Interbike 2008 - GT Force Pro Carbon
by Mike Levy
Sep 26, 2008
Over a pound lighter than last years aluminum version, the new GT Force Carbon features some striking and very unique lines. We took a closer look at GT's 6" travel 26lb flyer.
HD Video's Inside!
HD Video's Inside!
This bike is one bike that will never blend in with the rest. It's like GT traveled to the future and brought the Force Carbon Pro as a souvenir of their travels. I have a feeling that riders are either going to love the look, or hate it. After seeing the bike in person I'd have to say that I'm a fan of it's unique stance. You'll have to make up your mind for yourself!
Watch the video to see the Force Pro Carbon in detail!
GT's Independent Drivetrain system has been fully proven over time and is a great all around design, perfect for this platform of bike. The finished weight is more than competitive, it's class leading for a bike with 6" of travel. It's slightly steeper than all-mountain geometry should suit the rider that leans more towards XC than aggressive AM riding.
The Force's appearance isn't exactly conventional by any means. Think of all those cool concept car designs that you see...Well the Force Carbon Pro is like one of those that actually made it through to production. Being familiar with how carbon performs I don't have a doubt in my mind that the Force Carbon Pro is ready for whatever you throw at it, and then some.
This long legged XC flier is GT's top of the line mountainbike and the price reflects that. Fortunately it's top end components are hung from a state of the art frame with a proven suspension platform. If your wife/girlfriend/mom would skin you alive if you came home with the Pro model, GT also has the Expert that retails for $1700 less but still sports dialed Fox suspension and the same carbon frame.
Like the look of the Force Carbon and want more info? GT's website is the answer then!
-Mike "Kakah" Levy
2009 GT Force Carbon
Watch the video to see the Force Pro Carbon in detail!
GT's Independent Drivetrain system has been fully proven over time and is a great all around design, perfect for this platform of bike. The finished weight is more than competitive, it's class leading for a bike with 6" of travel. It's slightly steeper than all-mountain geometry should suit the rider that leans more towards XC than aggressive AM riding.
The ID system
| Frame and Size | GT Force Carbon •6" of travel |
| Rear Shock | Fox Float RP23 |
| Fork | Fox TALAS 32 RL •15 mm Tool less removal •110-150mm Travel |
| Headset | FSA integrated |
| Crankarms | Shimano XTR |
| Chainrings | Shimano XTR 44/32/22 |
| Bottom Bracket | Shimano XTR Outboard |
| Chain | Shimano HG73 |
| Cassette | Shimano XT 11-34 |
| Front Derailleur | Shimano XTR |
| Rear Derailleur | Shimano XTR Shadow |
| Shifter Pods | Shimano XTR |
| Handlebar | Ritchey Carbon WCF(31.8mm) •Low rise |
| Stem | Thompson Elte X4(31.8mm) |
| Grips | GT Lock Down |
| Brakes | Shimano XTR |
| Front Wheel | Mavic CrossMax ST |
| Rear Wheel | Mavic CrossMax ST |
| Tires | Kenda Nevegal, 2.3 front, 2.1 rear, w/Kevlar Bead |
| Saddle | Fizik Gobi XM |
| Seatpost | Thompson Elite |
The Force's appearance isn't exactly conventional by any means. Think of all those cool concept car designs that you see...Well the Force Carbon Pro is like one of those that actually made it through to production. Being familiar with how carbon performs I don't have a doubt in my mind that the Force Carbon Pro is ready for whatever you throw at it, and then some.
Loving the clear coat over carbon look
Tidy forward shock mount
The story up front? Flowing lines and an Integrated headset
Need even more carbon? Ritchey WCS bar
This long legged XC flier is GT's top of the line mountainbike and the price reflects that. Fortunately it's top end components are hung from a state of the art frame with a proven suspension platform. If your wife/girlfriend/mom would skin you alive if you came home with the Pro model, GT also has the Expert that retails for $1700 less but still sports dialed Fox suspension and the same carbon frame.
Like the look of the Force Carbon and want more info? GT's website is the answer then!
-Mike "Kakah" Levy
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68 Comments
- + 19
cubsrtbest99
(Sep 26, 2008 at 17:01)
haha wow thats a light fully. sick bike but i think il stick with transition =P
Massive difference in design, about the only similarities is the use of carbon and even that means nothing. Compare the rear suspension from a Mojo and the Force, different in design and how they perform. Google DW-Link and Independent Drivetrain. Awesome.
MR mars is wrong dude they are completely different, yeh you might see the front triangle and the carbon and say its the same bike, but seeing past that must be above your mental capabilites!
mrmars if its such a shit company how do more people know of gt than kona or santa cruz there two massive bike manufavtures but more people still know about gt!!!! (what a willy) lol
[Reply]
It makes a lot of sense, the stuff is so damn strong it's incredible. I think as price comes down and availability goes up we'll see a lot more of it.
Despite what anyone tells you, dings and nicks can happen though, and it sucks. It's the only single damn disadvantage of the stuff. Small deflector plates mounted on the carbon do wonders for that though, so it barely begins to be an issue.
It still wins the light and strong battle; and with modern techniques, flex is barely an issue anymore.
It still wins the light and strong battle; and with modern techniques, flex is barely an issue anymore.
I think it doesn't where it's produced, but! i wouldn't ride that bike after a bigger bail or crash, i broke too much carbon stuff...and if "plastic" cracks...it's doin it well..and that can hurt
Hell yeah it is!
Carbon technology has come a long, long way and most new carbon frames on the market (new GT's and Speciallized in particular) are stronger than the aluminum versions in testing.
I've ridden the Force Carbon and it is off tap!!! Yeah the angles are a little steeper than most might be used to but the thing absolutley rips. The bike belongs to my boss who punishes it every night of the week and this thing just takes the abuse and loves it!
Look out for the new DH bike too. Called the Fury it's already winning races under Eric Carter and Kevin Aiello. You're gonna see a lot more big things from GT this year!!!
Carbon technology has come a long, long way and most new carbon frames on the market (new GT's and Speciallized in particular) are stronger than the aluminum versions in testing.
I've ridden the Force Carbon and it is off tap!!! Yeah the angles are a little steeper than most might be used to but the thing absolutley rips. The bike belongs to my boss who punishes it every night of the week and this thing just takes the abuse and loves it!
Look out for the new DH bike too. Called the Fury it's already winning races under Eric Carter and Kevin Aiello. You're gonna see a lot more big things from GT this year!!!
Looks like an android and it is light as a feather. I wouldnt mind taking it for a spin before saying anything more than that.
since f*cking when??? carbon fibre is way stronger than steel, and incredibly light. lots of companies use carbon fibre, like hayes in the carbon stroker levers, lots of companies make handle bars out of carbon fibre. so unless your some kind of genius who knows something that hundreds of tech guys from countless mtb component companies don't....shut the f*cking hell up jackass!
you can talk to me after youve ridden a carbon frame down the road only to have it snap in half and drag you across the ground only to be hit by a car
ill stick with my steel thank you very much
ill stick with my steel thank you very much
bikepocok... http://www.bikeradar.com/news/article/lance-armstrongs-leadville-weapon-17885
I recon this is a carbon Trek MTB that Lance rode and finished 2nd in Leadville and 1st in the 12H of Snowmass
I recon this is a carbon Trek MTB that Lance rode and finished 2nd in Leadville and 1st in the 12H of Snowmass
it is, i read it right on the trek website. its the trek equinox ttx, which is a carbon bike, he's riden it for a few years, but hasn't raced it until recently. i mean he's won 7 tour de frances on an aluminium trek, why f*ck with perfection?
Check it out . . . at around 160 in the video, everyone is riding backwards because they reversed the clip.
the whole frame looks really smooth. it all just seems to fit together. now only the test of time will tell if it's a good idea
Anyone remember the Trek Super-Lite Y w/carbon frame, full XTR and Cane Creek Ti wheelset. Just under 26lbs FS XC. It too had mixed reviews and they were absolutely indestructable! I bought one used from a friend that set it up for FR and beat the shit out of it. No issues! Hell, my Aircooled VW Bug has lots of CF parts, it's all around you.......
The current owner (Canadian company Dorel) hasn't sold off a division in over 30 years as I understand it. They are more stable hands than ever before..as are Cannondale, Mongoose, and Schwinn.
honestly i dont like it... it's nice dont get me wrong but it aint big enaught and it's not a hard core DH... sorry but i like hard core big ass bike's and i like them painted si carbon is not for me... it's a nice bike but i would not like to have one.
[Reply]
[Reply]
Over a pound lighter than last years aluminum version, the new GT Force Carbon features some striking and very unique lines. We took a closer look at GT's 6" travel 26lb flyer.
How can something stronger be easier to break? If it's easier to brake, that would be nice. Freakin nice.
Carbon has directional strength. Say you crash and your bike slams into a rock sideways, then the frame will get totaled.
heh, the guy didn't mention one important failure of Carbon Fiber... it is not resistant against hits... the frame might hold up some serious drops, jumps and rockgardens BUT! some bigger stone choked from under the front wheel will crush the downtube into pieces...
[Reply]
[Reply]
I've been riding a Carbon Force Pro since last November and it's been amazing. I built it from the frame up so I changed the spec to my style of riding here in Laguna Beach. I have a Fox 36 VAN and DHX Air to make it more of a trail bike and dh friendly. I put an '09 Saint derailleur (amazing!) on the back and replaced the big ring with a bash guard. 8" Juicy 7's with Dangerboy levers are fantastic brakes on the local downhills.
The head angle is spec'd at 69 degrees with a 140mm fork, but with the taller 36 VAN it brings it to 68 degrees. It now has a great balance of snappy handling and dh stability. I absolutely love the bike and it fits like a glove - I'm 6' tall, 180 lbs and it's staying nice and tight after 7 months of hammering. At 31 lbs, it's not XC light but can still ride it on longer adventure rides.
The head angle is spec'd at 69 degrees with a 140mm fork, but with the taller 36 VAN it brings it to 68 degrees. It now has a great balance of snappy handling and dh stability. I absolutely love the bike and it fits like a glove - I'm 6' tall, 180 lbs and it's staying nice and tight after 7 months of hammering. At 31 lbs, it's not XC light but can still ride it on longer adventure rides.
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