Speed Metal – GT launches new Force 29

GT has been enjoying a resurgence as of late. The long-standing bicycle brand has claimed Enduro World Series podiums, with Noga Korem and Martin Maes. The later and Wyn Masters have been representing the brand on the downhill World Cup circuit too.

Now, GT wants everyone to enjoy its new Force 29 enduro platform. The new wagon wheeled bike launched with a tough, aluminum frame and three budget-friendly but smart builds.

Beyond budget, the Force 29 looks ready for your local enduro race, big descents, or laps at the bike park. The metal rig rides on 150 mm of rear suspension, with a full 170 mm up front. Beyond that, it’s the numbers you’d expect: 65-degree head tube angle, climbable 77-degree seat tube angle and 47.5 cm reach (size Large).

The bike comes in three builds: Pro, Expert and Elite.

GT Force 29 Pro

At the top end, the GT Force 29 Pro comes with a mix SRAM GX and NX Eagle 12-speed build, with GX Eagle cassette, shifter and derailleur. A 170 mm Float Performance Elite 36 fork and Fox Float X2 handle suspension. The bike rolls on Stan’s Flow MK3 wheels and a Maxxis Minion DHF 2.5” / DHR 2.4” tire combo. All this stops on SRAM Guide RSC G2 brakes (200 mm front / 180 mm rear). A KS Lev Si dropper post comes with 125 mm drop for S, M frames and 150 mm for L and XL.

For 2020 the GT Force 29 Pro has a suggested retail of $6,400

GT Force 29 Expert

Moving to Expert, suspension goes to Fox Performance DPX2 and Float Performance 36 fork. Drivetrain moves to NX Eagle shifters and rear derailleur but, in a smart bit of spec, keeps the GX Eagle cassette, where most of the weight savings and shifting performance come from.

Brakes go to TRP G-Spec Trail S, while wheels are Stan’s NoTube’s Flow S1, with the same Maxxis Minion DHF / DHR combo as the Pro model. The dropper post goes to a GT DropKick dropper post, again in 125 mm for S and M, 150 mm in L and XL.

The GT 2020 Force 29 Expert will retail for $5,000

GT Force 29 Elite

Last, there’s the GT Force 29 Elite. The third model gets a SRAM SX Eagle 12-speed drivetrain, but keeps the NX Eagle cassette. Suspension is Fox Performance Float DPX2, but with a bright red Marzocchi Bomber Z1 170 mm. Wheels go to WTB ST i29 TCS rims with Formula hubs and Schwalbe Hans Dampf 2.35” tires, stopped by Tektro M745 brakes. A TranzX dropper post gives 120 mm of freedom for Small and Medium frames, and 130 mm for Large and XL.

The GT Force 29 Elite has a suggested retail price of $3,500

Speed Metal

But what does it look like on trail? Watch Tyler McCaul, Joey Foresta, Tom Isted and Joey Gough turn the trails into a mosh pit with the Force 29. Big backcountry lines in Utah and big hits at Black Mountains Cycle Centre in the UK, the Force 29 handles it all, horns raised.