My GT Force Enduro Bike Check - What's Different?

This is my new GT Force Enduro bike, but it's basically the same bike as I've been riding before. Some people really like changing things. I tend to keep my setup relatively similar from year to year.
Nobl Wheels - noblwheels.com...
I run the TR37 hoops, with Onyx Vespers hubs
Red GT Force Carbon - gtbicycles.com...
Trail - We've been Documenting the building process on my other channel
• Building & Testing A T...
• They Said Building a T...
Trail Opening on June 16th 2024
Join us for us for the Grand Opening of our trail Skidmarks
This trail is located in Bolton Vermont at the Driving Range
www.trailforks...
We'll be posting more info as we get closer to the event.
My Sponsors for 2024
GT bicycles | Bikes ▶︎ bit.ly/gtbicycles
Nobl Wheels | Wheels ▶︎ bit.ly/noblski...
Onyx Racing | Hubs ▶︎ bit.ly/OnyxRacing
#bikecheck #mountainbike #newbikeday

[@topspot4834]

Crazy how most MTB channels (especially POV) are getting such fewer views from just 2-3 years ago. I wonder if it's the algorithm, it's oversaturated, or a combination of both. Personally I could watch Phil (and Seth) all day. Never gets old, and I like Phil more than most cause of his commentary. It's like I'm riding with a friend!

[@SkillsWithPhil]

It's a few things. The way videos are distributed and consumed in on KZbin has changed. Very few people watch videos from their subscription feed, most videos are found on the home feed or recommended. Nature this favors more sensational videos. Also a few years ago, good POV was novel, interesting and unique. Now cameras are really easy to use and anybody can make videos with relative ease which means there's just a lot of content, and understandably people get a bit bored. I'm personally kind of tired of POV stuff but people like it, so I continue to make it. But my ambitions in life have changed and I'm not as focused on pushing my riding limits, I'm happy with what I've accomplished but I'm ready for a new chapter. In the background Ive been focused on building my trail building business, and have been doing posting a little on my second channel.

[@50whatnomadtravelnursemtb5]

Nice bike, I remember when GT bikes were more popular back in the 1990s(Hans no way Rey!)until they came up with that odd pivoting bottom bracket(iDrive??) then no one bought them anymore.

[@ExplosiveNotes]

So the new bike is little bit different but kinda the same ...

[@MTB_Corbin]

Okay but the shock pressures pasted to the downtube actually makes so much sense!

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Its so handy. I also have a lot of shock pressures in my notes app. Super helpful to reference.

[@marcelknop1]

@@SkillsWithPhil LOL yes but then you already know that the shock pressure on the label is not correct thereby defeating the object of that hack in the first place. I note my pressures down on my iphone but have the same issue of the details being out of date all the time

[@elliote3629]

I absolutely love Phil’s channel. He’s so insanely real with his stuff. He’s running GX because it’s a great drivetrain in itself and doesn’t cost a ton to replace! I love that so much! Great point.

[@MichaelRei99]

Phil you are the only guy that could pull off this style of video and make it entertaining! It was interesting to learn about the how’s and why’s about your bike setup . I am so pumped to watch your trail being opened up. I watched so much of it being built!

[@Jetskir118]

took the words out of my mouth and made them better, Phil you Rock!

[@stanb1604]

I can relate, source parts with practicality in mind = less headaches in the future.

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

It's great in black to red fade 👌 I really love the gt logo on these bikes. That's the logo I'm associating with good times ⛱️

[@lars_atx]

Love the rants. Good summary. You need some yellow self fusing silicone tape for your cables. I run blue on mine and super easy to work wiht

[@FoCoFlowShow]

Plus 1 for carbon wheels for the reasons you mentioned - I’ve had carbon wheels on multiple bikes and they have never ever had to be re-trued

[@cliffsangelsphotography]

I got Onyx hubs because of you, and i love them. I just got a second bike, and i plan to get another wheel build with Onyx 👍

[@audionerdio]

I love how candid you are with your review. "... this stupid little OneUp tool. This thing is freakin incredible." The OneUp engineering team was on an emotional rollercoaster with that comment haha

[@OmnieStar]

This video was great btw! I loved the edit and the full in depth bike review. Not just "Oh this is sram breaks, and this is a GT frame" but why you ride them, how they ride etc etc. Don't get me wrong, I 1000% if I had to chose this or you shredding down a track... Well the riding part is my fave. BUT it would be a hard choice LOL

[@SkillsWithPhil]

The "whys" are usually the more interesting than the "whats"

[@smallbatchsessions6892]

Dude the chain doesn’t get shorter as it goes through the sus cycle with the higher pivot bikes . It may grow a touch or it could get shorter. The reason for the high forward pivot is to eliminate chain growth or shrinkage. Same with some multi length pivot bikes . That is what stops the pedal kick back .

[@sidequest_adventures]

Such a cool bike! Can I buy your old one? 😆

[@TCR1990]

Loved the full honesty in this video. Looking forward to seeing your new riding videos this season.

[@Eric.V.]

Thanks for your honesty about the high pivot hysteria! As usual, no nonsense, no bullshit from Phil! Sweet new ride bro😎👍

[@Cassienope]

Medium pivot reduced pedal kick-back is real though. it was pretty great to feel the first time. It wasn't life changing. It was "nice" and my next bike won't have one. The slightly draggy feel doesn't really work on trail bikes (for me).

[@SecretSpots]

You reminded me that I should check my shock pressure. I'm one of those "set it and forget it" people and can't remember the last time I checked my shock pressure. LOL

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Haha, thats one big advantage of coil shocks, you can actually get away with that!

[@BarryWalstead]

Coil fork + coil shock = as set and forget as it gets.

[@brianfurtaw7893]

In the front 170mm of travel in the back 160, not much else to say after that. Perfect bike Phil, New Bike Day ,you are lucky.

[@TheXstrongyx]

Been watching your channel for a while now so i'm sorry if this is a stupid question, but how tall are you and what size Force have you gone for? If you were between sizes, what swayed your decision to size up/down? Thanks

[@asacron]

Hey Phil, Lovely video! Since u ride flats, what are your go to shoes? Wet / dry? Thanks! (Maybe a video about your favorite wearable gear: jackets, pants,protection,…?) 😅

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I'm still really liking my etnies culverts but i left them at a friends house. Ive been trying the fox union canvas which i find pretty alright. If i was still racing id probably pick up another set of Fen Ten impact pro, those are probably the best shoe but they are quite heavy.

[@asacron]

@@SkillsWithPhilthanks for replying ❤

[@johnochsner7913]

@@SkillsWithPhil The Five Pro with the steel toes is the way to go. Those shoes work great at Blue Mt, PA bike park. There is a few pointy rocks there :/

[@WillWhipkey]

I dare you to give me your old bike

[@ChampyOnPC]

Reasonable and crazy good bike, have fun with it :) Except the saddle, sorry but I can't stand that :D

[@KestrelYI]

Nice to see you again, Phil : ) Thanks for the update.

[@prslol1]

Can’t unsee Ronald, damn you McDonald’s lol Also FYI Fidlock let’s you make custom bottles and they have yellow for the mount/connector and dust cap. Not sure if it’s Euro region only though.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Haha, i was thinking that the whole time actually!

[@Tj_444]

Phil’s the most honest rider in the scene

[@benlisle7623]

I'm a bike mechanic, i love my job but i hate working on my bikes!😂

[@DingleBerryMTB]

That hub and rim setup is perfect! That's the setup i have been chasing, but crazy expensive here in Australia.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I hear you, I certainly wouldn't call it cheap, and I'm sure international shipping/exchange rates won't help. I've heard everything in Australia ends up being mad expensive. I do think you'll be pretty happy with the setup.

[@DingleBerryMTB]

@@SkillsWithPhil 100% agree there, I will make sure i use your codes when i order so you get paid. (hopefully that's how it works). Lets see if i can crack my Rim first before i upgrade, but i do love the idea of a silent hub. Would be very cool to sneak up on some kangaroos! We see them out and about very often.

[@Jan07362]

28 psi aint that gonna break your back😂

[@ktvlm3987]

what you don't realize is Phil shaved, hence the full face. Keeping the reveal for his OF🤣

[@stevenkilleen8149]

If u can try the Vivid Ultimate u should its very good very much like super deluxe just lil more predictable feels bottomless

[@IsaacRC]

Totally agree on mechanical over electrics, only the energy spent on a battery I doubt is generally justified over an efficient body-mechanics engineering, but also it's good there's the option for who really needs it.

[@T-ravis]

10 push-ups for every like

[@SkillsWithPhil]

These types of comments are the KZbin equivalent to 90s chain emails

[@T-ravis]

@@SkillsWithPhil Ahhaha

[@christophersmith879]

Video or it didn't happen

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

The force is an absolute disgrace to the GT history.The idler wheel is an absolute embarrassment

[@MichaelRei99]

I hope you meant Phil because he is the only one I’m giving a like to!

[@dvs620]

Deathgrips come in yellow too, the correct yellow for you. I know this because I wanted highlighter yellow Deathgrips, found some based on the photo and got regular yellow ones instead.

[@betterthannotgoodmtb]

Thanks for sharing captain! Quite interesting to hear your preferences. In other news, crazy to think 7 years ago I pulled the trigger on a 2016 Tokul 1 due to your Tokul 3 vids. Which, out of curiousity what happened to that thing? I'd sure like to get a hold of one; hint, hint haha! I'm one of those weird people that built a bomb proof trail bike. I went with a 2022 SJ Evo Alloy frameset and ended up slapping a Fox 38 on it with a Cannibal T9 front tire and Butcher T9 rear in mullet. Pedals like a stubborn mule uphill currently, but I don't care as it has no problem hitting sharp edged rocks on the descents. And on the side of flats, I will always ride them because, well, I'm garbage and bail frequently lol! Any who, I enjoyed the vid and am looking forward to the next one.

[@johnochsner7913]

My prediction is the Dropper Post on a MTB will be as rare as a Dodo bird in a couple of years. My Pivot came with a dropper, hated it, installed a Carbon post, loved it.

[@DandyHippo]

Is GT owned py the same company as Santa Cruz? Pon conglomerate or what was it

[@sinterior2626]

You're the best Phil - super grounded person. Peace

[@tomff8251]

Hlo i am from nepal and will you sell me your bike . In here bikes are too expensive cost about a million so

[@olikowal-fy6tf]

no harm intended old bike looks better

[@SkillsWithPhil]

The old bike looked great, but i like changing how things look. It's refreshing.

[@Gablachance1]

So, 31.8 diameter handle bar is more smooth than a 35mm carbon bars ?

[@Friskee62]

Kudos, good stuff. I had a GT Talera for many years...

[@jf8534]

Phil tells it like it is

[@Emtbtoday]

18.05 your blue psi sticker fell off

[@ktvlm3987]

im not superstitious but i am a littlestitious..

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Hah! I've never heard this one before, I'll add this to my list of dad jokes.

[@ktvlm3987]

@@SkillsWithPhil its a joke from The Office but feel free to use it, honestly was surprised no one else said it haha

[@Tequila628]

I love me a bike check! Thanks! Expected a 165mm cranks, but judging from the whole video you're an old school in some cases and I love that. F wireless electronic parts.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I'm a middle of the road person. Trends are cyclical. Sizing up to Larger and XL bikes was all the rage, now most enduro riders have come back to Mediums/modest size bikes. People really tend to get easily caught up in the hype.

[@Tequila628]

@@SkillsWithPhil Word

[@sandy_knight]

I'm curious, have you tried (or considered trying) O-Chain? I've always thought they undo all the good work of high/instant engagement hubs but when I commented about it on another channel I was told that high engagement hubs are "only for technical climbing, nothing to do with enduro racing" but I find them quite useful for getting the front wheel up in an emergency when riding unexpected, low speed drops...

[@SkillsWithPhil]

ochains work best on bikes that have a lot of pedal kickback. On my bike the idler basically does a similar job, so an ochain wouldn't make much sense.

[@sandy_knight]

@@SkillsWithPhil That makes sense but do you ever appreciate the instant engagement hub going down hill or is it just for climbing?

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I mainly noticed it in technical pedally bits where you might need to ratchet your way through. Helps heaps there. It does help a bit on the downhill, but the main benefit is the silence and how it helps me hear whats happening underneath.

[@sandy_knight]

@@SkillsWithPhil Thank you for the reply, that's pretty much my experience as well.

[@dannyspivak6526]

Would have been nice to see Phil on a progressive hardtail like Stanton, Ragley etc

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I think hard tails are great, but i don't enjoy riding them.

[@dannyspivak6526]

@@SkillsWithPhil even the new ones?

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Just not my cup of tea unless I'm doing more trialsy riding

[@olivierboucher2263]

For someone that doesn't like fiddling with their bike, I don't understand how you can run codes... They are so much work to keep working properly

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I bleed them and forget them. I feel like i had to bleed my shimano and trp breaks more frequently. But yeah the bleed process isn't my favorite

[@bobmarty-fy8mk]

you should start a podcast that would be heat

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I've thought about it. I went through and bought all the gear but then i realized how much i would hate having to edit another thing.

[@bobmarty-fy8mk]

@@SkillsWithPhil yeah that makes sense your videos must take a lot of work they are amazing

[@enzopoli7]

Phil should come to Brazil and ride some trails

[@MichaelRei99]

Especially with the new radicalized government!!

[@Jammyx3]

I feel your pain. Putting the shifter housing through the bottom of the frame on the force sucks especially when the bottom of the housing decides to slip out of the droppers reasess... meaning the cable goes wireless from the dropper while in the f***ing frame. Then you have to put those tight little cannondale grommets in.... FFFFFFUUUUUU. I hate setting up droppers on the force as much as you do 😭.... I have a matte green 2022 force pro

[@glenhuizenga6251]

If you think Phil (and Hailey) are not the most transparent, humble, and honest people in the industry, "...you'd be wrong!" No fluff. Just truth.

[@topspot4834]

Those HS2 rotors are a huge upgrade from the Centerlines. SRAM claims it's only a 7% difference in stopping power, but it feels a lot bigger.

[@johnfinelli6882]

Hey Phil ITS A BEAUTY ENJOY. MY FRIEND!! Do you want to Drag race me on my 22 Santa Cruz Nomad ? J/K 😮

[@Emtbtoday]

I've been GT for decades first one was the Performer 38 BMX then the pro loved that bike! Then moved onto the DH but had bad accident that took me away from bikes for about 15 years! I jaut bit the bullet in Jan there and bought an emtb couldn't find a GT in UK that easy so went for a cube AT the spec was what got me it's everything I'd have bought and put on a bike anyway and can't be to bothered really now doing what I used to with them I just want to go ride em again! The emtb is a way for me to ease back into it!

[@skullsroad3642]

Oh cool he has this nifty trick to remember suspension pressures. "I can tell you that this is BS". Oh...

[@Dix-OnBik3s]

Phil! Its May Long weekend in Canada, come rip some Quebec park laps at Bromont! That pony will have its work cut out for it ;)

[@ChronoCard]

On the stemp clamp diameter: I agree. I tried 35mm carbon bars and it was way too stiff for me. I feel like 35mm aluminum bars are similar in stiffness to 31.8 carbon bars, and that's more than stiff enough for me.

[@Ivypoison23]

No interest in a mullet?

[@kahoycrafts]

That's a great looking bike! 😍 The yellow accents definitely make it pop. I ride the mallet e pedals, but there have been a few situations where unclipping proved to be difficult. I've got some knee problems that clipless has helped, otherwise I'd probably go with flats too.

[@rotorblade7363]

Love the PNW dropper lever. I run them on all my bikes. You might have talked me into an Onyx hub.

[@budddy1]

I like the color theme! Maybe instead of ketchup and mustard, you can do strawberry lemonade! I also run the dagga pedals, they grip like no other!

[@nostr8ghtlinzs596]

I got Zaskar LT a few weeks back, the bike is great, but the hubs, silent hubs, first time, so nice. thank you for GT on the map for me.

[@adamforman9145]

You can demo and buy the Force at First Stop Board Barn in Killington.

[@Smettli]

Phil is such a delightful guy, a great role-model for kids!

[@damarapoledna3636]

Been downhilling carbon wheels since 2015, no issues

[@livefreeandshred9818]

I went from a trek slash to a forbidden Druid v2 and a dreadnought and I noticed a HUGEEEE difference

[@DandyHippo]

What does each one feel like? Got a dune r when it was natty and a kona process, havent ridden any of those u mentioned

[@coreymtb420]

Phil you going to the dh race at powder ridge this weekend?

[@FrancisGimeno]

Nice! been waiting for that new trail of yours! 😊

[@davidbiddle5039]

Great episode. I like to hear your take on things and why and also that you’re not a freeloader. Phil, what kind of gloves do you use? I need a new pair.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I've been using IXS Carve gloves. They're fairly affordable, simple, and easy to get on/off.

[@davidbiddle5039]

TY Phil! Just ordered them! By the way, it was great meeting you at the cable drop last year with BCPOV!

[@jasonpatrickdeleon4701]

Can you review dartmoor rocbird enduro frame

[@skysh81]

you are funny as hell. love this episode

[@OmnieStar]

Someones gotta 3d print a top cap for him !!! I would but I don't have a 3d printer lol Edit: Or if you want Phil you could probably get one from like pcbway or one of those companies. Not sure if you wanna go through the process of measuring it exactly to have it printed. Depends on how bad you want that top cap... Or you could just paint it I guess.. thats probably its the easiest.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I actually made one my own oneup edc thingy a while back but I wouldn't trust it.

[@Dunnieltd]

They changed the logo back! I hope so

[@natemoe7694]

I’m assuming the ZEB came with the bike, but do you prefer Rockshox suspension or Fox? I’ve had both so just curious on your take. Thanks

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I have some fox stuff on other bikes. They both feel good, but i like the feel of rockshox lately. Especially the forks with buttercups, that actually makes a big difference in feel.

[@daffhead4975]

WIth the cranks, i would have sprayed them with plasti dip instead. First the primer and then several layers of the yellow. That would probably last longer.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

We'll find out. It's a bit of trial run.

[@JustJake77]

Set it and forget it... That's the way.

[@dtran1742]

Prefer air shock over coil shock??

[@Wyatt_Hutchinson]

What is the difference between clipless and flat peddles? They sound like the same thing

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Clipless means clipped in. Long story, but older clip pedals used straps and buckles so for some reason when modern clipless pedals came about they were called clipless.

[@alexisonbike3652]

Not judging, but just being curious. Why not keep riding the old bike if the new is the same ?

[@MichaelRei99]

Well GT is his sponsor and they want him riding their latest bike.

[@joed899]

I love the idea of the quiet engagement hub. There's nothing more annoying than a super loud hub that sounds like a swarm of bees

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Some hub's aren't bad, but the ones that try are loud just because they can are pretty annoying.

[@christophersmith879]

That colour scheme is actually really nice. However that frame 👌 😍.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I agree!

[@jokermtb]

been a GT fan (and rider) since 2012!

[@buhnaan9]

You got a brand new bike, why do you still have the older rockshox from 2 years ago?

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Just because something new came out doesn't make the old stuff "bad".

[@northwestmountainbikeaddic6874]

Love the look of your bike and I know how you feel about the color thing, Gold is another color that is hard to find , gold that looks like gold not yellowy gold

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Yeah you are totally right, anodized gold is all over the place!

[@meteormedia7021]

You DEFINITLEY don't have a super soft in the rear. Conti only makes the Kryptotal Front tread pattern in the super soft compound. The Kryptotal Rear only comes in the regular soft rubber compound.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

All of the 4 circles in the tire compound indicator are filled in. If i had a soft casing only 3 of the 4 would be filled in. 👍

[@MichaelRei99]

@@SkillsWithPhilthanks for bringing the knowledge!

[@defyinggravity8559]

Ochain in the future?

[@mrpachuco696]

Why the full face?

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Because when i ride this bike I'm usually at a bike park, i figured it made sense to dress how i normally would dress when i ride this bike.

[@mrpachuco696]

@@SkillsWithPhil ahh

[@davidthebiker2955]

Onyx hubs are so good. I love a quiet bike and hub noise to me is just annoying, even on other people's bikes. I had some Novatec hubs that were pretty quiet and some shimanos that made little noise, but neither were silent. Onyx FTW.

[@MichaelRei99]

You’d hate my hubs. Super high engagement.

[@davidthebiker2955]

@@MichaelRei99 It's not the engagement that is annoying. Onyx are instant engagement and dead quiet. You can have low engagement and still be loud from loud pawls. I can appreciate high engagement but not loud hubs whether low or high engagement. I know the sound can be different based on design and amount of pawls clicking at the same or different times, but silent to me is the best imho.

[@saakey]

What happened to your GT Sensor?

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Your question is addressed in my previous

[@JTFoote]

"As the kiddos say" love it!

[@hansbuehler]

June 16! I looked down the trail from the top last fall was dying ride it! Is it open yet this spring?

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Not right now. I have closed signs up, so nobody should be riding it until those are removed. I've been waiting for the bridge on the trail that leads into our trail to be finished , because until then the trail isn't accessible to adaptive bikes. I also need Greg to come through on his adaptive bike to sign off on it and make sure things go.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

We will be dropping the ropes soonish, but the official opening is on the 16th.

[@bionic909]

Could you not instal the chain missing to high pivot for apple and apples comparison?

[@SkillsWithPhil]

The suspension, drivetrain, wheelsize, reach, stack everything is different. Way too many variables.

[@bionic909]

@@SkillsWithPhil thanks for the reply. You could compare between pivot and no pivot with the same bike though.

[@Califoriadude]

9 hour gang

[@rmurphyandco]

you gotta try those continental tires in the DH super soft compound

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Did you miss a part where I said I hate changing tires so I run something a little bit more durable?

[@MichaelRei99]

@@SkillsWithPhilHe sure did!😂

[@antkodziej7318]

a color down-grade in my opinion D:

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Thats okay, this wasn't up for debate.

[@beno9966]

Love the wheels, too bad they are $600usd to ship! 9:40, Oneup don't do the EDC that requires threading anymore, they now have a bolt that goes all the way through. I didn't see you mention what size frame you ride.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

600!? Where are we shipping these, to the moon!?

[@beno9966]

@@SkillsWithPhil New Zealand. So close to the moon :D. I edited my comment. What frame size are you on? I assume Medium, but with the 50mm Stem the reach would longer than average.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I'm on a medium, and I'm 5'10 so ~178cm. Typically that puts me on the upper range of medium or lower range of larges. Sizing up to a bigger bike has been the trend especially with racers, so most people i know in my situation would have run a Larger frames with a shorter stem. And i had no idea that one up updated their system. I was under the impression that it was still the original threaded topcap, not sure how i missed that update.

[@beno9966]

@@SkillsWithPhil Thanks Phil. Same height as me, it's tough being in the middle. I have sized up every time, but now large at 490 reach on my latest bike is getting up there.

[@tomassanesson902]

Awesome bike

[@worldstallestmidget]

So what else do you hate in this world! Lol

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Biting my cheek ranks pretty high on that list, drivers who don't go when the light turns green, the accept cookie prompt which now appears on every website, when it says you have 5g but nothing actually loads... i could go on if you'd like?

[@DontWorryImAPilot]

@@SkillsWithPhil oddly enough, Phil LOVES biting his tongue. Also on the hate list: banging his elbow on door frames as he moves through the house, switching to regular yogurt after eating Greek yogurt for a while, and overcooked eggs.