Submitted by
ss85
a Cross Country Rider
from Albuquerque, NM
Date Reviewed: April 14, 2011
Strengths: geometry, I-drive, huge year end discount.
Weaknesses: GT factory quality control and customer service. Suspension leverage ratio is really high. The front derailleur nub is only compatible with top-swing derailleurs (huge pain in the ass if you don't want a 3x9)
Bottom Line:
First and foremost, I am a big fan of high seat and heat tube angles on 5"-ish trail bikes and the I-drive system. I was also a mechanic at a GT/Schwinn/Mongoose dealer for 2 years (not while I owned this bike). I have really tried to like GT bikes but, honestly, my opinion is they sell new at a 50% discount for good reason.
I bought a new 2009 Marathon Carbon pro in November, 2010 for a really good price (see above). I was hoping to have this bike for 3+ years, but will probably need to buy a new frame in 1-2 years. Not happy about it.
The shock mounting bolts are notably smaller than standard shock mounting hardware AND the rear triangle. This resulted in play in the rear triangle from day 1. I tried many options, went to 3 different GT dealers for ideas. Shimmed the play between the bolts and shock, but a little play between the shock and frame remained. Tightened the hardware way past torque, lots of loctite, tried different shims, ordered new bolts from GT, all to no avail.
Finally, after 4.5 months of trying to make it work, the mounting holes in the rear triangle began to ovalize and I had a GT dealer contact GT. Denied a warranty claim because I did not contact them initially and instead tried to fix the problem myself.
Just because your "$4200 msrp" bike only sells at $1750 doesn't mean you can stiff the customer!
Not only that, but the seat tube is reamed too large. It's spec'd as 31.6 and is larger than 31.8. On a "$4200" bike? Really?
I am going to ride this thing until it breaks (it does ride well) but am pretty frustrated with the quality. Can't recommend GT bikes.
Similar Products Used: Steel hardtails, 2001 GT I-drive, fuji tahoe, etc.
Bike Setup: Pretty much stock w/ new wheels, bars, stem, 2x9 drivetrain.
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
drakko
a Weekend Warrior
from Miami, Fl, USA
Date Reviewed: October 21, 2010
Strengths: Nice design (get a lot of complements), very light, great components, handles like a dream! Also, great price if you can find one used or on sale ;0)
Weaknesses: Frame sometimes creaks under hard pedaling, wishbone link might break after long time of use
Bottom Line:
I got this bike last year through eBay. The previous owner was one of the riders for the GT Dirt Coalition and was selling his ’09 models for a great price. I still can’t believe that I got a carbon frame for $1500.00! Do yourself a favor and always check eBay for any last minute deals ;0)
Anyway, besides the great price –- this bike is simply amazing. It is very easy to maneuver in technical trails and will climb up anything that your legs can handle. It comes with a very good set of components (XT & XTR, fox shocks, etc) and the carbon frame is light but sturdy. The only minor problem that I encountered was with the linkage that is located at the bottom of the frame. It is called a wishbone and it tends to break if you like to do jumps and drive it hard; however, the replacement only costs $20.00 so it was no big deal. Also, sometimes the frame tends to “creak” when you stand up and pedal hard. I’ve asked the GT dealer for feedback, but it seems to be normal thing among carbon frames.
In closing, if you find this bike for $2,000.00 or less…..jump on it! You will not be disappointed.
Similar Products Used: Gt i-drive 5.0, gt i-drive team, old Jamis dakar
Bike Setup: Stock with the exception of rear derailleur (switched to XTR rapid rise) and pedals (clipless XTR)
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
r'elise me
a Cross Country Rider
from los angeles ca usa
Date Reviewed: July 26, 2010
Strengths: Great handling, plush, strong frame
Weaknesses: bit heavy for a CF frame
Bottom Line:
Mine was just stolen from Mammoth - so if anyone sees it, let me know! Low life scumball thief. I hope the crack you bought with it gives you a ten day migrane and renders you blind in one eye for a year.
Anyway, I plan on replacing it with the same model - something I've NEVER done with old bikes. Variety is the spice of life, but with bikes (like women), if she gives you everything you want and shrugs off your horrible riding skills, you'd be a fool to leave her. But who would have ever thought that such a thing could ever happen!? Impossible, right!? Well, that was the GT Marathon in my life. She was a sweet ride! And good looking...
I've been riding MTB for 23 years and I'm pretty sensitive to the pros and cons of any bike, even if I suck compared to my early years. This one was on par with the best anyone else offers and I find it plusher and a better climber than the longer, sluggish geometry of the more popular XC bikes like Specialized. And the graphics don't suck like Specialized either. The Santa Cruz's VPP is too stiff on the climbs IMO and everyone else is just trying to make a suspension design that's efficient AND active in all situations (NO brake jack!) GT's I-Drive is really very well designed, much to my surprise (I was pretty skeptical at first and it does look a lot more complicated than it actually is.) Aside from the BB link breaking once after two years and servicing the shock pivots once, this bike has been totally reliable and usually free of annoying creeks. I huck this thing around like my old 6" Specialized Enduro that I got rid of cuz I was done with my fascination with plushness and sick of the limo handling and weight when climbing (kind of like a midlife crisis for bikers.) I got CF to smooth out the vibration and I went to 100mm travel to get back to a tossable, efficient and spirited handler. The GT fits that bill and really takes the jumps without stressing. It's just simply the funnest bike I've ever had for heavy duty XC even if she's a bit chunkier than some bikes in the same league.
Bike Setup: Stock with XTR crank, CF bars, XTR pedals
Overall Rating:
Value Rating:
Submitted by
dr.donrock
a Weekend Warrior
from Perth, Australia
Date Reviewed: March 9, 2010
Strengths: Lightweight (though not the lightest carbon frame) good spec for money, fast, and really responsive suspension. Rode it in my first ever solo 24 hr race and it came through with flying colours. A really good climber - flies up hills and maintains traction over loose stuff. Good on the down too - I have yet to find the bikes limits. Although carbon its a tough frame - lots of carbon in the right places.
Weaknesses: The the fzik gobi saddle not the best fit for me (although lots of people rave about it) - just not to my sit bones alignment...
Bottom Line:
Got this bike at a great price for a carbon bike and the spec (XT). This bike is great fun for hacking around the trails and 12/24 hr racing I enjoy. Will keep me smiling for a year or two!
I was trying to decide between the GT MCP and the Specialized Stumpjumper FSR expert carbon. I am coming from a '97 GT Rebound (a great bike) so this is my first time on a FS and a Read More »
