The suspension on the GT uses a four-bar linkage in conjunction with a medium to high pivot and idler. The idea of this system is to enable the rear wheel to move in a rearward direction for a significant part of its travel. The idler wheel is there to separate suspension forces from the drivetrain. As you can imagine, as the distance grows between the rear axle and the BB the chain will come under tension. However, by installing an idler, which itself has a near-fixed distance to both the BB and rear axle, you can manage to negate the problem.
The adjustable chainstay length will of course change the travel and kinematics slightly. That said, I think it’s a great option to have and it’s great to see brands like GT offering real and useful adjustments. I would imagine that it’s not a purely selfless act, and making just the single sized rear triangle helped keep costs down.
SIZES | S, M, L, XL |
---|---|
MODEL CODE | G22302U |
FRAME | Force Carbon 29" Frame, High Pivot LTS Suspension, 160mm Travel, Tube in Tube Cable Routing, BSA 73mm, Boost 12 x 148mm Thru-Axle, 230x65 Shock, ISCG05 |
FORK | RockShox Yari RC, 170mm, 15x110mm Boost, 42mm Offset |
REAR SHOCK | RockShox Super Deluxe Select, 230x65mm |
CHAIN | SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed |
CRANK | Truvativ Descendent 6K, 32t |
BOTTOM BRACKET | Truvativ Power Spline |
PEDALS | Not included |
REAR DERAILLEUR | SRAM SX Eagle |
SHIFTERS | SRAM SX Eagle, 12-speed |
COG SET | SRAM PG-1210, 11-50T |
RIMS | WTB ST i29 TCS, 32h, Tubeless ready |
TIRES | (F) Maxxis Assegai, 29 x 2.5", Tubeless Ready / (R) Maxxis Minion DHR II, 29 x 2.4", Tubeless Ready |
WHEELS SIZE | 29 |
FRONT HUB | Formula, 15x110mm |
REAR HUB | Formula, 12x148mm |
SPOKES | Stainless Steel, 14g |
BRAKES | TRP Slate T4, 203/203mm Rotors |
HANDLEBAR | GT Alloy Riser Bar, 780mm, 30mm Rise |
STEM | GT Alloy |
GRIPS | Fabric Funguy |
HEADSET | FSA No. 57 |
SADDLE | Fabric Scoop Shallow Sport |
SEAT POST | GT DropKick, 31.6mm |
CHAIN GUIDE | Force Idler Guide |
FRAME MATERIAL | Carbon/Aluminum |