My GT Sensor Bike Check: The Most Versatile Trail Bike I've Ridden

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Whooops as others have pointed out, apparently the audio is messed up and it's only coming out of one of the channels, so if you don't hear anything try putting in your other earbud. I'll be having a stern talk with the editor.... oh I'm the one who edits this 😑

[@alexanderalderfalk7932]

That saved me some troubleshooting, on my end. Thanks! xD

[@ChocolateBrocoli]

Windows: ⊞ > Search 'Mono' > Turn mono audio on or off MacOS: (⌘ + space) > Search 'Mono' > Play stereo audio as mono Full settings path: Windows: ⊞ > Settings > Accessibility > Audio > Toggle 'Turn on mono audio' MacOS: (⌘ + space) > Settings > Accessibility > Audio > Toggle 'Play stereo audio as mono'

[@ST---]

Nice soothing sounds of the creek in my left ear, Great bike info in the right. ;)

[@ktvlm3987]

hmmm, and where was Smokey during this... incident?

[@computerbob06]

If people care that much when watching a bike review on KZbin, they need to get out more! Just set it to mono everyone, or watch it on your TV, where it won't matter!

[@fickedyodad2137]

I raced against Phil in Collegiate. Spoke with him. He’s exactly like this in person. Just a no frills rider that doesn’t over complicate things. Dude is just down to earth.

[@chickensandwich2600]

At 6:22 you had me dead☠️. I 1000% agree with you on cables vs wireless

[@SkillsWithPhil]

When the price comes down and is more reasonable, I think maybe I'll give it a shot. It honestly makes more sense on an ebike where the battery is built into the frame.

[@duanehundley]

Appreciate your honest review and showing us how you keep it simple.

[@tuckerbeddiges]

4:55 That’s really cool to hear, I see too many people that get sponsored or given terrible products and then say stuff like “they’re the best in the game”

[@TeddyParker]

4:04 legendary statement. this speaks to me. I do a lot of walking on my rides due to knee issues. I can't spin a dinner plate up a vertical wall. It is what it is. But it's always worth the ruck once you get to the top.

[@spencerc5541]

Best bike review I have seen in a while! I definitely agree with your stance on boujee parts. I only bought high end parts because I thought you had to: They feel great, but when they break, it sucks. A well maintained middle of the road part often times feels just as good!

[@Timmmay13]

Setting aside that you are extremely talented and can do just about anything on a bike, your channel comes off as if you are just one of the guys that any of us could ride with. Thank you and keep up the great videos.

[@steve_exclamationpoint]

Love the simple and practical attitude you have. It seems like many people focus on spending a fortune on the latest and greatest parts and bikes when they should be concentrating more on bettering their riding skills.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I'm kind of flabbergasted by the direction of the sport; there's something off putting when you roll up to a parking lot and its filled with decked out bikes and 100k sprinter vans. I've been riding my whole life, and I love bikes, but i find myself feeling out of touch with where the sport is headed.

[@nikolaibohachevsky2301]

Man, I get the same feeling. Bikes were never a foofoo thing for me. We grew up on them, played hard on them; and cost was never a consideration even with nice gear. I built up all my own race bikes(bmx)on a teenagers wage. I am pretty sure that would not be possible these days. I get negative sometimes as the yuppies drive up the cost and demand of specialist equipment. I always have to look harder to get the nuggets for a reasonable price. But in the end its all good. We wouldn’t have the trail networks and bike parks without the numbers. I will always like a simple, practical bike; just the same.

[@dvs620]

​@@nikolaibohachevsky2301 The parts thing is so absurd. I remember when I first started looking and people were saying that if you spend "only" $1k, then it's not worth it to upgrade. I hit the 2nd hand market hard after hearing that. I purchased a fork for $125, barely used Maxxis trail tires for $70 for the pair on a bike (frame really) that cost me $400. Bontrager Line Comp 30 with 108t hub for good engagement for about $350 total, new. I'm into the bike for almost $1k (over two years) and it's got better parts than any hardtail costing $1k new. Even bike brands that are trying to offer good, cheaper, entry level bikes are still at over $1k. The industry as a whole is overpriced.

[@jeffrittenour8202]

my thoughts exactly. i remember when having a $2000 bike was extravagant and now that's basically the entry level price. a bike shouldn't be outdated after 2 years. it's not a cell phone. my 1970s steel frame road bike that i've had since college still rides perfectly fine.

[@jokermtb]

Started riding GT after renting a 2012 Sensor 29 (and ended up buying one later I liked it so much) - got a 2019 Sensor Comp (aluminum version) and it's completely changed the way I ride (for the better). I'm 5-10 also, and ride a Medium as I like the more flickable and playful nature of this bike. The bike has been incredibly reliable and has withstood the beatings I regularly give it better than any other bike I've ever ridden - pretty much replaced everything except for the cranks/bb, shifters and headset. For the money, GT is making a great bike these days, and the 2023 model looks like it's continuing that trend.

[@jynx2501]

Skills With Phil: Bikes are cool! Perfect motto. Bikes are cool, Phil!

[@Ortchi]

My right ear really likes this. Jokes aside. Bike looks awesome! Great reasoning for the upgrades and why you did them.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I hate to break it to your, but your left ear is is deaf, sorry mate. All joking aside, i done goofed up

[@planetlinusgaming403]

Broooo i had my right headphone off and I though he forgot to put in his microphone audio so i went to check the comments LMAO

[@dvs620]

​@@SkillsWithPhil I usually listen with my left ear. I started with my right ear, had to stop because they pay me to work, not watch KZbin, then started again but with the left ear bud and was thoroughly confused for about 15 seconds. 😄

[@ckoleske]

Very refreshing video. Watched you for years and one of the most entertaining and skilled riders!

[@bryanseare2704]

great video, appreciate your points of view for people who havent tried the products you have. you're also the definition of practical, and I appreciate that.

[@pipfpv7489]

i tried the pipecleaners to reduce internal cable rattle and it works like a charm. you are a genius.

[@tslaforest]

Wolftooth Components makes a ton of small parts in many colors to match whatever you want, and they are decently priced. Love the simplicity of your review: cheaper parts can still have fun.

[@Senpai_77]

EPIC ENDING. YES PHIL...This is the way.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

This is the way.

[@irvmtb1422]

I’m somewhat glad the idler pulley didn’t stick/trickle down to trail bikes, good to keep this simple and seems like the suspension is really good anyway.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Idlers arent nearly as useful on bikes with less travel. They have their place, but they do make things more complex, which is why they are mostly found on bikes that are designed with racing in mind aka dh/enduro.

[@MrAhole79]

Phil, you crack me up. “I don’t make many changes…pretty stock”. Except for the upgraded dropper post, brakes, tires, rims, hubs, bars, stem…and yeah I plan to update the brakes.” Thanks for keeping the frame stock! Kidding aside, love the concept of using easy to find components for ease of replacement. Nothing worse than calling your day early because you broke something and are waiting for parts.

[@katahdincloud9803]

One of my most versatile bikes has been the S-Works Stumpjumper circa 2005. 26er. Light, like 21.5 lbs, crisp responsiveness, feline, jaguar like agility. All I had modified was adding a long stem and uptreading the rear tire just a bit. Climbed with an attitude, hauled ass on the flats and soaked up a beating like Sasquatch. Trail, XC,

[@NoodlesSoucy]

I love how simple you keep it. My GT Aggressor Pro just got here yesterday and man what a dream. I will change some things but overall I love it stock. Thanks again for always being an inspiration to get out there and ride

[@nostr8ghtlinzs596]

i am thinking about one of there hard tails as well

[@dvs620]

I have a 2019 Avalanche Sport I bought on OfferUp. The frame is pretty beefy. The head tube angle is pretty steep, but I added more travel and it's good enough for me. New wheels (Bontrager Line Comp 30s for about $350 total), new tires, new pedals and the thing feels solid. I don't mind putting money into it and when I take it as far as it can go, then I'll get a new hardtail (maybe a Zaskar). But I'm definitely keeping this one.

[@kornizz5549]

I have 2022 Zaskar Expert. Super hard tail, love it a lot.

[@yeeher1671]

Simple does it. That should be a slogan for GT. We just want to go out there and have fun with our bikes. I mean I’m up for new techs and everything but I think if you’re a newbie u will be really confused with all these adjustments. Cool video.

[@BuffiestFluff]

Oh shit hes on an entire arrival setup! Thats amazing i didnt know he was. So stoked to see something from my work ridden in these videos.

[@emmettlmtb5635]

Phil you’re a sick guy man!

[@rhathaway1987]

Loved this video! Just the fact you keep it simple is huge. Subbed and can’t wait to see more of your content man!

[@cgriggsiv]

I definitely understand My bike of choice for the past 30 years is diamondback My last one was a diamondback coil EX 3 by 8 Stock front was a 80 mm I changed them over to a 120 mm all I had to do was change the tubing's Then I change the rear shock after it broke from a coil with an added piggyback To a DMZ 130mm are shock with damper ran it like that with a 26-inch rims for about 2 years until the triangle broke for the rear rocker Now I have A diamondback atroz 2 120 in the front 120 in the rear I kept the same rims upgraded the tires to maxis DH casings front and rear art 27.5 -2.30 Also both front and rear have crush Coors Then I ended up adding The dropper post because it did not have at purchase And the very last piece Was changing the one by 9 system too a 1x11 with a 12-speed Dior hanger Only because my my gears are 10-52 11 speed so my derailleur the only one I was able to find was a 12-speed 50 to match it up and so far it works flawlessly I have only been bucked off the bike once and the result was breaking both elbows and a $400 GoPro hero8 Black on its first run and I happen to have that on video at East Branch phase 2 or it was phase 1

[@jduran30]

1:12 I was in between frames MD-LG, I was always advised to go with LG and even looking online everything I found said go with the higher size, I decided to go with a Medium and man what a difference I immediately felt way more in control of the bike way more agile! For now I think I’ll stick with a medium

[@odyssey6684]

Phil, your approach to your bike is simiar to what some guitar players do with regard to their floor pedals. Many people use Boss pedals. For some reason, everyone owns a Boss pedal or two early on when they start playing. Then they move away from Boss because they're not super expensive and they're everywhere. After a while, many of us have realized Boss has a number of great pedals and if one fails, they're easy to replace.

[@jeffrittenour8202]

Here's a guy that could ride any bike with any components and he chooses to ride something basically stock because of practicality. Never change, Phil.

[@RedRaccoon69]

love this color and the minimalistic decals

[@GTBicycles1]

Lookin' good Phil!

[@RiderNambaLast]

I had a 2014 sensor, now I have a GT Force 2020 with a large list of upgrades, I love GT bikes, but I don’t like the new inscription. and the new GT Fury is just a work of art, the pinnacle of engineering.

[@benlittlechilds1192]

I went from a Specialized trail tire to a Doubledown DHF...I was a bit shocked how noticeable the extra drag was...still early in the season...hope it's just my legs:) My Assegai front I'm loving.

[@reubenneate3492]

The practicality of Phill resonates with me. The high end baller direction that the sport is advertising is just not me. I've found myself in the last year or two buying and using less known and normally more affordable parts not because I can't afford the mainstream ones but because I want to prove that it's not about the bike.

[@Friskee62]

Very good vid, Phil...always informative.

[@jasonmcmountainbiker2889]

Bikes are cool I have spoken.. love it Phil . I could see a shirt it sticker with that on it .. great video as always

[@mrupholsteryman]

Bikes are wheelie cool! Is what I was thinking as well...and not just trying to pedal you some doodoo..

[@chanemansends]

That is the nicest looking modern GT I've seen for sure

[@maxpower6188]

I like your Phil-o-sophy. Yep, bikes are cool.

[@mswizle]

You should try to make it out to wheelerville New York this year, you won’t be disappointed

[@MichaelRei99]

I like the look of this bike and with your rave review I’d definitely consider getting one!

[@CP-qx2ff]

Bikes are cool. In spec'ing parts and in many things in life, think that somewhere in the middle is usually the sweet spot of performance vs cost.

[@bikedude019]

I had the exact same wheelset. After a year of riding the coast mointains, the rear hubshell craked. It took six months to get a new one. After that, I decided to move forward with different brand hubs and alu rims.

[@jpauldion]

Nice bike for shredding there! My ol 2014 GT Zaskar 100 9r is still going stong...just xc and not the bike park!

[@TrailFeatures]

Phil is a shining example of "Tools, not jewels.". Also, this bike should have launched on the 4th. Because it's the one I've been looking for.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Haha, it honestly feels more like my OG Blue/yellow force than it does with my previous sensor.

[@irvbikes6440]

@@SkillsWithPhil Love that OG Force (I have the exact model lol) and how you rode it even for DH!

[@youtbehandletobedetermined]

“Bikes are cool. I have spoken.” 😂 Best closer ever.

[@rualert1602]

This is a great video. Thanks, Phil!

[@rualert1602]

More hummingbirds would make it better.

[@alexh.4068]

Best mtb channel on youtube by far

[@Flyers2929]

My bike came with an xtr derailleur of which I broke two for $250 a pop. Couldn’t get anything but a deore derailleur for like $70 and performed similarly.

[@Eric.V.]

“Bikes are cool, I have spoken” Nuff said 😎👍

[@melgozakoki85]

Got to test mine today. This bike goes! It is fast at the getgo

[@TheScalawag]

I nuked my SRAM GX Derailleur at Killington last year and ordered a new one for $50 on the next lift ride up. +1 on not spending a lot on parts that are just waiting to get damaged.

[@ianfleischhacker6154]

It seems the more skilled a rider is, the more likely they are to not size up. Anyhow, the new GT's look f'n deadly, it's unreal how much better value they are than what some are offering (pun intended).

[@northwestmountainbikeaddic6874]

Oooo my bike is creaky damn mud and dirt in the pivots! But I ride so much and got sick of washing my bike every time I ride , I stopped and unless my bike is extremely dirty , I won’t wash it

[@metrobadger]

Bikes are cool. Well said Phil!

[@pauleddy5146]

I must agree with the bike as a tool. I like tools. You get stuff done with tools. If the tool isn't working, neither are you. I don't hang mine on the wall in the "gallery", they're in the workshop, next to my other tools.

[@cameronmartin719]

Thanks for the video! Would love to see you run Cane Creek EWings. Probably the only "bougie" bike part that might actually pay for itself long term. I'd also like to see you try out a Trust fork or a reverse fork from Wren Sports etc.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

The eewings are definitely cool, I'd take those over any carbon crank, but sram cranks work well enough. As far as trust forks, they're out of business and while its a cool product, its way too niche for my liking no matter how interesting it is.

[@anthonywalters7434]

I’d love to see this compared directly to the 2020 Force 29. I have a Force set up as a 170/150 all mountain/enduro setup and it’s a blast, but I could be convinced to move to a new Sensor, especially the Comp with the coil shock out back.

[@timbershadow1]

Most epic closing statement ever haha

[@WeekendPirate]

Good looking bike 🤙

[@skysh81]

Awesome bike check

[@casestudymtb]

Well spoken!

[@stanley909]

Always cater whatever you're using to your needs. -this mantra saved me lots of monies throughout the years. Also coz I'm broke af😂

[@garyharmon5386]

Great review

[@nostr8ghtlinzs596]

"bikes are cool" 👍👍 yeah!

[@planeandsimple431]

The one thing I'm dissatisfied with, with most brands, are the current color choices. It's like they all hired someone's grandma to pick their colors and grandma went with her favorite 1950's bathroom tiles.

[@kountatalk]

Awesome approach towards equipment. I'm pretty new to the sport but I've found it weird that the culture is towards bougee-ness? Most expensive everything and not simplicity and practicality. Not long ago a guy at a bike park was trying nerd out with me which was fun but he kept asking about bike specs, upgrades I've done and I could see the confusion on his face when my answers were constantly "I don't know" haha I got the bike because it looked good, it was 2nd hand, reasonably priced and so far it rides good and I've got no reason to change anything

[@Bike4adventure]

Great video!!

[@moomoo1170]

Phil whenever you upgrade your brakes, go with the sram hs2’s. They are way better than the centerlines

[@LukeBuzzard]

“Bikes are cool. I have spoken.” -Phil Kmetz 2023

[@MarkusFinholt]

I'm assuming you edit with resolve since the audio is in the right channel only. to fix: > Move lav audio to a separate audio track > Right click audio track and turn it into mono If that doesn't work you also have to: > Right click the audio clip, and turn the audio to mono.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Whoops, I should have caught that; i know how to fix it but i wasnt editing with headphones on and nothing seemed amis. I wish KZbin had the option to change a video to mono after the fact.

[@MarkusFinholt]

@@SkillsWithPhil KZbin is experimenting with a dubbing feature where you can add or change the audio track later. be on the lookout for it!

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I'll export a mono track and save it for when they make that change. 👍

[@JacksonD489]

Where do you purchase GT bikes? No one online seems to carry them and not many dealers seem to carry the brand any longer... Bike looks great!

[@SkillsWithPhil]

This is something that will be changing for the better because I haven't been able to answer that question for 5years now. Really frustrating. Sometimes jenson, sometimes fanatik, but it's something that GT knows is an issue and the new parent company is giving GT the resources to fix it finally.

[@JacksonD489]

@@SkillsWithPhil Thanks for the reply! I've been riding GT BMX bikes since the early 1980's and I would love to support the brand, but they are HARD to find...

[@dbmtb843]

Lmao. I died on the cabled shifter😂

[@jltrack]

12:15 Yoann Bareli?

[@1975normal]

Great Review

[@Graeleaf]

Hey, does this count as a bike check video? 😎 Wicked sick ride! Woo!🤘

[@Corum001]

😆😉👍✌and a Mandalorian quote!

[@IGCchosen1]

Ooo this bike reminds me if the evil you use to ride!

[@1975normal]

The sound issue made me listen more

[@A_shreddingDad]

Phil the Convenient.

[@denesk2794]

Cushcore doesn't add that much. I am doing the climbs on a 180/178mm front/rear coil Nomad 5 with Cushcore in the rear. Sure I am not going to win uphill XC races with that, but it's doable. I run a 28t oval front though which helps a lot (also makes it even slower uphill)

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I love cushcore and run it on all my bikes, but it definitely adds a noticeable amount of weight and on your wheels nonetheless. It's worth it to me, but i can certainly understand why people don't want to run it.

[@denesk2794]

@@SkillsWithPhil I might try an XC Cushcore in the front, I saw some people doing that to reduce weight.... We have 5 months of crazy wet slop in Costa Rica every year when you tend to run low pressure, and Cushcore for me in the rear is a must ... a pushed zero day tires home with un-repairable side-wall slashes before I started using it :) .. It is worth every gram of weight to pedal up the mountain for me... And on my ebikes: absolutely not even a question. Heavy bike and the motor helps you, so Cushcore for sure.

[@northwestmountainbikeaddic6874]

I’d be interested in testing that bike out , does gt offer a program to try out new bikes? I’m in the Pacific Northwest, imo one if not the best place to Mountain bike!

[@pulex73]

I just love you 😅

[@TheChrismeyer84]

You should try the pirelli scorpion tyres, really like them!

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I stick to what i know. Considering their legacy I'm sure Pirelli makes some damn good mtb tires. That being said, every tire company has their own cryptic names for tires, sidewalls and rubber compounds, and I'm just not that interested in learning a new language just to order tires.

[@SeikoMiura]

GT Sensor with high-pivot AOS vs GT Sensor with low-pivot LTS?

[@Kirk_Knoll]

Have you considered trying the newer SRAM HS2 rotors? I feel that there's a noticeable different in power

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I bought some for my enduro bike but have yet to install or try them

[@computerbob06]

The Sport now is 1100 new and thinking of getting it! Anyone have the Sport and know what the Microshift/shit is like?

[@DarrenDye]

Bikes are cool. I have spoken

[@jaysunptell]

Phil. Tried spotting in this video. What size tires are you running and which maxxis tires front and back? Thanks.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

2.4 is my go to width.

[@jaysunptell]

@@SkillsWithPhil really? In your videos your front looks wider. I was betting 2.5-2.6! Assegai? Minions? Thanks.

[@ChuckNorris-wp7cc]

So great

[@magodize]

Hey Phil, granted you ride pretty hard, I wonder if you ever had CSU creaks issues on the many forks you've ran. I seem to have the baddest luck in the world with any fox or RS I've ever ran no matter if it's a 35/36mm or the beefier 38mm versions and I'd like to get your feedback

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I had issues with older fox 36s, but haven't had to many issues with the newer stuff and rockshox has been noise free

[@feldybikes]

3:18 the tires are the things on your bike that make contact with the ground. kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3XLeWSMjMlsi9k (somewhat obscure VT-related reference)

[@k9kayaks]

Great review and thanks for all your explanations 👍🚵🏻

[@DannyDiesel69]

What grips are you running?

[@rhys72_]

what are your grips

[@fowoow]

Whats the benefit of a shorter reach and a longer stem? It seems everyone else I see run as short of a stem as possible.

[@jackwillard3879]

Twitchier

[@SkillsWithPhil]

It's harder to go OTB with shorter stems but longer reach frames. This is good for going fast but also less experienced riders. But with shorter stems and longer reach you also have less weight on the front wheel which means less traction. There's other advantages/disadvantages but thats the main difference.

[@pkvillager]

Rider position and weighting the front end.

[@nikolaibohachevsky2301]

Don’t let Phil’s humility about bike knowledge fool you. He may not know the “numbers talk” but he knows what feels right, and the reason for it-without the marketing interference. Very few KZbinrs have this kind of invaluable knowledge to share. I like your style Phil…

[@davidthebiker2955]

The one question I have watching this video is what are you using for bug repellant? I see those nasty deer fly types flying around the camera but you don't seem to be bothered by them. I could never find anything that worked well at keeping deer flies away... :(

[@SkillsWithPhil]

The blackflies are nasty this time of year. I have seemed to just learn to ignore them. When trail builders, usually I'm the one that gets swarmed the most in a group, and i guess I've just gotten used to them and mosquitoes. Sometimes it does get to be a bit too much and i have to walk around. Most of the time, I'd rather deal with them then use bug spray.

[@thesmf1210]

"I have spoken" lol

[@JessAlicaya]

You like the new GT logo?

[@jc9301]

lol I was like wth I cant hear anything, then see Phils comment,,,,put your right earbud in stupid!...lol Well I felt stupid...lol

[@tompeluso56]

"i have spoken"