GT previews updated mountain lineup for 2017

At this year’s bike Press Camp in Park City, Utah, GT released several new models and significant updates for 2017, including a plus bike, more women’s models, a sub-$2,000 full-suspension bike and a throwback bike you’re probably going to want. Read on for details.

Pantera 27plus

The Pantera is a GT model not seen since the 1990s, but now it’s back as a 27plus bike to be offered in three builds. The Expert model seen here is the top build with tubeless 2.8 Schwalbe Rocket Rons on rims with a 40 mm inner width, a Shimano 1×11 setup with hydraulic disc brakes,  120 mm RockShox Revelation fork with Boost spacing, thru axles and a 69-degree head tube.

The Pantera Expert will retail for $1,620, meaning the two other models will ring up for less than that. Note that it has rear rack mounts for your pending off-road bikepacking adventures.

Verb

One trend for 2017 seems to be a move toward offering sub-$2,000 full-suspension bikes. (We might have to lower the price point on our annual test!) The Expert model pictured here sits at the top of the range and will retail for $1,620, with sibling prices dipping all the way to below $1,000.

The Verb features the same rear suspension design as GTs higher-end bikes (just with an entry-level rear shock) and is designed to sit between those bikes and GT’s hardtails. The Expert will come with a 2x Shimano Deore drivetrain, hydraulic disc brakes, an integrated headset, 120 mm air-sprung fork with full lockout, and an all-aluminum cockpit. GT calls this bike “upgrade-worthy” for the weekend warrior.

Helion

GT is working to expand its line of women’s-specific mountain bikes and has hired a former female pro racer to its design team. One step toward that goal is the new Helion for women. It’s the same frame and rear suspension design as the men’s/unisex Helion but features a lighter shock tune and different saddle, bars and stem.

The Helion Expert pictured here has 27.5 wheels, 110 mm of rear travel paired to 120 mm in the front (Fox Rhythm 34), hydraulic disc brakes and a 2×11 Shimano drivetrain. It also has a pretty sweet paint job. This Helion women’s Elite will retail for $2,130.

Performer

The GT Performer is a complete replica of a 1986 BMX bike, but with a long-enough seatpost and 26-inch wheels to facilitate cruising about town. It’s the bike you rode as a kid (or lusted after) now in an adult-friendly size. For $560, GT might just have your new bar bike.