GT

Karakoram Comp Complete Bike - 2015

Dual suspension bikes might not be for everyone, but no one complains about a fun day of romping around on the trails. Whereas almost all hardtail 29ers are focused on speed and efficiency as top priority to cater to the racer crowd, we're not all wearing Lycra and mounting number plates to our bikes. For those who want to hit the trails with less focus on speed and more on just having a good time, the GT Karakoram Comp Complete Bike steps onto the scene.

So what makes the Karakorum a better machine for this sort of riding? Let's start with the frame. Made of light and strong 6061-T6 aluminum, this thing is tough. The tubes are hydroformed, both to maximize their structural stiffness and strength and also shed weight where it's not needed. The result is a sturdy platform that you don't need to second-guess when it comes time to tackle the big stuff out there. GT's famous triple-triangle design has been prove over the years to enhance the stiffness, responsiveness, and durability of the bike's rear end, which is why you'll find it here and also on the company's BMX frames and cross-country hardtails, as well.

A major factor in understanding the focus of this bike's performance is also in pure numbers: frame geometry. The Karakoram takes the aggressive angles and dimensions of racier bikes that give them sharper handling and a lower front end, and dials everything back a notch. This doesn't mean you're not gaining some different advantages, though. The head tube angle, for example, is less upright, more "slack," amounting to greater stability on descents and over technical terrain. The top tube of the Karakoram is also shorter, relatively to stretched-out race bikes, letting the rider sit more upright for greater comfort and also less weight over the front end, further aiding stability at high speeds, or, of course, in the air.

The Karakoram Comp's build kit has its collective eye on value over flash, but don't worry, because no corners were cut in making sure it's a great deal. The 24-speed drivetrain not only ensures a full range of gears to help you tackle even the steepest climbs, but the fact that it's supplied by Shimano means you won't need to fret for the system's reliability or precision; it's Shimano, after all. The Suntour XCM-HLO fork takes big hits and smaller trail chatter in equal stride, and it features a lockout mode in case you want to hit the pavement, too. Tektro hydraulic disc brakes promise outstanding control, and the tough GT All Terra wheels are wrapped in Continental Race King tires to afford a lightweight, fast-rolling package. Finally, All Terra cockpit parts give you durable control over the whole beast, without weighing it down like a beast.

The GT Karakoram Comp Complete Bike comes in the color Gloss Black and in the sizes Small, Medium, and Large. GT's own Slim Flatline pedals are also included.