When in doubt, make it more stout. For 2020, GT has done just that with its Sensor trail bike. GT overhauled the Sensor completely in 2019 and brought back the LTS Horst-link suspension, 29-inch wheels, and apparently this color scheme from the 2017 edition Jeff rode a few years back.
The details
- 29-inch wheels
- LTS Horst-link suspension
- 130mm/140mm R/F travel
- 65.5° HTA
- 76° STA
- MSRP: $2,000 – $5,500. (compare prices online)
For 2019, the Sensor rode as a 29-inch-wheeled, heavy-handed trail bike with 130mm of travel front and rear. A few other media reviewers felt the Sensor needed some more meat to reach its capability, so for 2020, GT upped its protein intake.
The latest model gains a 140mm fork. The Carbon Expert build that I’m riding (MSRP: $4,350) has the silky smooth RockShox Pike Select+. GT also went with a 42mm offset on the fork versus the previously specced 51mm offset.
The rear shock has been upped, with the piggyback RockShox Deluxe Select+, over the previous inline RT3.
On top of that, the Sensor gains the updated SRAM G2 brakes, in place of the previously specced SRAM Levels. The Levels were a decent brake for light trail, or XC bikes, but the Sensor is a bit more rugged so I appreciate having the G2s on the bike.
While most brands don’t change the build kits this much from year to year, especially one year after a full revision, GT has wasted no time implementing feedback into the Sensor.
Thus far, I have been logging a variety of miles aboard this trail bike, from smooth, backcountry trails, to rugged and dusty jank, and can affirm that the new Sensor can handle its own on descents, and the climbing performance is also admirable. Look out for the full review in the coming weeks.
