GT

Force X Expert Complete Mountain Bike - 2015

Armed with a Shimano XT-intensive drivetrain, FOX suspension, and what we think is a pretty sweet paint job, the 2015 GT Force X Expert Complete Mountain Bike is a true trail-killer, and frankly, a killer of a deal.

The Force X is GT's all-mountain platform, targeted at riders who want to be able to climb and descend with equal confidence. Rear travel comes in at 150mm, bestowing the rider with more than enough cush to crush on technical descents, but not so much that high-effort pedaling feels like it's lost in a sea of travel (this is largely due to the Force X's excellent suspension system, which we'll get to in a minute). The alloy Force X models, like this one, are made from 6069-series aluminum, a slightly more heavy-duty alloy than the 6061 used in its XC- and Trail-oriented Helion and Sensor frames. The metal is still hydroformed for maximum weight savings, however, and shaped to maximize stiffness and stability wherever necessary. The result is a rig that can tackle big lines but still feels like it can take on big climbs, too.

Helping the materials deliver is GT's revolutionary Independent Drivetrain suspension platform. The idea of isolating the drivetrain so that it's not affected by suspension movement is nothing new, but GT's approach is, and it works really, really well. The crankset and the rest of the drivetrain make their home entirely on the rear triangle, unlike many designs that put the crank on the mainframe and the rest of the drivetrain parts on the rear triangle. The problem with this is suspension compression that occurs with pedal force, robbing you of efficiency. It's simpler to build bikes this way — indeed, the I.D. system on the Force X is complicated to look at, but the proof is in the pudding. Sprinting or out-of-saddle climbing is rewarded with hardtail-like efficiency, not dependent on a shock's damping platform, yet it's incredibly compliant, and the front half of the bike remains extremely stable. One spin and you'll see why we love it.