GT

Fury Expert Complete Mountain Bike - 2015

Built upon the same bones as the Fury Elite, but with upgraded components and lower weight, the 2015 GT Fury Expert a less expensive version of the same machine that the Athertons have used to crush the World Cup DH circuits for the past few seasons.

The Fury is constructed with 6069 aluminum, which is a slightly burlier version of the 6061 aluminum used on GT's lighter machines. Butted and hydroformed into the lightest but strongest shapes for the abuses of DH, the frame is beyond tough enough, but still reasonably light.

GT's Independent Drivetrain 203mm rear suspension platform helps here, too. Bolstered by a 12x150mm rear thru-axle, the rear triangle is a stout, unified piece anchored by a single large linkage that's articulated by an actuation arm securing the shock. You gain single-pivot-like stiffness and reliability, but with the efficiency of a controlled wheel path, and the stability of a suspension system that's virtually isolated from the front triangle. Best of all, the Fury's linkages were tuned to deliver linear travel, without dramatic ramp-up toward the end of the stroke. Travel is consistent but controlled throughout its entire movement, creating much better reactivity to the ground and much better control, especially over fast and technical sections. Yes, that sacrifices a bit of the bike's friendliness around the bike park, but this bike's intended riders will pay that no attention to that — this is a machine aimed at the DH podium, and nothing else.

Finally, before you scope that spec sheet, check out that geometry. Notice anything? The GT is huge. Comparable dimensions compared to most manufacturers' geometry would generally be considered about a size larger across the board. This is no mistake. After years of engineers and marketing departments telling pro athletes that they're the only ones who want longer top tubes, steeper head angles, and longer wheelbases, and that such bikes will never sell well to the public, the Athertons weighed in, and their performances have said it all. Many riders have wanted bigger bikes for a long time, especially now that 27.5" wheels are asserting themselves on the world of DH, and GT has answered the call with the longer, stronger, and more stable Fury.