Is GT a good bike brand? [Does the brand still have Clout?]
My little cousin was just getting into hard tailing and was wondering is GT a good bike brand. This is a fair question because they have been sold in Dick’s Sporting Goods and other big box stores which may devalue the brand from it’s former “boutique-ness.”
Though is it true? Once a brand goes big, is the quality of the bike? Have the components changed at all? For road bike brands, there may be better options – but GT remains one of the best choices for all others.
You’ll learn what goes into a “good bike brand” and if GT bike brand levels up to the clout. You will learn a bit about what GT specializes in.
If you decide to go for an alternate, we will suggest other brands that may be a fit for you. Does GT still hold clout?
Is GT a good bike brand?
Yes, GT is a good bike brand and it still has the sauce.
GT bikes are made in Taiwan in similar plants to many other places. This does not devalue the brand, as many of the highest value brands are designed in the United states and shipped from internationally.
They are known for their BMX bikes, fat wheel bikes mountain bikes. (If you are looking for a good starter fixed gear bike State Bicycle may be a better place to look.) Recently they made a pivot to become their own standalone business in a move to continue to increase the quality of the bicycles and to put more focus on the products and choices that are right for the brand.
Should I buy a GT bike?
If you are in the market for a GT bike and see an authentic mountainbike available, you should in fact get it. The recent move from conglomerate to independent company will cause their bicycles that they are making to go up in clout and value over time.
They are making decisions according to the brand and maintaining their authenticity as they focus on growth. When looking at many of the components of their bicycles, they are on par with what you will find at a local bike shop and will have no problems in downhill races and shifting. If you are looking for a more comfort based ride, then Marin Bicycle is a great alternative choice.
Where should I buy my GT bike?
It makes the most sense to buy a bike from a bicycle shop. The reason being is that the knowledge from your local bicycle shop to build the bicycle will be above any larger store will have.
The local bicycle shop will also give you the information hat you need to be able to make the right purchase that is for you and your needs. You will learn about the specific components of the bicycle rather than simply knowing the name and that the bicycle that you purchased is a mountain bike – or BMX bicycle.
How are the components and makeup of GT bicycles?
The development and makeup of a GT bicycle is on par with any mid-range bicycle brand.
As seem on the Aggressor Comp, the Shimano Tourney components are a fine gearset to start with which will have reliable shifting when needed. Many will view this as outdated in terms of the shifting technology, though it is a great place to start and you will be happy with the ride.
If you do choose to make an investment in the bicycle later on, you will always be able to upgrade and you will really see how great it is to have higher value components.
What other options should I consider?
Frankly, with the recent change for the brand – GT bicycles is only on the going to go up in terms of quality and the frame creation. So, it does not make much sense to choose another option.
If you do want to go with another option, Trek and Giant make stellar bicycles and GT is starting to be viewed as a large bicycling brand.
However, if you are buying a bicycle because you want to have a unique brand that is all your own, you may choose to steer clear of two of the largest bicycle manufacturers on earth. If you are looking for great hybrid options at a similar price, this may be a great resource for you.
Conclusion
Is GT a good bike brand? Yes, GT is a good bike brand. They develop and manufacture top tier bicycles at reasonable prices. Their components, which is the first thing you ought to look at are in the same range of any other bicycle at the middle tier price point.
You will be happy with your GT bike because the frame is manufactured well and when purchasing from a local bicycle shop, the bike will be built correct as well.