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GT Sensor 2.0, or 3.0… or 2.0 / no 3.0; but 2.0 oooor 3.0? — help!
Hi guys,
On the process to find a new bike for the week-end rides, I felt in love with the GT Sensor bike.
I've looked a bit in depth the specs, and can't make up my mind if I should to buy a Sensor 3.0 or the Sensor 2.0.
Just about me. I'm a bike addict, I don't race anymore (unless I stop drinking beers and eat TimTams). I commute all year long, as long it's not pissing outside. I go out MTB as much I can in the week-ends (at the moment it's only about twice a month). I do XC mainly, single trails as much as I can find; and of course I enjoy a good DH, but more after a good effort.
Look is short of important to me, and I really flashed on the orange (3.0) like I would on a cute girl…
Logically the 2.0 has better components than the 3.0 (see the links above for details):
- The front fork: Recon Gold TK, or Recon Silver TK
- The rear shock: Fox Float RL, or X-Fusion O2 RL
- The derailleurs: SRAM X7 & Shimano SLX, or Shimano Deore
- The disc brakes: Avid Elixir 3 hydro, or Shimano hydro
+ Not very familiar with the rear shock and disc brakes. Do these have massive differences? What are your opinions?
+ On the front fork, according to RockShox website, the Gold is lighter of ~300gr than the Silver, but seems that. Also the Gold seems to have a lock out which the Silver doesn't. But looking on other websites it seems that it does… who can confirm?
+ For the derailleurs, my idea was to upgrade the 3.0 in a near future with SRAM (X7, better?) and use these on my present bike which is now 13yo now and has (surviving) Deore LX.
Last one, if anyone would like to discourage me to buy this bike, speak up and tell me your arguments.
Looking forward on your comments/suggestions!
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is the rear shock,go for the upgraded Sensor2.0 with its Fox-maybe see how low they can get the price?
Firstly good to see someone looking at GT, i have a GT Force which is a similar bike with the same suspension system and i love it, dont be put off by the fact that most people are riding giants and specialized etc... GT make some great bikes and i think your on the right track with the sensor.
The component package on the 2.0 isnt really that good for the money, so if your thinking of upgrading to say xt/x9 you would be better off buying the 3.0 and upgrading from there.
Having said that... If your happy with slx/x7 components and you have the cash now for the 2.0 i would strongly suggest you buy it, not only is it a better overall package but it saves you buggering round with upgrades in the future. A Major differance you have not mentioned is that the 2.0 (from what i can gather) is a 2x10 setup. This, in conjunction with the fox shock and avid brakes make it a pretty appealing bike
Have a ride. My flatmate had the GT Force, and the geometry was terrible.
Short top tube length, giant stem which had you placed all over the front wheel. Felt like you were going to go over the bars going down our driveway.
OK for riding on a fireroad but terrible for everything else. Seriously, all that suspension for what?
I think they might have sorted that head angle on the new GT.
Zombi. The original forces had horrible geo. the newer ones (2010 onward) are much better.
The sensors are spot on too. I ride an older carbon Marathon Elite and love it. (so much so I'll upgrade to the Zackar 100 when they come in)
As for the Sensor 2 or 3. I have them sitting side by side. Both are great looking bikes.
The 2 has better shocks, gears and brakes.
the GT Idrive system works so well I doubt you'd notice much difference in the rear shocks.
Forks and brakes will make a difference. 2 x 10 or 3 x9 is personal preference.
If you really like the orange you can always upgrade bits as they wear out.
Thanks for these suggestions guys.
I think I will go for the 3.0, and upgrade it step by step. And I will use some parts for my current '97 Kona (which I'll keep using for commuting) that still has original parts.
There is going to a test day from City Bike Depot on the 14th, and apparently they are going to have the 2012 Sensor on test.
To get details on that day, they suggest me to Like their facebook page… but nothing yet about it.
Just to conclude… I've bought the GT Sensor 3.0, but I haven't got the chance to ride in the bush. Can't wait to go!
Sorry to revive this mrptl, but how does your GT rate after 18 months? I've just ridden (only through the park and off gutters) the Sensor9R with bottom of the line shock and was impressed with the pedalling efficiency.
Has it been an easy beast to live with? Going from a rigid to a dually, I'm overly sensitive to the mass of skiozenary gear (technical term) around the BB and main pivot.
I have seen ones come back from gibb river road and what not and they fine aye. If you keep them serviced with the I-drive it'll be sweet. If not your i-drive will crap itself