Here's a Better Look at the Prototype GT Downhill Bike - Windrock Pro GRT

Mar 10, 2018
by Mike Levy  
Prototype GT downhill bike


While the first World Cup XCO was getting the lion's share of attention this weekend, the Pro GRT at Windrock, Tennesee, has also proven to be a hotbed of tech. Pinkbike photographer Dave Trumpore spotted the new, 29'' compatible BoXXer that was on the front of the also new Devinci big-wheeled downhill bike, some fresh Maxxis rubber, and what looks like Santa Cruz's Reserve carbon DH rims.

Dave wasn't finished yet, though, as he's just passed along some rather revealing photos of that prototype GT downhill bike that popped up out of nowhere at the New Zealand National event earlier in February.


Prototype GT downhill bike


This view 100% confirms the lack of any I-Drive system, a first in many, many years when it comes to GT's high-end full-suspension bikes. You can also spot a geometry-adjusting insert at the lower shock mount that lets the rider tune the bike's handling by altering the bottom bracket height and head angle, and it could also be used to allow the bike to run both 27.5'' and 29'' wheels.

GT has tackled using an idler pulley in much the same way that others have: by integrating it into the main pivot and including a plastic rub guard of some sort. Why an idler? Again, the bike's main pivot is very high and, without an idler to route the chain up and over it, the suspension would firm up considerably under drivetrain loads. That might be desirable for a cross-country type concerned with ultimate efficiency, but downhill race bikes are all about traction, traction, and more traction.

The carbon fiber front triangle looks ready for business, as do the integrated fork bumpers cum cable guides. And you know that GT didn't paint this thing bright yellow to keep people from noticing it.
Prototype GT downhill bike

What do you make of GT's upcoming downhill bike? Are you sad to see them move away from the I-Drive system, or was it time for something different?

Posted In:
Reviews and Tech Pro Grt


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164 Comments
  • 297 24
 session?
  • 108 9
 I can't deny that ur comment actually makes sense.
  • 17 7
 beat me to it.
  • 19 6
 Idle session.
  • 10 1
 LLAS with a high pivot, reward axle path an a idler. Coul be a perfection of a top platform
  • 10 27
flag fantaman (Mar 10, 2018 at 23:27) (Below Threshold)
 Soo another idler driven DH bike just like Commencal,K9,Corsair,Trek,Canfield did for better pedaling efficiency,also the ilder makes the suspension more firm & more active under loads.
  • 20 1
 Ghost dh 9000
  • 17 3
 @fantaman: but it has a horst link, interesting to see a high pivot idler that isnt single pivot
  • 6 2
 Looks like a bulls
  • 6 12
flag migkab (Mar 11, 2018 at 5:19) (Below Threshold)
 I never thought I could say this but "looks like a session" :-D
  • 3 12
flag shakeyakey (Mar 11, 2018 at 5:35) (Below Threshold)
 Transition
  • 6 2
 The main frame looks a lot like an Evil to me, especially the seatpost/top tube junction and the tube shapes.
  • 7 0
 It’s almost like every bike is going that direction
  • 13 0
 Actually, more like a Norco/Commencal love child. Don't really care though, I like the direction GT is going. They have a long road ahead to be anywhere near the brand that they used to be mid- to late nineties.
  • 1 2
 The link actually looks very similar to that of a session 77 from 2004-2005
  • 13 10
 That's cheating, you can't just say "session" to beat erryone to it. You must use the complete line "it looks like a session" or at a minimum "looks like a session"
  • 9 0
 @NinetySixBikes: True. GT will forever be one of my favorite brands because of their BMX heritage. Both me and my son have a Pro Performer (I also had one as a kid) for pumptracks and messing around. When they first went into making mountain bikes it didnt take them long to make the most lusted after bikes. Then the captain fell asleep, I'm just happy somone woke him back up and wish GT all the best.
  • 1 2
 my first impression too.
  • 1 3
 @dthomp325: exactly what I thought. Very similar sculpting.
  • 5 0
 @Boardlife69: captain didn’t fall asleep, he got killed whilst riding his motorcycle to a bike race
  • 2 1
 @YouHadMeAtDrugs: It doesn't surprise me that much. The reason anyone ever uses an idler is that the instant center is located sufficiently far from the top of the front chainring that the chain gets stretched a lot.

Also the idler is used on bikes that aren't single pivots. The Canfield Jedi is a 4 bar and not a single pivot. However it's designed specifically to have a more or less stationary (and high) instant center. So, they put the idler right at the location of the IC. In the case of a design like the GT's Horst, I would expect the IC not to be stationary, and the location of the idler to be the best attempt at reducing chain stretch on a design where it is technically impossible to eliminate it completely.
  • 1 6
flag fecalmaster (Mar 12, 2018 at 6:06) (Below Threshold)
 Let's ditch the I drive and make the same bike everyone else has.
  • 1 4
 It's a session operator love child
  • 2 4
 Looks like a session that had sex with a Commencal Supreme V4. Sexy bike nonetheless.
  • 4 4
 @YouHadMeAtDrugs: regardless of the suspension layout, once you have a reaward axle path, you need an idler to remove pedal kickback. The idler is there to lessen the effective chainstay length change, since the effective chainstay here is rear axle to idler axle.
  • 2 0
 @Primoz: It appears to be raining -1's. I got you, fam.
  • 3 1
 @Gasket-Jeff: But then it'd get downvoted all the way to hell if you say "looks like a session"
  • 2 2
 It looks like a session I just had in the toilet.
  • 1 2
 @NinetySixBikes: It may have same name, but like a lot of companies it is not really the same company and I do not think ever will be, but at least they are trying something different, but only diffrent for GT
  • 1 1
 @bigtim: idle jeff session ... very current
  • 2 2
 @WaterBear: Thanks, i really don't get it why people are throwing around -1s when all you do is write an egineering realted fact -_-
  • 3 3
 @aljoburr: TBH, there has been talk about MX bikes getting really similar lately (i'm not in the scene, just what i read). Similar to the point where a guy like me (not in the scene, like i said) couldn't tell apart two bikes, if the plastics were taken off (and the markings on the engines covered and so on). Mountainbikes still are substantially different in many cases, but these differences are getting smaller and smaller, since we have a convergence in designs. It just means the designs are maturing and the largely best design is taking over. If it's a Session, who cares?
  • 80 2
 fork bumpers cum cable guides?
  • 7 2
 This.
  • 9 2
 It's news to me too
  • 48 2
 cum -

preposition

1. with; combined with; along with (usually used in combination):
"My garage-cum-workshop is well equipped."
  • 172 6
 @TheStabbyCyclist: Whooo, the gentlemen from Washington knows that it means "with". You sir receive the distinction of "summa cum laude" for the day.

The rest of you need to stop acting like a bunch of nuts. This is a polite website, we can't just talk like a bunch of seamen. We have to make well thought-out comments, not just ejaculate the first thoughts that comes to mind. If you can't be polite on this site then you should just get off... Alright, I believe this comment has reached its climax, I'm finished.
  • 41 0
 @robw515: I like your spunk, kiddo.
  • 22 0
 They're there to help with cable rub.
  • 7 0
 No more props! He’s at +69!!!
  • 1 4
 The Aurum already has these.
  • 1 0
 @TheStabbyCyclist: All well and good, but that word is not going to be realized like that by pinkbike audience. Know your audience better than you know your grammar Razz
  • 2 0
 @TheStabbyCyclist: Your garage has a cum workshop? Most just call it the spank tank.
  • 33 0
 I wonder how it climbs
  • 56 2
 My guess would be poorly. Ahhh no water bottle cage mount!
  • 99 3
 @mikelevy:
Cum on Mike
  • 34 0
 @Mieszko42: It's all over this page.
  • 10 0
 @Mieszko42: this could get ugly...
  • 14 0
 @willsiebert I read some where it said “down hill prototype”. . . . . . Climbs great in the back of a shuttle truck!
  • 17 0
 @MX298: according to Strava that means it climbs better than any xc bike or e-bike
  • 2 1
 @Mieszko42: the importance of punctuation.
  • 7 0
 Goes down like a beast climb like a overweight drunk kangaroo
  • 3 0
 @Mieszko42: Only if he asks nicely and takes me for a meal first.
  • 2 0
 @MX298: oh really? i missed that, my bad!
  • 24 2
 After GT developer rode session, ... 'Honestly this is better.'
  • 4 1
 This^
  • 21 3
 It's yellow.
  • 44 1
 How did u get to that conclusion?
  • 10 1
 @MTB-Colada: How could I not?!
  • 14 1
 @streetkvnt-kvlt: U must have some secret info.
  • 13 0
 @MTB-Colada: it also has two wheels and rumoured to have a seat.
  • 5 0
 yellow bikes are always the best. That is a fact
  • 6 1
 Mind you this is a prototype. They typically paint it in a stealthy color with blurred out logos (or use a different name). Once the final product is available to the public, you can bet it is going to have some flashy color.
  • 11 0
 @vinay: Like yellow?
  • 5 4
 @Jack-McLovin: Sorry for the confusion. No, the yellow bike you see here is the stealth prototype. The production model will be more flashy. Think pink-teal-orange tartan with purple flowers and a green glow-in-the-dark logo.
  • 6 0
 yellow is the flashiest Original muddyfox explorer Deemax rims Original Ferrari testsrossa Bananas Keep them coming guys
  • 13 1
 Likes like a step in the right direction. Hoping their Enduro/AM Bikes get a similar make over!
  • 4 1
 Looks*
  • 4 0
 First GT that I have ever liked! Idler pullies and high pivots work great. If they adopt this system to their trail bikes, I would consider buying one.
  • 3 1
 Were still waiting for the new Norco. Hard to get excited until it's in the catalogue
  • 12 0
 trillion times better than their last offering
  • 11 4
 Shall we try to predict what the marketing department will come up with.

The new suspension layout is 20% faster than the old and its 9,89% stiffer. The suspension curve is better suited for coil springs mening that you can go even faster. With the innovative rocker link this is the best bike we've made while its 1,99% lighter.
  • 10 3
 "While the first World Cup XCO was getting the lion's share of attention this weekend, the Pro GRT at Windrock, Tennesee, " -- only on Pinkbike. Vital has had Windrock front and center
  • 16 6
 I'd argue that the World Cup deserves the attention because, you know, it's a World Cup and all. Downhill isn't better than cross-country or vice versa; the two are just different disciplines. You'll see a lot of both here on Pinkbike, but the great thing is that PB and Vital do things differently, so you can get your coverage from both, or you can ignore the cross-country content if it's not your thing Smile
  • 4 2
 @mikelevy: not saying one is better than the other. Plenty of fans of both and some folks who like one one. Just pointing out the discrepancy.
  • 8 0
 @bman33: Noted. Never enough race coverage!
  • 3 0
 @mikelevy: Agree there. That said, mamy of those XC machine are razor sharp tools for the job. Not much of an XC guy now (racing wise). However, do appreciate the 'right tool, right job' philosophy
  • 1 0
 @bman33: TBH, "While the first World Cup XCO was getting the lion's share of attention this weekend" nowhere states that this is a worldwide phenomenon. It could easily mean it's Pinkbike only. After all, this is the editor's sandbox, so it would make sense for them to make claims pertaining only to the sandbox.

At least that's how i see it.
  • 2 0
 The bike looks amazing. I don't care much for the 15 year old iDrive system.

But why are many pros not using the new saint clip in pedals?...I run the fugly plastic DX clips on my bikes too. Maybe Shimano should have stayed with the same mechanism as the DX but with a better platform...
  • 1 0
 yeah, the reason anybody ran dx is because the floating mechanism was so easy to pop in to. New saints are shit, just go for dx or ht
  • 2 0
 I'm keeping my 2016 for a while the bike seems to ride itself. I've been taking it for xc rides and it's not much harder to pedal than my troy carbon and may even Bob less. I came off a horst link status 2 and it didn't even come close to the performance of the I drive fury
  • 3 3
 Companies who seem to stick with a design type obviously know it works and works well. YT trek Specialized santa cruz etc. GT, and some other brands who drastically change a frame design a lot and try to heavily market their new bike as the best one yet however change it completely after a couple of years tell me they are not really happy with their bikes
  • 1 0
 I think the new gts frame design was bought off of the Trek sessions design from 2014 through 2016 cause they are very similar in looks plus postioning of the rear triangle and the shape of the seat tube and top tube.
  • 2 0
 My 2001 i-drive 2.0 was still the best climbing full suss I've ever ridden. But that would make sense to not use it on a downhill bike.
  • 3 0
 What does GRT stand for?

Is this a rocky mountain?
  • 2 3
 GRavity Tour
  • 3 0
 Gravity racing tour
  • 11 1
 Go Riding Today!
  • 4 0
 Thanks for all responses. I'm still not sure which it is.
  • 5 1
 Giant Rear Triangle
  • 1 0
 Gnarly, Rocky n Tricky.
  • 9 0
 Gratuitous Rectal Tearing
  • 2 0
 Evidently it stands for British riders come to the South and win. Greg Williamson 2017 and Danny Hart 2018.
  • 1 0
 Greasy Racing Time
  • 1 0
 its the USA Cycling's idiotic franchise name for our National DH series. Gravity Racing Tour....no one knows what it is, racers choose local races instead of GRT because they dont even realize that the GRT is the UCI point scoring, top race series where our pros concentrate.... GRT indeed...what the hell...aaaagh
  • 1 0
 @tadgercat: thanks for clearing it up. Now we know it's the national series.
  • 3 1
 Actually looks pretty cool, looks like its set up to have a pretty rearward axle path
  • 4 0
 29” Sanction pls
  • 4 1
 Looks like an old kona with a modern twist
  • 1 0
 agreed
  • 4 1
 did they steal a Norco rear triangle?
  • 3 2
 When a brand makes such a big shift to a new, more contemporary suspension design, does that mean that they had it "wrong" before?
  • 3 0
 Well it's no Lobo.
Disappointing Big Grin
  • 3 0
 Looks like everyone keeps says “looks like”
  • 2 1
 I'd probably sell my YT in a heartbeat if I can see what they achieved graph-wise!!!!!! And it's also 29er compatible Wink @beeboo
  • 1 0
 Haha Big Grin
  • 2 0
 session, slayer, arum till i saw that chain and thought something is not normal here
  • 1 0
 ATK chain anti-torque device has just resurfaced on the new 2019 GT DH bike. They would work on low torque MTB's. High torque motos tore them up.
  • 2 0
 Had a idrive when it first came out with a Fox Long travel kit, amazing bike loved it way ahead of its time.
  • 2 2
 What was the point of I drive? What “problem” was it meant to solve?

I always thought of it like a moped with the engine attached to the swingarm.
  • 8 0
 It isolates the drive train, mainly the cranks, from the front and rear triangle to combat pedal kick back and other negative traits in single pivot designs. It works really well BUT it requires the use of small bushings in high-stress areas which got destroyed after maybe 6 months. I had a mate end the life of his bushings after a week in Morzine. I loved my Fury but the bottom bracket issues caused me to go to another brand of DH frame. This new rig from GT looks SAF.
  • 2 0
 The original was freaking an incredible crossover system for people coming into DH. Rear shocks at the time were all a single base tune and not very accomadating of different leverage ratios. Basically just a mess when you added 9" of squish.
The other major role they played was that courses at the time were still a mix of XC and DH. Most races on a "local" track had flats and climbs & the DHi sprinted exactly like a hardtail. You could hammer it like a rigid bike and it would just go.
All the other brands would bob like he'll.
  • 2 0
 Anyone seen / heard of any plans for a new Sanction / Trail bike ???
  • 1 0
 like Santa Cruz's v-10 and the Intense downhill bikes from 2014 through 2017
  • 1 0
 The bike doesn't look like a prototype to me as the front triangle is carbon.
  • 2 0
 The shape will very likely be the same, but the layup and other things can change. Or this could be exactly the same as the production version.
  • 1 0
 Wonder whether a few hundred of these will be populating Whistler this summer (as GT sponsors Whistler). Probably a bit early...
  • 2 0
 B/W Splatter rear triangle FTW
  • 1 0
 retards yell session couldn't be further away from session. maybe session 10 is a fair comparison
  • 1 0
 Who cares about the latest evolutions of bikes' systems as they all tend to look the same?
  • 1 1
 Basically Trek Session is the new Intense M1 like in the 90’s. Everyone is putting their brand stickers on it and calling it theirs.
  • 2 0
 cant believe it...high pivot, clean lines...I actually want a GT !
  • 1 0
 One of the nicest DH bikes I have ever seen frame frame and link is super Clean!
  • 2 0
 Operator?
  • 2 0
 Who’s riding it??
  • 10 1
 Wynn Atherton
  • 2 0
 Who's bike is it?
  • 2 2
 after this better look on the bike I can say, that it still looks like a session...
  • 2 2
 when its painted, i dont call this a prototype anymore. This is the 2019 GT fury
  • 2 1
 it's too early for this game today
  • 4 3
 I didn't read the article but wow, treks new bike looks amazing
  • 5 1
 8/10 comment
  • 1 0
 Looks awesome in banana yellow
  • 1 0
 It went down the mountain really fast today.
  • 2 0
 That loos awesome!!!
  • 1 0
 Looks like a mix of a Commencal Supreme DH and a Trek Session
  • 5 5
 I rekon it might look like a s#####n
  • 3 3
 Session session session..don't care
  • 1 1
 Looks more like the new Operator.
  • 1 0
 I want it
  • 2 2
 Athertons leave GT for Trek
GT: lets make a Session.
  • 3 3
 looks like session
  • 2 3
 yet another kona look alike
  • 1 1
 Beefy!
  • 1 1
 Deleted. Deleted.
  • 2 2
 Looks like a scott.
  • 1 2
 No more faux-URT. Nice. About F#$@#$in' time!
  • 1 1
 Looks like an ebike =P
  • 2 5
 Do Atherton's are getting back on GT ???
  • 18 2
 It's unfortunate that your flag says your English given your commemt.
  • 15 5
 @OriginalDonk: *you're
  • 6 0
 @OriginalDonk: * comment
  • 1 0
 @BryceBorlick: Merica!
  • 2 0
 Thanks for keeping me honest team Canada. Loonies and toonies for the win.
  • 6 0
 @YouHadMeAtDrugs: my old English says nope to 'you're' and @OriginalDonk, despite being 'Merican, is correct.
  • 1 0
 And @YouHadMeAtDrugs also has 'your' and you're correction correct. I hate arguing English grammar, love arguing bikes.
  • 1 1
 PS. Love the look and potential ride qualities of this bike!
  • 1 0
 @kgbdhbiker: the f*ck was I on when I wrote that 'correction'... I apologize @OriginalDonk. Thou art correct.
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