Growing up, GT was always one of those brands that was desired by all the kids ripping up the neighborhood on BMX bikes, including me. My family never had the cash for a GT, so I never got to ride around on one, until now.

GT’s Marathon Carbon Expert ($3200) is my current test rig and has so far has lived up to all my childhood fantasies and adulthood suspension needs, especially this week, as I’m testing the bike at Mulberry Gap The Mountain Bike Get-A-Way in northern Georgia. The carbon fiber, monocoque frame features GT’s iDrive full suspension design. The 100mm of Fox Float RP2 rear suspension travel is doing an excellent job, so far, of soaking up the rocky downhills and maintaining traction on the brutal miles of long, sustained climbs. Suspension bob has been pretty minute in any front chainring, so I am a happy rider.

RockShox’s Recon fork matches the travel for the front-end and features lockout, air compression and rebound. Mavic’s Crossride wheelset and a Shimano SLX drivetrain and brakes round out the major components. That’s the quick glimpse of the Marathon. Now it’s time to get out and ride again.