I Haven't Told You About All The Changes I've Made To My Trail Bike | GT Sensor Bike Check

[@c.p.2979]

Glad you're putting out tons of videos again. I have an extreme dislike for the garbage on TV. Your content is appreciated.

[@Tasteandsee420]

So true!

[@dudemanismadcool]

What, did you get sick of the overly clean, over-produced videos with grossly undisclosed sponsors dictating the entire script?

[@The_Sampler]

Dude this was so well done Phil; lots of cool bits on the bike! I might have to try your buddy's tire insert... my forearms are begging me to actually lolol

[@SkillsWithPhil]

They are way easier on the forearms. I've always had to trim my nail each time ive had to do a fresh install because my nails fold over on me which is really painful. 😖

[@kadebigfoot]

That opening edit was so buttery smooth

[@DontWorryImAPilot]

"I think most people don't know what they're talking about." That phrase is so true in so many situations. Models of brake components are definitely one of those!

[@tonysadler5290]

Hello Phill, I have a 2018 GT Alloy sensor comp 29er. I bought it new for £1650 in the bike sales. I've upgraded it a bit over time. Stan's flow mk3s on hope hubs with Maxis Dhf/Dhr2 dd with cushcore - 12 sp shimano SLX drive train with the 10/45t cassette, Rockshox Pike ultimate 2.1 charger 150mm travel and a 130mm Rockshocks debonair deluxe ultimate shock and nukproof bars and a good seat - oh and RRP mudguards, jagwire cables, SLX 4 pot brakes front with 203mm ice rota and 2 pot caliper rear with 180mm ice rota. A couple flat pedals finish of the deal - I love it and honestly wouldn't swap it for the latest santa nuke what ever. It can do more than I can, and is a joy to ride. I really don't know why more people dont buy GT bikes - always come well spec'd from the box and infinitely upgradeable. All the best, regards Tony Sadler South Wales UK 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

[@Alexander-dun]

The edit at the start is so satisfying

[@gerardolastiri]

The sound, OMG 🤤

[@pympin87]

i love watching that floaty fluid style Phil has ... looks silky smooth

[@scrappy7571]

Yeah, and the off to side options he always seems to find.

[@Nicoya]

17:50 Phil, get yourself some Loctite 290. It's specifically designed to be applied to already torqued fasteners, and will wick into the threads when you dab it on. It won't work for every situation (like if the bolt is positioned so you can't get anywhere near the threads, or if the threads are drowning in grease) but most of the time it'll save your butt when you forget to apply the loctite before assembly.

[@kodi.hartMTB]

Your content is fantastic Phil, love your realistic approach to bikes and setup

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@Dan_Kornfeld]

Hey Phil, cool update! A GoPro/ audio settings update would be awesome. I’ve used your settings of choice in the past with great success. (Also, Angelus Paint’s clear coats will keep the color on your saddle.) Keep doing what you do 👍!

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I did use clear coats!

[@jokermtb]

I'm still beating the crap out of my aluminum framed 2019 Sensor - pretty much replaced everything on it except for the rear derailleur (did replace two of the clutch levers that broke off) and headset - the bike is bombproof. It makes for a nice short travel mini-enduro bike. Running Saint brakes, galfer rotors, mtx pads, RS SuperDeluxe 130mm, RS Revelation converted to 140mm w/ the RC2 damper and air can head modifications (it's essentially a pike ultimate now), Hunt endurowides w/ maxxis assegai/dissector combo, oneup stem tool and bash guide (w/ a STFU chain dampener), ergon grips/saddle, kona wah wah 2 alloy pedals, pnw loam dropper, and various Wolftooth bits. I'm 5-10 and also run a Medium, yet run a 35mm reach spank stem with a 60mm rise spank bar (it's weird but I like it). Love what you did to yours, and the bike is such a great canvas to paint up. That fender seems like it might be next on my list....and yes, crank end strikes are a way of life, aluminum cranks always. Talked a 'getting back into mtb' friend into picking up one of the Sensor sports they are practically giving away right now.....

[@Couffee]

I love how real you are. The fact you can run guides and people that have 1/10 the skill you have feel obligated to have the new mavens dominion Hayes or trp brakes is almost comical 😂

[@BenFenner]

4:19 - Look into silicone tape for the cockpit stuff. It goes on like electrical tape, but bonds to itself, is much more durable, won't migrate or get loose/slippery when warm, and doesn't leave a residue if you ever need to remove it. (It will require slicing it for removal, it can't be unwrapped, see point about self-bonding.)

[@River_Miles]

Just ordered a Trash Gear Co mudguard in Orange Creamsicle. None of the mudguards in the local and online shops have been appealing, and am happy to support a New England business as a lifetime resident. Conti tires are next on the menu. Already have a full Deity setup as they have the brown anodizing and colorway I was looking for. Nice upgrades to your bike and that hub and your skills make that intro flow so smooth.

[@mittenmod]

Your riding is so smooth. Also, my cousin just bought this same bike. He was pumped when I sent him this vid

[@ryguy92]

Just realized I never see your riding much outside of POV. Very structured 👍

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I hate asking people to film me, so most 3rd person clips are from people who happened to be filming.

[@-tr0n]

Love the insight Phil. My opinion with cars is that it's more fun and safer to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow. That also crosses over to bikes to a certain extent. I'm not racing, I don't need to go bomber speeds. I ride a 140mm bike that's fun to pop and whip around or a hardtail and love it.

[@RedRidesMTB]

I find that the current (non high pivot) linkages GT used works super well with a coil. I switched from a Fox DPX2 to a Rockshox Super Deluxe Coil that my friend had from his old Evil since it was the correct size. Completely changed the whole way my Force alloy rides. It’s just as playful as it was with the air shock but it’s just better everywhere else aside from climbing.

[@vitoonto]

I am loving my GT sensor st pro. I upgraded to hope pro 5 hubs and gx cassette. Probably gonna go to carbon gx cranks to get it sub 30 lbs. Lol at getting to the rant against carbon cranks in the video😂

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Reliability is more important than weight for the way I ride, but I tend to keep my rides short and spicy. If I were doing longer rides over less spicy terrain Id be less hesitant to run them.

[@patrickroup8066]

I like how your bike isn’t super Guccied out. Just proves you don’t need the nicest stuff to rip

[@Exstaz]

Seems like you are very humble when it comes to gear. Not just throwing on the best of the best. Like not tuning the highest end brakes on the market or the most travel bike. Other KZbinrs just throw on the most expensive stuff you can get and think that makes them a better rider. I seen you ride some really hard stuff with this bike where others would need to run way more travel.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

While I get a lot of stuff free (I usually get a complete bikes from GT), and replacement parts and things I break I buy myself. That means I run things I think are the best value for how I will be riding. Reliability, price, and availability are the biggest determining factors when choosing parts. I also hate doing the walk of shame, so I'll tend to air on the side of slightly overbuilt vs lightweight.

[@A_Dirrty_Bird]

First thing I noticed on the video was no freehub noise. Pretty slick...but that wheelset is easily more than my bike 😂

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Yeah, I won't sugar coat, Nobls are not budget wheels, but in the premium wheel world they're one of the more affordable options especially considering there's a lifetime warranty. I never tell people how to spend their own money, but as somebody who hated truing and relacing wheels, carbon wheels have drastically reduced the time I spend tinkering on my bike.

[@A_Dirrty_Bird]

@SkillsWithPhil totally get it, no shade intended. If you do ever decide that you miss the freehub noise, you could always clip a card to your chain stays like we all did as kids lol

[@scottshipp2980]

I will be a happy person if I can ride half as good as that opening 50 seconds some day

[@k9kayaks]

Great bike check Phil & very detailed !!

[@personalministries537]

My son just bought a GT Force for a steal of a deal. Pretty sweet bike.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

That's awesome! The Forces also have some great deals going on them too :)

[@JordanBoostmasterRaw]

I didn't know that about 31.8mm bars, I agree with you that sound like the better option then!

[@SkillsWithPhil]

They're also more flexible too. Every 35mm bar is claims to be as flexible as 31.8mm bars, so it begs the question why aren't we just riding 31.8mm bars?

[@JordanBoostmasterRaw]

@@SkillsWithPhil I just thought 35mm was supposed to be stronger basically, I never had a preference before, I just used whatever looked coolest and had the rise I wanted! But now I have more reason to stick with 31.8

[@nelsonshire]

Daggas are one of the best pedals imo, ive slipped one pedal with them and it was 100% my fault and destroyed my shin but never slipped other then that and the large platform is amazing

[@olivierlessard2670]

Hey Phil! Love your content! You may have done one in the past but would you do a video on what changes you would make on your suspension setup for bike park days with big hits and step lips? I own only one bike (170/160) witch does everything well but I wanted to see if I could adjust some stuff to make the riding beter on those days. Thanks :)

[@Mtbmxing]

Alright I think I’m gonna try a conti rear I love my dissector but variety is the spice of life

[@nostr8ghtlinzs596]

I got the Zaskar, the hard tail version, love it! it feels nimble and very responsive.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Stoked to hear that. Those are beloved bikes for a reason!

[@ben63197]

I have the Onyx Vesper hubs too and absolutely love them. The silence and the instant engagement is what sold me to these hubs. And once you try them, you are not going back. I was in a discussion on Facebook group where a guy said he blew his Vesper hubs within 3 months. I've been riding mines for 1.5 seasons but I'm just an average rider. Have you had any issues with them?

[@atmapictures]

Such a freeride-y setup on a trail bike, love it! This bike just screams your name haha. Btw, you mentioned you don't have a video editor.. if you're looking for one, let me know. I'd love to be at your service! :)

[@Whoadayson]

I dont see why the wireless electronic equipment cant be ran using braking regen into a capacitor or maybe a small battery but one that doesnt require charging by rider as the bike does it during braking. Is that too far fetched? It feels more like they want batteries to be what keeps us buying from them? I dont know, just talking ish. Love your channel! You always handle the onslaught of face to faces at your riding locations really well!

[@jonasbauer5906]

Hey Phil, as always love your videos and been following and admiring your riding for quite a while. Would you mind telling me what vans you are riding in this video. They do look pretty cool.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Vans Peak x Lewis Mills. I wouldn't ride a big bike park day in the m but they are great skatepark and sessioning shoes. These have decently sticky rubber and a stiffer sole compared to most all other vans

[@jojotherider1977]

I haven't watched a bike check in so long. Yours was so good. Feels like a bike for the regular person. I poo poo'd the G2 brakes as well, but put them on a trail bike and was quite surprised. I do like the Codes better though. You did say you didn't want to make the change becaue of the cable routing, couldn't you just use the same cables and install a code lever and caliper? not sure if the banjo fitting on the caliper is the same. Did I miss where you talked about the Lyrik? anything secret there? I like the lyrik until i got to ride a zeb.

[@TheBikingFellow]

GT Sensor is gonna be my next bike

[@VR6NAVYVW]

I have AXS XO and it is awesome. The battery lasts a month(150mi+) and I carry a spare(that I never end up needing). The alignment adjustment is super easy and straightforward. What would be the B tension cable adjustment is easy to do on my phone or from the derailleur. So easy I was climbing a fire road at Nisene Marks in Santa Cruz at 13mph and adjusting my derailleur from my phone. Also, The derailleur is stupidly strong and all the parts on it can be purchased individually for repair. You really should upgrade, it is 100% worth.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I'm okay if other people want to spend their money on that stuff, but as it currently stands, wireless shifting isn't for me. It doesn't solve an existing problem, it introduces new problems (batteries/electronics), and it's also wildly more expensive.

[@JJ_MTB_15]

Might have to give the conti tires and rimsaver a try, just need to figure out which one is most similar to the dissector which is my favorite trail tire but they wear out quick.

[@Lee_mtb6]

I would love to see a video of you at woodward doing some bmx

[@tomasmacalik2760]

Your Sensor is so fine...I would just grow up the fork to 160mm.

[@jdubb3330]

Hey Phil, I may have missed this if you mentioned it but are you running 29' or 27.5" Nobl's? Thanks for all the great content over the years!!!!

[@SkillsWithPhil]

29er, i mentioned it earlier in the video, but only once so it's easy to miss.

[@cunning-stunt]

The metal thread insert for the pedals in my Sram XO cranks slogged out on the interface between carbon and metal. This is a common problem with carbon cranks and can also happen at the BB end of the crank. I replaced them with Truvative alloy cranks as they have the same chain ring interface. I also have a set of Hope cranks.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

I hear your arguments about carbon cranks and I was running cheap Shimano or SRAM dub (sx/nx) depending on the bike but I tweaked a crank arm full speed (sram SX) on a stump and I needed something fast and they had in store descendants carbon cranks so I got them. Apparently I didn't knew how much flexy crank arms were annoying 😅 I'm sold, I don't even rock a carbon frame on this bike...

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Flex can also be a good thing as it dampens the vibrations while riding through chatter.

[@RimSaver]

Ripping!!!! 🎉

[@N8SecondRide]

Sick vid super in-depth. Never heard of the Rim Savers I’ll have to check those out! Do you really think they’re more protective than Cushcore??

[@N8SecondRide]

I just recently crushed a rim with cuschcore while on a trip. Which I ended up using JB Weld to bondo my inner rim smooth enough to hold air again.

[@RimSaver]

@@N8SecondRide Rim Saver Midweight is comparable to Cush Core trail in protection but comes in at 179g vs 215g for a 29er. It’s the best balance of protection and weight for most skilled riders. If you believe you need something more aggressive, hold tight as we will have a Heavyweight version coming out for next season!

[@N8SecondRide]

@@RimSaver the weight savings in the wheel is definitely intriguing. It also seems, at least in theory, I would be getting more compliance/traction out of my tire without the sidewall stiffness you get from cushcore. Any thoughts on that…?

[@RimSaver]

@@N8SecondRide You’re spot on! Rim Saver allows you to fully use your tire’s sidewall on rocky/rooty sections (especially when cornering on them), maintaining that "hovercraft" feel without the bulk of a foam insert. A lot of World Cup racers avoid most inserts for this reason-they can reduce the tire’s ability to absorb terrain effectively. With Rim Saver, you get the ride feel tire companies designed without interference. And if you do want more sidewall support, modern tires like the new Continentals have really improved in that area, even at lower pressures.

[@RimSaver]

Think of Rim Saver like having a bottom out bumper for your rim.

[@zsanterre]

Hey phill!

[@Wannaridebikes]

I have 3 gt steel frame hard tails. Old and risen hard. And yes I still ride them.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I love that. Keep it up!

[@Friskee62]

Excellent info and vid...I thought you were shorter.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Well I'm technically a smidge under 5'10 but it's the closest whole number.

[@FinlayPorter-bc8hb]

I’m racing an enduro race next week do you have any tips it’s my first race 😊

[@patrickhall6494]

Just curious on what length cranks you use on the sensor?

[@ryancontrovillas]

I’ve read several reviews stating the super soft Kryptotals are sketchy on wet roots. I also live in VT, so lots of roots and rocks, and it’s wet most of the time. They work well here?

[@the88tlc]

you butter that trail....

[@maartenholkers3084]

Broke my carbon cranks (came stock on the bike, 175mm which is to long) using soley XC terrain, you're right, not worth it. Running alu ones now and doesn't break the bank either

[@TonightWeGrill]

Hey Phil, what do you think about eThirteen coming out with hubs that claim to get rid of pedal kickback? Seems interesting but idk how big of a deal it really is on a full sus since I’m still on my hardtail.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

There' always interesting things happening in the bike world. Companies are focusing a lot of effort on different ways to solve pedal kickback, from idlers, Ochain, suspension design and that. I'm all for companies trying different things. I think it's cool to see what people are coming up with.

[@patrickhall6494]

Okay I’ll be the one to ask! Tubeless? I mainly ask bc you seem to run higher psi than what I read/hear about and now I’m curious!

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Tubeless yes. I've always had to run higher pressures than other riders.

[@patrickhall6494]

@@SkillsWithPhilone more question! What is the best/your preferred way to support you? Would it be Patreon?

[@rollingdown8699]

Conti already make Enduro casing super soft.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Please link me to where you see this. According to continentals own website that has a chart with a breakdown of tires/casing/compound, currently only DH Casing tires are available in super soft. I have looked around a lot and have not seen this combination being sold anywhere.

[@rollingdown8699]

@@SkillsWithPhil the link just disappears always :(

[@SkillsWithPhil]

KZbin filters out links. Try Posting the link like: Www(dot)Website(dot)com/restofurl

[@ondrejjanoska660]

If it still did not go thru than check yt website … they have some bikes featuring them enduro super soft tires

[@mangoshake]

I, too, like to tape my stick.

[@Hoosieroutdoor1969]

What do you think of the Rockshox Lyrik? I can't decide between that one or the Pike.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Thanks for the suggest, I'll look into it. Electrical is not perfect, but it's always worked great for me but I'm open to better products.

[@Cheatingforfun]

Continental definitely stepped up their game with the new line of tires, I also switched and durability is amazing

[@GelMibson-u2y]

Conti needs a 2.6 kryptotal Fr badly!

[@robinrai4973]

I realllly like a silent hub, want to get one but can't justify the cost

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Yeah that's totally reasonable. They are great US made products and will last you several bikes, but fall into nice to have if you have the budget category.

[@scrappy7571]

When you had the shock wiz a few years back, did it help you to set up better than what you had?

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I found it to not be particularly reliable, but it wasn't bad either. I think it's better than nothing for people who have no idea what they're doing, but not great for people who know what they are doing.

[@scrappy7571]

@@SkillsWithPhil Thanks! That is sorta what I was thinking. Just like following the air pressure/ rebound charts, most are not even close to what I end up using.

[@lazy_chip8401]

why rock shock and not fox suspension I have had problems with leaky shocks and now swapped to fox 36 factory on front and fox dps factory feel amazing can recommended

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I usually run what comes on the bike. The GT sensor comes with a Lyrik/Super Deluxe so that's what I was running until the Tigon came in. I run fox on some of my other bikes. Both are great, but lately I've really liked the feel of RockShox products a bit more.

[@MTBScotland]

Taping your stick. you said stick right

[@RoninMon2012]

I was told that they are going to release enduro super soft very soon

[@SkillsWithPhil]

It would make sense, and I hope you're right.

[@DGAFORLIFE]

How about titanium cranks?

[@SkillsWithPhil]

They're great but are also quite pricey. These cranks are ~150 and are fairly reliable. Titanium cranks cost nearly 1,000, so id only run them if i was going all in on one single bike.

[@bertusbob]

👍👍👍👍

[@austinnoll2869]

What do you mean electric tape to tidy up the cockpit? What exactly do you do?

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I use electrical tape to wrap the front brake/dropper post cables, and also rear brake/derailleur cables together so they don't rattle against each other, and just helps make things look cleaner.

[@austinnoll2869]

Oh I got ya ok. Thanks man keep shredn!

[@zed5129]

"Taping my stick" is that what they call it these days?

[@chickesnssurfclub3970]

do a bike build some day

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I actually did the first very first live streamed bike built on KZbin circa 2016, but I probably won't do that again. I don't enjoy working on bikes, especially while filming.

[@notpablo8369]

Hey phil gt avalanche update?

[@JasprRegan]

Where is this new trail you made?

[@SkillsWithPhil]

This one is in our backyard. But Id love to build something like this publicly if given the opportunity!

[@BurninatorTheTrogdor]

Are you holding some kind of delicious biscuit?

[@SkillsWithPhil]

No, the microphone doesn't taste very good, I wouldn't recommend.

[@truman4956]

Have you had to burnish the seals on the lyric? It is claimed to help eliminate the high speed harshness of the fork.

[@BobbySchaffer]

i’m already the “winner” of who got a Gary Turner first , so relax, leave a different comment.

[@anthonyencarnacion7203]

Pornigraphically cool.. smooth..

[@capitalschool8765]

"Carbon cranks, they're just dangling there." Are you comparing carbon cranks to a set of balls?

[@400sales]

What trail is that?!?!?$?

[@SkillsWithPhil]

The one at the beginning is one of the trails Hailey and I built in our backyard.

[@400sales]

@@SkillsWithPhil that and Skid Marks? You’ve been busy. You guys rule. Hope to see you on the trails in VT soon.

[@DergyTheDragon]

Please pass on 1% of your skill to me I am in great need

[@rotorblade7363]

Man, the arguments over carbon fiber damage never end. I ride and work with advanced composites. I have an opinion, and im not willing to share it. Lol

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I've been riding for a long time and over my years racing/riding have seen too many broken carbon cranks and injuries as a result. Carbon is a great material, but like anything has its strengths a weaknesses. I run a carbon frame, and carbon wheels and fully trust those, I also run aluminum cranks and bars because those are prone to getting damaged and failing at the worst moment.

[@DontWorryImAPilot]

You're willing to share enough to suggest your superior knowledge and experience but not willing to share enough to tell us what your superior knowledge has learned? I've never had an opportunity to use carbon of any sort on any of my bikes. Where does it make the most sense on a bike. Where's it make the least sense on a bike?

[@rotorblade7363]

@DontWorryImAPilot I agree with Phil's comment for the most part on what components make sense for that material. Carbon is great until you damage it, and then it needs specialized repair. Unless that repair is performed under vacuum with a heated cure cycle (or in an autoclave), it's just a bandaid and will end in catastrophic failure given enough time. Here comes the hate. Lol

[@DontWorryImAPilot]

@@rotorblade7363 Nothing you've said should garner any hate. I don't think people have the opinions about carbon that you assume they have. At least not anymore. In the past I think people had a negative view of carbon...but it seems more of it was failing more often. It looks like things are much more refined in engineering, design, layup, and repair than when some of those initial negative opinions were formed. Carbon has come a long way. As far as I can tell, people's opinions have come along with it.

[@oiuqreofnqoiruegnqerg]

>I Haven't Told You About All The Changes I've Made To My Trail Bike that's good because I don't give a shit.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I'm glad you care so little you had to stop what you were doing and write a comment telling the world how little you care. That *really* screams "i dont give a shit".

[@JT-hw6mq]

F**K MAxxis tires. They are crap. Blew 2 out in a year on rock gardens.

[@Storm-bp2os]

First

[@ktvlm3987]

of course the day after i buy new bars phil tells me i should be on 31.8 🥲

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Nah, you can do whatever you want. :) At the end of the day it really doesn't make a huge difference.

[@ktvlm3987]

@@SkillsWithPhil just joking, but if you knew the internal debates ive been having hahaha