I kept the bike in its low setting and the 442mm chainstays allowed the bike to be manoeuvrable but still keep the rear-end stable along off cambers, roots and fast trails. I stuck with the wagon wheels because I always had spare wheels and tires hanging around, and didnt want to deal with selling or giving all of them away to ride a new wheel diameter. In the end, youll be getting GTs trademark ride quality that emphasizes confidence-inspiring fun. If you are on the change over between sizes both options will fit. Upon placing an online order we will notify you if we are unable to fulfil your order within 1-5 working days. The 4-piston Guide R brakes were the weak link on the bike, and would be the first thing I would swap out if I owned this model. This is more a factor of the bikes weight than its geometry, which is great because there are several inexpensive upgrades that can shave significant weight off the bike. On the trail I found the Fox Performance 36 fork and its 170mm of travel, controlled by the older GRIP damper, to be a great fork for a bike of this price. That is relatively low, meaning that the Force 29 doesnt use up its travel under hard braking too readily. One of the biggest highlights of the Force 29 is the ride-/race-ready tyres (tubeless ready too), which mean you can get straight on the trail without having to worry about them holding you back. All in all, the bike climbs well for a bike thats clearly meant for riders who endure the uphill just to reap the reward of pointing it back downhill, but the downhill-oriented geometry and 33 lb. Folks who want to go out and play with friends on the weekends will be stoked on its playfulness and overall lively character. Throughout my tests, the frames linkage remained quiet and worked flawlessly, despite my numerous attempts to overpack it with mud and tree detritus. This suppleness does mean the bike bobs when pedalling, and I quickly flicked between the shocks medium and firm modes for any extended pedalling. A low center of gravity afforded by the suspension design, which keeps all the heavy moving parts and rear shock down near the bottom bracket, makes changing directions super quick, making the longer wheelbase all the more manageable. Thanks! 760mm bars and Shimano SLX stoppers; what else could you want? This lower front end sensation could be a boon for folks riding faster, flowier trails where having weight further forward and lower can be helpful. Singletracks Merch | With a mid-level component spec highlighted by excellent suspension, the $4340 GT Force X Expert is a bike that will get you firmly into the all-mountain/enduro category without breaking the bank. The tapered head tube and 142x12mm rear axle ensure things remain nice and stiff. At 66.7 degrees, the head angle is on the steeper end of the spectrum for a bike of its travel, but is still firmly within the margin of usable head angles for an AM bike. All Terrain Cycles is the UK's Largest & Oldest Independent Bike Store. An ideal first enduro bike. Educated to a degree level in engineering and with a penchant for full-throttle speed, Luke is more than qualified to put every bike and product through its paces to bring you informative and independent reviews. I am far more comfortable with Shimano brakes, and though I have used SRAM brakes that worked well in the past, these did not do it for me. For riders looking for a more enduro race-ready build, with highly tuneable suspension and better brakes, the Force Carbon Pro is worth the $1k price bump. The recommended percentages range from 23 to 28 per cent, which are slightly lower than some recommendations, but as the Force 29 has a progressive linkage ratio, the sag percentage at the shock will be lower than the true sag at the rear wheel. Its no surprise the Force 29 has some modern geometry figures that should help you rip the descents and climb back up in comfort. This telephone number is manned 7 days a week in line with our shop opening hours. The layout of the bike is the same as the Force, but the geometry and suspension kinematics have been revised for the bigger wheels. Due to the bigger wheels and increase in rotational mass and inertia, the anti-squat was increased to maintain the same pedalling behaviour, Luis Arraiz told me, one of the designers of the GT Force. We do not charge your credit or debit card until we dispatch your order, unless by prior agreement or as a holding deposit for special purchase items. A larger bike offers more stability and is more suited to new and intermediate riders. The steep 77-degree effective seat tube does put you in a comfortable climbing position, which is good, because one of the only drawbacks of the Force 29 is its hefty weight. The gears didnt falter during my time on them, but its good to keep a check on the jockey wheels because I have found them to come loose. The 64.6-degree head angle also means it never feels like youre in danger of going over the bars even when the trail gets steep. What holds the bike back a bit is the 125mm own-brand dropper, which I found I couldnt get low enough out of the way when descending. With the shock is in its open mode, the rear end is pretty active, but theres a good amount of progression which helps keep the back-end from blowing through its travel. It does offer traction and comfort when pedalling over rough ground, though. The 600mm top tube on our medium bike offered plenty of space to move around in, giving plenty of confidence on fast sections of trail. You've been subscribed to our newsletter. IMBA Epics | Get a Snycros iS Couple bottle cage when you subscribe to Mountain Biking UK today! There are no carbon-covered $10k bikes to leave owners fretting their monthly bills. | Traction was an immediately noticeable strength on the bike, and it stayed good throughout the test. For riders who like technical climbing and precise maneuvering, a rear hub upgrade might be necessary for this bike. GT hasnt taken the plunge to offer internal cable routing, but while it might lack the sophistication of some expensive carbon frames, it does make maintenance a shed load easier and as nice as internal cable routing looks, it never made us faster riders. Ryan Dunfee photo. This proved frustrating when trying to maneuver the bike by hand in tricky situations, like after a crash on steep terrain, as I never knew for certain if I could lift the bike up by the saddle or not. It comes in four sizes, from small to extra-large, and looking at the geometry charts the Force 29 should accommodate most rider heights. Already have an account with us? I was told this was to better handle bike park duties and to offer more compatibility with coil shocks. SUMMER SALE | Try 3 issues of Cycling Plus magazine for 5 + Get a pair of Lusso cycling socks! GTs Todd Seplavy developed the C.O.R. As for this first 27.5 experience, the smaller wheels did require more momentum to clean rougher sections that 29 wheels do, and they occasionally caught on larger holes or obstacles in the trail. GT says this allows the suspension to remain supple when dropping the anchors because the initial part of the travel is the softest. Luke is a gravity-focused rider with a history of racing downhill, previously competing in the UCI Downhill World Cup. One of the great parts of this bike is the well specced tyre choice. This bike really comes alive when pointed down fast, steep trails. One element of the Forces playful sensation is its suspension and build, and the other is the fact that this is the first 27.5 bike I have ridden for an extended period of time. The Maxxis Minion DHF and DHR II combination are a reliable choice, and the newer EXO+ casing is good to see. I wouldnt take this bike to an uphill race, but it gets to the top without feeling heavy or sluggish in the slightest. I spoke with GTs suspension specialist in the U.S., who told me that he runs his bars as high as they will go, with a 20mm riser bar, on the Force. Square edged compressions are handled well, without any rear end choking. 2017 All rights reserved. Our mail Order Customer service is open Monday to Friday 8am to 5.30pm. & Would you like to receive offers, updates and events from BikeRadar and its publisher Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company)? Support Us | About Us | Please enter your public display name and a secure password. I left the bike in the low mode to suit my riding style and trails, but I did test the chip and was surprised by GTs quick and painless design. As a result, the gears may need tweaking, some nuts and bolts may need tightening and you may well need to check the adjustment of the saddle and handlebars. The double-and-bash Race Face Evolve cranks are stiff and dependable, but do add more unwanted weight. These Complete Mondraker, Niner, Marin, and Diamondback MTBs are in Low and high geometry settings, with 65 and 65.5 HTA, Metric Trunnion shock mounts, coil shock compatible. The grip-it-all Magic Mary tire set that comes on the bike has ample room to pack mud between the stays, or to swap in a wider tire. GT has clearly spent a large lump of the budget on the burly carbon frame. The principle is, when tightened, the collets expand and lock inside the rocker, providing a torsionally stiffer link between the rear stays and main frame. The Maxxis Minion DHF is a strong choice. I cant complain about the operation or performance though, I just couldnt drop it out the way as much as I wanted to. The flip chip in the lower shock mounting changes the geometry of the Force 29 to make it more trail friendly or downhill orientated. Another point GT has got spot on is the tyres. A mix of Shimano and RaceFace components make up a solid 2x drivetrain that gives you the granny gear to make it to the top of your favorite trail. The GT Force 29 Expert is a clean, simple and effective bike for putting a big smile on your face. With the Force, I wasnt worried about cracking the back half of the frame. The reach values jump up in 25mm increments from 425mm on the size small to 500mm on the extra-large, which offers a good range in sensible steps. The rear shock is tucked away to keep the bike's center of gravity super low. The wonderful KS Lev Integra dropper post rounds out the cockpit. Ryan Dunfee photo. Experienced riders may also wish to refer to the geometry chart for more detail. If you are visiting one of our stores and interested in a specific item, please ring us on 01274 588 488 to check that it is available at the store you are visiting before making a special trip. The tires sticky compound grips better than expected on wet rocks and roots and digs into our local clay mud as few others can. The Force was only available with 27.5in wheels then, but with the release of the Force 29, GT has brought a big wheeled sibling into its enduro stable. The dropper post is a sticking point because I feel the 120mm drop on the medium is too short. GT Force X Carbon Expert FS MTB Bike 2016, http://www.allterraincycles.co.uk/gt-force-x-carbon-expert-fs-mtb-bike-2016. Sign in to manage your newsletter preferences. That said, I had no problem tossing the Force X Expert around on high-speed downhill and flow trails, and I really enjoyed the bikes planted feel on rowdy trails that would typically send other bikes packing. A well-priced enduro bike that has the essentials dialled if weight isnt your number one priority. With a shorter reach, smaller wheels, and less travel than my personal bike, the Force immediately had me wanting to pop off everything along the trail, rather than plow through it. I rolled directly from racing 29er XC bikes and then bought a 140mm 29er trail bike. Enter your email for the top stories in mountain biking, plus product picks and deals delivered to your inbox each week. Mountain Bike Deals, Copyright 2022 Blue Spruce Ventures LLC | Your feedback has been received! Returned goods must be unused, in a saleable condition and in their original packaging with all labels still attached. Sorry there is no size guide entered for this product yet. Anti-squat has been increased, as has the leverage rate. Last but not least, the 349mm bottom bracket height should offer a ride that promotes good cornering characteristics, but without too much fear of constantly catching your pedals. Fox takes care of the suspension with a Performance-level 36 Float fork with its GRIP damper, which is a great fork, and the Fox Float DPX2 shock on the rear is no slouch. Incorrect or missing product information? Theres also space to fit a bottle cage, which while its a small detail, always receives bonus points. Overall, I found these tires to be confidence inspiring, and was happy to slog them uphill for the repayment they guaranteed. Black Diamonds new film, 'Miles to Go,' follows trans trail runners Perry Cohen, Seth List, Bryce Spare, and Graham Oxman as they travel and train as openly trans athletes in states that are building legislation against trans participation in sports. The SRAM 12-speed GX drivetrain performed flawlessly and is a good spec for the build. What is impressive is that the Force 29 Expert comes with Stans Flow S1 wheels. The bikes geometry can easily be altered between the low and high settings. Best MTB Gear | The 73.3degree seat angle was spot-on and made for a comfortable and stable climbing position that didnt urge me to lean super far over the front end of the bike to keep the front wheel down on steep climbs. Goods can be returned to the Store for a refund or exchange. With Force Optimized Carbon construction adding strength where you need it and a progressive geometry for perfect positioning and precision steering, the Force X Carbon is the ideal combination of lightning fast and rugged durability. We're sorry, this product is no longer available. GT has tried to keep the ride feel and performance of the Force 29 similar to the Force, but a few small changes were needed. In the low setting, it has a 64.6-degree head angle and 76.5-degree seat angle, with a bottom bracket (BB) drop of 27mm (the BB height stands at 349mm). TheGTForce X Expert combines awesome geometry and controlled suspension to deliver the ride of a nimble monster truck, if thats not too much of an oxymoron. To read more about our delivery/returns please click here, Get the latest deals & offers in your inbox, We use cookies on allterraincycles.co.uk to give you a better experience. The soundtrack also brings our riders' stories to life as they share with us some heartwarming, and sometimes tear-jerking anecdotes involving their, Teton Gravity Research The cockpit includes a 760mm-wide RaceFace Chester handlebar and 40mm-long RaceFace Chester stem, both featuring a 35mm clamp diameter for added stiffness and durability. The Force 29s anti-rise (how much the bike sinks down from rear braking forces) has been kept the same as the Force at 40 per cent at the sag point. Buy mountain bikes, road bikes and cycle clothing. Reach values jump up in 25mm steps, from 420mm on the small to 495mm on the XL. Leaving a review can be helpful to us and to other customers. GT recently redesigned and updated their Independent Drive suspension design with the addition ofAngle Optimized Suspension, or AOS for short. The LTS (Linkage Tuned Suspension) badge is back. Tubeless ready right from the off, the mix of Maxxis Minion DHF and DHRII using a 3C compound and EXO+ casing is a brilliant spec choice from GT. Another reason you can have complete confidence when buying a bike from Wiggle! The Force has been redesigned for 2014 based on a heap of input from GTs team riders including Dan Atherton and brought on to 650b wheels. The longer wheelbase doesnt do the Force X any favors when climbing in tight, twisty terrain, but the 66.7degree head angle balances things out and keeps the front wheel from wandering wildly on steep climbs. The full Shimano SLX transmission is built to last and does the job well. There are currently no questions and answers for this product. Apart from the traditional Horst-link suspension that gives the frame a clean look and plenty of space for a water bottle, the rear tire clearance was the first thing I noticed about the bike. Partner of USATODAY Lifestyle/Action Sports, Tavish Hansen Sends El Nio Crux Pitch - 5.13b/c, The Athlete Edits: Brooke Anderson x Esperanto, VIDEO: Michael Bird Shaffer Speedflies Mont Blanc, Beefs T.V. With theForce X Expert, GT aimed to make a true all-mountain bike, and with progressive geometry and GTs proven AOS suspension design, the result is a sweet ride that stays true to GTs design philosophy. The bike felt like it had ample suspension for most trail riding and some burlier race tracks. The Force 29 leverage rate is progressive through the whole travel, and GT has increased the progression by 1.2 per cent over the Force. Are these numbers a giveaway of the Force X Experts intentions yet? Widgets, Explore Buy mountain bikes, road bikes and cycle clothing. Already have an account with us? 3 years 14.9% Finance available on all bikes. Recently bought this item? The rear suspension has good progression and takes big hits in its stride. * Prices are estimates and will be calculated at checkout based on your minimum deposit. While the Float X shock out back is in keeping with what youd expect for this sort of cash, its Foxs cheaper open bath (rather than FIT cartridge) damped 34 fork thats on suspension duty up front. Foxs Float Performance DPX2 rear shock helps soak up the hits on the rear and doesnt easily become overwhelmed. The 31.6mmx120mm KS Lev Si dropper was slow to return, even after adjusting and reinstalling it. Ryan Dunfee photo. Want to ask us a question about this product? The Float X shock matched with the high pivot location translates to a confidence-inspiring ride at speed. In rare form, that assumption has largely been proven true. It sometimes seems that tyres can be overlooked by other brands to help keep the price and weight down. Best mountain bikes: how to choose the right one for you, Fox 36 Float Performance FIT GRIP, 170mm (6.69in) travel, Maxxis Minion DHF 29x2.5in (f) and Maxxis Minion DHR II 29x2.4in (r). (Centered On Rider) philosophy, which factors into a bikes design not only the terrain its built for, but also the lifestyle and needs of the rider that the bike is made for. These days I hoot and holler while riding as fast as I can on rough, natural tracks. Steep climbs, High alpine singletrack, gnarly descents, and the possibility of having to put your bike on your back is what the 2016 GT force Carbon Expert is designed for. With 0% Finance available on all sales over 250 NIL deposit. The simple suspension design only took a couple of rides to dial in and was easy to adjust for different conditions. Find the GT Force Carbon Expert bike at Jenson USA (on sale now), and other online retailers. The Force X sports 27.5 WTB STP i25 wheels adorned with Continental Mountain King 2.4 tubeless-ready tires. Otherwise, the component spec was spot-on and I have no complaints about the bikes ride quality and aesthetic. Our mechanic will also complete a rigorous Pre-Delivery Inspection (PDI) before carefully re-packing for shipping to you; but in order to fit the bike back into its box for delivery, some disassembly has to be done. Adding more than the recommended pressure to the forks air spring to prevent it blowing through its travel and leaving it in its trail setting full-time did help things, and we learned to live with it.

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