares its head around the $4-6$K price point, the Sensor would be a sure bet. If you want your suspension and components to work a little harder, we’d suggest the model above, or if you’re keen to start with this model and treat it to some upgrades over time, the carbon frame serves as the perfect base to build up to a stellar trail bike that rides fantastically.
