GT Sensor Review: Keeping Things Simple

[@andrewgillougley8479]

Late to see this, but this is a really solid review. I'll never get why people view GT as a "lower class" brand compared to most other bikes. I spent a good while looking for a bike 2years ago - GT just seems to fit and feel the best. So much so that my 2018 GT Avalanche Comp just got replaced with a 2023 GT Avalanche Expert. Value n feel just can't be beat imo.

[@MTB_CRZY]

People look at then as a lower tier brand because they started makibg low end bikes to sell in big box stores. The majority of people dont spend thousands on a bicycle like "we" do. And so thats unfortunately what people think of when they hear the brand name. (I LOVED my last gen GT sensor and will be getting this new one❤)

[@ThunderStruckMTB]

My first MTB was an '87 GT Avalanche and back then GT was the one to have. Then they sort of lost their way in terms of marketing and brand name placement and became an afterthought budget brand and it's so good to see them finding their way back in the market and I will always hold a soft spot for them.... Heck, if they upped their hardtail game just a bit, I wouldn't hesitate to own another. Good review and a nice looking bike!

[@bikersedge]

Holding out for the comeback over here!

[@TheNationalTrails]

Vertical stroke vs horizontal stroke 4-bar suspension is a difference. Vertical feels more active, potentially feeling as though there is less travel. Meanwhile, Trunnion mount is also a bit more prone to vibration translated through rougher terrain. Anyway, the geo is legit and the bike is easy to clean. Plus, the chain line is standard 148 boost with a 52mm; not this overstretched 55mm we're seeing that was intended for AXS Transmission. All that said, just pulled the trigger on the ST Pro. I've got plenty of kit to setup as a lightweight 140/150 or 130/150 if needed. Rose the last gen Sensor, in addition to numerous other brands. Truly felt that bike held its weight against the biggest brands. Getting one new with a warranty is a solid piece of mind.

[@vitoonto]

I just picked up the same ST pro. I'm extremely happy with it so far. I'm replacing the pretty awful hubs with a set of hope pro5 along with a gx cassette and shifter. I'll eventually purchase a set of carbon hoops to replace the stock WTB hoops. Should save a fair bit of weight already and the better engagement is gonna be amazing.

[@joshuaallswang8016]

I always love GT and they have more of a history then 70% of the bikes out today, but they were lacking in the mountain bike department for a bit, glad to see there making a comeback.

[@bikersedge]

You love to see it.

[@francescofoschi8941]

I think this kind of trail bike, which tip the scale slightly to the descents, are actually the best bikes to own, especially if you are going to own only one bike. I am now riding an orbea rallon and i truly miss the lighter feel on the climbs and fun factor of my old trail bike.

[@bikersedge]

I can’t disagree with you on that one. It’s the most versatile category.

[@mannyfnsc29]

I don't know why GT ever did away with their AOS design. My first FS was a 2014 Sensor with that suspension and the thing was awesome . The bike was heavy, poor brakes, cheap wheelset etc.. But it rode fantastic. Very efficient, great climber, supple yet supportive, snappy and just plain fun. Going to a horst link changed what was so good about that brand. If I ever see a used one maybe I'll grab it for kicks.

[@yoei2683]

I have TWO 2017 GT Force with the AOS system, one frame aluminum and one Carbon. Love them both I agree the AOS is awesome, very unique. Sad they won't make it again.

[@FFPowercz]

I have 2014 Carbon Sensor Expert (custom build) too and love it... BUT - my Pathlink doesn't have perfect alignment for the bottom bracket, which leads to incredibly fast wear on the bottom bracket (+ terrible sounds when it occurs). The problem is that you can't get a pathlink as a spare part anywhere anymore... The local distributor has a variant for the Force, but not the Sensor. The foreign GT dealership prefers not to communicate at all, however, all eshops that offered this part in the past list it as discontinued.

[@mannyfnsc29]

@@FFPowerczMaybe you can have a new one 3d printed, then cast?

[@jahveli]

Excellent review as always. I was gifted a Sensor almost 3 years ago and it definitely helped progress my skills. You are exactly right, this thing corners really good.

[@bikersedge]

Great to hear!

[@chrisallen5293]

Good review. Wish you could review more brands but I understand you only review the brands you carry. Again great review

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks! I wish we had more access to more brands. That said we’ve got a good dozen or more. Doing our best over here. Ha.

[@echobenav8]

Great review as always! You guys always deliver fair and helpful reviews. When I think of GT, I always think of BMX, cause I'm old and grew up in socal. Nice to see they're still making decent bikes. Curious what you think of the Sensor vs the Ripmo.

[@bikersedge]

They’ve got some OG bike brand credit. Super nostalgic. It’s been too long since I’ve ridden a Ripmo to make a fair comparison.

[@Chance.B]

Great review, sounds like a good one. Seems like GT is trying to remake themselves, glad to see they're off to good start!

[@bikersedge]

I have a feeling we see them making a good comeback.

[@Chance.B]

@@bikersedge Agreed.

[@KrittR]

My Ghost was recently stolen and this bike is on my list of replacements. Great video.

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks. Sorry to hear about the stolen bike.

[@toddkovalcik332]

GT was always a respectable brand, especially back in the days when we were racing BMX. Even as they got into MTB they were a special brand and just "got it". EVERYTHING changed in 1996 when Richard Long was killed on his way to Big Bear Lake to watch MTB races. RIP Richard!

[@ridemx323]

Those trails look so fun

[@bikersedge]

They certainly don’t suck

[@JDreier1]

I rode a 2020 GT Sensor for two full seasons. It was an awesome bike. Love the new one, my only gripe is the new logo is kinda meh

[@bikersedge]

Totally agree about the logo. Good thing the bike is still sick.

[@mattvielbig]

Your reviews are the best out there! This frame looks so much like the fuel ex.

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks!

[@letour32rr]

If you’re going to be selling GT, I’d be interested in your thoughts on the Zaskar FS Comp. Especially as it compared to the Giant Stance and Trance.

[@bikersedge]

It’s not one we have at the shop yet.

[@swazi5]

Pov footage is kinda mesmerizing

[@bikersedge]

Hopefully it didn’t make you sleep

[@axelivanfigueroa6812]

Great trails😮! Nice bike and review😊

[@bikersedge]

Thanks! 👍

[@bobbybuglione5797]

So I liked seeing the similarities to the SC HT, as that's a kind of staple bike in the market, in my mind at least, or at least one that can often be compared to, perhaps due to its versatility. The HT is often compared to the Ripmo, another staple in my mind, to highlight their strengths/differences. How do you think the Sensor and Ripmo compare? Curious what you would think on that. Of course you don't sell YT bikes, but some of your descriptions of the Sensor made me think of my old Jeffsy. It had decent traction, good versatility, a modern but simple design, etc but to note, it had a characteristic feel on the downs that a lot of people I think would say just made you feel like a badass. Everything just felt at home in a middle-of-the-road way where you could push it in different ways without a negative design trait slapping back at you (on the descent at least).

[@bikersedge]

Man it’s been such a long time since I’ve ridden a Ripmo I don’t know if I can really say.

[@virginiascurti5036]

Ended up with a Marin Rift Zone over somethign like this it seems to be an underated bike with not a lot of reviews on it out there.

[@bikersedge]

Yeah. I’m not too familiar with Marin. We don’t carry them at the shop. They seem to offer great bang for your buck.

[@MrDavecore777]

I actually find these simple bikes to be a great uncomplicated platform to progress on, it was even proven on EWS with Katy Winton. This is however a difficult category to market, I would almost say that having a 160 bike these days can climb just as well and remain agile

[@bikersedge]

I’d argue the 140mm bike is one of the most commonly sold. Sure 160mm bikes are way better at climbing than they used to be but they still won’t climb as well or be as agile as a moderate 140mm bike.

[@MrDavecore777]

@@bikersedge slight correction- I think the mindset in the US is quite different, Europeans (excluding maybe UK) haven’t really cemented the concept of a trail bike. It’s either 100-120 XC or 160mm + enduro

[@bikersedge]

That could be accurate. Can’t really speak to that perspective.

[@kevinmiller3314]

We’re the wheels Crank Brothers? If so, which ones and what did you think of those? Thanks for all the great content, you helped answered a lot of questions, especially for someone that is similar body sized and having hard time finding stuff for a slightly taller person.

[@bikersedge]

The one I rode (XL) was stock with the WTB wheels. The one I have the B Roll video of (L) had the upgraded wheels but I didn’t get to ride that one.

[@coreygonzalez6890]

Good review. Anyone know what’s the largest tire to fit in the rear.

[@utahjohn5480]

as usual, great review

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks!

[@Matt-bk8hy]

Just wondering, how tall you are? I'm. Just over 6ft 1inch so would be between L and xl on the gt website size guide.

[@bikersedge]

I’m 6’2”

[@christianfuller5653]

Deciding between GT Sensor Sport VS Giant Stance 2 (27.5)

[@bikersedge]

I haven't ridden a Stance 27.5. I'm afraid I wont be much help there.

[@jimwinges6492]

Were the tires tubeless ready?

[@bikersedge]

@@jimwinges6492 I got this one from our GT rep. It was a demo. So it had been set up tubeless. Can’t confirm if they come that way. Although I am pretty sure they do.

[@mebeadamb]

Do you think the sensor carbon elite would hold a 335 guy?

[@bikersedge]

@@mebeadamb typically frames will hold up to that. Suspension setup can be a bit tricky as you might run into some max pressures not being quite enough.

[@micheandmikey]

Flip chips, internal storage blah, blah, blah are all gimmicks to sell an overpriced bike (IMO) and just adds to potential rattles. I'll all about the KISS theory (keep it simple stupid)quick edit....I said this when you mentioned flip chips 😄. I like the frame, it's different like the Esker, or Ibis for that matter. Nice bike! I believe it's the sponsored bike for the Whistler guides because 3 of my friends up there have this bike. By the way, that trail in the gully reminds me of a trail in Kamloops (only a little shallower) called Rio. Goog's it, it's an AWESOME trail.

[@bikersedge]

Agreed. Those things are niceties not necessities.

[@micheandmikey]

I added more since I finished the video. Great review Connor!@@bikersedge

[@nickantinone]

Are you using the Insta360 X3 for footage now? I like how wide the angle is both horizontally and vertically

[@bikersedge]

GoPro 12

[@nickantinone]

@@bikersedge max lens?

[@bikersedge]

@@nickantinone yes. Shooting in hyperview but punching in a bit in post.

[@nickantinone]

@@bikersedge awesome I appreciate it! Footage looks great

[@bikersedge]

Hey thanks! Glad you like it.

[@MikP86]

Can I put 2.4 inch tires on this beast without changing the wheel? Thank you.

[@bikersedge]

Yes

[@William.N]

Send those squirrels flying!

[@bikersedge]

They'll never see it coming!

[@javierparedes1898]

Is GT comparable to Santa Cruz now ?

[@bikersedge]

They’re both owned by the same parent company but they’re very different bikes and brands.

[@javierparedes1898]

@@bikersedge does GT have anything comparable to the Chameleon ?

[@bikersedge]

Yeah the Zaskar would be getting pretty close.

[@user-rj9ui3sz8u]

I have a choice of this or the Ripley AF what would you choose?

[@bikersedge]

Very different bikes. The Ripley is much more trail. This is more all mountain.

[@user-rj9ui3sz8u]

@@bikersedge Thanks, but which one do you think smooths out the chatter better on the flatter terrain?

[@bikersedge]

@@user-rj9ui3sz8u the sensor is easily the smoother ride.

[@user-rj9ui3sz8u]

@@bikersedge Sweet! Very much appreciate your help.

[@user-rj9ui3sz8u]

@@bikersedge How much do you think you would lose on climbing with the Sensor compared to the Spur or other characteristics?

[@Wieber84]

Everyone knows GT peaked in 1990 with the vertigo

[@bikersedge]

I peaked in 1990 when I had hair but I’m still kickin.

[@peterthomson6161]

Are your B rolls sped up?

[@bikersedge]

No sir. Regular speed.

[@blakemoser1682]

Great video. Hard pass on the bike.

[@bikersedge]

Curious as to why?

[@blakemoser1682]

@@bikersedge It’s fine. GT in itself has an incredibly poor brand image. Broken/snapped frames, ect. Standard google search “Is GT still in business?” The frame is hideous along with the colorway. The trail bike market is saturated with so many good options at decent pricing right now. The Sensor doesn’t appear outshine anything. I’m glad you compared to high tower and sb140 as they are much more appealing.

[@bikersedge]

@@blakemoser1682 I appreciate the response. I’m not trying to be an ass here. Just curious to see how GT is perceived as it’s a new brand for us. What makes the HT and 140 more appealing even at a much higher price point? The fact that the sensor can be compared to those even though it costs significantly less would be a win for the GT in my book.

[@blakemoser1682]

@@bikersedge Very fair response. You have one of the best rider review sites on KZbin so your rider opinion is greatly valued. Having not ridden the Sensor I’m simply making statements as a consumer. GT is a budget pick for sure.

[@bikersedge]

Got it. Thanks for the response. I do think GT is a value brand but based on riding the Sensor, they’ve nailed the most important parts. It rides every bit as well as the HT and 140 in my book. Absolutely nothing wrong with it.

[@pbls43]

The opposite of e-bikes? 😂

[@bikersedge]

You could say that

[@joshuaallswang8016]

Every REAL MOUNTAIN BIKE IS THE OPPOSITE OF AN E-BIKE. E-bikes are more motorcycle then bike.

[@fe9523]

⁠​⁠@@joshuaallswang8016so the ews-e riders are not real mountain bikers and they are lazy and ride something that is not a mtb 😂😂

[@T.J.Caldwell318]

They need to go back to the old logo. The new one is hideous.

[@bikersedge]

@@T.J.Caldwell318 I’m with you on that one